2 September, 2021
Are you planning a Uganda safari trip? Your packing checklist ought to include everything that might not be readily accessible when you need it.
In this blog post, TRAFEKA will help show you how to travel light and how your packing list should look like.
Your Uganda trip packing list kicks off with carrying everything in something like a luggage travel bag. Travelers who are unlikely to be carrying their luggage for any significant distance will probably want to pack most of it in a conventional safari bag.
Ensure that your travel bag is tough, durable and seals well so that the contents will survive bumpy drives to the game reserves.
A daypack will be useful on an Africa safari, and you should be able to pack your luggage in such a manner that any breakable goods can be carried in the body of the vehicle and on your lap when necessary — anything like a phone or camera will suffer heavily from vibrations on bumpy roads.
We advise that you keep separate; one or two shirts for evening use only. Otherwise, try to keep your clothes to a minimum. In our expert opinion, the least you need is one or perhaps two pairs of trousers and or 2 dresses, one pair of shorts, three shirts, one light sweater, maybe a light waterproof jacket during the rainy season, enough socks and underwear to last you up to five or seven days, one solid pair of shoes or boots for hiking, and one pair of sandals or other light shoes.
It’s believed that jeans are not ideal for African travel since they are bulky to carry, hot to wear, and take ages to dry.
A good option would be; light cotton trousers, which dry more quickly and weigh less. Light colors show dirt more easily, try to avoid them. If you intend to spend a while in areas around the slopes of Mountains, instead of bringing a second pair of trousers, you might prefer to carry a safari trouser made from a synthetic material that offers UV protection, adaptable, and made for comfort. The material is perfect for fighting moisture and dirt/dust when out in the jungle.
Just like trousers, these are best made of light natural fabric such as cotton. It is worthwhile to don skirts that go below the knee for reasons of code of behavior: short skirts will cause needless offense to many Ugandans (especially Muslims). Like it or not, they may appear provocative in some quarters. In rural Uganda, women are perhaps best off not wearing shorts.
Uganda is normally warm at night, though at higher altitudes (in areas like Fort Portal); it can cool down in the evening. For all-purpose, one warm sweater, fleece jacket, or sweatshirt should be ample. If you plan to go hiking Mount Elgon or the Rwenzoris, you will need very warm and appropriate clothing.
Western Uganda has a wet climate, and rains are usual even during the actual dry seasons. A light waterproof jacket is ideal. On the other hand, a lightweight umbrella could be essential against rain and sun (by and large, your safari lodge will provide one if it rains).
With the exception of if you are serious about off-road hiking, bulky hiking boots are perhaps not essential on the Uganda trip packing list. They are equally heavy, whether they are on your feet or in your pack. A good pair of walking shoes, if at all possible, leather and with some ankle support; would be a good compromise.
It’s also helpful to carry sandals, thongs, or other light shoes. Rather than spending a lot shopping for your African safari, you might follow the lead of knowledgeable travelers and pack a minimum for just what your itinerary needs you to do.
If you are trekking the gorillas in Bwindi, waterproof hiking boots are a must. You won’t trek gorillas in your long tucked trousers and socks in canvas shoes, the tropical forest ground is mostly dumpy, and so you will have to put your best foot forward.
It’s very important to make sure that a small medical kit makes it to your trip’s packing list, the contents of which are discussed in our health blog post (Traveling to Uganda | Health Tips and Advice to consider). It’s obligatory that you carry surgical gloves, N85 surgical facemask, and hand sanitizer on your medical kit. At any entry point, these may be requested to protect you or others from the Covid-19 infection. Most significantly, wear your face mask at all times while in public places and keep the recommended distance from other people.
There you have it; a packing checklist for a safari to Uganda. Start planning your guided Uganda safari trip with TRAFEKA. We will connect you to our experts on ground with firsthand knowledge of everything; from what to take, to fees processing, lodging, transportation, and what activities that suit your travel style. Tell us your story and how you want to travel, and we shall have a whole team dedicated to making your Africa safari dream come true.
