What to Pack for Uganda & Rwanda

Adventure Guidelines

• Due to the tropical climate, it can rain at any time of the year on our gorilla safaris, however on most days there are also periods where the skies clear and the sun comes out. The mountainous areas are much cooler than lower elevations and nighttime temperatures can be chilly.
• January and February tend to be the warmest and driest months of the year (although there is always a chance of rain) with temperatures reaching 90 °F or above. This is especially true in the lower lying areas where wildlife drives, boat trips etc. take place. Despite hot daytime temperatures in lower lying areas, it will be much cooler at night and during time spent at higher altitudes where gorilla treks take place.
• Because conditions on this adventure can range from hot, dry and dusty to cool, overcast rain showers, we recommend dressing in layers with a fleece pullover and a jacket/windbreaker and lightweight clothing underneath. This way, you can shed clothing as the sun warms throughout the day. We suggest lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof rain jacket for gorilla trekking throughout the year as it can rain and/or drizzle at any time.
• While on safari, it is suggested (although not required) that you do not wear bright or white-colored clothing, as it can sometimes spook the animals. You may also want to avoid clothing in shades of blue or black, as these colors attract tsetse flies. Additionally, army camouflage uniforms and hats are forbidden (although khaki is fine).
• A water-resistant daypack/backpack to carry cameras and other items is very handy while on wildlife drives.
• We ask you to refrain from bringing hair dryers, irons, radios, excess clothing or toiletries, etc. All points of this adventure are quite casual, and we recommend keeping your luggage down to the basics.
• From a cultural perspective, tank tops/sleeveless shirts are acceptable for women to wear while on safari, so please feel free to bring them.
• Plastic grocery bags are banned in Rwanda, and you will not be allowed to bring them into the country. If your itinerary includes a stop in Rwanda, please keep this in mind as you are packing.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Waterproof rain jacket (with hood) and rain pants 
  — Waterproof (not just water-resistant) rain gear is essential as showers are unpredictable. You will be tracking gorillas in a rain forest where it can drizzle all day or, at times, rain down in buckets!
• Gardening or work gloves
  — Important for protection from stinging nettles while on treks.
• Sturdy, high-top, waterproof hiking boots
  — Make sure your boots have good tread and ankle support and remember to break them in before your adventure so you do not get blisters!
• Gaiters
  —Highly recommended as they are useful for keeping your boots clean and dry on treks. Our experience is that the taller gaiters provide more protection than the shorter, ankle-height gaiters.
  — Complementary gaiters are provided for gorilla trekking if staying at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Bisate Lodge in Rwanda.
• Extra pair of walking shoes
  — Running/tennis shoes or comfortable sport sandals are fine.
• 2 or 3 T-shirts or polo-style shirts 
• 2–4 long-sleeved shirts 
• Sweater or fleece pullover 
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long pants
  — Nylon, zip-off pants are perfect for cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Blue jeans are not recommended for treks.
• Wool or moisture-resistant socks
  — For treks, Smartwool is a comfortable brand, which helps to prevent blisters. Cotton socks are not recommended. Socks should be long enough for pants to be tucked into if necessary.
• Underwear
• Sleepwear
• Hat with brim (for sun protection) 
• Swimsuit (optional)
  — Please check the Facilities & Amenities list on your daily itinerary to see which have plunge pools/swimming pools.
• Instant cooling scarf (such as EnduraCool)
  — Can be soaked in water and used to stay cool on hot days.
  
  

Additional Items 

• Cash
  — For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation)
  — For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, or food and beverages not included in your trip fee)
• Binoculars
  — Binoculars are a must! We strongly suggest each client bring his or her own pair of binoculars as you will be using them continuously while on wildlife drives. If possible, we highly recommend investing in a good quality pair. Initially, the cost may be higher, but it will enhance your wildlife viewing experience. You will get the most out of them if you practice using them at home and make a habit of having them with you regularly on the adventure. Waterproof binoculars work well but are not required.
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  —Repellent is provided at all camps on our scheduled itinerary, so you only need to bring it if you wish to use a specific brand.
  —If you are booked on a custom extension, repellent is provided at some, but not all camps.
  — Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient that can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
  —You might prefer the convenience of a Camelback-type hydration system that allows you to drink without stopping while trekking.
• Outlet adapter and/or power converter 
• Sunglasses (with UV filter and secure strap)
  — In addition to being helpful for sun protection, sunglasses can also be useful eye protection for treks or drives in the bush.
• Headlamp or small flashlight
  — A small, bright flashlight or headlamp may come in handy as some of the accommodations we use may not have the high-quality reading light you are used to. Also, on rare occasions our gorilla treks have taken us into the nighttime hours. You should bring spare batteries and a spare bulb, as these are hard to obtain in East Africa.
• Earplugs
• Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste
  —Many accommodations in Africa provide environmentally sensitive toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, lotion etc. Please check the Accommodation Facilities & Amenities list on your daily itinerary for items provided at the accommodations on your itinerary.
  
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)
• Hand sanitizer 
• Prescription medications and favorite remedies
  — For headaches, colds, upset stomach, skin irritations, diarrhea, etc.
  — If you are prone to motion sickness we highly recommend bringing your favorite remedy for long drives.
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Reusable waterproof bags 
  — Several sizes for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment. Again, plastic grocery bags are banned in Rwanda.
• Hiking poles (optional) 
  — Walking sticks (one per person, carved out of wood) will be available for use while in Bwindi and/or Volcanoes National Park.
  — If you are bringing hiking poles, they must be able to fit in your check-in luggage, as you will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
• Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets (optional)
  — Can be added to water to replace fluids in case of intestinal illness and/or enhance the taste to encourage hydration.
• Energy bars (optional)
  — Good to have for your treks to the gorillas, especially if your treks take longer than expected.