What Should I Wear for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda?

Some essential bits!

When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing. It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas of Uganda and Rwanda; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.

When tracking the gorillas and chimpanzees we recommended wearing sturdy clothing to help protect against scratches, i.e. long sleeve shirt, trousers and a good pair of lightweight walking boots. A pair of protective leather gloves or gardening gloves is also useful, as well as a pair of gaiters.

As the temperature is variable and weather conditions can change; we also recommend taking a fleece or light jumper (layers of clothing are best especially with moisture wicking undergarments) and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers or poncho. A small backpack is useful to carry your water, pack lunch, camera and binoculars. Walking sticks are available at the park head quarters as are porters (it is worth taking a porter as it provides local people with employment and they will give you a helping hand on any steep terrain).

Whilst on safari neutral coloured, loose fitting and relaxed clothing is the most appropriate. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary. Please note that most hotels and lodges hand wash clothing.

Please see our suggested packing list below:

Khaki/natural coloured clothing for safaris / trekking

1–2 pairs of light weight trousers/slacks – that can dry quickly (if wearing on  treks)

1 pair of shorts

1-2 long sleeved shirts – quick drying preferably

2-3 short sleeved t-shirts – moisture-wicking preferably

Casual clothes for evenings

1-2 pairs trousers/slacks

1-3 sports/long sleeved shirt and/ or blouse

1 dress/skirt for ladies

1 Lightweight waterproof/ windproof/breathable jacket e.g. Gortex/ Event type fabrics

1 fleece, sweater or sweatshirt

Sturdy/lightweight waterproof walking boots – trousers/pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots or gaiters also work well).

1 pair shoes for evening wear

1 pair sports sandals are also useful e.g. TEVA

Swimsuit (and a plastic bag for packing in)

Towel – Many lodges provided these but if needed we suggest taking trek towels. These are light weight, pack to a small size and dry quickly. Good to get a large or extra large size mind.

Bush hat with a brim for sun protection?

Underwear

Lightweight wool socks

Gloves – gardening or similar (for tracking animals through the forest)

Gaiters

Sunscreen and moisturizing cream

Sunglasses with neck strap

Insect repellent with DEET (please note DEET can affect man-made fibres and plastics)

Daypack/ small rucksack

Torch/ flashlight – LED models are light weight and have a good battery life

Binoculars

Alarm clock- though our staff will wake you!

Ear plugs

Spare/ extra batteries

Camera and extra lenses

Camera charger/converter/adapter for 220/240AC voltage, plus cigarette lighter adapter is useful

Film particularly fast film for the primates (400-1600ASA)!

Personal toiletries

Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself

Wet-wipes/ tissues

Back-up glasses especially if you wear contact lenses

Wash cloth and plastic bag (if needed)

Ziplocs/ dry bags and other plastic bags for keeping valuables dry or storing wet clothes

Sewing kit (needle, thread, safety pins)

Small notebook

First Aid Kit including anti-diarrhoea medicine, rehydration sachets, aspirin, cold    medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.

Photocopies of your passport, visas, credit cards and airline tickets (it is advisable to have 2 sets to keep in separate places)