African safaris are usually thought of as needing a lot of energy and fitness. This would mean that they are only suitable for the able-bodied young and middle-aged people (and not for seniors). Like with a lot of common ‘theories’, a fair amount of them is wrong.
First of all, ‘seniors’ is a very broad grouping. Seniors are commonly regarded as people who are above the age of 60 years. For the most part, these are very active people who can do anything. But the age group is big and the strength and needs will vary from one person to the other.
Our team of guides and drivers goes on many safaris, and we have a lot of seniors who come and have a wonderful time. You must be wondering, what does this mean. Isn’t it supposed to need a lot of energy and activity? How are the other older people doing it?
Well, that is why we took the time to write this article. To take a look at how you could actually plan an African adventure and have a wonderful time exploring.
The most overlooked advantage to travelling as seniors is freedom. Younger people have limited time because of work and family schedules. As a senior, chances are that you can take an extended trip to do and see much more than if you were younger.
We trust that a Ugandan safari is exciting no matter what your age is. The age and vast life experience might make it even more incredible.
Without taking any more time, let us look at the various ways you can plan your safari – and enjoy it.
SAFETY.
Your safety is a top priority. You want to have the best experience when you are here but all in all, you want to be safe.
Uganda is politically stable and free trade and travel happen every day of the year.
The national parks and other visitor hotspots you will be visiting are very safe too. National parks and game reserve are guarded and protected by highly trained personnel.
Since Uganda hosts many visitors each day, you will not be alone in the park. As the saying goes, there is safety in numbers, and you will find other people from different parts of the world.
While you are our guest, your safety is our responsibility and we do everything to make sure that you are okay.
CLOTHING.
With any clothing, the aim should be comfortability. And you know what kinds of clothing makes you feel comfortable. You don’t need to wear cargo (safari) pants if you would enjoy your normal jeans.
As for Uganda’s climate, the weather is generally warm and sunny. Higher altitude areas can get chilly because of the elevation.
Pack clothing that is warm and flexible. Long loose-fitting trousers and comfortable sneakers will come in handy. You will be using road transport, so wearing something flexible will add some comfort as you move.
Do not forget those sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for the sun. You do not need to carry your own beddings (unless it is a special case).
Depending on what activities you will engage in, you will be advised on the specific clothing to carry. You will get this information in time such that you can prepare well. Here is a sample packing list that is suitable for gorilla tracking
LODGING.
The accommodation options are many and the final choice comes down to what you want. Details of this are very specific to each and every person.
As a rule of thumb, we usually put you up in a lodge that is closest to your attractions and activities. This is because sleeping far requires a long morning drive. These lodges will be inside the park or on the park boundary.
Game drives are incredible, and you get to spend as much time as you want in the parks. Once you wish to head back, having the closest resting area can be a lifesaver. Many of the lodges have spectacular views of the parks and surrounding. This is good for lounging and watching the evening roll by.
TRANSPORTATION.
When you reach in Uganda, you will move from one place to the other seeing all the things on your itinerary. You will use road transport in a safari car.
Safari cars are strong well maintained 4-wheel drive minivans or land cruisers. The cars are fitted with air conditioning, WiFi, and a cooler for drinking water.
If you have talked to someone who visited Uganda very many years ago, they have told you about the bumpy roads. That is now an old story and major roads are tarmac finished. Of course, there are unfinished roads in the parks and some areas. All in all, the experience is now so much better on your back.
As a senior, your tour is organised to have less driving time or enough rest stops. Long drives can ruin the whole experience and we wouldn’t want that for you.
JETLAG.
Depending on where you are coming from, there is a big possibility of having jetlag. If you are coming from very distant places, it might be a good idea to plan a rest day along the route of your flight. Jetlag can really sap away your energy and make the start of your safari less enjoyable.
After reaching Uganda, you might also need to take some rest time as you get ready to start your safari.
COMMUNICATION.
You have to keep in touch with the people you care about most. Thanks to technology, you will be able to reach you grandkids wherever you are in Uganda.
