Tips and Advice on How to Stay in Touch with Home while on Safari in Uganda
Here are the Best Ways of Staying in Touch with Home while on Safari in Uganda
Staying in Touch with Home while on Safari in Uganda is easy. At the same time, the best way to experience a safari in Uganda is to unplug. Most Safari Goers prefer to stay in touch, and WiFi is the easiest and least expensive way. Most Hotels and Lodges provide WiFi for guests.
Stay connected with Family and Friends and share your experiences on Safari in Uganda firsthand. Social media and connectivity mean so much in the digital age that we live in; we understand why you want to remain connected with home.
Today, you can video chat, talk, or text to your heart’s content. Turn off data on your device and switch to wireless wherever available. Most lodges provide free-of-charge wireless service.
Please be aware that connectivity depends on location. Some remote areas have no or limited Internet connections. A reality that is becoming a rarity, it still exists, and you may get a no-network signal.
With a wireless connection, you can use WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, Facebook, Messenger, LinkedIn, Zoom, and other apps on your Safari in Uganda. When using Voice over Internet Apps, we suggest you consider others around you, and you should make such calls in your room or cottage.
Here are the Best Ways of Staying in Touch with Home while on Safari in Uganda
Tips and Advice on Staying in Touch with Home while on Safari in Uganda
1. Using a Mobile Phone or Tablet in Uganda:
Staying in touch with home while on safari in Uganda is easier than ever. Obtaining a local SIM card can be cumbersome due to security regulations, making it less practical for short visits. Instead, we recommend using WiFi to connect via apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom, avoiding expensive roaming charges.
Many lodges and hotels offer free WiFi, allowing you to communicate effortlessly with family and friends. This also facilitates direct contact with your tour operator for questions regarding your safari itinerary.
Your driver-guide can assist you with making local calls through WhatsApp if needed. While we can provide a local SIM card upon request, it’s often unnecessary.
Security Tip: While sharing your adventures on social media is tempting, be cautious. Posts can reveal your absence from home, potentially attracting unwanted attention. Security experts advise waiting until you return to share your experiences online.
Stay connected safely and enjoy your unforgettable safari in Uganda!
2. Using WiFi on a Safari in Uganda:
Staying in touch with home while on safari in Uganda is easy with WiFi, available in most lodges and hotels. However, connectivity quality can vary significantly, with some establishments lacking robust routers to support multiple users.
While 4G is accessible in cities like Kampala, the signal often weakens in rural areas, depending on local infrastructure. Most lodges offer WiFi only in common areas, so plan accordingly if your accommodation is farther away.
For reliable internet access, consider our MTN SIM cards, which allow you to purchase data across Uganda. Their Freedom Bundles offer flexible options, with a 40 GB package costing around 100,000 shillings (approximately $35) and smaller bundles available for less.
Additionally, we can provide a MiFi unit for your group, ensuring you stay connected even in remote locations. While some areas may lack connectivity, these resources help you maintain communication with loved ones during your unforgettable safari adventure.
3. WiFi Connectivity Tips while on Safari
- Switch your Smartphone or Tablet if it has a Sim Card to Airplane Mode to avoid costly roaming charges.
- Pack chargers for the devices you are bringing. Electrical Plugs in Uganda are the UK kind. Many lodges have charging stations at the main lodge, mainly when clubs use Solar Power.
- If WhatsApp or Skype does not work, your Driver Guide will always have a phone if you need to make an actual phone call if WhatsApp or Skype does not work.
WiFi – Smartphone – Connectivity Etiquette on Safari:
- You are on Safari, and we strongly suggest you turn on the airplane mode on your smartphone while in the lodge’s dining area, on game drives, on hikes, or a gorilla trek.
- If you are making a call, do it away from others. Use common sense. How would you feel if someone else disturbed your dinner with a loud phone conversation?
You are Staying in Touch with Home while on Safari in Uganda, and it has never been easier. We will assist you in every way possible while you are on a Safari with us.
4. Our Solution for our Clients that want to Stay in Touch with Home:
If you’re on safari with us, we ensure you stay connected. We understand that WiFi access at lodges is often limited to the main building, leaving your room or cottage without a reliable connection. To enhance your experience, we exclusively provide a MiFi 4G router for your group.
This portable router offers a faster and more independent internet connection, accommodating multiple devices simultaneously. With this added convenience, you can effortlessly share your adventures with loved ones back home while enjoying the beauty of Uganda.
5. Guard your phone while on Safari in Uganda
Uganda is generally a safe and secure destination for safari-goers. However, like any place, there are occasional risks, such as phone theft, particularly in urban areas like Kampala. To protect your device, roll up your windows partially while driving to limit access, and when walking through towns, keep your phone in your front pocket rather than your back pocket.
Avoid placing your phone on tables in restaurants or bars, as it can be quickly taken. If you need to step away, such as going to the bathroom, take your phone to avoid losing it.
The likelihood of theft from your hotel room or lodge is very low. Charging stations at reception are typically secure, mainly because many lodges use solar power for their cottages.
While phone theft is rare among safari-goers, staying vigilant is essential. We have never had a client lose their phone on safari. Still, it’s always best to be cautious and proactive in safeguarding your belongings.
