Camping in Africa is amazingly one of the most rewarding outdoor adventures any nature-loving visitor shouldn’t miss out on. There are many camping safari destinations in Africa that provide tourists the ultimate bush experience. The top places in Africa to consider visiting for this remarkable outdoor adventure experience include Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and more.
Tips for a memorable camping safari in Africa
Explore more about the campsite
Before you embark on a camping safari to any destination in Africa, first, you need to learn more about the campsite. Higher chances are you might set off for a camping holiday in a destination with no running water/lavatory facilities. Get to know what awaits you such that you are in a position to know what items or things to carry along with you on the actual day of camping in Africa.
Test your camping gear/equipment
Planning to embark on a self-drive camping safari in Africa? Before setting off for an actual camping adventure in any wilderness area in Africa, you must ensure that you familiarize yourself with the different camping gear or equipment, tents to be used, and many more. In most circumstances, the rental cars in Uganda come along with camping gear including a water tank, roof tent, tools, kitchen equipment, and hi-lift jack. Carefully cross-check and test all the available gear to ensure that they work and operate. Before our clients set off, we brief them about their safari to understand how some things operate.
Get to understand the natural dangers in the destination
When you think of camping safari in Africa, expect to indulge yourself into the magical wilderness. While in the wilderness, you expect to encounter diverse wildlife that roams from one corner to another. There are precautions or rules in every park or destination where camping safaris are conducted and all tourists must observe them. Essentially, tourists are advised not to approach any wild animal while on foot or feed them, or irritate/harass these amazing creatures. Other than wild animals, there are also insects, and plants with some known to be poisonous. You need to have adequate knowledge of potential dangers if you acted on them. While on a camping safari in Africa, a first aid kit or medical kit should be a must to pack and in addition, include insect repellents and other essential items.
Car Rental and Camping in Uganda
Carry a few woollies
Much as you plan to visit Africa for your camping safari adventure, be mindful of the weather. At times, it can turn cold at night, and daytime can be characterized by hot sunshine. Pack smartly for your camping safari in Africa by including a rain jacket, sweater, and others.
Go with your own fire starter
Setting a campfire shouldn’t be frustrating. Make sure you have gone with your own fire starter and you won’t be among those who get stranded while in the wilderness.
Keep your matches safe
While in the wilderness enjoying your camping safari, make sure that your matchsticks or matches are all kept safely and securely in a waterproof container. Also, be careful with your matchsticks as they can catch the dry areas causing damage to the environment. After lighting your fire, know where to place the matchsticks.
Make sure you carry with you good lighting
Though sitting under the moonlit sky may seem romantic, on the other hand, it can be overwhelming. While in the wild, shadows, dark and strange noises are likely to play with your mind, something any nature-loving travelers may not want to encounter. Not to be scared during darkness or by night shadows, have a good torch, lanterns, headlamps plus spare batteries to ensure you enjoy wilderness experiences even during night hours.
Manage the campsite
One of the important roles you have on a camping safari in Africa is managing your campsite. Ensure that you create a fire ring with stones, and have some water for you to put off the fire where need be. Campfires have become a reason for most forest fire outbreaks and don’t ruin your camping experience by getting into another responsibility of fire outbreak.
Keep safe your food
Avoid leaving your food outside the car at night or daytime. This is one important rule you may get briefed on while on a camping tour in Africa. It also applies to any dishes or cutleries you used. Have all your food kept in an enclosed container or fridge and fruits shouldn’t be kept in tents or cars with no good packaging.
Keep hygiene
This may sound obvious but many forget to observe hygiene while on a camping safari in Africa. Pack for yourself enough toilet paper, hand sanitizer plus wet wipes that can take the period you plan to be on your camping safari in any destination. Other essentials for hygiene include toothpaste and soap.
Choose your campsite carefully
Avoid setting up a tent under trees- this puts you at risk of falling tree branches from high onto your tent. Find an area with good clearing and offers undisrupted views of the area and this will also enable you to notice predators or dangerous wild animals that may approach your campsite. Other areas to avoid setting a tent include riverbeds, and waterways since some can fill up when it rains.
Clear your campsite
Sweep away rocks or stones from your campsite where you plan to pitch a tent. Cross-check if the ground is free of stones or rocks or anthills. When choosing a campsite, make sure you find an area that gives daylight and the tent doors shouldn’t face the direction where the wind is blowing from.
Don’t camp near water bodies
While camping around a Lake or River gives exceptional views, it isn’t safe as predators or prey creatures often confine around such areas to quench their thirst. Don’t become food for predators- this isn’t the kind of experience you need on a camping safari in Africa. Pinch your tent as directed by an official at the destination since they know which place is safe and secure for camping.
