Are you planning to go on a safari in Africa? Going wild camping is a memorable safari experience, that you should not miss. Here is everything you need to know about going wild camping;
What is wild camping?
Wild camping means sleeping in a tent in the wild with everything around you wild. Camping in the national parks is most especially the one termed as wild camping because you sleep hearing the lions roaring next to you.
Before you head out to wild camp it is important to do your research and plan your walking routes carefully, check the weather conditions, terrain and ensure you’ve got all the camping gear you need to hike and camp safely.
Many wild campers opt to camp during multi day safaris, pitching up their tents later in the day and cook their dinner early. This gives room for analyzing all the daily activities and planning for tomorrow’s day.
Is wild camping legal On Safari?
The general rule for wild camping is to check whether you can legally camp – or get permission and it is vital to leave no trace.
Before heading to the wilderness to wild camp, it’s important to talk to your travel agency about it and get all the first-hand information before you head out.
Some travel sites in Uganda Kenya and Tanzania like the Bwindi impenetrable national park do not allow camping at whatever cost. There is however camping in Queen Elizabeth national park which is just a few hours’ drive to Bwindi.
In some countries on a Kenya safari you will need a permit for camping in some places. This permit may be for protection as it is a wild life area it may get too wild for you in the night.
Wild camping code: Leave no trace
- Do not leave a thing when going after: This is the crucial rule of wild camping and ideally you will create minimum impact on your desired area so it still remains natural and wild. Better still, you should leave the site so no one can tell you’ve even been there.
- Litter: We all know this for a fact they do not litter in the park and in Uganda this call for a heavy fine from 300- 1500 dollars. Ensure you collect all your rubbish and take it with you, Walk the site slowly before leaving to check that nothing is missed.
- Leave the site as you found it, even the small tinny tent holes are supposed to be filled back with sand, fire damage, litter, and take care not to damage vegetation. When it comes to the toilet duties cover it properly on your departure and let nature take its course on it.
- Fire: you are allowed to light a fire, because most animals fear it so it will act as a barrier between you and them as well as light for you. Ensure you do so correctly and leave no trace that you were ever there
- Keep group numbers small: try to minimize disturbing wildlife by camping in a small group and reduce noise and light where possible. In case of a very large group of about 20 persons you can divide into three in different places to keep the noise down.
Stay just the one night or two if you must – animals are very wise for your information if you stay in their place for a very long time they may get used to you or some will even charge to hurt you in no time. To avoid such incidences one night may be the best.
