Being younger might seem preferable but it is limited by responsibilities, time constraints and busy work schedules. Senior age is the right time to have that long-awaited extended holiday with your better half and explore the world. 

Ugandan Safaris are rapidly becoming more and more accommodating of people of all ages, some agencies provide tour packages specifically for seniors, but it is probably better to assess your options and pick what best suits your interests, bucket list and time frame. 

Travelling to Uganda as a senior should be as exhilarating as it would be at a younger age and here’s why;

Let us start with the basics

Clothing

Aim for comfort, the weather in Uganda is tropical and warm except for hilly and mountainous places. Pack clothing that is warm and flexible, long loosely fitting trousers and comfortable sneakers will come in handy.

You will mostly be using road transportation, so wearing something flexible will add some comfort. Do not forget those sunglasses and hats for the sun. You do not need to carry your bedding (unless it is a special case) the lodges provide all the necessary things you require. 

Lodging

This is something you should discuss in detail with your tour agent. You will need to take up the nearest lodging to the national parks save you a lot of valuable time leaving for the tour and returning early enough for lunch and an afternoon nap before an evening stroll around the safe parts of the park.

Luckily most lodges are close to or inside the parks which means this will not be an issue. Game drives are mesmerizing, and you get to spend as much time as you want in the parks but once you wish to head back, having the closest resting area can be a lifesaver. A number of them have spectacular views of the parks and ample lounging space where you can spend an early evening. 

Travel

Old age is for exploration, but the body might not feel the same way. Aim to visit places that do not require long distances on the road. In Uganda, the roads are very good, especially in the city and major towns, but you will be visiting parks which are a good distance from the towns.

Ensure slower safe driving, enough stopovers for rests and any other personal requirements that make you comfortable. Your health comes first, so when planning the trip keep in mind the distance, mode of transportation and how much time you’d need. 

Communication

Keeping in touch with your children and grandchildren is important and worry not, this is no problem. Even in the remotest areas, lodging areas are equipped with Wi-Fi and charging areas that will allow you to lounge and relax while skyping or catching up with the emails that came through earlier. 

Health and insurance

Openly communicate with your tour agent whatever sort of medication you might be taking or health issues s/he should be aware of. I would strongly advise travel insurance (medical and personal) in case of any mishaps, but otherwise, creating awareness of any conditions to look out for in advance can play to your advantage.

Before setting out, have a meeting with your doctor for any medication, or advice on how to stay healthy. Ensure as much as possible get enough rest throughout the entire trip.  

Itinerary

Choose the package that best suits your needs. There are lots of places in Uganda that fit you. Places with limited movements and less vigorous activities.

To help you choose the best package, here are a few places you might want to consider for a great Ugandan safari; Entebbe Botanical Gardens, River Nile Jinja, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Bunyonyi, Kibale National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park among others. These places provide packages perfect for very little movement, watching the animals from the comfort of the car, taking short hikes into the safe parts of the parks with a local guide and getting in touch with nature. Choosing a package that aligns your interests to an agreeable time frame will help you get the best experience. 

Community walks

One of the most fulfilling activities to be engaged in. Some of the sites you’ll visit provide this option for example in Bwindi National Park and Lake Bunyonyi in western Uganda, you get a chance to take community walks and have a full rich cultural experience. This is a great way to help you throw in a little exercise, learn some local interesting history and get yourself some souvenirs to carry back home with you. 

Safety

You want to have the best experience when you are here but all in all, you want to be safe. Politically Uganda is a stable country, the tour sites are very well conserved and protected with highly trained and skilled personnel to guide you through the safe tracks of the forests and boat rides.

As the statement goes, there is safety in numbers, travelling with people of the same interests will not only enrich your trip more but provide a safe umbrella around you.