A first time visitor to Africa always comes with many mixed ideas and a different expectations about Africa, but when you visit Uganda and Rwanda you will experience a magic safari, more special moments and more surprises. Africa is a diverse continent that you can visit over and over again and with different experiences. Our trips are so relaxing, educative and informative, with wild life sighting, different cultural experiences and rare experiences with impressive nature and landscapes.

We would like to guide you with some tips on your first trip to Africa.

·       Plan your trip accordingly: you need to prepare yourself before setting off for any trip to Africa. Take some time to read all the information that we send you, you will find details like what to pack or not, the weather, inclusions and exclusions on your safari, about the local customs among others. On a safari you are always in the wild, there is limited access to pharmacy, banks, shops, so carrying sufficient supply will create a smooth and comfortable safari experience for you. Endeavor to ask your safari planner about things you are not sure of and this will help you get a better preparation for your safari.

·       Safety: this is one of the major tips during your visit to Africa. The safari guide will guide you through different locations with his ability to safe guard you from any danger. The guide is the ambassador of the company, he will always recommend places we have been to. Regardless of anything, respecting your guide’s instructions will ensure a perfect and a smooth safari.

·       Get to know your guide: more emphasis still goes to knowing your guide because you will spend most of your time with him or her. They have the knowledge of the destination due to their varsity experience. Guiding takes determination, strict studies and multitude skills. These guides have countless stories and knowledge that they would love to share, if you give them your ears.

·       Be part of the safari: when I say be part of the safari I mean do much more to add value, be the first one to spot some prime gem while on a safari, this will make the safari more enjoyable. Always look around, don’t leave the search for your safari guide alone.

·       Take part in other activities: there is always more things to engage in beyond the vehicle. Try to engage in other activities that can bring more joy while on your African dream safari, these activities can be suggested by your safari guide. Visiting local communities, coffee tours, canoeing, zip lining among others.

·       Food: you will eat a bit of everything, great coffee, inspiring restaurants that meld local flavors with international trends all dished up with typical Ugandan hospitality. The water is purified, the bread is baked fresh, eating a lot of fresh fruits, fresh fish and meat. Local dishes can be tried since it’s the pride in Africa. If you have any preferences or allergies notify us in advance.

·       Expect the unexpected: when you expect the unexpected you will avoid big cultural shocks. Put in mind that travel is an adventure. You might drive through tough roads but this is still part of the adventure, you will probably trek through the impenetrable Bwindi forest in search for the mountain gorillas, this thrill of viewing the mountain gorillas is still part of the adventure.

·       Disconnect: the advantages of being on a safari in the bushes and savannahs of Africa is that you disconnect. Less phone reception, you won’t be interrupted or engaged in other usual day roles. This creates more time for you to bond and listen to Mother Nature. You will also have more time to view and observe wild life at your lodge.

We provide professional safari options to all categories of travelers. Give us a call or email us at tour@biglionsafaris.com if you want to do your first trip to Uganda and Rwanda.