WHAT TO PACK & WEAR IN UGANDA

General Clothing Recommendations

At the time of planning your trip, it is advisable to check with the expert consultant at AfricanMecca Safaris for recommendations on what to pack in terms of clothing and other items you bring along. Having the right clothing in your luggage will help ensure a safe and comfortable stay and make all of your adventures in Uganda more enjoyable. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you pack:

• Pack lightly, bringing casual clothes unless your travels in the country will include attending a formal event, business meeting or conference.
• Bring loose-fitting clothing that facilitates ease of movement
• Be prepared for your garments to get dirty. Most accommodations in Uganda offer laundry services, and you are likely to get your clothes back, washed and ready for wearing by the end of the next day, depending on the weather conditions. For this reason, you need not carry too many items.
• Bring clothing in neutral colors such as olive and green, beige, light bark, or mid-tone brown, khaki, and grey. It is advisable to avoid wearing bright, white, or dark colors.
• For protection against tsetse flies and mosquitoes, wear long pants that cover your legs, and long-sleeved shirts. Tsetse flies are especially attracted to dark colors and are primarily active in the day and forested areas, so it’s advisable to dress to deter them.
• Good socks and sturdy shoes are essentials. Also, bring adequate insect repellent.
• Since you are going to be walking frequently over a lot of uneven and thorny terrain, bring along tough, waterproof, heavy-duty footwear that also protects against blisters. Hiking boots are ideal. However, if you will be going on safari game drives in Uganda, waterproof sneakers are appropriate. Bring sandals for beach tours and flip-flops for wearing in your room and the shower.

Clothing For Men and Women

A typical safari vacation itinerary in Uganda is 10 days, so you can carry supplies accordingly, keeping in mind that you can get laundry done as and when needed. Here is a suggested list of the clothes you’ll need:

• 5 t-shirts and 3 long-sleeved shirts
• 3 pairs of cotton trousers, 2 pair of lounging shorts, and 3 lightweight cargo pants for the outdoors
• 6 pairs of socks
• 6 pairs of undergarments, for both men and women, along with 6 sports bras for women for adequate support given that you will be traveling on uneven terrain. (You may want to choose the quick-drying kind so you can wash and dry them overnight.)
• Warm, flannel pajamas in case you are visiting the highlands, where it gets cold at night
• 1 fleece jacket or sweatshirt for the early mornings and evenings
• Sunglasses and sunhat with a chin strap in case of windy weather
• Lightweight waterproof raincoat in case you are touring in the wet season
• Swimsuits and sandals for beach destinations
• Cotton wrap or multi-purpose sarong for women

Toiletries and Basic Medical Kit

Carrying your supplies in waterproof kits is preferable. We also recommend that you bring a supply of hardshell waterproof bags to protect any valuables from damage from dust and water when going on boating and canoeing trips. Although most accommodations in Uganda are equipped with first-aid kits, you might want to bring a few essential supplies that you will need in an emergency.

• Mosquito repellent and malarial prophylactics
• Antihistamine medication
• Adequate sunscreen according to the SPF you usually use
• Basic over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Aspirin
• Adequate supplies of feminine hygiene products such as tampons, sanitary pads, and panty liners. (Remember, you may need to pee in the bush!)
• Band-aids with antiseptic gels and creams
• Medication for diarrhea
• Adequate supply of prescription medications for your trip
• Spare spectacles, even if you normally wear contact lenses
• Supply of soap, shampoo, and conditioner in travel-size packs in case you prefer to use specific brands rather than the ones available at your accommodation
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other supplies
• Antibacterial gel in case you need to clean your hands and there is no water available for washing.

