Camping in Uganda is the best way to enjoy a safari away from large crowds of tourists. The Uganda Wildlife Authority and other private operators like lodges and individuals manage camping sites. Travelers get to explore the country’s diverse features and camping is available in most national parks in Uganda.
The best destinations for camping in Uganda are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. These parks are located in remote areas giving tourists the wilderness experience, however, most of these camping sites have great amenities.
There are many sites travelers can select from depending on the area they are visiting, the period of their travel, and the activities they wish to do.
Campsites in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is well known for its gorilla trekking and habituation experience. It is among the top-visited parks in Uganda and has great lodges that have sites where tourists can set up their tents. Some of these sites include Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort & Campsite, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, Gorilla Friends Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, and Ruhija Community Rest Camp among others.
Campsites in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is the primate capital, it is the top destination for chimpanzee trekking. Most primate lovers visit this park to get close encounters with human’s closest cousins. The camping sites in this park are Kluges Guest Farm, Hornbill Cave Kibale camp, Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve Campsite, and many more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited park in Uganda, it is famously known for its tree-climbing lions. There are many camping sites like Enjojo Lodge, Marafiki Lodge, Kasenyi Lake Retreat & Campsite, Little Elephant Camp and Wild Tracks Overland Camp among others.
Kidepo Valley National Park was ranked fourth by CNN as the best destination in Africa. It gives the true wilderness due to the semi-dessert climate of the area. Some of the places to camp include Kakine self-catering campsite, and the Nga’Moru wilderness camp. UWA Bandas & campsite and Kidepo Savannah Lodge among others.
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest savannah park in Uganda and is home to Murchison Falls which are the world’s most powerful falls. Some of the sites for camping are Red Chilli Rest camp, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Murchison River Lodge Campsite among others.
Jinja
Also Known as the adventure city of Uganda, there are great sites to camp in Jinja like Adrift River camp, Nile River Explorers, Nile River Camp, Jinja Base Camp, and Haven Eco River Lodge.
Lake Bunyonyi
The place of many little birds (Bunyonyi) is located in western Uganda. It has campsites like Bunyonyi Overland resort, Josh’s Backpackers Lake Bunyonyi, Byoona Amagara, Rock Resort Bunyonyi and many more.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority camping sites charge about $5.50 per person per night. This fee is inclusive of water, firewood, a ranger, and a shared washroom. Private-owned camping sites usually cost about $10 per person per night and one must have a tent.
If you are traveling as a group or solo, you may rent camping gear or buy it if you can afford it. There are tour operators who arrange camping tours, they will be able to provide every necessary item for your tour. Cooking materials, sleeping bags, rooftop tents or ground tents are included in the packages.
Camping sites in most national parks in Uganda do not require bookings and reservations. After arriving at the park entrance, you pay for the camping permit and the ranger guides you on where to set your camp.
Uganda is a very safe country; some rangers usually patrol the campsites to ensure the safety of campers. One can download free mobile apps like iOverlander, which has almost every campsite. This will help you get to the site of your choice.
The best time to go camping in Uganda is from June to September and December to February. During this time the country receives very little rainfall making it perfect for campers to set their tents. The wildlife is also active during this period making camping in national parks more fun.
When visiting Uganda and you intend to go camping, make sure you have the following items in your gear. Tent, chairs, table, sleeping bag, first aid kit, mattress, cooler, cooking cylinder, cutlery, cups and plates. Solar torches, insect spray, heavy clothing, and many more essentials including toiletries.
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