Staying connected while on Safari: Staying connected is key especially if you will be spending time in the wild. Letting your loved ones know everything is okay is vital and showing off the wild experience you are enjoying it even more satisfying.
Internet connection in Uganda is rapidly improving, from a few 1% initially having mobile phones as recently as the year 2000 to have over 5 major telecom companies and over 90% of individuals owning a personal cell. This has led to fast innovations in terms of the network even in the most remote areas of the country.
When it comes to an internet connection, you have two options. Wireless internet (WIFI)as well as using a local sim card with a prepaid data plan. Let us take a look at each of these.
1. WIRELESS INTERNET (WIFI)
While Uganda has fewer places with WiFi compared tot he developed world, it will be the main option you end up using. This is because many places that host and manage services for visitors (such as hotels, lodges and restaurants) do offer free WiFi for their clients.
Even the lodges in the deep jungles of Bwindi and Mgahinga do provide a free Wireless internet connection. Spending an eventful day in the wild is all fun and exciting, but an evening chill will prompt you to check-in with family and friends or even checking social media and keeping up with the news.
Lodges around National parks and some restaurants in Kampala provide all guests access to this service to ensure comfortability and full satisfaction during their stay. You can use your phone or laptop if you need to respond quickly to a few emails and do a little work in the evenings.
If you happen to be travelling with a safari operator, you could totally rely on WiFi for the entirety of your journey. This is because you will have a wireless hotspot in the safari vehicle. And your driver/guide will have a local number that you can borrow if you really must make a phone call.
2. LOCAL NUMBER
Getting a local number is advisable in cases where you will be spending some longer period in Uganda (either for work or extended holiday). A local number is also a good idea if you choose to do a self-drive safari.
Getting a local number in Uganda is easy. All you have to do is register with any given telecom service provider. Your driver and tour guide can always help in through this process.
There are a number of service providers in Uganda like Africell, Mtn, Airtel, and smile telecom among others. The general internet speed will be 3G in most areas and 4G in urban centres.
You do not have to worry about accessing this as long as you communicate in advance with your tour guide to prepare what is necessary (i.e registered Simcards or internet modems.)
All telecom companies offer various internet data packages. From daily, weekly, monthly and unlimited bundle options.
The cost of internet bundles starts as low as 0.68 USD and as high as 90 USD for an unlimited option for 1 month.
With various providers, there are various pros and cons. Your tour guide will guide and help you get the right choice – according to what your primary needs are.
CONCLUSION
The purpose of this article was to show you that even when you are out here in Africa seeing all the Wildlife and primates, your loved ones will always be seconds away.
Whether you need to skype your family members or someone at work, you can do all of that while you enjoy your African Safari. If you have questions, feel free to ask and we’ll eagerly get back.
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- Everything you should know about the Uganda Tourist Visa ( How to apply online, visa exemption, etc)
- Yellow fever and why vaccination is a requirement for everyone
- Uganda facts and figures ( Geography, History, top attractions, climate and more)