Gadgets

No doubt, you’ll want to carry photographic equipment for capturing moments of your adventures in Uganda. However, be sure to consider the baggage weight allowance on your flights when choosing which equipment you bring. AfricanMecca Safaris recommends that you carry hardshell waterproof bags to keep your gear protected from rain, water, and dust. Here are some of the devices you may want to have along:

• Converter plugs for your cameras, mobile phones, and personal gadgets. The standard plug type in Uganda is the British socket G. The plug is triangular in shape with three pins and supplies 240V voltage at 50Hz.
• Flashlight for walking around the camp or lodge at night
• Cameras with a zoom lens and/or set of tripods for taking pictures of wildlife
• Extra batteries or battery chargers, and extra memory cards for cameras, especially if you want to shoot a lot of video
• Tour guides typically have binoculars, but you could bring your own
• Mobile phone for contacting friends and family while on vacation
• Tablet or iPad for multiple uses such as reading books, mapping, taking pictures, making videos, recording sounds of wildlife, and setting alarms
• Night vision devices for night safari game drives

Travel Documents

AfricanMecca Safaris recommends that you bring 2 copies of all your travel documents, with one set stored in your checked in baggage and the other in your hand luggage. Also, have PDF copies of all your travel documents on your phone. Carry your passport and visa carefully for displaying to immigration and customs officials on entering Uganda. Also, carry:

• Tour itinerary
• Medical insurance paperwork
• Return tickets
• Details of friends and family members to be contacted in case of an emergency
• Credit cards: Visa or Mastercard
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance
• Cash in US currency that can be easily exchanged: Ensure the notes are dated in the last 2-3 years or preferably newer or are in reasonably good condition, with no markings or tears on them

Ugandan Dress Codes

As with touring in any other country, it is advisable to respect local moral values and beliefs, and dress according to their customs. Both men and women should dress decently in long trousers or knee-length shorts, along with a polo shirt. Avoid any clothing that reveals the shoulders or thighs, especially when you visit local attractions and shopping areas in Kampala and Entebbe. Religious areas or places of worship, such as a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, may have specific dress codes that you must follow or risk being asked to leave the premises by the guards.

Laundry in Uganda

If you expect you’ll need laundry services in Uganda, check with the trip consultant at AfricanMecca Safaris. Although specific accommodations have their regulations, most Tier 1 Premier hotels, lodges and camps take care of laundry free of cost, while Tier 2 Deluxe or Tier 3 Value accommodations may launder your clothes for a charge. As a rule, undergarments are not included in laundry services, so you’ll probably need to wash them by hand.

Luggage

When flying into Uganda with an international airline, you can expect a baggage weight allowance of up to 44 pounds or 20 kg (to keep within the allowance, choose soft-sided luggage in place of hard-sided suitcases.) However, if you’re traveling within the country, be aware that domestic flights permit a baggage weight of only 15 kg, or 33 pounds. If the weight exceeds this limit, you may have to pay additional charges. If you will be flying in small safari aircraft, you may be allowed to bring only limited luggage in duffel bags that can be easily stowed in the compact compartment. Store any excess luggage you have at our team office or your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe where you have booked a stay.

General Packing Suggestions

While most of the basic packing guidelines for Uganda have been outlined in the earlier sections, here are some additional recommendations that you might find handy.

• Choose soft-sided bags over heavier, hard-backed luggage. You may have to manage your luggage on your own at the entry and exit points in Uganda and at airports.
• Pack all valuables, including cash, medications, travel documents, and other essentials you cannot do without in your carry-on bag rather than checked baggage.
• Lock your bags carefully with TSA-approved locks when storing luggage at the hotel.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or bringing items that have sentimental value for you.
• During your travels, distribute cash in different locked bags to minimize the risk of losing all of it, and store your cash and valuables in your in-room safe
• Keep a close watch on cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices.
• Avoid carrying hair dryers, irons, and expensive gadgets, clothes, or other items of high value.
• Do keep in mind that Uganda has recently banned the manufacturing, use, and sale of plastic bags. Accordingly, it is advisable to bring any waterproof hardshell bags you will need with you, and to take care to carry them back with you for future use.
• It is preferable that you travel light and casual, and keep your focus on the adventures and explorations you will be experiencing. This will ensure you will blend with the Ugandans and the wildlife hosts without much pomp.

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