What To Pack and Wear For Uganda Safari

When packing gears for the Uganda safari, you need to consider the activity you are heading for but do not forget warmers because all safari destination tend to experience very cold mornings and late afternoon. Most of Uganda safaris destinations are eco leaning like the 10 Uganda National Parks, source of river Nile, water activities and others.

Some of the must items to pack for any Uganda safari include insect repellant, bug spray, sunglasses, safari hat, camera, rainproof gears, light and long clothes in wilderness friendly colors, toiletries and others.

During Uganda safari, expect to be part of activities like gorilla safaris, game drives, chimpanzee safaris, golden monkey safaris, white water rafting Uganda birding, mountaineering, cultural experience and others.

Some of the prominent Uganda safaris destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park for mainly gorilla safaris. Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park for game safaris. Kibale National park for chimpanzee safaris. Rwenzori National Park and Elgon National Park for mountaineering, Semuliki National Park for the Ssempaya hotsprings and others.

Uganda also hosts the source of River Nile at Jinja, white water rafting on River Nile, sport fishing, hosts an array of birds as over 1000 birds are Uganda residents a list unrivalled by any country in Africa. The multicultural Uganda tour soaks you into the different cultural experiences in Africa.

When packing for Uganda safari, you must know the activities you are to engage in as per your itinerary as activities like gorilla safari or chimpanzee safaris in Uganda have a special packing list. In case you pack for the Uganda primate safari contrary to the list, you may find challenges during these adventures.

 No need to over pack but carry those items relevant for your Uganda safari so as not to feel inconvenienced especially if you have to share space with others.

What to Pack for gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey safaris in Uganda?

Safari waterproof boots

This is because the nature of the trails within the forests were gorilla tour, golden monkey safaris and chimpanzee safaris is almost wet all year. The tropical rain forests of Uganda receive rains and have a dense network of rivers too that may flood especially during the severe rain seasons. This creates soggy and boggy conditions that you have to walk through while you search for these primates. You need the right safari boots comfortable to take you through the entire search.

Rainproof gears

It rains in the tropical rain forests in Uganda at any time. You need to carry atleast a raincoat or poncho to protect you from getting so wet and cold during the walk to locate the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys.

Garden gloves in case you tripe and fall while searching for these primates because you need to hold a tighter grip on the surfaces around you.

Insect repellant

The jungle has so many stinging insects that may cause you skin irritation in case you come across them. You need to protect your skin from insect attacks by using an insect repellant of your choice.

Long sleeved shirt and trousers

To use for extra protection to your entire body while you walk in the jungle. The must be in colors that are wilderness friendly like tan, Khaki, forest green. Try to avoid carrying camouflage as this is related to military wear and it is prohibited in Uganda. Colors blue, white, black may attract tsetse flies that may hurt you.

First aid kit

Whether on gorilla safari, chimpanzee tour or golden monkey safari, you have to walk in the jungle that has many inhabitants that may be harmful. You need to pack a first aid kit just in case of an emergency. You can also get a sprain while walking to find these primates so pack accordingly.

Waterproof Backpack

All your safari gears need to be protected in one container so that even when you fall, they donot scatter. When handing them to a porter before the gorilla, chimpanzee or golden monkey adventure, it is easy to hand them over.

Safari hat and sunglasses

You need to protect your hair and eyes from the buzzing insects in the jungle that may slip in or fly into.

A pair of stockings

To tack in your trousers tightly, you need a pair of stockings as creepers can make there way in to hurt you.

A pair of binoculars

While in the jungle, sometimes the gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys may be fur from your reach so you can use the pair of binoculars to get a closer look. During the severe rain seasons, most primates do not love staying closer to the ground but you need to also see them because this is why you pay for the permits.

Foldable water bottle

You need to rehydrate during the search for the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys. Although these primates live in tropical rain forests that are usually cold almost the entire day, sometimes you may be required to hike up to about 2600 meters above season level. You need to keep hydrated.

Energy treats

Breakfast is taken too early to last the entire time in the jungle but during the breaks during the search for the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys, you can feast at your snacks for re-energizing.

Light Shoe bag

From the jungle after the gorilla tour, chimpanzee safaris and golden monkey tour, the shoes are generally messy and cannot be repacked with other clothes because they will stain everything. You need to carry a light shoe bag in case you do not get time to clean up and then dry your safari boots.

What To pack For Other Uganda Safari Activities?

Other than the primates safaris in Uganda that require you to have a special list of items to pack, during other Uganda safaris, you may follow the list below while packing.

Light clothes

During the game drives in Uganda safari, you drive under the scotching sun which may cause you to feel uncomfortable. You may wear some light clothes like shorts, sleeveless just to enjoy the game drives. The dry season temperatures in the game parks like Queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison Falls national park, Kidepo valley National Park tend to rise to over 29 degrees centigrade.

