Packing List for a Uganda Safari

Are you considering a trip to Uganda for a safari and are unsure what to bring/pack for a wonderful safari experience? Remember that packing correctly and lightly is the first step in having the ideal safari experience. But don’t worry, since this guide will make packing a breeze. What to carry is determined by the time of year you are going and, more importantly, the activity for which you are traveling. Is this a gorilla trekking safari, a wildlife viewing safari (game drives), or a bird-watching safari? Whatever safari you choose, the following items should be on your packing list for a Uganda safari.

A visa that is valid.

A Visa is also required for all visitors visiting Uganda, save those from visa-exempt nations such as nationals of East African Community member states (Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania), Angola, Bahamas, Cyprus, Comoros, Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, and Solomon Islands, among others. For further information on Ugandan Visa requirements, or to establish whether your nation is Visa exempt, visit http://gov.ug/content/requirements-entry-uganda.

 

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

When visiting Uganda for tourism or for any other reason, an immunization certificate against yellow fever is required.

 

Insurance for Travel

Before traveling to Uganda for any type of safari, be sure you have travel insurance. Even though most safaris in Uganda are led by equipped ranger guides, you can’t know what may happen on the road or in the National Parks.

Long pants or long skirts 

If you are going to Uganda for a gorilla adventure safari, a nature walk, or a bird viewing safari, you must wear these to protect your legs from insects. Tourists going on game drives or trips within cities do not need to wear long pants; in fact, shorts might work just as well. Women prefer long trousers or skirts to short skirts or shorts since the latter are culturally unsuitable in most rural parts of Uganda.

 

T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts/blouses

You should carry them as well, especially if you are going on game drives. They are also great for relaxing at Safari Lodges.

 

Shoes

The style/nature of shoes you wear also depends on the type of safari you are on in Uganda. Resistant hiking boots are ideal for gorilla and chimp trekking, wildlife hikes, volcano and mountain climbing, and even bird viewing. For neighborhood walks or game drives, strong leather shoes and flip-flops can be packed.

 

Socks with a long length

Long socks, ideally of cotton fabric, are also essential while traveling to Uganda on a safari. If you are going to the forest for ecological walks or gorilla trekking, it is usually a good idea to tuck your trousers into your socks to keep Safari Ants and other insects out of your trousers/pants.

 

Sweater

This is critical for most safaris in Uganda, particularly those to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park for gorilla tours, the Rwenzori Mountains, or even Mount Elgon, which may become quite chilly in the evenings or early mornings. This applies to both the wet and dry seasons, but for the rainy season, you’ll need heavy, warm jackets and scarves.

 

monetary belt

A money belt is useful for carrying your passport as well as money for tipping and purchasing refreshments, souvenirs, or any other type of service.

 

gloves for gardening

Gardening gloves are essential for gorilla trekking because they protect your hands from injury while you support yourself with tree branches or stinging nettles.

 

Sunglasses with a hat

These are essential throughout the dry season to shield your head and eyes from the scotching sun.

 

Swimsuit

Because most Safari Lodges include swimming pools, these suits will come in useful for relaxing after a hard day of gorilla trekking or Chimpanzee tracking.

 

Photographic accessories

You should bring cameras, preferably rechargeable ones, as well as extra batteries. It should be noted that UK plugs may be used in most places in Uganda, thus you may require a converter plug. Mountain gorillas require a rapid film since there are so many intriguing moments to catch.

 

Repellent for insects

Insect repellants are also essential for a safari to Uganda, particularly for gorilla trekking and chimp tracking safaris, because the rainforests are infested with insects, particularly mosquitoes, and the suggested insect repellent is RID.

 

First-aid supplies

You will need to bring a modest and light first aid kit that has important items such as bandages, Imodium, muscle strain liniment, anti-bacterial cream, aspirin and other pain relievers, anti-diarrheal and anti-malarial medication, anti-septic, band-aid, and cold medication.

 

Toiletries as well as a toilet bag

Hand sanitizers, lotion, sanitary towels, razor blades (ideally Gillette), shampoo and body wash, tooth paste and tooth brush, toilet paper, anti-bacterial soaps, face cleansers, and deodorants are among the amenities you should bring.

 

Binoculars

This is critical for any type of safari, whether it’s a nature walk, bird-watching safari (required), game drive, or even gorilla trekking, where many things must be seen.

 

Torches

Small flashlights may be required if the power goes out. Electricity outages are prevalent in Africa, particularly in Uganda, and power can be turned off late at night in National Parks that rely mostly on solar energy.

 

To summarize, anyone traveling to Uganda for any type of safari should bring long-sleeved shirts, raincoats, sweaters, long pants, hiking boots, long socks, gardening gloves, a backpack, cameras, and binoculars since a fantastic safari experience may be attained by dressing light and appropriately.