Have you booked and confirmed your safari to the phenomenal Uganda and/or incredible Rwanda trying to figure out what to put together for your long-awaited trip of a lifetime? These two African countries are full of surprises, endowments, wonder and majesty, and one of the amazing things you can do during trips to these countries is to be prepared at all times.
What pictures do you have of these two countries? Imagine yourself in the middle of the jungle searching for mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom and finally meeting face to face with them as they go about their daily activities (playing, resting, eating and grooming each other), or imagine yourself in an open-roof safari land cruiser and trailing across the sweeping savannah plains at the break of dawn to search for big game, listen to the sweet melodies of birds chirping and fluttering through the foliage while lots of exciting wildlife emerge from the woodland to greet you. These are just a small slice of what you can expect during a safari in Uganda and/or Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks are popular destinations for achieving your lifetime dream of meeting face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas in their Natural habitats, Nyungwe, Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest are perfect for tracking chimpanzees, Akagera, Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Parks are World-renowned for unbeaten game viewing and safari encounters. Here are some of the things to pack for your Uganda and Rwanda safaris, which include;
Important travel documents
Travel documents are the first and most important things to pack for your Uganda and/or Rwanda safari and these include your passport, Visa (if required), medical forms, e-tickets, Medical and Travel insurance, and Emergency contacts. Make sure that you make copies of these document and always carry duplicates.
Light, breathable and neutral-colored clothing
Another important thing to pack for your Uganda and/or Rwanda safari is a light, comfortable and breathable clothing that can be easily washed and dried. Your clothing should be able to dry easily and neutral-colored (brown, khaki, beige and green). These colors are ideal for game drives and even primate walks in the jungles. Bright colors such as yellow, white, purple, bright red and orange should be avoided. You will therefore need safari pants (number depends on the days of the safari), long and short-sleeved shirts, pair/s of shorts, and T-shirts.
Pair of binoculars
During your adventures, you will most likely enjoy spectacular and unmissable actions that sometimes don’t allow getting closer. For this reason, you will need a pair of binoculars for close up views of difficult-to-see wildlife and bird species in their natural habitats. There are lots of birds, butterflies and smaller animals that you wouldn’t want to miss during your Uganda and/or Rwanda safaris.
A light and breathable waterproof rain jacket
Regardless of the season you are traveling, never miss packing a rain jacket because rains in these countries are quite unpredictable. Don’t be surprised to experience rains during traditional dry month life June, July and September, and for this reason, it is important to be prepared at all times. While some Safari Lodges offer Ponchos to visitors, it is always important to come prepared with yours.
Sun protection
For your forthcoming Uganda and/or Rwanda safari, you will need to pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection. One of the mistakes that travelers do is underestimating the power of the African sun and as an added advantage, you need a lip-balm to avoid cracking lips.
Lightweight and comfortable walking shoes
If you have primate walks (gorilla trekking, chimp trekking and golden monkey tracking), guided bush/nature walks and mountain climbing on your itinerary, we will recommend packing sturdy hiking boots for comfort and less challenging walks during these activities. Additionally, add some sandals/flip-flops for relaxing around your accommodation facility or swimming pool during game viewing adventures.
A good camera with extra batteries, lenses and memory space
Your unforgettable wildlife viewing or primate encounters in Uganda and/or Rwanda safari will be accompanied by a passionate snapping of your smartphone or camera during these activities. You wouldn’t want to miss the once in a lifetime experiences hence don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture sure unbeaten moments thus memory cards, extra batteries and lenses are also required. If you have gorilla treks, avoid flash cameras as it startles these Giant Apes.
A basic first aid kit
Most of Uganda and/or Rwanda safari activities involve venturing into secluded and remote areas hence packing a few medical supplies will be a good idea. For this reason, we recommend plasters (band aids), pain killers, anti-malarial tablets, anti-allergies, anti-nausea tablets, cough drops, antiseptic cream, liniment, and others. However, before you carry these medical supplies, it is recommended to first consult tour doctor prior to undertaking your trip and this will determine what you need/or don’t need to carry.
Toiletries
Some of the must-have toiletries for your Uganda and/or Rwanda safari are nail scissors/clipper/tweezers, hand sanitizer, moisturizer and sun lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes/tissues, hair comb/ brush, and others.