What to pack for a Uganda safari holiday
What to pack for a safari holiday to Uganda & Rwanda
You are excited about experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Uganda. You have your ticket ready and are now pondering what to pack. Your itinerary from your tour agent Nkuringo Safaris mentions that you will be trekking the mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You also notice game drives, chimp trekking, nature walks, and many other activities are included in the itinerary.
When ticking off your packing list, you must consider the size and weight of your luggage. If your itinerary involves flights in a charter plane, you’ll need to pack extra light to comply with baggage restrictions limited to 10 to 20kgs (depending on the aircraft). Some lodges provide laundry services so that you can bring fewer clothes. You can, however, coordinate with your tour company to keep your excess luggage or have it delivered to your lodge.
Are you wondering what to pack that will make your trip much more comfortable and enjoyable? Yes, read on.
Sighting Essentials
- Long range camera
It would be best if you captured every magical moment on your all-inclusive safari. Carry an excellent long-range camera that allows you to capture a great level of detail in a photo. It also enables you to shoot in low-light conditions because you will be trekking deep in the forest. You can also easily capture images of wildlife that are a bit far from you during game drives. Don’t forget to carry spare memory cards and batteries as you will want to take lots of photos.
- Binoculars
For optimum viewing of wildlife and birds, binoculars are a must. You may borrow your safari guides pair if you don’t have your own.
Safari Clothing
- Hiking shoes
The terrain in Uganda is comprised of hills, dirt roads, and mud. A sturdy pair of hiking shoes makes exploring these exciting activities light work.
- Sandals
After a long exciting walk and trek, your feet will probably be in agony. You would want to change into open sandals and let your feet breathe and relax.
- Raincoat/ Poncho
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate, and the rains can come down at any time. Be prepared for such unexpected moments – bring your poncho! Make sure that you also have a waterproof cover for your backpack to keep valuables dry.
- Change of clothes
Avoid white clothing as due to the red soil and mud you will encounter, they will never be white again! Pick neutral colors for optimum camouflage in the bush. Get loose-fitting and lightweight clothes that keep you cool and dry quickly if you get caught in the rain. Carry long sleeves and trousers to prevent mosquito or insect bites during trekking and keep dust off when navigating the roads. The nights can be chilly and cold; thus, having some warm clothes at night is welcome.
- Socks
It would be best if you had plenty of socks to change with each day’s activity that involves a lot of trekking. You probably won’t have time to wash them, but they may not dry if you do. The nights tend to be cold, and a pair of socks makes nighttime cozy and comfortable.
- Hat or Cap
Again, the sun can be a little harsh and fierce on you. A hat or baseball cap will shield you from it.
Items you won’t want to forget
- Sunscreen
Uganda, being on the equator can sometimes be hot. The sun is always up, and you wouldn’t want to bake under it. Protect your skin with sunscreen and prevent the harsh sun rays from burning you.
- Insect Repellant.
Spraying yourself with insect repellant before you venture off on the adventure will keep bugs away. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers can also prevent this.
- Swimsuit
In the course of your trip, your safari manager may book you into a lodge with a swimming pool. These facilities are usually complimentary for in-house guests, and if you have time, you can relax under the warm African sun alongside the swimming pool. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Personal Toiletries
Most lodges and hotels provide basic amenities but don’t forget to carry your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, shower gel, tampons (ladies), and other personal amenities.
- Backpack
You will need a backpack to pack small amenities, water, a camera for the day’s activity. The hotel or lodge will most likely pack you a lunch that you can enjoy when out on an adventure. - Money bag or belt
If you have booked and planned your trip with a tour company, you will probably have already paid for most of these activities. You may need personal funds for buying souvenirs. Do not show where you put your money in public. If leaving for an activity, you must lock them in the safe or check-in your valuables at the lodge reception, depending on the lodge policy.
- Electronic devices
Most lodges have access to the internet, and in the evening, after an exciting day of venturing, you can update your travel memoirs and friends on your trip.
- Medication
Availability of drugs is uncertain though most lodges and your tour vehicle will have a basic first aid kit on hand. Please carry any prescriptions and over-the-counter medication that you need. It would help if you also brought some medication pills like antimalarials, antihistamines for bug bites and allergic reactions. Also, carry some painkillers, cold and flu medicine, diarrhea medication, band-aids, and antiseptic cream. Ensure that you receive necessary inoculations and vaccination and obtain the International Vaccination Certificate.
- Flashlight
Most lodges are eco-friendly and lighting will be limited. You will need a flashlight to manoeuvre around.
- Ziploc bags
You need a supply of these to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes.
- Antiseptic Gel
You will use this for washing your hand when there’s no water.
- Spare glasses
If you wear contacts, it’s often too dusty to wear them comfortably.
- Spare memory cards.
- Spare camera battery (consider solar charger), AA batteries.
- Electrical adaptors.
- Converter plugs to fit local sockets.
Before leaving, do you have your passport with a blank page for the Uganda Visa? Do you have comprehensive travel insurance? Do you have your sunglasses – you won’t want to be forgetting these.
Well then, you’re all set to enjoy your magical trip to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Wanting to visit Uganda or Rwanda? Learn more about Uganda, here and Rwanda, here. If you have any questions, we’d love to hear them. Contact us, today.