A camera

Protecting the memories of your wild animal encounters is necessary. You can still get back to these photos to recap on the natural beauties that the Uganda National Park have through photos. For gorilla safari, chimpanzee tour or golden monkey safari the camera must be sound proof as the primates are easily agitated by the sounds of these cameras.

Sunscreen

In case you have to bask by the pool side under the sun after the long game drive during Uganda game safari, you need to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from getting sunburns.

Travel insurance

Purchase travel insurance before travelling for a Uganda safari just in case of uncertainties.

Extra fully charged batteries

When one gadget runs low with battery, you need to replace it with another as soon as possible in order not to miss any scenes in the jungle.

Charger and travel adapter

You need to carry your charger and adapters just in case you need them.

Hard cash

Carry some hard cash to use for any exchange as credit cards are hard to use in Africa. Collecting money from them is quite challenging. In case you have to make payments like on drinks, extra services, you need to do this with cash.

Toiletries

In case your lodge doesn’t offer toiletries, you need to pack your own. You need to carry your own that your skin is comfortable with.

Duffel bag

In order for you to be able to carry your belongings during the Uganda safari, you need to pack in a duffel bag.

What are the best destinations for a Uganda safari?

The best destinations to choose on Uganda safari depend in what you are interested in seeing. Uganda is a country endowed by nature and most of the activities found in different parts of Africa can be done in the boundaries of Uganda.

The foremost Uganda safari activity is gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience that happen in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National Park. You must book a Uganda gorilla permit for this adventure.

Chimpanzee safari I Kibale National park, Kyambura gorge, Kaniyo pabidi forest and other Uganda safari destinations get you up-close with the closest human cousins in animal kingdom.

During the game drives in Uganda, expect to visit parks like Queen Elizabeth National park that sets on the floor of the rift valley, Murchison Falls National park bisected by River Nile, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National park.

Within some of these Uganda game parks, you can enjoy the relaxing launch trips on Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National park or to Murchison Falls in Murchison National Park.

Visit the source of River Nile in Jinja where Lake Victoria separates from River Nile a dramatic occurrence.

For tranquility and cozy environment, visiting lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, Ssese Island or other destinations may offer you this opportunity. These area have still water and lash green often visited by a plethora of birds.

What is the cost of Uganda safari?

The cost of the Uganda safari depends on what you are engaging in.Ffor gorilla trekking or habituation experience you must pay for the gorilla permit no matter the category of package you choose. Chimpanzee tours and golden monkey safaris also require you to buy permits.

At Arch safaris and Tours, we can assist you to book the necessary permits and accompanying logistics to make your Uganda safari memorable. Our team of sales consultants is always ready to work with you to customize and tailor an itinerary to cover all the activities of your choice.

Other than the permits, there are other Uganda safari costs for the logistics necessary for the entire tour. Some of the logistics to consider during Uganda safari include accommodations, vehicle hire, driver fee, fuel, other activities.

To find the per person Uganda safari cost, we consider the number of days to be on safari, number of people travelling with on Uganda tour, activities to include in tour, time of booking the Uganda safari and others.

Is Uganda safe for a Safari?

Uganda is safe for your African safari. Most Uganda safari destinations are watched by Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides well trained to guard the wild animals, there habitants and visitors. The ranger guide teams in these destinations work closely with other Uganda security agencies to maintain law and order in and round the Uganda National Parks.

In case you have to walk like during the gorilla trekking tour, gorilla habituation experience, chimpanzee safaris, golden monkey safaris and so much more. You need a ranger guide in your company and must attend briefing before entering the forest to find these primates.

As tourists, you are requested not to walk in the jungle without an escorting ranger guide as the wilderness has other in habitants that may hurt you. During the game drives, do not get out of the car whether for a short call or for a while because you do not know what is watching you. Do not dangle your limbs during the game safari in Uganda as you may make a meal for the carnivores in the jungle.

Do not provoke the animals like the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys although they are habituated to be in the presence of humans.

What Transport Means To Use To Get To The Uganda Safari Destinations?

Road transport

In Uganda, road transport is the main means to get to different Uganda safari destinations. No matter where you are destined to be, having a vehicle in good condition and a professional driver guide for your Uganda safari is most preferred. Do not expect a smooth ride because of the bumpy nature of Uganda roads especially up country.

Air transport

Uganda has scheduled domestic air transport to various destinations from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield. You need to secure a seat in advance especially during the peak seasons that is June, July, August, September, December and January. There are many bookings for domestic flights during the Uganda safari peak season.

Charter flight services available to many Uganda safari destinations but you need advance arrangement.

 At Arch Safaris and Tours, we can help you organize transport and for vehicle hire we hand pick the vehicle to use and the experienced and professional driver guides. We understand that you save your hard earned money to have a safari in Africa. We would like to walk the safari journey with you right from planning to departure time after the Uganda safari.

Enquire from us