If you’re looking for an adventure travel experience, look no further than Uganda. Proclaimed as the Pearl of Africa, this wonderful little country has improved a lot over the years. It’s now one of the safest places to travel to in the region, offering a whole host of fun and incredible things to do or see. 

Those of you that are interested in going to this gorgeous country should read the following guide. Below, we’ll show you some of the top tips for an amazing adventure in Uganda.

Book flights during the peak wildlife viewing months

It’s funny, when you’re traveling to Uganda, you don’t want to choose a time that correlates to the weather. Instead, you’re looking at the best time to go to see as much wildlife as possible. Ultimately, this is the key attraction in this country. It’s a phenomenal place full of various species of wildlife that you can’t find anywhere else. 

Consequently, you need to ensure that you’ll actually see these animals while you’re there! The best times to visit are between June and September or December and February. Of course, flights are likely to be slightly more expensive during these times. However, if you plan them outside of the main holiday dates (like peak summer or winter) you should be able to save some money. 

If you get to Uganda during these dates, you’re guaranteed to see lots of wonderful wildlife during your trip. 

There are so many places that offer unforgettable bucket list experiences, but few provide you with the same unique delights that you find in Uganda. Discover some top tips for an amazing adventure in Uganda!
Click To Tweet

Plan a chimpanzee trek

Treks are a highlight feature of Uganda. If you look around, you will see lots of companies offering different treks through various areas of the country. One of the treks you definitely need to plan is a chimpanzee one. You’ll be walking with great apes in Uganda, seeing chimps in their natural habitat. Many of the forests here are littered with different chimpanzees, but Kibale is easily the most popular. 

Here, you will find 13 different primate species, with over a thousand chimps living here. Your tour guide will lead you through the forest, getting up close and personal with these impressive creatures. You’ll see them interact with one another while also paying close attention to you and the other tourists. They really are such unique and inquisitive animals; it’s an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. 

Plan a gorilla trek

Similarly, you cannot go to Uganda without seeing some mountain gorillas. This is one of the few countries on earth where gorillas are found in their natural habitats. It is a unique experience that’s both exciting and terrifying. Well, terrifying isn’t the right word as companies set up these treks to track gorillas and they are very safe. But your heart definitely pounds as you watch these massive apes trundle around on the forest floor. 

Plus, all types of treks in Uganda are filled with a sense of adventure. You are brought through some of the unique climates and landscapes of the country. There will be a lot of walking, trekking through forests and climbing steep hills. It’s not for the faint-hearted, so make sure you’re prepared for a lot of physical activity!

Enjoy a safari

There’s no need to go and experience a safari in one of the neighboring African countries. It is possible to see four or the big five here in Uganda, with rhinos being the only animal missing. However, you can still see them in a sanctuary, so that’s better than nothing. 

The beauty of these safaris is that they give you different backdrops to traditional African safaris. Instead of wide-open plains, you will travel around volcanic craters and massive open lakes. One pro tip is to organize a safari in one of the national parks. It means you can travel through a regular route that’s easy for you to walk or drive around in a group. You will see so much during this experience; it’s a proper Ugandan adventure!

Pack suitable clothing for your adventure

It’s super important that you’re dressed for your adventure in Uganda. You can’t rock up in shorts and a t-shirt for one of the wild treks through a rainforest. Instead, you need suitable footwear that’s waterproof and can handle tricky terrain. It’s also useful to have some sort of backpack that you can bring with you, with enough space inside for water bottles, sunscreen, etc. 

I’d strongly recommend you pack some waterproofs as well. Uganda is one of the hottest places in Africa as it sits on the equator. However, it is prone to the odd shower now and then – especially in the rainforests. So, expect it to be very humid with the chance of rain constantly in the air. You need some waterproof clothes just in case you get caught in a ten-minute rainstorm. 

Be aware of ‘Africa Time’

The final tip for an incredible adventure in Uganda is to be aware of a little thing called Africa Time. You’ll hear the locals talk about this all the time with a laugh and a smile on their faces. It’s a well-known thing in this continent that schedules rarely go along as planned. There will usually be delays and things that aren’t quite how you expected. 

