What clothes should I wear? Having the right clothing on your packing list for a Uganda safari or any African tour is a good thing. Not only does it guarantee you ultimate comfort but also shows how respectful you are to the people’s cultures and traditions in the destination.
If you feel confused on what to pack as part of clothes to wear on your Uganda safari, then talk to your local expert to guide you before you set off or do any packing. What is essential is to pack right. Always consider the right attire from clothes to footwear. Here are some of the essential clothes to wear on your safari in Uganda.
Recommended clothing for men & women
In general, a normal trip itinerary in Uganda takes 5-10 days and this requires you to pack right for your vacation. Below is a suggested list of useful clothes to consider packing for your Uganda safari.
- Safari shirts
At all costs, it is important to consider packing the right and comfortable safari shirts for your Uganda holiday. We advise that you consider having at least 5 T-shirts and 3 long-sleeved shirts. Having long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts is a good thing, especially if you plan to go for gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking. They help protect you from stretches or insect bites.
When choosing the safari shirts, consider having environmentally friendly attire. They can make you feel comfortable. Such attire also limits any chances of gorillas or chimps getting irritated.
- Trousers
Long trousers are essential for any trip. Most importantly, you need it when it comes to gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking adventures in Uganda. On the actual day of trekking gorillas or chimpanzees, everyone will be required to have long trousers to help protect them from the crawling insects or scratches from the vegetation as they walk. All visitors are required to tuck their trousers into the socks.
- Shorts
A pair of comfortable shorts are also essential for your road trip in Uganda. Ensure you get one with pockets such that you have where to store some items.
- A pair of socks
A good pair of socks is required for you to put on during the trip. This is especially for visitors on the Uganda gorilla tour or chimpanzee tracking tour. Before you are allowed to go on an actual search for a family of mountain gorillas/chimpanzee community, the park official will remind you about tucking your trousers into the socks.
When you tuck in your trousers into socks, you get protected from any crawling insects. Such insects can be harmful, and besides, socks help keep your legs warm. The weather conditions are slightly different in gorilla trekking destinations (Bwindi forest and Mgahinga National Park) or chimpanzee tracking (Kibale National Park).
- Safari hat
A wide-brimmed safari hat is useful when it comes to safaris in Uganda. It is one of the must have items for you to wear to get protected from the hot sun heat. The sun heat in Uganda or most of the East African destinations is slightly different from that of Europe.
- A sweater
A sweater is a must to be worn, especially on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. This can protect you from the cold as gorilla tour destinations are known for their tropical kind of climatic conditions.
- Lightweight cargo pants
Good and lightweight cargo pants are among the essential clothing packing lists in Uganda and other destinations. To be on the safer side, you require at least 3 pairs of lightweight cargo pants, especially for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
- Rain jacket
Rain jackets are of great value for any tour or safari in Uganda/Rwanda. It should be noted that the kind of climatic or weather conditions in Uganda or Rwanda are completely different. It can easily rain at any time, especially in places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted.
- Swimsuits
Depending on the destination you plan to have your holiday, swimsuits are essential more so for the enthusiastic swimmers. This is for visitors with plans to Africa for beach holidays or if your accommodation has a swimming pool and you plan to go swimming.
- Undergarments
Both men and women need undergarments. At least get for yourself 6 pairs of undergarments and an addition of sports bras shouldn’t be left out. When choosing the right undergarments, consider the fast-drying type to save you time, especially if you happen to travel around the wet or rainy months of the year.
Aside from clothes, there are other essential items one should have on their Uganda safari. They include;
Insect repellents
The insect repellents are important for any trip in Africa. They help protect you from the biting insects. Where you plan to have wildlife tours or gorilla trips in Uganda or Rwanda involves navigating through the jungles. The jungles accommodates everything including insects.
A camera
Getting on a road trip without a camera is as if you a waste of time. There is plenty to capture on a road trip from the beautiful landscapes to abundant wildlife and then the stunning water bodies. If you are visiting Uganda or Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking or chimp tracking then consider having a flash-free camera.
Extra camera batteries
Additional batteries are essential during your photography tour in Uganda/Rwanda. On a tour, you have a lot to capture and higher chances are that the original camera can easily run out of power. An extra battery or batteries should be available to enable you to continue with your photography moment.
First aid kit/medical kit
A medical/first-aid kit is useful on any packing list for an African safari. The kit can contain several essential items catering to all emergencies. These can be plasters, ligaments and other items.
In summary, choose the right clothes that you will wear on the actual African safari in Uganda or any destination in East Africa. With the list above, we believe you have a good start to planning an unforgettable African trip.
