It’s always challenging to decide what to pack for an African Safari. However, this depends on your tour destination and the travel period. Most regions in Africa have averagely warm weather throughout the year with some wet seasons and dry spells depending on your destination.
East Africa has only two weather patterns; wet and dry seasons. It’s important to know the current season in the place you are going so as to ease preparations and have a comfortable travel
DOCUMENTS- Must-haves
- Passport and Visa: Ensure that your passport has adequate validity. Many countries require the validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry. You have to have processed your visa before departure for Uganda as Visa on arrival is no longer acceptable. And if visiting more than one East African country then you process an East African Visa. You can check the link here Tourist Visa to learn more about the visa requirements.
- Currency: Most places on safari will take USD, but it’s also good to deal in local currency for other smaller expenses such as drinks, tips, or souvenirs. There are ATMs and foreign exchanges at the airport that can help you get the cash you need. Bear in mind that some countries like Uganda do not accept dollar notes that are from 2009 and below.
- Appropriate Insurance: It’s always better to be covered for those unforeseen circumstances, whether it relates to delayed flights, weather, lost baggage or other. You want to focus on having a good time, rather than on uncovered risks.
MEDICAL: Yellow fever vaccination certificate. See your doctor about the vaccinations you may need before your travel, including anti-malarial options. This is particularly important if you plan to travel to Uganda or Kenya from another country with risks of contracting Yellow Fever.
Medical Kit to have: Pain relief tablets, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhoea tablets.
Also, carry antihistamine tablets for allergies and other medicines.
WEATHER
Get information about the weather of the place that you are going to. You could inquire from your tour agent or search the internet. This will help you pack the right clothes and items to give you comfort and ease. Note that the weather sometimes can be unpredictable therefore always give yourself options.
WHAT TO PACK
Clothing
Generally, the weather in Africa is warm. Linens and cottons are best. Shorts and t-shirts are ideal for a safari in most regions of Africa, East Africa in Particular which forms Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi. The warm months normally come with many mosquitoes so Long-sleeved shirts and pants can serve as protection. These also help during hikes from scratches from the tall grass and trees.
Nights can be cold in some regions like Bwindi, so prepare for them too,
Earthly colors are recommended such as khaki, brown, beige and olive. It might allow wildlife to see you more as part of the natural scene, as opposed to something that they should be anxious about.
Boots or comfortable walking shoes in case you go for a walk. Climbing shoes if you are going for a trek or nature walk. Flip flops and sandals for all other occasions.
It’s also necessary to carry a raincoat, for when it might unexpectedly rain like in the tropical rainforests
Top Tip: Ladies, on the bumpy roads of Africa, a decent sports bra is your best friend.
Accessories
Hats, Sunglasses, a light neck scarf, gloves that are used to protect your hands from thorns and shrubs during the hikes, Insulated water bottles.
Personal Items
Sunscreen is a must, Insect repellent is a must, Hand sanitizers, wet wipes, lip balm with SPF
Gear and electronics
Camera, a pair of binoculars, Power adapters, Wildlife guidebooks, Battery bank.
Lastly and most importantly, travel along with your open spirit ready to be filled with memories.
During Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking
Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear. The cost, is US$10 per person/ day. We advise that you utilize this service.
The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way.
Please remember to bring your passport for registration, appropriate, waterproof hiking boots and a light raincoat. To protect from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long-sleeved tops. A pair of old gardening gloves can help grab onto the vegetation while most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that comes in very handy especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as protection for your camera.
Afterwards, you hike back to the base where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge for a deserved shower and lunch or dinner depending on the time taken on the trek.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS 24/7
- Mobile Number: +256 702 032 007
- Mobile Number: +256 702 600 022