So, if you’re one of those people that loves to do things on time all the time, you need to check your expectations. You will experience delays and little setbacks here and there, but you’ll still get to have a thrilling time. It’s not that your plans will get canceled or ruined, it’s more that they might not run-on time. Temper your expectations, and you’ll find the whole trip more enjoyable. 

Now Let’s Visit Pearl of Africa

And there you have it; some top tips for an insane Ugandan adventure. This country is so underrated when it comes to amazing travel destinations. Yes, there are so many places on earth that offer unforgettable bucket list experiences, but few can provide you with the same unique delights that you find in Uganda. If you’re interested in a proper adventure, these tips will ensure you get the absolute most out of your visit to the Pearl of African.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

The post Top Tips for An Incredible Adventure in Uganda appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

If you were excited to hear the end of Covid-19 restrictions, then you are not alone. Tons of people have had their holidays canceled or rescheduled due to constant pressure from the pandemic. Flights had completely stopped, airports were shut, and holiday destinations took a huge hit. However, most things have reopened, and you are free once again to travel to all the amazing travel bucket list destinations on your list. 

When it comes to visiting these amazing places, you need to have everything planned out, from where you are going to stay to the transport options you need. Be aware that it is better to use certified, qualified taxi drivers than side companies such as Uber or Lyft. This is due to the number of accidents and reports that come out about them each year. If you have been the victim of such an accident, then make sure you contact an injury lawyer such as Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers. 

USA

When it comes to vacationing in the USA there are many wonderful places to see. With 50 states to choose from each offering something unique, it could keep your travel bucket list going for 50 years if you decided to visit one state a year. You could work your way around the whole map. There are however a few destinations in the states that are well worth a place on your bucket list. Two that we will mention are Hawaii and Brooklyn. Hawaii has something for everyone, including the adventurer, the romantic, and the beach babe. Brooklyn offers the chance to experience the real New York without the major hustle and bustle of all the tourists. 

As the people begin to return to the world of Travel & Adventure, choosing where to go next may be overwhelming. Perhaps these Top 3 destinations are a good starting point for your travel bucket list! #Travel #Wanderlust #Bucketlist
Click To Tweet

Australia

If you dream of beautiful beaches and gorgeous sunsets, then Australia is the place to visit. Everyone should see Australia at least once in their life, it has everything to offer from the jungle to the beach, to the outback. You can really see it all during your trip here, whether you organize various day excursions or take any of the best road trips in Australia. The most popular tourist trip in Australia is swimming with sharks. One of the better trips and one that not many people know about is swimming with the biggest fish in the world, the whale shark! Get up close and personal with this beautiful creature and take in the other sites of the ocean while you are there. 

Kenya

There are many locations in Africa that people have on their travel bucket list. But Kenya is often one of the most desired. That is because it is of course home to the wonderful African safari! Here you can see majestic animals up close and in their natural habitat. There is nothing nicer than seeing animals where they belong, you will feel a huge difference than when you go and visit them at the zoo. The national park in Kenya is home to the great migration that occurs each year. If you are lucky, you may just witness it. You will see the likes of giraffes, elephants, lions, and rhinos. Enjoy it as a lot of these animals are becoming endangered due to poachers. 

What Travel Bucket List Item Will You Chase Next?

We hope you enjoyed this article, and it not only gave you some ideas of vacation destinations but also how to travel safely when using other modes of transport. But we want to know what Travel Bucket List Item do you plan on chasing next? Are any of these 3 locations on your list to tick off next or do you have somewhere else that you have been dreaming about? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Travel Bucket List Board!

The post Chasing The Dream? Top 3 Destinations To Visit appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Everyone should be eager to go traveling and to have some quality holiday time where they can relax, or just to do something that they love. Whether that might be adrenaline-fueled holidays or a quiet getaway to a retreat, here are some tips for picking your next holiday.

