Tips For Children Safety on A Uganda Family Tour
Are you planning for a Uganda family tour with children? check for detailed tips for children safety on a Uganda family tour with Maranatha Tours and Travel. Family Tours with children can be memorable and life-changing, creating memories that will last a lifetime. However, packing the little ones and whisking them to new safari destinations can sometimes feel overwhelming. The most amazing preparation and adjustment is remaining calm and in control during the trip. Anyone will tell you that traveling with children can be both exciting and overwhelming, and here are some important tips for child safety when on a Family Tour in Uganda;
When Traveling By Rental Car
One of the most important tips for child safety when on a family Tour in Uganda, especially when traveling by a rental car, is always using a car seat (for infants and young children). Toddlers and infants are recommended to ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. And when your child outgrows the rear-facing weight and height limit, it is advisable to ride in a forward-facing car seat.
We, at Maranatha Tours and Travel, usually arrange for car seats, especially for travelers who are unable to bring theirs along. Nonetheless, there is also a limited selection of seats. We advise that you check that the car seat you are provided is appropriate for the size and age of your child. Also, ensure that it is in good condition and that the instruction manual is provided before accepting it.
If your child has outgrown the seat with a harness (for instance, reaching the top height or weight permitted for the seat), it is recommended to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the car seat belt fits perfectly. This is common for children between 8 and 12 years, measuring about 4′ 9″ in height.
Also, always set a good example by wearing a seat belt at all times, even if you are using a ride-share or a Rental Car.
When it comes to keeping children from being restless or irritable during the Family Tour, we advise pointing out exciting sights or scenery along the way. Additionally, you can get soft, lightweight toys as well as their favorite music for a sing-along.
Also, plan for rest stops for 1-2 hours to relax, stretch legs, “answer calls of nature”, or have food/drinks along the way.
Another important tip for child safety when on a family tour in Uganda, especially when traveling by rental car, is not leaving your child alone in the rental car even for a minute. One thing you need to always keep in mind is that temperatures inside the car can reach fatal levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke.
Besides the travelers’ health kit, it is advisable to pack some other essentials for the Family Tour in Uganda. These include clean and safe drinking water and healthy snacks, child-safe hand wipes, diaper rash ointment (where needed), and an insect and water-proof ground sheet for outdoor playing.
General tips
Vaccinations should be taken care of beforehand
If you are traveling from/or through yellow fever-prone countries, it is important to update your children’s vaccinations for their own safety. Always check with your pediatrician beforehand so you know the age-appropriate vaccinations for your child.
Always be prepared for sickness, injury, and getting lost
Family Tours in Uganda are usually filled with sightseeing, new safari experiences, lots of fun, and food. However, it is also good to be prepared for possible issues like the flu, cold, headaches, and getting cuts. For this reason, make sure to pack a basic first aid kit (containing anti-biotic ointment, adhesive bandages, and many others), and enough prescription medicines that your children usually take.
Make a child-friendly itinerary
Traveling with children may be a bit different from going on a honeymoon trip, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be a phenomenal experience. By adjusting your safari itinerary to fit the needs of your children, you will do your best to keep them safe and definitely happy. For example, if you are traveling to a safari destination with high temperatures, such as Lake Mburo National Park or Kidepo Valley National Park, ensure to plan for alternative indoor activities during the hot times of the day. This can be anytime between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. For this reason, you can add Museum visits or swimming. When you research your safari destination ahead of time, you will be able to plan for several child-friendly activities. For outdoor activities such as game drives, nature walks, and boat rides, ensure that children are hydrated, and this is done during warmer times of the day, like 6:00 am to 10:00 am, or 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Pack in preparation
When you undertake Family Tours in Uganda, it is important to bring a photocopy of your passports that you will keep separate from the actual passports. Additionally, take photos of each of your passports and email them to yourselves. In so doing, you will also have digital copies of everyone’s information. In case your passports get lost or stolen during your Family Tour in Uganda, having a photocopy will guarantee easier replacement at the Embassy.
Similarly, always separate your cash and credit cards. For example, ensure that each adult is carrying cash and has credit cards. This guarantees that if you lose your credit cards or have money stolen, you will still have the capacity to buy food and other essentials during the trip.
Keep children occupied and on-schedule
It is no brainer that children can get bored and agitated during long trips. You can keep frustrations at bay by adding age-appropriate adventures such as educational games, coloring books, and puzzles. You can also add rest stops/breaks during road trips to allow them to stretch their legs, enjoy meals, and drinks. Additionally, try your best to stick to their usual nap times, especially for young children, as this can prevent tantrums later
