Ranked as one of the best destinations to visit in Africa, this beautiful country has a lot to offer to tourists from gorilla tours, chimp tracking, nature walks, game drives, boat cruises, experiences, and many more. Before heading outdoors, remember that safety is a priority. You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Uganda’s beautiful nature.

To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. A bit of planning and foresight can make all the difference. Always follow directions from park rangers or park signs. If a park or site is closed, entering the area could endanger you and your companions. Keep to marked tracks and designated visitor areas, be aware of your own limitations and supervise children. Always remember that wildlife is just that – wild. If you encounter wildlife, don’t approach the animal, keep your distance, and ensure children also stay back.

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Uganda’s national parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Remember these safety tips when exploring nature in Uganda:

• Dress appropriately, including closed-toe shoes and long pants.
• Encourage children to look with their eyes instead of disturbing nature. About children, on a special note, please make sure that the car doors are locked that because of some children a capable of open for themself where danger might be.
• Talk about what to do if you see a snake, spider, or other animals such as lions, leopards that might be scary or a danger.
• Remember sunscreen as some parts of the country such as the northern part, have too much sunshine that might be dangerous to your eyes.
• Be mindful of bee stings and other dangerous insects like wasps, testes flies, and many more. They are attracted to food, cosmetics, and perfumes.
• Know what ‘’poison ivy’’ looks like. Take a reference picture with you so you can easily identify it in the wild, as some tend to be too harmful.
• Watch out for excessive heat, especially if you have young kids. Compared to adults, young children have a difficult time regulating their body heat and can overheat quickly and at lower temperatures than adults. Remember frequent breaks in the shade and fluids to drink, especially on a nature walk.
• While experiencing nature, make sure your car windows are pulled up during your game drive, especially when you are close to the animals.
• Do not give food to wild animals, regardless of how friendly they are to you – especially the mountain gorillas, monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees.
• Always wear garden gloves as there are so many dangerous plants in the jungle, such as the poisonous ivy, and stinging nettle, among others.
• Put on long-sleeved clothes.
• Don’t get out of the car during your game drives in the wild, unless at designated spots or if told to do so.
• Don’t go out in the jungle without a park ranger or a guide most especially those on self-drive road trips to Uganda.