Look At Your Bucket List

If you don’t have a travel bucket list, then how can you expect to fulfill all the potential travel experiences that you could be having right now? A bucket list for anything in your life can prove quite useful. It’s a way of seeing quite clearly just how much value you take out of your life and what you’re able to do with your time. If you’re a bit stumped for ideas, revert your bucket list to see if there’s anything on there that you’ve always wanted to do, but something else may have pipped it to the post first. It might be one with a challenging flight duration or somewhere that might not have been safe to travel to until now. There really is so much to see and do in the world, that your bucket list shouldn’t at all be limited. In fact, you should have at least ten places that you’d like to visit or travel experiences that you’ve always wanted to do. Close your eyes and pick one!

Whether you are wanting an adrenaline-fueled holiday or a quiet getaway to a retreat, here are some tips for picking your next holiday. #Travel #TravelPlanning #TravelTips
Click To Tweet

Plan A Realistic Budget

You want to consider a budget when it comes down to the holiday. Every destination and experience will be different from the next, and each one will also have a financial cost to consider. A safari in Africa may sound like the holiday of your dreams, but that certainly comes with a hefty price tag that you might not be able to afford right now. So, think about a budget and whether you need to be saving some money in the meantime. Factor in all of the costs needed so that you can prepare for everything. This means looking at who you are paying for in the group and what extra costs will be needed not only for a holiday but for dressing for it. New clothes might be needed along with various supplies, but please don’t forget to get travel insurance! Lay this all out on a spreadsheet, so you know exactly what you have to spend. This means that you won’t go out of said budget and end up spending too much.

Try Camping

Camping is certainly one experience that’s worth doing, regardless of how little you enjoy the outdoors. There’s something quite magical about sleeping under the stars and not to mention the fact that many campsites will certainly be lacking in phone signal. So if you feel like a digital detox is needed for you, then have a go at camping. You want to make sure that you’ve thought about all the necessary camping equipment that’s required. Ensure you’ve done your research on campsites, this website has great camping guides here. You want to know which ones will be the best for you and where you want to go. You’re not just restricted locally as there’s plenty of camping spots across the world.

Do A Staycation

Staycations are great when perhaps the funds are a little limited and can not afford a lavish holiday abroad. However, staycations can be just as fun, and it can provide you with a great opportunity to explore more of the country that you live in. Perhaps there are a few places that you’ve never been to before, and therefore an epic road trip might be on the cards. If you don’t really fancy going anywhere, then you could always just stay around your local area. Spend a few nights in a hotel that you may be in the vicinity of. It might seem pretty pointless if your home is a few minutes away, but there’s definitely something nice about being waited on and not having to tidy up after yourself like you’d have to at home. It’s an opportunity for you to unwind completely but without having to go too far away from home to do it.

Travel With Friends This Time

Traveling alone, with your partner or family, is the most typical of holidays. However, not all of us will have gone on holiday with our friends, and that could be something that you’re majorly missing out on. Traveling with friends is a new experience because you’ll be in a bigger group and it’ll be with people your own age. That means more flexibility in what you get up to, and a lot more fun can likely be had.

Hopefully, these tips can help you book your next holiday away. Your travel adventure awaits!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Travel Bucket List Board!

The post Tips For Picking Your Next Holiday appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Going on safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that most people who love travel do at some point. Because of this, you want to make the most of your trip. Sure, you need to make sure that you go to an incredible location, like the Hinterlands of South Africa or untamed northern Kenya, but you also want to make sure that you have the right equipment to enjoy your trip. Making the most of your safari should be a top priority.

But what kit should you choose? It can be a difficult task for amateurs, especially if you’ve never been on safari before. Let’s take a look at some of the items you should bring with you.

If you’ve never been on an African Safari before, then get ready to see some amazing wild animals. But BE PREPARED! Here are some of the items you should bring so you can enjoy your trip! #AfricanSafari #SafariPackingList #VisitAfrica
Click To Tweet

Antimalarials 

Although getting malaria while abroad is unlikely, it’s not impossible, especially for Westerners. People of European and Asian descent are less resistant to malaria than the African population and, therefore, are more likely to contract the disease if bitten by a mosquito. Remember, all it takes to become infected is a single bite, so taking antimalarials is essential.

