The Complete Uganda Safari Packing List

Packing for Uganda is a balancing act: you need gear tough enough for a muddy gorilla trek, light enough for a hot game drive, and modest enough to respect local culture. Here's exactly what to bring — and what to leave at home.

Clothing: The Layering Rule

Uganda's weather shifts fast, especially in the forested highlands. Pack neutral colours — khaki, olive, brown — and avoid bright colours and camouflage (camo is restricted in some areas).

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (protection from sun, scratches and insects)
• A warm fleece or light jacket for chilly Bwindi mornings
• A genuinely waterproof rain jacket
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• A few quick-dry t-shirts for warmer days

Footwear & Trekking Gear

This is where people most often get caught out. The Bwindi trails are steep, wet and tangled with roots.

• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support — broken in before you travel
• Gaiters to keep mud and insects out of your boots
• Thick socks (tuck your trousers into them on the trek)
• Gardening-style gloves for gripping vines and branches

For Game Drives & the Nile

Heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls or Jinja as well? Add:

• Binoculars — essential for spotting distant wildlife
• A camera with a zoom lens and spare batteries
• Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot afternoons
• A swimsuit if your lodge has a pool or you're doing a boat cruise

Health & Safety Essentials

• Insect repellent with DEET
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Any personal medications, plus a basic first-aid kit
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• A reusable water bottle

Speak to a travel clinic well before you fly about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for Uganda.

The Easy-to-Forget Extras

• A universal power adapter (Uganda uses UK-style plugs)
• A power bank — charging points can be limited at remote lodges
• A headlamp or torch
• Dry bags or zip-lock bags to protect electronics from rain
• Cash in small denominations for tips and porters

What to Leave Behind

Skip the heavy suitcase — soft duffel bags are far easier in a safari vehicle and on small aircraft. Leave the drone unless you've arranged permits, and don't bother with formal wear; this is a trip about wild places, not dress codes.