Hi
anyone has experiance camping in uganda, I will be traveling in uganda/rwanda/congo in september and was wondering whether to bring my tent, generally love the flexibility. How is it with campingside availability and security? will be traveling solo, female:)
cheers
Brynja
campsite availability is pretty good and for the most part although unadvertised, you will be allowed to pitch your tent at most lodges. Cant comment too much for Congo but imagine its even easier. Generally though 'proper' accommodation is so cheap that camping becomes just an extra weight in your bag unless you want to go to the real wilderness areas
I didn't camp, but quite a few of the hotels we stayed in had gardens for camping too.
However, as ric_howard says, rooms aren't too expensive,. As a guide my average spend was just under £11 a night - for double rooms with bathroom - last Dec/Jan.
Hi, we spent a while in in Goma and Bukavu, DRC in 2010, I would be very dubious about camping, we had no problems at all while we were there. But things can go wrong very quickly. To put this in context, many NGOs do not allow their staff to move around those two towns unless they are in a vehicle. Your choice but I feel this is a part of the world where you really need to have things properly planned out and some decent security overnight.
On the flip side, while we didn't camp in Uganda, I don't think there would have been any problem at all if we'd wanted to, as long as you stick to proper camp sites I think it would be fine. As others have mentioned, though, you can get pretty cheap accommodation.......
pkh
Thak you guys for your reply:) as for congo I will only be camping in Virunga, and stay at hotels in Goma. Will bring mine with me just to have the option:) again thanks:)
Hi there! There's a huge number of camping options in Uganda. If you're comfortable with it, and don't mind the extra weight, it is advisable to bring your own small tent, sleeping bag, etc. While campsites are generally clean and well-kempt they also tend to be limited in terms of amenities available. If you go to [http://www.inkampala.com/category/travel/where-to-go/] on INKAMPALA you can find a number of camping options - specifically in Crater Lakes - but also Mabira Forest. Almost all tourist destinations have campsites available.
When camping in Uganda remember that you might have to bring your own charcoal and food - if you're self-catering and that you shouldn't leave any valuables in your tent. Going camping solo is not particularly dangerous as long as you're aware of your surroundings, careful who you trust and always camp around/with other people. Make sure to lock up your tent as well!
Hope this helps!