8 Steps that Will Prevent Insect Bites on Your Safari in Uganda
Be smart and Fight the Bite on Safari-Prevent Insect Bites on Safari in Uganda.
Fight the Bite on Safari-Prevent Insect Bites on Safari in Uganda: Fight the Bite on Safari to prevent insect bites in Uganda and stay disease-free. Practical steps can help you avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, tsetse flies, horse flies, gnats, and ants during your Safari.
When planning a safari trip, prioritize insect repellent to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Preventing insect bites is crucial, primarily to safeguard against diseases like Malaria, Sleeping Sickness, Yellow Fever, West Nile Virus, and Dengue Fever.
Fighting the Bite on Safari means avoiding the annoying pain and itching caused by mosquito, tsetse fly, fly, ant, or wasp bites.
It’s important to note that being bitten by a mosquito doesn’t automatically mean you have Malaria. None of our clients have contracted an illness from mosquito or tsetse fly bites.
In the case of Malaria, transmission typically occurs through the bite of a female mosquito carrying the disease. This transmission is more likely in close quarters with others with Malaria, which is not the case on a safari.
Additionally, certain areas in Uganda, like the Gorilla Highlands, have fewer mosquitoes due to higher elevations, providing added protection.
Dealing with buzzing insects can be highly bothersome, especially when trying to relax or sleep. To enjoy your Safari, consider the following measures:
Spray your Room with insect repellent before heading out for dinner. Upmarket lodges often provide this service automatically, while mid-range or lower-quality lodges may require you to request it or do it yourself.
Prevention is critical to fight getting attacked and bitten by insects during your Safari. By following practical tips, you can maintain the joy of your safari experience.
Remember, insects bite everywhere, even in your home country. However, the allure of the Safari keeps bringing you back for more adventures.
How do you Fight the Bite on Safari-Prevent Insect Bites on Safari? That is the question, and the answers are found below. Insect bites are often preventable if you follow the simple steps found here.
Do not forego your Yellow Fever Vaccination; take a good Malaria Regimen such as Mefloquine. This you can get from your doctor or a travel clinic.
8- Steps that Fight the Bite on Safari-Prevent Insect Bites
How do you Fight the Bite on Safari-Prevent Insect Bites on Safari? That is the question, and the answers are found below. Insect bites are often preventable if you follow the simple steps found here.
Do not forego your Yellow Fever Vaccination; take a good Malaria Regimen such as Mefloquine. This you can get from your doctor or a travel clinic.
1. Use a good Insect Repellent such as the Australian RID:
Consider using a reliable and effective insect repellent like the Australian brand RID:
Preventing insect-borne diseases is crucial, and using a quality mosquito repellent is a proactive approach. Look for a repellent in your country that contains at least twenty percent Deet and provides a lasting effect of around four hours before reapplication. Apply it generously before hiking, primate tracking, nature walks, and game drives.
We recommend the highly effective Australian brand RID, which offers excellent protection against mosquitoes, including tsetse flies. It is also effective against the bothersome flies often encountered during gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Our recommendation of RID is based on positive feedback from our clients who have purchased and used it, either online or in Australia, during their safaris. We have no personal gain from recommending this product other than the satisfaction of our clients who have experienced its protective benefits.
While various products and herbal remedies are available, many may not provide the same level of effectiveness when tested in safari conditions. Choosing a reliable and proven repellent is essential to protect you during your safari adventure.
- How much Insect Repellent do I need to bring on Safari? Up Safariay safari: 1 x Safari per person; Up to 8-day safari: 2 x Safaris per person; Up to 12-day safari: 3 x Safaris per person.
- Applying Insect Repellent: Apply insects to both your skin and clothing. Spray the repellent into your hands and then use it on your skin for your face. Please do not get it into your eyes, and follow the instructions on the bottle. Apply it all over your trousers, shirt, hat, and shoes for your clothing. Please do not use it on undergarments.
- When should I reapply for Insect Repellent? Constantly reapply insect repellent after physical activities, sweating, swimming, or toweling yourself down.
- Apply Insect Repellent Outdoors: It is best not to spray in enclosed areas.
- Please do not apply it on open wounds or scratches: It is safest not to use insect repellent on open wounds.
2. Use a Mosquito Net that covers your Bed:
Ensure your sleep is protected by using a mosquito net that covers your Bed:
When staying at a hotel or lodge, a mosquito net will provide essential protection while you sleep. You don’t need to bring your net as the accommodations we work with offer them. However, inspecting the net and ensuring no holes or tears is necessary. Most hotels and lodges have spare nets or can arrange required repairs if any damage is found. It’s crucial to prevent mosquitoes from keeping you awake all night.
All mosquito nets used in public health, including Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), contain pyrethroids. These insecticides are the only group the World Health Organization recommended for mosquito nets. Pyrethroids are widely recognized for their safety for humans and their ability to kill mosquitoes at low doses upon contact effectively.
To maximize protection, avoid direct skin contact with the netting while sleeping, as mosquitoes can still bite through the mesh. Nets remain one of the most effective tools in the battle against mosquito bites during your Safari.