Antimalarials should ideally be taken before you set off to your target destination. There is no vaccine for malaria, but antimalarials provide the additional boost your immune system needs, should you become infected. Usually, you can fight off the infection without even realizing that you’re sick.

A Suitable Adapter 

While it might sound nice to go away on safari and leave all your technology at home, it’s not quite the same in practice. Simple things, like organizing flights, hotels and taxis become a lot more difficult if your phone runs out of charge.

Plug sockets in many African countries use different standards to those in Europe, the UK, or the US, and so taking adapters is essential. Standards sometimes aren’t consistent within particular African countries, and so you may want to take a variety of adapters with you.

Binoculars 

While you might have fantasies of coming within a few feet of “the big five,” the chances are that if you do see these megafauna, it’ll be from a distance. Wild animals are skeptical (and often scared) of humans.

Going on safari without a pair of binoculars would be irresponsible. Binoculars help you make out details in the distance, allowing you to view elephants, lions, giraffe, hippos, and zebra all from the safety of your 4×4.

The things to look for when buying binoculars (if you don’t have any already) are price, magnification, and field of view.

Sunscreen

The plains of Africa lie only a few degrees south of the equator (and in the case of Kenyan safaris, right on it). Because of this, those on safari should wear ample sunscreen to avoid UV radiation. Radiation from the sun can damage DNA, especially prolonged exposure, bumping up your risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Remember, you’ll be outside for hours at a time on safari. Safaris usually last all day because of the difficulty in observing animals in their natural habitat. Animals won’t show up just because you’re there, so you’ll be traveling all day, much of the time in open-top vehicles.

Dust-Proof Bags 

Things can get pretty dry during the dry season. Dryness leads to an abundance of dust which can get everywhere, including in your luggage. Dust in your luggage is not only a nuisance but can also damage your equipment, including expensive electronics.

The good news is that there is a solution: waterproof bags. Waterproof bags, it turns out, not only keep water out (not something you’ll have to worry about on the savannas of Africa) but also tiny dust particles too. So, keep your cosmetics, electronics and other valuables safe from dust by taking the right carrying bags with you.

Proper Attire 

Sartorial splendor might be the aim of the game in swanky European resorts, but in the depths of Africa, function takes precedence over form.

• Hats. Your hat is probably the most crucial piece of clothing that you’ll need on safari. While peaked caps provide a modicum of protection for the skin on the face, particularly the nose area, it’s better to choose a hat which protects the ears and the back of the neck too. The bigger, the better.
• Layers. Although we tend to think of Africa as a hot place, it’s like anywhere else in the world and experiences variation in temperature throughout the day. Some days are warm during the noon hours and much cooler in the evenings. Ideally, you’ll want to pack layers, an underlayer, trousers, zip up jumper and a jacket.
• Sunglasses. When the sun is overhead in the middle of the day, it can be bright – dazzling even. Just like your skin, your eyes need protection, especially if you’re driving through a sandy area with a high albedo. Take sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

A Camera With Optical Zoom 

While digital cameras, especially those on phones, have come a long way in recent years, providing all kinds of useful effects and processing options, you need a real camera for a safari trip, one with an optical zoom. Although animals can sometimes walk right up to your vehicle, the majority of the time they will keep their distance, meaning that you’re only able to observe them from afar. If you try to use digital zoom to take high-fidelity shots of distant animals, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s much better to use an optical zoom, preferably with a zoom lens up to 300mm.

No, optical cameras aren’t cheap, but you’ll certainly get much better shots that way.

Mosquito Repellent 

Although Africa is a warm and wild continent, it does have some drawbacks, particularly all the creepy crawlies. If insects aren’t your thing, then you might want to pack some insect repellent. Not only does it prevent midges from harassing you as you drive along, but it can also help keep mosquitoes away.

