by Canine Safaris Ltd, 2 min read
Packing for a Uganda safari is mostly about layers, comfort and the forest. The country sits on the equator but much of it is highland, so a morning in Bwindi can feel cool and a midday on the plains of Queen Elizabeth can feel hot. This list keeps you comfortable in both.
Clothing
- Two or three neutral-coloured shirts, in khaki, olive, brown or grey. Avoid bright colours, and leave camouflage patterns at home because they are not appropriate for civilians in Uganda
- Lightweight long trousers, ideally quick-drying, for walks and forests
- A fleece or light jacket for early drives and cool evenings
- A waterproof rain jacket. Showers can arrive in any season, especially in the forest
- A sun hat, sunglasses and a scarf or buff for dust
- Comfortable evening clothes. Lodges are relaxed, so smart-casual is plenty
Footwear
- Sturdy, broken-in walking boots with ankle support for gorilla and chimpanzee treks
- Comfortable closed shoes or trainers for game drives
- Light sandals for the lodge
Gorilla and chimpanzee trek kit
Treks go through steep, muddy and sometimes thorny forest, so these extras make a difference.
- Gloves, because you will grab vines and branches for balance
- Long socks and gaiters to keep out mud, ants and nettles
- A small daypack with water, snacks and a rain cover
- A plastic bag or dry bag to protect your camera
- Cash for a porter. Hiring one supports local households and makes the climb easier
Read what a gorilla trekking day is really like for how the day unfolds, and our gorilla versus chimpanzee guide for how the two treks differ.
Health and personal items
- Any prescription medicines in your hand luggage, with a copy of the prescription
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and a small first-aid kit
- Anti-malarial tablets as advised by your doctor. The CDC (opens in a new tab) recommends prescription anti-malarial medicine for Uganda
- Hand sanitiser, tissues and a reusable water bottle
Electronics and optics
- Binoculars, which transform a safari. Eight or ten times magnification suits most guests
- A camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries and a power bank
- A plug adapter for Uganda's three-pin UK-style sockets at 240 volts
- A phone with offline maps. Mobile signal is patchy in the parks
- Check the rules before you bring a drone, because permits are required
Documents and money
- Passport valid for at least six months, with a copy
- Visa approval and the confirmation emails for permits and rooms. See our visa guide
- Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and activities such as trekking
- A little cash in small notes. Our money and tipping guide explains what to carry
What to leave at home
Bright clothing, heavy hard suitcases, valuable jewellery, strong perfume and single-use plastic you do not need. A soft duffel bag fits more easily in a safari vehicle and light aircraft.
Plan the rest with us
If you are not sure what suits your route, tell us where you are going on the plan your trip page and we will adjust the list to your itinerary and season.
Places in this post
Frequently asked questions
What colours should I wear on safari?
Neutral earth tones such as khaki, olive, brown and grey. Avoid bright colours, and avoid camouflage patterns.
Do I need gaiters for gorilla trekking?
They are not required, but they keep mud, ants and nettles out of your boots and many trekkers find them helpful.
Should I bring a hard suitcase?
A soft duffel is better. It fits in safari vehicles and light aircraft more easily.
Can I buy things I forget?
Basic items are available in larger towns such as Mbarara and Kampala, but specialist gear is limited. It is safer to pack boots and binoculars from home.
Sources and further reading
- packing list
- gorilla trekking
- planning
- what to wear
- first time