3. Use a Fan in your Room:
Mosquitoes do not like the wind a fan produces and will move out of the breeze it makes. Fans are not often talked about as weapons to fight the bite of mosquitoes. Nevertheless, they work well as such. Besides keeping mosquitoes at bay, fans create a cool breeze to enjoy. That is especially true in the Savannah Parks.
Add the Fan to the net over your Bed; you have double protection. Typically, medium or high works quite well.
In rare instances, you might have a room with air conditioning. At the same time, that is rare on a safari. There are some lodges in Uganda where it is available at a higher cost than standard rooms.
Then, you do not need a fan since mosquitoes dislike colder temperatures. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park are at a higher location where you do not find many mosquitoes due to colder temperatures at night.
Nighttime temperatures in the Gorilla Highlands can get as low as ten degrees Celsius.
4. Wear clothing that will protect you:
Wear suitable clothing on your Safari for the best protection against mosquito bites. BaseSafariears of experience, wSafariest that you cover as much skin as possible if you go on a hike, nature walk, or primate trek. It will lessen the chance that tsetse flies and other mosquitoes will bite you. Besides, it will protect you from thorns, brushes, and many other things.
Yes, Uganda is in Africa, and it is in Africa. You would think that it is unbearably hot here. Yet, Uganda is known for its temperate climate due to its elevation. You can fight the bite of insects by wearing long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. One other thing, wear neutral colors such as Khaki.
The reason is that bright colors attract tsetse flies. Blue Jeans is an exception and works out fine. You will not find Uganda Wildlife Rangers in shorts or short-sleeved shirts, and they know best how to protect themselves from the bite of Insects.
5. Watch what you eat and Drink.
If you want to protect yourself from Insect bites, cut down on the input of sweet things. Avoid candy bars, cakes, donuts, syrupy pancakes, or waffles. Cut your intake of sodas and beer.
The more sugar you have in your system, the more you attract insects such as mosquitoes and wasps.
Those with a sweet tooth might make an effort, but the result will be fewer bites.
Yes, what you eat and drink can make you more attractive to mosquitoes, the last thing you want while on a Safari.
6. Avoid using Fragrances such as Perfumes-Colognes:
We suggest you not use your favorite perfume or cologne on the Safari Trail. Stay from scented deodorants and shampoos.
While you might find the smell of your favorite fragrance attractive, so do insects such as mosquitoes and wasps.
Flying insects are drawn to sweet things. Wildlife, on the other hand, is repelled by it. Animals will quickly notice your perfume on the trail or nature walks.
Save your perfume for an incoming outgoing dinner in Entebbe or Kampala, but do not wear it while on the Safari Trail.
You will find that you will attract fewer insects and see more wildlife. Wearing fragrances defeats why you came to Uganda for primates and wildlife. Wildlife and Primates on Safari.
KeepSafariperfume for a time in ouSafarintebbe or Kampala. While in the African Wild, please keep it in your suitcase.
7. Keep the Lights off:
Whether at home or in Uganda on a Safari, light attracts insects. Turn unnecessary lights off in your room to protect yourself from the bite.
Keep the doors to your Room or tented cottage closed. Close windows unless there is a screen, which is rare at most lodges or hotels in Uganda.
Many lodges use Kerosene Lamps along walkways, porches, and balconies. They attract insects, but the heat from the lamp also kills them.
The reality is this. You might find fewer flying insects in Uganda at night than in your home country.
You can bring a Halogen Reading lamp, which does not attract as many flying insects as a standard light.
Turn the lights down low and fight the bite.
8. Use Insect Spray in your Room:
Many luxury lodges spray your Room with Doom as they turn down your beds for the night. Fewer mid-range lodges will do so. You can request to have your Room spread as you have dinner. You can also purchase a spray can of Doom. The most popular insect spray in East Africa.
There are many other sprays on the market. However, Doom works best and leaves less of a chemical odor behind. The product works well on mosquitoes and other insects, including spiders.
You might see a gecko in the walls or ceiling; they are your helpers in the fight against mosquito bites in your Room.
Instead of spraying, you can use a citronella candle in your Room, available locally in Supermarkets. An added benefit of spraying your Room with Doom is that it will also deal with spiders, ants, and other insects you do not want around.
Will I get Bitten on my Safari in Uganda?
Fight the Bite on Safari-Prevent Insect Bites on Safari: Are Mosquito Bites Common on Safaris in Uganda?
While it is not guaranteed that you won’t get bitten on a safari in Uganda, you may likely experience insect bites to some extent. However, following our recommendations can significantly reduce the chances of being bitten during your time in Africa.
As the saying goes, “If you stay long enough in paradise, you’re bound to get bitten by mosquitoes,” as noted by Bert McCoy. Nonetheless, most of our clients have not raised mosquito or insect bites concerns.
In reality, insects are often less of a nuisance than they are perceived. We are committed to ensuring your Safari is memorable and enjoyable, and we will take every possible measure to mitigate the impact of insects.
By adhering to these simple yet effective measures, you can confidently embark on a safe and remarkable safari adventure in Uganda. We wish you the best on your journey and hope these tips prove valuable. Enjoy the wonders of the Pearl of Africa, a destination revered as paradise by Winston Churchill!
