Safari Trip Guidelines : Taking a safari, especially in East Africa, is such an amazing experience; from what you get to see, what you get to learn, the people you get to interact with and many things. They all give you an experience of a lifetime but most tourists wonder about the dos and don’ts or the guidelines they should follow on their safe to make their safari free from unnecessary mishaps . Well below we have listed a couple of guidelines you can follow for your safari and those these guidelines are generalized, you can apply them during any kind of safari however, it’s important to note some safaris may require specific guidelines that are not listed here, so it’s important to cross check with you tour operator.
- Identification
It’s important that as a member of the safari group, you keep you identification on your at all times, whether you’re in the parks, the hotels, or on the move, having your identification is very important, it will save you a lot of trouble especially with local authorities.
- Country Laws
Every country has laws that govern the county’s civil standards and cultural norms therefore you are expected to observe them during you stay in the country. The tour operators and guides will normally communicate these laws and keep you in check to help you observe them at all times.
You should know that breaking any of these laws may attract a fine, time in jail or even deportation.
- Parks
When you are in the wildlife parks or centres of safari activities, you should endeavour to observe all the rules and guidelines as communicated to you by the park management and tour operator.
Not observing these rules and guidelines may attract a fine or cause the park management to revoke your admission.
- Itinerary
The Itinerary is your detailed schedule for your Safari, showing you places you will go and be at particular times. This Itinerary is what the tour guide will follow as they take you around the country. So you’re expected to abide by the schedule at all times, to help you utilise you safari time and enjoy everything as planned for. If you wish to do an activity out of the itinerary, you need to first seek clarity from your tour operator and guide, different dynamics play out for different activities.
- Time Management
You are expected to keep time at all times during your Uganda safari because most safari activities and centres have time caps, so you staying within the time bounds, will help you to enjoy everything as you planned. Also staying in time bounds helps you meet you travel times so that you’re not rushing while on the road thus one of the Safari Trip Guidelines.
- Managing ailments
All tourists and travellers are advised to have medical insurance cover while on a safari, to help have quick medical attention in case of ailments and if you have a chronic illness it’s also advisable to travel with your medication and follow your physician’s recommendation to avoid triggers of the illness. First Aid kits are provided by several accommodation facilities for small accidents and mild pains.
- Smoking and drinking
Smoking and drinking rules differ from country to country and in East Africa smoking and drinking is prohibited in places that are shared by the general public, like parks, offices, community centres, public transport facilities among other things.
So be careful not to smoke and drink in places when it is prohibited.
Also don’t drink and drive
- Mutual Respect
You’re expected to respect all persons in the country at all times whether they are on a trip with you or they are country natives all of them should be treated with mutual respect. Any comments or actions that are deemed disrespectful to any person are strictly prohibited. These actions may lead to legal action against you and your admission on the safari revoked thus one of the Safari Trip Guidelines.
- Harmful
You are not allowed to carry any harm tools that in any way can be used to harm others. If you possess one of these tools you will be required to declare it and its use on the safari plus you will be required to use them under specific guidelines.
- Personal Belongings
You are responsible for all your personal belongings, so always be vigilant and keep them on you. If you lose anything, the tour guide/tour operator/accommodation facility/park or anyone are not liable for the loss. Also don’t tamper with belongings that are not yours; this will bring you into so much trouble.
This also applies to damage of belongings.
- Hygiene
Out of courtesy for the people you are going to be interacting with and for your own health; it’s prudent for you to maintain good hygiene at all times both personal and communal hygiene. Change your clothes often, Shower at least once a day, Brush your teeth, Wash your hands regularly. Use the wash rooms and bathrooms well without soiling them or leaving them in any way that is unhygienic.
- Tipping
It’s out of courtesy to tip your guide, porters, hotel attendants etc. So you should tip according your ability and desire as an individual, though some places have a standard tipping average but do it out of your kindness.
- Care for Items
You should diligently care for all items that you have hired or gotten from the tour operators, accommodation facility, park etc. when you are using these items, you should be careful not lose or cause damage to any of them, because you are liable to pay for all damaged items that you have hired/ borrowed/ used.
These are some of the guidelines you can follow on your Uganda safari tour and more can be provided by your tour operator.