Even in the national parks, lodges are equipped with wireless internet to keep you connected. You will still be able to facetime and Skype all your people as much as you want – like you never left.
As far as interaction with other people, English is spoken in all parts of the country and English speakers have nothing to worry about. If you do not speak any English, talk to our Safari experts in time so that you are properly aligned with a guide that understands your language.
HEALTH AND INSURANCE.
The first rule here is to openly communicate any health issues you might have with the agent. This is to make sure all the right preparations.
From things such as allergies, dietary restrictions, doctors orders and anything. We wouldn’t want your life to be at risk, and we avoid that by planning with you – properly.
It could be helpful to get travel insurance before your trip. You should consult your doctor for advice and check-up before you buy insurance or pay for the trip. Your health is important.
While the company is insured for medical evacuation, we, first of all, have to work with you to make sure you are safe. To ensure no insurance (yours or ours) needs to be touched.
Ensure as much as possible to get enough rest throughout the entire trip. Early to bed, early to rise.
Here is our article about how you can stay healthy on a Ugandan Safari.
SAFARI ITINERARY.
Choose the package that best suits your needs. There is so much to see and do in Uganda that you could get overwhelmed.
You might want to see animals, primates like gorillas and chimps, historical sites or even mountains. The choices are many and Uganda’s beauty is impossible to finish all at once.
Activities like mountain climbing might not be for all seniors because they are very strenuous and demanding. Some seniors have climbed Uganda’s mountains successfully – depends on how much you are welcoming the challenge.
Gorilla trekking is also strenuous, but these are easier places which you can trek. Gorilla treks usually take a few hours in the morning but could extend a little farther when finding the gorillas becomes tough.
Choosing a package that aligns your interests to an agreeable time frame will help you get the best experience.
COMMUNITY VISITS.
One of the most fulfilling activity to be engaged in is community visits. Uganda has more than 50 subcultures, and they are all as different as they are interesting.
Community visits are a way for you to have an intimate connection with the local Ugandan person – and their day to day way of life. Community visits usually involve folk tales, traditional dances, and learning about the ways of life.
One of the most popular and fascinating community experiences is with the Batwa tribe – who lived in the thick rainforests of Bwindi up until recently in 1994. Read more about the Batwa cultural ways.
A very nice way to end a community visit is to get some local souvenirs, to carry back as gifts and mementoes.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL.
We love the fact that a lot of seniors are cautious about the environment and therefore care about its protection and conservation. How then can you ensure that your travel doesn’t create a negative carbon impact?
In Uganda, tourism (especially in national parks) is based on a sustainable model where the proceeds go back to conserve these places. This means that your contribution goes directly back into saving the parks.
We also sleep better knowing that our effort to show people Uganda’s beauty is helping in conserving the same beauty for the next generation.
Here is our blog article about how you can make your Uganda Safari even more environmentally friendly. Responsible Uganda travel.
TRAVELLING WITH FAMILY.
What if you are travelling with others (even younger) family or friends. That is even better. If you are lucky enough to travel with more people, we say go for it.
Imagine having moving experiences such as seeing gorillas, but then you are having these with the people closest to your heart. It is the absolute best way to bond as a family or friends over something so special.
Here is our guide to help you successfully plan a Uganda Safari with children.
EXTRA CASH.
All travels need that extra cash – pocket money, that you spend on a few things that are beyond the scope covered by your tour operator.
This extra spending money is what you would use to tip at restaurants, buy souvenirs, buy someone a drink in the evening and so much more. Extra cash is also useful for things such as souvenirs, you will be able to carry home as mementoes and gifts.
Check out our article that goes into detail about the extra money on Uganda safari that you should carry. The article will make the thought of extra cash a little less scary and help you gauge how much you might want to carry.
CONCLUSION.
It goes without saying that every senior has different needs and preferences. This article, therefore, looks at some common considerations for seniors.
This article shows you what things you should be mindful about. You should openly discuss these with the agent handling your planning so that they give you the advice which is best suited for you.