Many of us love and enjoy Camping, especially in Uganda’s National Parks. The excitement of sleeping in the tent, in the middle of the wilderness under the stars, the rawness of the surrounding, the fresh air, and making food or barbeque over an open Campfire. The unbeaten beauty of Camping is in the full immersion into Mother Nature. However, Mother Nature already has residents living in it and many of them will wish to have a taste of your delicious food as soon as they smell it. Expect to be visited by small species such as Mongoose or the big ones such as elephants and Hippos.
Therefore, 4×4 Uganda Car Rentals has curated some important tips on how you can prevent animals from accessing your Campsite in Uganda’s National Parks. While there is no way you can completely eliminate the possibility of animals accessing your Campsite, given you are in their territory, there are some universal rules you can follow to minimize the likelihood of this happening.
Conduct your research
It is advisable to do research on the place where you will be camping prior to heading out for your adventure. Regardless of whether you are heading for wild Camping or planning to pitch your tent in a well-developed Campsite, the likelihood of wildlife visiting coming around is always there. For this reason, take time to read about the wildlife species that are common in the area hence helping you to plan and pack accordingly.
Pack repellent for your Camping safari
Using eco-friendly repellents with organic/natural ingredients are recommended for preventing wildlife from accessing your Campsite in Uganda’s National Parks. These repellants are effortless to use and apply, in addition to having long-lasting effect that doesn’t negatively affect the natural environment.
Animals such as squirrels are deterred by the smell of bleach, Vinegar, and Ammonia, although you should not mix them together to avoid producing fumes that are harmful to humans and animals. For insects, you can use garlic, citronella candles, lavender, rosemary, or sulfur to repel them.
Keep the fires going
One of the most important tips on preventing animals from accessing your Campsite in Uganda’s National Parks is keeping a fire going, especially for overnight stays. Animals (surprisingly including lions) generally have a natural built-in sense to fear fire and are less likely to get close to one. If possible, pay for extra Rangers to sit up late to keep fires going while others provide security (which is mandatory of Camping in Uganda’s National Parks. Just make sure there is someone (Ranger/s) awake and watching the fire. However, never leave the Campfire going with no one watching to avoid causing bush fires and associated accidents.
Safely store food
Another important tip in your protection from wildlife while camping in Uganda’s National Parks is proper storage of food. Interestingly, wildlife are far more sensitive to smell than humans hence the scents of edible products that are left outside will most likely draw them to your Campsite. In so doing, always carry a locking cooler to store your food and always wrap it with a rope for additional protection. Another way is taking dish washing seriously, making your cooking supplies are washed before and after using since rodents (mice and rats) usually visit Campsites to scavenge on food wraps hence leaving germs behind.
Always maintain the Campsite clean
Maintaining the Campsite area is another rule of thumb that all visitors who wonder how to prevent animals from accessing the Campsite in Uganda’s National Parks should know. Also, as an outdoor enthusiast, practice the principle of “leaving no trace” during Camping.
Additionally, although most Campsites have garbage containers, make it a point to carry several heavy duty odor-proof waste bags for your Camping safari in Uganda’s National Parks. However, if there is no garbage containers, simple double bag the rubbish and hang it on the same level as the cooler. Due to the negative effects of burying or burning garbage on the natural environment, it is not recommended.
Use noise to prevent animals from accessing the Campsite
One surprising tip on how to prevent animals (especially predators- lions, leopards, and others) from accessing your Campsite in Uganda’s National Parks is using noise makers. These ultrasonic devices that make sounds above human hearing can be applied at regular intervals.
However, the challenge with this method is that it eventually loses its efficacy with time, as wildlife learn that the noise has no consequences on them. For this reason, if you plan on Camping for a long time, constantly move the noise device and also change the intensity of the sound.
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