So there you have it: everything you need for a successful safari. Have you got everything on this list? Have you ever been on an African Safari before? If so, what was your number one must have item? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post Essential Kit You Need For Your Next Safari appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Going on a safari is something on a lot of people’s bucket lists. You get to see all kinds of animals, big and small, in their natural habitat. You get to observe impartially, with a camera in one hand, all from the comfort of a vehicle. Essentially, you have the ultimate travel experience, with the sun overhead and blue skies to welcome you, surrounded by sights, sounds, and smells you’d never get at home. There’s a lot of holiday experiences out there, but one of the most iconic (and often cited as one of the best), is a safari.

But do you know how to behave? You’re in a wild area, surrounded by wild animals; just how safe are you? Well here’s a quick checklist to run yourself through. Now’s the time for you to put on your wide brimmed hat and your summer shorts, get in the back of a Jeep, and tour your way through the most extensive National Parks, knowing you’re behaving perfectly, and are perfectly safe as a result.

Do you know how to behave on Safari? The Bucket List Project shares a quick checklist to help you stay perfectly safe while having an epic Bucket List experience! #AfricanSafari #bucketlist #GoToAfrica
Click To Tweet

Keep Your Expectations Realistic

Safaris are always going to have mixed results to them, and you’re never going to see everything that you want to see on your first trip around a desert plan or a preserve. Because of this, make sure you’re never too hyped up for seeing a pride of Lions or a herd of giraffes; if you come back for another trip, you have a much better chance of coming up and close and personal to them!

Not to mention your tour guides and drivers will do their best to show you the best sights and animal hot spots without going dangerously out of the way, so trust them rather than hop out of the vehicle and wander off. Companies that offer packages such as Tailor-Made Sri Lanka Travel are going to be best for value here, especially considering repeat journeys and finding an experienced guide  to help you out.

Stay in the Car

Only ever leave the car or vehicle when your guide tells you it’s safe to do so. You don’t want to intrude on an animal that’s peacefully grazing away or lying down in the shade of a tree, simply because you thought they were distracted enough for you to snap the perfect angle of them. You’re going to be putting everyone else in danger as well, so keep arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times!

Keep Calm and Quiet

You’re driving your way through natural habitats of all kinds of animals, and you never know if a certain species is going to be used to human interaction or not. Because of this, make an effort to keep your voice down and your movements slow; you don’t want to accidentally cause a stampeding herd of Elephants simply because you started a joyful Mexican wave!

Safaris are a goldmine of a holiday activity, so make sure you’re treating your chance for one with respect and the admiration it deserves! Have fun! 

Have you ever been on an African Safari? What other tips would you recommend for people to how to behave on safari? Tell us in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

The post The Best Behaviour When You’re On Safari appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Planning on exploring Africa this year on your travels? Made up of fifty four countries, this colossal continent is diverse, interesting and brimming with exciting opportunities for things to add to your bucket list. It might not be the first place that springs to mind for many tourists, as in some areas there are threats of crime, war, ill health and poverty. However there are plenty of wonderful, safe and fascinating places to go to and one of the biggest perks is the ability to see some of the world’s greatest animals. So much different to seeing in books or on tv or even at the zoo, visiting Africa gives you the opportunity to see these creatures in their natural environment for truly breathtaking experiences. Here are some of the ways you can get up close and personal with them.

Visiting Africa is a great way to see some of the world's greatest animals in their natural environment. See why African Animal Encounters needs to be added to Your Bucket List! #AfricanSafari #BigFive #africananimals
Click To Tweet

Safari Tours

Awesome African Animal Encounters to Add to Your Bucket List!

When you think of seeing animals in Africa, chances are the first thing you think of is going on African safari adventures. There are loads of different tours to choose from, and the animals and type of terrain you will see will depend on the African country you are visiting. You can expect to see rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos, wildebeest, giraffes, all kinds of bird species and so much more. It’s a great way to maximize your chances of seeing the best animals since safari tour guides will know which spots to take you to.

Boat Tours

As well as seeing animals from the land, there are plenty you can see from boats too. You can often access different areas by boat that you might not necessarily be able to get to on land, and can view things like animals having a drink from the water. You could see crocodiles, hippos, stingrays and much more. Your tour guide will ensure you’re a safe distance and in safe locations.

