A Uganda safari is very nice for all people. You go there, you see wild things. Gorilla in the jungle. Big lion walking. Elephants come slow. But some people make big mistakes. They don’t plan right. They wear it wrong. They think it is like a city tour. But the Uganda safari is not the same as that. In this article, we say what mistake not to do. Do you want a good safari? Read all.
1. Not Planning Before Safari
Many people just come and think all is okay. They book a safari at the last minute. No plan. This is a big mistake. Uganda park does not like open gates all the time. Some need permits. Especially for gorilla trekking. Permits are not easy to get. I need to book early. Maybe 3 or 6 months ago. If you wait too long, all permits will be gone. Then you do not see a gorilla. Also, the safari lodge is full early. Good ones finish fast. You wait until the last minute, maybe sleep in a bad tent or a far lodge.
2. Wear Wrong Clothes
Uganda is wild, full of bush and sun. But some people come in short pants, bright shirts, and sandals. This is wrong. The color is very bright; animals don’t like it. Also, sandals do not protect your feet. There is a snake. There thorn. You walk bush, feet hurt. Best to wear green or brown clothes. Long sleeves. Long pants. Boot or strong shoe. Bring a hat. Sun hot in the savanna. And in the rainy time, bring a jacket. Rain comes fast.
3. No Mosquito Protection
Uganda has malaria mosquitoes. It is not a joke. Some tourists forget to bring repellent. Big mistake. You go to a wild area, and a mosquito waits for you. At night more. You need to sleep on the net. Use spray. Also maybe take a malaria tablet from the doctor before the trip. Better protected than sick in the jungle.
4. Not Respecting Animal Distance
Safari, not zoo. Lions are not pets. Some people go close to elephants or get out of their cars for selfies. Very dangerous. Animals can kill you. They are wild. The guide tells you to stay in the car; you listen. Gorilla trekking also has rules. Stay 7 meters away. Don’t touch. Don’t shout. You respect animals; they do not harm you. You go too near; problems come.
5. Not Knowing What Season Is Good
Some tourists come to Uganda during the heavy rain season. Then all mud. Safari car is stuck. Gorilla trail slippery. Not fun. The best time to go is the dry season. From June to August and December to February. You see more animals. Roads are better. The sky is more clear. But in the dry season, many people come, so book early. Rain season is okay if you want fewer crowds, but prepare for mud and wet.
6. No Guide or Bad Safari Company
Some think, “I drive myself and save money.” But a Uganda safari is not easy. Roads are not the same as in Europe. No sign. Some parks have no signal. If a car breaks, no help. Also, you don’t know where the animal is. Good guides help you see lions, leopards, and even rhinos. Choose a safari company with a license. Read reviews. Ask questions. Cheap companies may cheat or give bad cars. Then you miss big fun.
7. Too Much Suitcase
People bring big suitcases. But on safari, you move a lot. Small car, small plane, bumpy road. You don’t need 5 shoes. Bring a small bag. Just good clothes, medicine, a camera, a charger, and a passport. Leave a heavy bag. Most lodges give laundry. So pack light, move easy.
8. Think All Safari Same
Some visitors think of a Uganda safari as only one thing—like driving in a park. But Uganda is more than that. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale. Boat safari in Murchison. Tree-climbing lion in Queen Elizabeth. You plan well; you see many things. Don’t just do a 1-day drive and go home. Safari in Uganda needs 7–10 days to feel the full beauty.
9. No Respect for Local Culture
Ugandan people are kind. But tourists need respect. No taking photos of people without asking. No dress is too open in the village. Some areas are very cultural. Also, learn a few words in Luganda or Swahili—like “webale” (thank you). Local people feel happy. You not only watch animals but also meet humans too. Culture is part of safari.
10. No Cash or Wrong Money
Many places in the wild don’t take cards. Lodges may take cards, but small shops, tips, and guides need cash. Also, bring US dollars printed after 2009. Old ones they do not accept. And money must be cleaned. Torn or marked note, they say no. You change some money to Ugandan shillings. It helps you buy local food, water, and gifts. ATM only in town. No ATM in the park.
11. No Travel Insurance
Uganda is safe for safari. But accidents can happen. Maybe fall on the trail. Maybe a car break. Maybe the bag was lost. Travel insurance help. Don’t say “I never need.” One problem, and all the money is gone. Buy insurance before coming. Cover health, cancel, bag, all.
12. Don’t Listen to Guide
Guides do safaris all year. They know animals, tracks, and danger. Some visitors do not listen. They talk loud and move fast. Then the animals go away. Or worse, an animal charge. You come to Uganda, listen to the guide. They say stop, you stop. They say quiet, you be quiet. If you listen well, a safari is more enjoyable.
13. Forget Binoculars or Camera
Uganda wildlife is very nice. But animals do not always come close. Do you want to see lions, birds, and elephants better? Bring binoculars. Also bring a camera. Safari moment once in life. Phone photos are not the same. Zoom is no good. You miss a great shot. Good camera, extra battery, memory card—very useful.
14. Not Eat Local Food
Some tourists eat only chips and pasta in the lodge. But Ugandan food is very tasty. Try matoke (banana), posho, peanut sauce, grilled fish, and rolex (egg roll chapati). Eat local, feel the culture. Also help the local economy. You travel, you try new things—food is part of the journey.
15. No Know Park Rules
Each park is different. Some are open from 6am to 6pm. Some need a guide. Some areas you do not go alone. You must check the rules. Some people feed monkeys—big mistake. Monkeys learn bad habits. Also, no litter. Take trash back. Respect park rules. It protects you and nature.
16. Over Expect Animal Show
Safari, not a cartoon movie. Animals do not always show. Sometimes you wait 1 hour and no lion. That’s normal. Safari is wild. You come with patience. You look around. Enjoy trees, birds, and the sky. Not just wait for the big five. Every animal is special. Sometimes you see mongooses, rare birds, or hippo dances. All moments are unique.
17. No Tip to Guide or Staff
Safari guides work hard. Drive long. Track animals. Keep you safe. Also lodge staff clean, cook, and help you. Many visitors forget to tip. Small tips make a big difference. You are happy with the service, show small thanks. No need for big money. But gestures show respect.
18. Not Learning Basic Info
Some people come to Uganda but do not know anything. They don’t know about the gorilla in Bwindi, the chimp in Kibale, and the Nile fall in Murchison. Learn before you come. Know what you see. It makes the trip deeper. Read a little. Watch the video. Understand the place you go. You enjoy it more.
19. Not Carrying Water or Snacks
Safari drives are long. Sometimes 3 hours, no shop. No water. You are hungry, and you are tired. Always carry bottled water, some biscuits, and fruit. It helps you stay energetic. Also, the sun is hot—drink more. Dehydration comes fast in the wild.
20. Rush Too Much
Last mistake—rush. Some try to do the whole Uganda in 3 days. Run here, run there. Not enjoy. Best to slow down. Choose a few parks. Spend 2–3 days each. Feel the place. Talk to a guide. See sunset. Safari is not a race. It’s a journey.
Conclusion
The Uganda safari is very beautiful. It is wild, it is real, and it is heart-touching. But only if you do it right. Avoid these mistakes, and you will have the best time. Plan well. Dress right. Respect nature. Listen, guide. Try local food. Take it slow. And always carry a smile. Uganda gives you memories for life.
Let the wild talk to your soul. Don’t rush. Just feel. Uganda awaits you.
