Uganda Safari Packing List (What To Wear on a Safari in Uganda)

Details on What to wear on safari in Uganda: Best shoes for Gorilla trekking, best trousers for Gorilla trekking, colors to wear on safari

What to Wear on Safari, Uganda (While on safari in the impenetrable forest)

Even before I explain to you in detail what to wear on safari in Uganda, the easy tip is to be safari smart and comfortable. What you will wear during a Safari in Uganda is determined by several factors and these include, when you are planning to safari Uganda, how long you will stay on safari, and which activities you will be involved in.

Just like you would pack for any kind of trip, remember to pack what suits the safari occasion, you are going out for an adventure in tropical Africa. We know what will suit you best for a tour in Uganda for any time of the year or Uganda safari activity you decide to undertake.

In accordance with the determinant of what you will pack, here is what to wear on an Uganda safari;

What to wear on safari in Uganda during the dry season

African packing list: What to wear on a safari in Uganda

Uganda is situated within the equator line that divides the country into two and therefore experiences a tropical warm climate.

When you visit Uganda in the dry season during the months of June – September, and December to January pack the following to wear during the trip;

A wide-brimmed safari hat

Since it’s hot during the dry season, you need a wide-brimmed safari hat for protection from the scorching sun.

The wide-brimmed hat comes in handy for activities like nature walks, gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, fishing either on lake victoria or Murchison Falls National Park, and bird watching.

Neutral colored clothing 

Neutral safari colors are good for tours in the national parks because they are usually not bright. Colors like blue for tops and shirts must not be worn in the savannah parks since they attract tsetse flies.

For nature walks, ensure not to wear white clothing since it could get very dusty and dirty. In case neutral khaki clothing doesn’t seem fashionable to you then, blue jeans can be a better option. Light clothing is good for the evenings and game drives.

Sweater 

However much it is a dry season, never forget to carry a sweater for your safari to Uganda. Mornings and evenings can get cold and may require you to have something to keep you warm.

What to wear on safari in Uganda – The sweater comes in handy when you have to head out early morning for safari activities like gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, wildlife viewing, or a nature walk. These may start so early when it’s cold. 

Effective Insect repellent 

Since you are visiting a tropical area and especially the jungle, you need to wear insect repellent. I say wear it because you will have to do this on your body before you get into the park to keep your skin safe from bites. 

Sunglasses 

In the dry season, it can really get hot and dusty and therefore sunglasses should be there to protect your eyes. Sunglasses are convenient when it comes to afternoon activities like tracking, nature walks, and game drive. 

What to wear on safari in Uganda during the rainy season

In the rainy season safari activities in Uganda remain going on no matter the increased rain levels. The rainy season is referred to as the low season and if you decide to book your trip, especially Uganda wildlife safaris, it could really be much more affordable.

To keep you comfortable during the Wet season remember to pack and wear;

Warm clothing 

Since the temperatures are low, wear heavy clothing, especially cotton material. These will help you keep warm. On top of the heavy clothing carry along a scarf and hand gloves to keep your hands warm.

Rain jacket and sweater 

Since the activities will continue no matter the rain, it is right to carry along a rain jacket. For activities like gorilla trekking and chimp tracking, you will need a rain jacket as you move along the forest to avoid getting dumped. 

Sturdy shoes

In the rainy season, it could get slippery and not easy to get from one place to another with light sandals. Remember to wear sturdy shoes that will help you get along with the movements. 

Uganda Safari Packing List: What to wear during Gorilla Trekking

Trekking activities include Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, chimp tracking as well as hiking on Mount Rwenzori and Elgon. These activities get you to the jungle on foot and therefore should be well planned for when it comes to what to wear. Here is what you should wear for comfortable trekking safaris in Uganda;

Poncho/Rain jacket 

Since the activities will continue no matter the rain, it is right to carry along a rain jacket. For activities like gorilla trekking and chimp tracking, you will need a rain jacket as you move along the forest to avoid getting dumped. 

Sturdy hiking shoes

In the rainy season, it could get slippery and not easy to get from one place to another with light sandals. Remember to wear sturdy shoes that will help you get along with the movements.

For gorilla trekking and hiking ensure that the shoes are comfortable enough to hike for several meters. You can check the comfort of your hiking shoes by taking a 1-day hiking trip in your home area or going jogging with the shoes to avoid disappointment during your safari. 

Long trousers and shirts

To protect your skin from bites remember to wear long shirts and trousers. Wear trousers that are long enough to tuck into your stockings and shirts long enough to reach your hand gloves. Even when it’s long clothing ensure that it’s comfortable by not wearing very tight clothes. 

Hand gloves

As you walk in the forests you may slide and need to have a firm grip on a tree or plant, however, if you do not have hand gloves or gardening gloves your hands could get pricked with thorns. Pack a comfortable pair of hand gloves to ensure your hand protection. 

Note: As you plan to pack and wear right on your Uganda safaris tour, do not wear any semblances of military wear. In many countries of Africa, this is not allowed and could be taken as camouflage. 

As you plan what to wear, remember to have a day pack in most cases with neutral colors to carry along during your safari.

As you now know, pack right and light, wear comfortably, and have the perfect safari in Uganda. 

Best Uganda Safari itineraries

Already planning to visit Uganda? choosing the perfect itinerary can be a nightmare, however, we just made that easy for you. Depending on your preferred safari activity, here is a list of the best sample itineraries for a safari in Uganda;