Uganda Safari Packing List
Everything you need for gorilla trekking, rainforest canopy tracking, savannah game drives, and photography in East Africa.
Categorized Packing Guide
Checked and verified by our local Ugandan safari guides.
Essential Gorilla Trekking Gear
- Sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
- Tough gardening or leather gloves (for grabbing thorny vines & stinging nettles)
- Breathable waterproof gaiters (prevents safari ants & mud entry)
- Long-sleeved moisture-wicking shirts & long hiking trousers (tuck into socks)
- Lightweight waterproof rain jacket & rain trousers / poncho
- Wide-brimmed safari hat & UV sunglasses
- Daypack (20-30L) with waterproof rain cover
- Reusable water canteen (2 liters minimum)
Safari Game Drive Clothing
- Neutral earth-toned clothing (khaki, tan, olive, brown)
- Avoid bright blue or black (attracts tsetse flies in woodland savannah)
- Avoid bright white (stands out to wildlife)
- Warm fleece or lightweight down jacket (mornings & evenings in highlands are cold)
- Casual lodge wear for evening dinners around campfire
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for lodge relaxation
Camera Gear & Electronics
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast zoom lens (70-200mm f/2.8 is ideal for gorillas)
- Telephoto zoom (100-400mm) for savannah wildlife & birds
- Multiple high-speed SD memory cards & extra camera batteries (no flash allowed)
- Waterproof dry bag or silicone rain cover for camera in rainforest
- Universal UK standard 3-pin power adapter (Type G)
- Portable power bank for mobile phones on long safari transfers
Health, Medical & Toiletries
- Yellow Fever vaccination card (mandatory for entry into Uganda)
- Prescription Malaria prophylactics (consult your travel doctor)
- DEET insect repellent (spray and wipes)
- Personal blister care, adhesive bandages & antiseptic cream
- Rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication & motion sickness tablets
- High SPF sunscreen & lip balm with sun protection
Pack for the hardest day, then keep the rest simple. On a Uganda primate safari, that hardest day is usually gorilla trekking. You need reliable footwear, rain protection and clothing that protects your skin. You do not need a wardrobe built for a travel catalogue.
Gorilla trekking essentials
Broken-in hiking boots
Do not bring new boots and hope the forest breaks them in for you. Use footwear with grip and ankle support that you have already walked in.
Long trousers
Choose quick-drying trousers that protect your legs from vegetation and mud. Avoid jeans for the trek. They get heavy when wet and dry slowly.
Long-sleeved top
A light long-sleeved shirt gives better protection through dense vegetation than a short-sleeved top.
Rain jacket
Bwindi and Mgahinga can receive rain at any time. Carry a lightweight waterproof layer in the daypack even when the morning starts clear.
Gloves
Simple gardening or light work gloves are useful around nettles, branches and muddy slopes.
Gaiters or long socks
Gaiters help keep mud and insects out of your boots. Long socks can also be pulled over the trouser hem.
Small daypack
Carry water, camera, rain layer and personal essentials. Keep it light. A porter can carry the bag during the trek.
Safari clothing
For game drives, use comfortable neutral-coloured clothing that handles dust and repeated wear. Lightweight trousers, breathable shirts and a fleece or light jacket cover most conditions.
Early mornings can feel cool, especially at altitude. Midday can be warm.
You do not need camouflage clothing.
Sun and insects
Bring sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent. Follow travel-health advice on malaria prevention and any other medication with a qualified clinician.
Camera and power
Bring enough batteries or a power bank for long days away from the room. If you use a large camera body or long lens, think about how it will be protected from rain during the trek.
Flash photography around primates is restricted. Follow ranger instructions.
Documents
Carry:
- Passport
- Visa approval where required
- Travel insurance details
- Permit confirmation documents supplied for the trip
- Flight tickets
- Emergency contact information
- Copies stored securely online
Keep the passport dry on trekking days if it is required for identification.
Luggage choice
Soft-sided luggage is easier in safari vehicles and on small aircraft than oversized hard cases. Domestic flight baggage limits can differ from international allowances, so check them before packing.
What not to overpack
Leave out:
- Too many shoes
- Heavy formal clothing unless your trip specifically needs it
- Large quantities of “just in case” toiletries
- Expensive items you will not use in the field
A smaller bag is easier to manage on a road safari.
The day before the gorilla trek
Lay out boots, socks, trousers, long sleeves, gloves, rain jacket and daypack. Charge batteries. Fill water. Confirm briefing time.
Do that before dinner, not at 5:45 the next morning.