Having travelled across Uganda for many years, we at Alakara Travels are delighted to share some insider tips on how to prepare for your Uganda adventure.
First and foremost—pack lightly! Your bag might be placed on the roof of the car, and many lodges require a bit of a walk from the parking lot to your room or tent. We recommend using soft-sided bags instead of hard suitcases to make it easier to fit everyone’s luggage in the car. Additionally, bring a small backpack to keep snacks, water, a camera, and other essentials handy.
Secondly—leave some extra room for souvenirs! You’ll likely want to bring home some Ugandan delicacies like coffee, tea, dried fruits, nuts, or other unique souvenirs. Having some extra space in your luggage will make it easier to carry these treasures back home.
Below are Our Eight Most Important Tips on What to Bring for Your Uganda Adventure!
- It Might Get Colder Than You Expect!
Although Uganda is located at the equator, its elevation means temperatures are often cooler than expected. Daytime temperatures typically range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures usually fall between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. In higher altitude areas such as Bwindi, the Rwenzoris, and Mount Elgon, nighttime temperatures can drop to about 10 degrees Celsius. Pack light clothes for the day and include long trousers, sweaters, and a jacket for cooler nights.
- Keep it simple!
Sometimes we read and hear about people buying a whole new wardrobe to go on safari or gorilla tracking. If you’ve always dreamt of doing a game drive in a full safari outfit, that is of course perfectly OK. However, you do not need to invest in a lot of new clothes and equipment to enjoy your holiday in Uganda! For safaris, nature walks, and gorilla or chimpanzee tracking, muted, natural colors like brown, khaki, and green are recommended.
- Have a pair of good walking shoes!
If you’re hiking, this goes without saying. However, Uganda’s roads are blissfully uneven (great news for your back!), and so we recommend everyone to pack at least one good pair of walking shoes! If you’re doing gorilla tracking or hiking, bring sturdy hiking shoes- they provide grip, ankle support and protection against insects and sharp thorns.
- Sun screen, sun glasses and mosquito repellant
Don’t forget these essentials! While you might find them in Entebbe or Kampala, they can be hard to come by outside the city, so it’s best to bring them from home.
- Antimalarial Pills
At Alakara, we are cautious about giving medical advice and recommend all travelers check with their GP or travel clinic for necessary vaccines and medicines before leaving for Uganda. Malaria is a severe disease prevalent in all parts of Uganda, so it’s crucial to take antimalarial pills as prescribed before, during, and after your trip. We do not recommend anyone travelling to Uganda without taking antimalarial pills!
- Camera, chargers and adapters
Don’t forget your camera! A power bank is also a good idea—you wouldn’t want to run out of battery just as you spot an animal you’ve been searching for. Uganda uses the same power outlets and plugs as the UK, with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. If you’re coming from outside the UK, you’ll need a power adapter to charge your devices.
- Passport, Visa and Yellow Fever Card
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Uganda, which must be applied for in advance. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your stay in Uganda. Additionally, Uganda requires all travellers to be vaccinated against yellow fever, and you must present the yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival.
- Things that are Nice to Bring:
We’re all different, and for some of us, a good book is an absolute must, for others it may not be on the list! Here’s a list of things that might be nice to have on your journey in Uganda:
- Binoculars
- A reusable water bottle
- Headlight
- An extra memory-card
- Broad-brimmed hat
- A good book
- Snacks