Self Driving Tour

If you want a bit more freedom or have been on African safaris before and feel confident, how about going on a self driven tour? You can hire 4x4s which allow you to easily get around the terrain, and you can go where you want then without being restricted by a tour. Do your research though and take advice where you can, it’s a safe experience if you’re sensible about it and an excellent way to view animals and landscapes around the African country you’re visiting.

Go to The National Parks

National parks in general are a great place to see wildlife, since they are protected areas. And there are parks like this dotted all over Africa, so it’s worth working in a visit to at least one of them on your trip. As well as large mammals there are plenty of smaller ones too plus birds, reptiles and more- it’s a chance to see it all!

There are tons of great animal experiences and places to view all kinds of creatures in Africa. Be sure to book an animal adventure when you’re planning your trip to Africa.

Don’t forget to Pin it to your Bucket List Board!

The post Awesome African Animal Encounters to Add to Your Bucket List! appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Have you ever dreamed of going on a wild African Safari?  Hell Yeah! 

Oxford Dictionary defines a Safari as “an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa.”

Growing up reading Zoo Books has inspired many to follow in the footsteps Hemingway or President Roosevelt and fulfill their dream of going on safari.  Who wouldn’t want to take such an epic adventure?  What prevents people from doing so?  Well, usually it is the cost and time to travel to Africa that seems to throw the proverbial monkey wrench in people’s dream to explore such venues.  But what if you could take a day trip and spend less than $40?  Well that is exactly what we did!

Part of my bucket list is #200) Know my home State of Louisiana.  I added this item to my bucket list because often people dream of worlds far away but ignore great adventures in their own back yard. Being born and raised in Louisiana, I figured that I had seen and done most of the major attractions in my home state.  But after much research, I learned that I wasn’t even close.  Therefore, I took it upon myself to find some of the greatest secrets hiding in my own back yard.  This search led to the discovery of a real life safari in my home state of Louisiana at the Global Wildlife Center Safari!

Thus #200) Know my home State of Louisiana: P) Go on Safari at the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom

The Global Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that was established in 1991.  Located in Folsom, Louisiana about 1.5 hours from New Orleans, it is a 900 acre preserve with over 4,000 animals free roaming on premises.  They currently house giraffes, camels, watusi, mesopotamian deer, antelopes, zebras, rheas, mules, alpacas, kangaroos, and something called a Beefalo among many other animals. The property is beautiful to say the least and is a great adventure for the whole family.

When you arrive, you immediately enter the visitor center/gift shop and obtain your tickets.  Tickets start at $17 for adults and $11 for children under the age of 11.  Tour sign ups are usually completed on the hour and within 10 to 15 minutes you are loaded up on safari wagons that are pulled by slow moving tractors.  It is an excellent tour run by local young adults who provide a vast knowledge of the animals, their environments, and a bit of fun humor along the way.  For our experience, the safari ride itself lasted about 1.5 hours which felt like a great return on our investment.

I want to Go on Safari at the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana! #GlobalWildlifeCenter
Click To Tweet

The tour is definitely educational but it is also part petting zoo, as you have the option to obtain a large souvenir cup of food pellets for about $2 or even a family size bucket for $30 to feed the animals as they roam up to the wagons.  This was as much fun for the kids as it is for the adults.  To feel the horns of the monstrous watusi or to pet the many deer, you must be on guard as they hustle you for your pails of food. 

If you feel like splurging, there is also the opportunity to take a tour in a Private Pinzgauer.  Named after an Austrian breed of horse, these former military utility vehicles can accommodate up to eight guests, and this 4×4 can go places our safari wagons could not!  These private tours  are priced around $35 per person for at least an hour.

Whether you take the Private Pinz tour or you jump on the safari wagon, make sure you bring plenty of water cause it gets hot out there.  They are very accommodating and have no objections, I recommend you bring your own personal water bottles to combat the safari heat!

So as you can see, adventure can be found everywhere!  Through research online, I have discovered that many places across the U.S. offer similar wildlife experiences.  Don’t let the distance of Africa deter you from a once in a lifetime Safari adventure that may actually be available in your own backyard.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post A Louisiana Safari appeared first on The Bucket List Project.