Safari packing advice on the internet tends toward one of two extremes: either a five-page spreadsheet covering every contingency including a portable defibrillator, or a breezy “just bring layers!” that leaves you standing in Entebbe airport holding the wrong shoes.
This is neither of those. This is what we actually tell our travelers before they leave home.
The Golden Rule: Less Is More
You will be in a vehicle for several hours each day. Your luggage will be loaded, unloaded, and reloaded across multiple lodges. Many small aircraft used for internal East Africa flights have strict weight limits — often 15kg total, sometimes less. Bring less than you think you need. You can always buy a forgotten item in Kampala, Kigali, or Nairobi.
Clothing
The colour rule: Neutral and muted tones — khaki, olive, tan, grey, brown. Not camouflage (some parks prohibit it), not bright colours (startles wildlife and draws insects), not white (impossible to keep clean).
What to bring:
- 3-4 lightweight long-sleeved shirts
- 2-3 pairs of convertible zip-off trousers or lightweight long pants
- 1 pair of shorts for lodge downtime only
- A fleece or light mid-layer — mornings on safari are cold
- A waterproof jacket — East Africa has sudden rain
- Enough underwear and socks for the trip — merino wool socks are worth every penny
- A sun hat with a wide brim
- A warm beanie if going into highland areas — Bwindi sits at 1,400-2,500m elevation
Specifically for gorilla trekking:
- Long pants and long sleeves — not optional. Stinging nettles, sharp undergrowth, insects.
- Gardening gloves or lightweight work gloves — for grabbing branches on steep slopes. This one surprises people but is genuinely useful.
- Gaiters — optional but helpful in wet season.
Footwear
- Hiking boots with ankle support — closed-toe, broken in before you leave. Not trail runners. Not casual sneakers. Buy them 4-6 weeks before your trip and wear them.
- Sandals or flip-flops — for the lodge and airport days.
Health and Protection
- Insect repellent with DEET — high concentration. Malaria is present in lowland areas.
- Antimalarials — prescribed by your doctor before departure.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — the equatorial sun is stronger than you expect.
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitiser
- Personal medications in original packaging in your carry-on
- Basic first aid: plasters, blister pads, antihistamine, ibuprofen, oral rehydration sachets, antiseptic wipes
Gear and Equipment
- Daypack 20-30 litre — for gorilla treks and game drives
- Reusable water bottle
- Binoculars — 8×42 is the standard for safari. You will use them constantly.
- Headlamp or torch — lodges lose power
- Power bank — for phones and cameras on long drives
- Universal adapter — East Africa uses British three-pin and European two-pin sockets
- Dry bag or zip-lock bags — protects electronics in rain or on boat safaris
Documents and Money
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
- Printed copies of visa approvals, gorilla permits, and flight itinerary
- USD cash — widely accepted. Notes must be printed after 2006.
- A credit card with no international transaction fees
- Travel insurance documentation
On tips: Budget $10-20 per day for your guide or driver. $20-25 for your gorilla porter paid at the end of the trek. Bring small USD bills.
Photography
- Whatever camera you have is enough — the best camera is the one you know how to use
- Extra memory cards and batteries
- During gorilla trekking: no flash photography is permitted. Practice shooting in low light before you go.
Leave These at Home
- Camouflage clothing — prohibited in some parks
- Perfume or strong cologne — disturbs gorillas and other wildlife
- Bright or white clothing for trekking
- More shoes than you actually need
One Final Thing
You can buy almost anything you forget in Kampala, Kigali, or Nairobi. Do not let packing anxiety delay your booking. Get the trip on the calendar first. The packing will sort itself out.
If you have a specific question about what to bring for your itinerary, ask Emmanuel directly. He will give you the same honest answer he gives to every traveler he takes into the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda?
Long-sleeved shirt, long pants in neutral colours, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, and a hat. Leave perfume at the lodge. These are not optional — the terrain, insects, and nettles make coverage essential, and strong scents disturb the gorillas.
Do I need hiking boots for gorilla trekking?
Yes. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended. The slopes in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park are steep and can be muddy. Break them in before you leave home.
What colours should I wear on safari?
Neutral and muted tones: khaki, olive, tan, grey, brown. Avoid white, bright colours, and camouflage.
How much cash should I bring to East Africa?
USD is the most useful currency. Budget for tips: $10-20 per day for your guide or driver, $20-25 for your gorilla porter. Bring small denomination bills printed after 2006. Credit cards work in most lodges and city restaurants.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for East Africa?
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda and strongly recommended for all of East Africa. Check current requirements with your embassy or ask us.
Can I buy forgotten items in East Africa?
Yes. Kampala, Kigali, and Nairobi have well-stocked pharmacies, supermarkets, and outdoor shops. Do not let packing anxiety delay booking your trip.