Are you planning a safari to Uganda? If you are, then this guide is for you. So many tourists spend a lot of time researching for information about how they can best organize a safari in Uganda and a portion of them land on out dated information.
If you really mind about financial security or rather an exceptional experience then you have to take time and do your research especially about the Uganda safari companies you are dealing with. If you are the kind that researches thoroughly before making a deposit for your safari then this guide is here to simplify the process for you.
List out the most vital and effective steps you can follow to book your Uganda safaris.
Booking a memorable safari in Uganda involves several steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your safari:
- Define Your Safari Goals
Determine the type of safari experience you want (e.g., wildlife, gorilla trekking, bird watching). Decide on the duration of your safari and the specific destinations you’d like to visit.
- Research Destinations
Learn about the different national parks and reserves in Uganda. Identify key attractions, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking or Queen Elizabeth National Park for diverse wildlife.
- Make a search on Tour Operators
If you are not being recommended to a safari operator by someone you know or rather dealing with a travel agent then you have to make a search-on-search engines (preferably Google) about the kind of safari you want to experience in Uganda. Make sure you include the activity and number of days in your search keyword to find more relevant results. It doesn’t have to be the exact match as above but the most important thing is including your keywords in the search term. Some of the most popular keywords are Uganda safaris, Primate Safari Experiences among others.
- Send inquiry to each of the Operators
When you are certain that you have chosen only genuine operators then feel free to send inquiries to all of them about the proposed safari. Most of these companies already have safari booking forms installed on their websites hence, should always endeavor to search for it.
Primate Safari Experiences installed several booking forms on various websites and to my experience, clients who provide essential details at once usually confirm their trips faster. Such details i believe to be essential are: Name, email, nationality, number of people, number of days, destination (Uganda or Combined), budget, type of accommodation (budget, mid-range & luxury) and activities.
- Compare Packages & Prices
You have to be very strict about the kind of package you choose else you will end up spending more hours travelling than doing actual safari activities. This is so true and besides, not every tour consultant out there has the capacity to draft for you a nice package.
An example of such an itinerary can be a 10 days safari that has 6 days of travelling and 4 days of activities. Never fall for such itineraries unless it’s you who personally chose the destinations. Another example can be a safari that lists Bwindi Forest National Park before Murchison Falls National Park yet it would have been easier to first access Murchison Falls NP then proceed to Bwindi or rather Lake Bunyonyi before Bwindi yet it is better to first trek gorillas in Bwindi then head to Bunyonyi to relax. These are the small things you should always consider else you will spend more days travelling than carrying out activities.
- Compare accommodation & activities
You have to look through each of the safari packages, individually search for photos of each accommodation facility on Trip advisor and read reviews too. Some accommodation facilities have outstanding reviews and are definitely worth it and besides, the competition in the tourism industry has made operators initiate partnerships with accommodation companies to offer their services at discounted rates.
Also endeavor to look through the activities included. You are in Uganda for a safari hence; you have to enjoy the most of it. Even the slightest activities can still be outstanding. According to your package, what are you doing on your days of rest? A simple nature / community walk or boat cruise can definitely keep the spark going.
- Customize Your Itinerary
Work with the tour operator to tailor the itinerary to your preferences and interests. Discuss accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, and any special requirements.
- Check Visa Requirements
Verify the visa requirements for Uganda and obtain the necessary visas. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
- Book Flights
Research and book international flights to Entebbe International Airport or another entry point in Uganda. Coordinate your arrival and departure dates with the safari itinerary.
- Secure Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
- Make a Decision
You are not going to book your safari with two or more operators but rather one. At this stage you have to make up your mind and make sure you have only one operator on your list that you are going to send payments to.
However, if you followed all the steps above then i guarantee that you will be able to choose only good safari company. This step should find you confident enough to make a deposit and secure your trip without any further questions.
- Pack Appropriately
Prepare a packing list based on the climate and activities of the specific regions you’ll visit. Don’t forget essentials like comfortable clothing, insect repellent, a camera, and necessary travel documents.
- Stay Informed About Health Precautions
Check with your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations and health precautions for Uganda. Carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.
- Make your Payments
This is the final step of booking a memorable safari in Uganda. Tour operators usually require a certain percentage of deposit that may range from 30% depending on the tour operator. Some may ask you to pay for the full amount which is quite unusual / uncommon. This deposit is usually required for purchasing permits and booking accommodation with the rest being paid either a few months to arrival or on arrival. Make sure you make direct deposits to company bank accounts and not personal accounts.
Other supported payment methods also include Pesapal. If you opt to wire the money straight to the company’s bank account then your money should reach in the next 4 – 5 working days. Make sure you send a confirmation receipt of your transfer because banks require it to validate payments before they can be withdrawn.
Conclusion
Primate Safari Experiences want to simplify the whole process of booking a safari with a reputable safari company for you so that you don’t find any hardships in the entire process. If you follow the guide above, you will end up with companies that are credible, experience, trust worthy, fully registered, member of travel associations and above all members who will guarantee you financial security.
