Guide to travel tips for solo travelers in Uganda and Rwanda with Superfine Safaris Limited. Are you planning to travel solo? Wondering whether it’s possible to travel alone and enjoy the trip? No worries, traveling solo is a common practice in the tours and travel industry.
We have several clients who travel solo, and they get the best wildlife experiences for themselves. At Superfine Safaris Limited, we specialize in both solo and group tours, rewarding each client with his/her travel interests. In this article, we bring you travel tips for solo travelers in Uganda and Rwanda. These include:
Travel Tips
Choose the destination to visit
Having made up your mind to travel. The first thing to do is choose the travel destination. Different destinations offer different travel experiences. The choice of destination depends on your travel interests. Choose and compare different destinations, what they offer, getting there, and familiarize yourself with the geography, culture, and key attractions in the destination of your choice. In Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking, game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, birding, volcano climbing, and cultural tours are among the top travel experiences done
Visa Requirements
The next thing to do is check the specific visa requirements for both Uganda and Rwanda. If you are visiting both countries, make use of the East African Visa, which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with a single visa. This saves you time and money. However, you are advised to apply online in advance to avoid any issues upon arrival.
Health Precautions
Solo travelers are also advised to consult their doctors about necessary vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis are highly recommended in both Uganda and Rwanda. In addition, endeavor to pack antimalarial medication and insect repellent to keep safe from catching the deadly malaria. You are also reminded to carry a basic medical kit with personal prescriptions. A comprehensive travel insurance is also highly recommended for solo travelers. Insurance helps to cover any medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations that require a refund
Pack Smart and Light bags
YES, you ought to pack smart and light travel bags on your solo trip to Uganda and Rwanda. Make sure you carry lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate and also suitable for the travel experience you are looking up to. For gorilla trekking and any other adventures, endeavor to pack sturdy hiking boots, gardening gloves, rain jackets, a hat, sunglasses, a scarf, and sweaters for cold nights. Also, you are reminded to pack decent attire such as long free dresses that respect traditions, norms and customs of local communities you may visit in Uganda and Rwanda.
Carry your travel documents
More so, ensure to make soft and hard copies of your travel documents such as your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents. Keep them separate from the originals. You should also have a list of emergency contacts and any details you would wish people to know in case of any emergencies
Budgeting
Determine your budget and carry cash in local currency (Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan Franc) for smaller transactions and markets, especially outside major cities. ATMs are available in larger towns, but it’s wise to have some cash on hand. Avoid carrying and displaying huge sums of cash, especially in public places
Stay Aware
Maintain a high level of situational awareness at all times, especially in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.
Avoid Walking Alone at Night
Avoid walking alone, especially in the dark and in urban areas. Also, solo travelers are advised to use reputable transportation services like licensed taxis/matatus. If possible, avoid using boda bodas at night in places you are not familiar with with
Secure Your Belongings
Be responsible for your belongings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics. Also, use hotel safes for important documents and valuables. Be vigilant on public transport and keep your bags close.
Choose safe accommodation
Solo travelers are also reminded to choose and book reputable hotels, guesthouses, or lodges with good security measures and positive reviews. Inform the staff that you are traveling solo.
Engage with Locals and Guides
Make sure you are so friendly to the local guides in Uganda and Rwanda. However, don’t disclose too much personal information. When going on safaris or treks, use official and knowledgeable local guides.
Stay Connected
Upon arrival in Uganda or Rwanda, endeavor to buy a local SIM card enabling you to keep connected with your friends and relatives. Purchase a local SIM card for affordable data and calls to stay in touch with family/friends and for navigation. Let someone back home know your itinerary and check in regularly.
Learn local words
Learning a few basic phrases in Luganda (Uganda) and Kinyarwanda (Rwanda) can enhance your interactions and show respect to the local people. Make sure you learn a few words, especially greetings, in the market, and ask for directions. Local people feel so happy when they see a foreigner speaking some of their local languages
Respect Local Customs
Dress decently, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites. Ask for permission before taking photos of people. Be mindful of local traditions and etiquette.
Top Solo travel experiences in Uganda and Rwanda
There is a lot to see and do as a solo traveler to Uganda and Rwanda. Check for the top travelers’ experiences for solo travelers with Superfine Safaris Limited. These include
Mountain gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the top bucket-list travel experience for most travelers visiting Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla safaris in Uganda take place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while in Rwanda, gorillas are seen in Volcanoes National Park. Solo travelers are grouped with other 7 people present on that day and allocated a gorilla family to trek in any country. The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800, while in Rwanda it costs $1500, allowing travelers to spend an hour with the endangered primates.
Game viewing
Go game viewing in the Savannah parks of Uganda and Rwanda. Morning and evening game drives offer solo travelers a chance to see numerous wild animals hunting, grazing, and browsing. The animals seen include Lions, Leopards, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Zebras, Topis, buffalo, Waterbucks, hippos, and many others. The best places for game viewing in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo National Parks, while in Rwanda, game viewing is done in Akagera National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking
Do not miss chimpanzee trekking /habituation experiences on your safari to Uganda and Rwanda. Chimpanzees share over 98% of their DNA, which makes them our close relatives. Chimpanzee trekking takes place in Kibale Forest Park, while in Rwanda it takes place in Nyungwe Forest National Park
In conclusion, solo traveling is fun when planned well. Contact Superfine Safaris for customized solo safaris in Uganda and Rwanda at affordable rates
