Planning guides
What to pack for a Uganda safari
6 min read · updated July 2026 · written by the Olthru team in Kampala
Short answer
Pack neutral-coloured long sleeves and trousers, waterproof hiking boots already broken in, a rain jacket, gardening gloves for gorilla trekking, insect repellent with DEET, and a soft duffel under 15kg if you are taking domestic flights. Leave camouflage clothing and single-use plastic bags at home - both are restricted in Uganda.
Clothing
- 2-3 long-sleeved shirts in khaki, olive or beige - protects from sun, nettles and insects
- 2 pairs of quick-dry trousers, one you do not mind ruining in the forest
- 1 fleece or light down layer - Bwindi mornings are cold
- Lightweight waterproof rain jacket with a hood
- Long socks you can tuck trousers into on trekking day
- Sun hat with a brim, and a swimsuit for lodge pools
- No camouflage print - it is reserved for military use in Uganda
Footwear
- Waterproof mid-ankle hiking boots, worn in before you fly
- Gaiters if you own them - excellent in Bwindi mud
- Trainers or sandals for the vehicle and lodges
Trekking day kit
- Gardening or leather gloves for grabbing vegetation
- Small daypack, 20-25 litres
- 2 litres of water and a packed lunch (your lodge provides it)
- Insect repellent, 30-50% DEET
- Rain cover for your camera bag
- Energy snacks and rehydration sachets
- Cash for your porter, $20-25
Camera and electronics
- A fast lens matters more than a long one in the forest - f/2.8 or f/4 around 24-105mm is ideal
- For savannah, 200-400mm is genuinely useful
- Spare batteries; lodge power can be solar and limited
- Uganda uses UK-style Type G plugs at 240V
- Headlamp for early starts and power cuts
Health and documents
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate - required for entry
- Antimalarial prophylaxis, started as your doctor directs
- Personal first-aid kit, blister plasters, antihistamine
- Travel insurance documents including medical evacuation cover
- Passport valid six months beyond travel, with your e-visa printout
- Copies of permits (we send these before departure)
Leave at home
- Camouflage clothing
- Single-use plastic bags - banned in Uganda
- Drones, unless you have arranged a permit with us in advance
- Hard-shell suitcases if you have domestic flights with a 15kg soft-bag limit
Frequently asked
- Is there a luggage weight limit?
- International airlines apply their own limits, but Uganda's domestic charter flights cap you at 15kg in a soft bag. We tell you which applies when we confirm your itinerary.
- Can I do laundry along the way?
- Nearly all lodges offer same-day or next-day laundry for a small fee, so you can pack lighter than you think.
- Do I need to buy expensive safari clothing?
- No. Neutral colours and comfort are all that matter. Boots are the one item worth spending on.
Still deciding? Ask us directly.
We will tell you honestly if a cheaper or shorter trip suits you better.