Packing Guide

What to Bring on Your Uganda Safari

Packing right makes all the difference. Here's our comprehensive guide to ensure you're well-prepared for your African adventure.

Clothing

  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing — khaki, beige, olive, and brown are ideal for blending in with the environment
  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers — for sun protection and insect prevention, especially during evening hours
  • Warm fleece or jacket — mornings and evenings can be cool, especially at higher altitudes
  • Rain jacket or poncho — essential during the rainy seasons (March-May and October-November)
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes — sturdy, waterproof boots for gorilla trekking and nature walks
  • Sandals or flip-flops — for relaxing at the lodge after a day of adventure
  • Swimwear — many lodges have swimming pools

Health & Safety

  • Insect repellent — containing DEET for mosquito protection
  • Sunscreen — SPF 30 or higher, the equatorial sun is strong
  • First aid kit — basic supplies including plasters, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any personal medications
  • Anti-malarial medication — consult your doctor before travel
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate — mandatory for entry into Uganda
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  • Reusable water bottle — stay hydrated on game drives and treks

Gear & Equipment

  • Binoculars — essential for wildlife viewing, especially bird watching
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards — you'll take more photos than you expect!
  • Flashlight or headlamp — useful at camps and lodges, especially during power fluctuations
  • Power bank — for charging devices during long game drives
  • Universal travel adapter — Uganda uses Type G sockets (same as UK)
  • Daypack — small backpack for daily excursions
  • Gardening gloves — helpful for gorilla trekking when gripping vegetation

Documents & Money

  • Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with at least 2 blank pages
  • Visa — most visitors require an East African Tourist Visa or Uganda e-Visa. Apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug
  • Travel insurance documents — including medical evacuation coverage
  • Cash (US Dollars) — notes printed after 2009 for tips, souvenirs, and incidentals. Credit cards are accepted at major lodges
  • Copies of all documents — keep digital and physical copies separate from originals

Pro Tips

  • Pack light — most domestic flights within Uganda have a 15kg luggage limit. Soft-sided bags are preferred.
  • Layer up — temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day, from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
  • Avoid dark blue and black clothing — these colors attract tsetse flies in certain areas.
  • Leave room for souvenirs — you'll want to bring back crafts, coffee, and other Ugandan treasures.

Have questions about what to pack?

Contact Our Team