Important Common Manners When Travelling In Uganda
What are some important common manners to practice on a Uganda safari? When you travel to any destination, it is always essential to ensure that you practice good manners. Every destination or society has its unique manners that they practice, like the common saying that when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Portraying good and acceptable societal behavior is essential when interacting in any community. Practicing good etiquette in a given society is good on a safari in Uganda. Here are some of the important etiquette tips to observe for a better blend in most, especially those on a self drive uganda road trip no matter the destinatio.
Important Common Manners to Practice on a Safari in Uganda;
Greeting
Greeting is a common manner that anyone on a safari in Uganda should practice. You may not realize the value of greeting people on your way to your destination till you get lost and you want to inquire about directions from the same people. Greeting is the easiest way you can easily socialize with locals- it marks the first step to starting the long interaction that you want to have. On a special note, Ugandans are very welcoming and always want to associate with everyone, no matter their race
Tipping
Tipping by itself isn’t deeply rooted in Uganda’s culture, but it is a good practice when interacting with locals. There are many reasons why people tip, but most importantly, to show appreciation for the great service rendered to them. It is not a must-do thing to tip, but a good practice when on a safari tour in Uganda. The amount to tip varies and you can give a tip from UGX 10,000 or more, depending on what your heart is willing to offer.
Tipping is a common practice among most visitors today. The tip you provide does play a significant role not just in the life of the person who receives it but also in the entire team that lives with him/her. Who should be tipped on a Uganda safari? Tips are usually given to persons who provide a service to you, say waiters, waitresses, driver guides, park ranger guides, and others.
Respect
Respect is a common manner all travelers must exercise. In a society, it is essential to show respect for people’s practices, culture, and values. Have a listening ear and be observant of what or how people do things. Avoid any kind of behavior that is deemed disrespectful to locals or erodes their cultures, traditions, values, and practices.
About Smoking
Often, you will come across notices about not smoking here or there. Let it be respected as one way of showing respect. Not everyone smokes and acts should be avoided when public. You can utilize the available designated areas for you to smoke. Feel free to inquire your safari leader where you can smoke from or when at the safari lodge/hotel, inquire –there are designated areas for that. Even when smoking, try as much as you can to distance yourself from others who are not doing it.
Trans-gender
Always respect local cultures, even when you practice homosexuality or lesbianism. Uganda is a hospitable destination and welcomes everyone. However, you must show respect for local culture and traditions. Avoid showing your homosexuality/lesbianism practices in public since it is taboo in the local culture.
Camera etiquette
Cameras are essential for your photography moment when you finally come across your favorite wildlife/attraction. When choosing a camera, get one that guarantees you great pictures, but shouldn’t have a flashlight. This is especially true if you intend to go to track mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. And on the other hand, if you want to take a picture of the locals, it would be very okay if you request first. Thank you!
Game drive manners
When driving in Uganda game parks, respect the set driving speed limits as per the park authorities. Overspeeding in the park means you can easily run through wildlife, and it is an offense to kill wild animals. Some penalties come about from speeding and should be avoided on a self-drive or guided game drive.
Do not hoot
Avoid hooting when driving as it can scare away wildlife. Such practices disorganize the normal behavior of wild animals in the wild. Driving through the park or reserve means you are in a foreign place, home to wildlife, and hooting is generally a disrespectful behavior.
Respect the road signs or regulations.
When on a road trip, be mindful of the set regulations or rules. Disrespecting is a bad practice that can lead to an arrest by the authorities. The traffic police are often spotted on the road to monitor the speed, and the practice is intended to lower the rate of road accidents. It is common manners to respect the country’s road traffic regulations/rules.
Avoid teasing wild animals
Any habits that are deemed to tease or attract wild animals should be avoided. These are wild animals, and often by attracting them to you, you are putting yourself at risk. There are dangerous wild animals that shouldn’t be played with, like crocodiles, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and others.
Do not touch wildlife.
Avoid any body contact with wild animals in their habitat. This is especially for visitors on gorilla trekking or chimpanzee-tracking adventures. Besides, do not destroy vegetation or habitat. It is what protects these species in the wild for future generations. Leave their habitats the way you got them or even better than you found them.
Do not camp outside designated areas.
When on a camping safari, only consider places designated for campfires or camping as per the park policy or authorities. Many risks come about when setting up your campsite outside designated locations. For those who want to camp in style, go rooftop camping in Uganda.
