Travel Like An Expert: Things To Take On A Trip To Uganda
Planning a guided tour or rent a car in Uganda for a self-drive trip? A trip to Uganda goes beyond mere booking accommodation facilities or means of transportation. There is something else that you need to do to make your road trip complete.
That something else is packing for your trip. Packing right is a key aspect of road trips that some travelers often ignore, yet it plays a significant role. Ensuring that you have the right gear allows you to enjoy your trip like an expert, even if it is your first time.
Here are some of the essential things to take on a trip to Uganda:
Clothing
Trying to decide what type of clothing to pack for your road trip to Uganda can feel confusing and overwhelming. So here are some tips that can help you decide:
Neutral colored clothing
When considering the kind of clothes to take on a trip to Uganda, always be mindful of the choice of color. Do not take any loud-colored clothing when packing for your road trips to Uganda National Park, as it can attract unwanted attention from wildlife.
Instead, neutral and muted color tones like beige, taupe, olive green, khaki, grey, and brown should be considered. These will help you blend easily with the surroundings, unlike any brightly colored attire. Also, while white is a neutral color, you should avoid packing any white-colored clothing as it can stained easily.
Light layers
You should check what the weather will be like during your trip to Uganda and pack accordingly. The weather in Uganda is generally humid all year round; however, it is best to pack light layers if you want to be on the safe side.
So consider packing long-sleeved shirts and trousers made from breathable material since they can be easily layered over one another. Also, make sure that your clothing is loose-fitting to encourage ease of movement.
Another reason why you should pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers is because they help protect you against insect bites and harsh sun rays. While on some primate adventures like gorilla trekking, you will be advised to tuck your trousers in your socks to prevent crawling insects from accessing your legs.
Lightweight Rain Gear
Regardless of the kind of safari you intend to go on in Uganda, you should pack a lightweight raincoat or a poncho. It will be a lifesaver in case of heavy downpour. Rains are generally unpredictable, especially in some destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In addition to bringing a rain jacket, you should also ensure that your clothing is made from quick-dry fabric material. It will come in handy for activities like river rafting or if you get caught in the rain.
Comfortable footwear
If you have plans to engage in a thrilling mountain gorilla trek, chimpanzee tracking, or guided mountaineering, the choice of footwear does matter a lot. We recommend that you carry with you comfortable and waterproof hiking boots. These should provide a firm grip when you are walking, and the ankles should be properly supported.
Winter Clothing
Some destinations in Uganda, such as the Mgahinga National Park, Mount Elgon, or the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, can get very cold after sundown and during early morning.
So, if you are planning a trip to any of these places, then a warm sweater or a fleece jacket should be on your list of things to take on a trip to Uganda. It will help you to stay warm when you finally settle in for the night after a day of adventure.
Sleepwear
You should pack lightweight, loose, and breathable sleepwear made of cotton fabric, as the climate in Uganda is tropical. Consequently, it can get warm at night. But if you are traveling during the colder months or to a colder region, then you should take warm, flannel pajamas.
Headgear
Weather conditions in Uganda can be completely different from those back in your home country. To save you from scorching sun heat, a safari hat shouldn’t be left out.
Protective essentials
Other than clothing, you should also pack the following protective things to take on a trip to Uganda:
- Sunscreen cream: Carry with you some sunscreen cream tubes for you to apply to protect your skin from sun heat burn.
- Sunglasses: Do not forget to have sunglasses with you. These are essential for protecting your eyes from dust and also the sun’s rays.
- Insect repellents: Uganda lies in East Africa, and the conditions may not be the same as those back home. You may encounter biting insects like mosquitoes, so you shouldn’t leave out a tin of insect repellent.
Camera & other accessories
A good camera should actually be among the first things to take on a trip to Uganda. Your adventures or vacation in Uganda come with plenty of photography opportunities, and a good camera with adequate space is essential. To cater for space issues, comes along with an extra memory card and also a battery to save you when the battery runs low.
Heath & first aid
A basic first aid kit should be included on your packing list for the Uganda road trip. This should comprise antidiarrheal medication, antiseptic ointment, bandages, pain relievers, and others. Since Uganda’s climate is quite humid, dont forget to take hydration gear. Your tour through national parks in Uganda can exhaust you, so you should stay hydrated.
Miscellaneous items
Don’t forget essential travel documents, including visas, passports, the necessary permits, and travel insurance documents, among other things, to take on a trip to Uganda. You also require a yellow fever vaccination card, visa cards, and other documents.
Other miscellaneous items to have include a headlamp/flashlight, a notebook and pen, personal toiletries, electrical adapters, cash, a flashlight, and others. To avoid forgetting, make a checklist and tick each item off as you pack them in your luggage.
Important packing strategies to consider
- Use packing cubes – using them can help compartmentalize your items and ensure that they are organized.
- Layer heavy items –start with heavier items at the bottom of the luggage to prevent them from crushing the delicate items.
- Wear bulky items if your bag is compact, you may consider wearing bulkier items such as hiking boots or a rain jacket. This can save you some space.
- Make the best use of the dead space: use every available space within the shoes, hat, and or other bulky items to fix items like socks, toiletries, and others.
- Roll clothing: To save space in your luggage, consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them. It will also reduce wrinkles.
In conclusion, always remember to check the weather forecast before embarking on your Uganda road trip and adjust your packing list accordingly.
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