How to Pack Smart for Uganda & Rwanda Safari

Safari Style 101

Packing for a safari in the Great Lakes region is an art. You need to be prepared for cool mornings, hot afternoons, rain showers, and dusty game drives—all while keeping your luggage light for small planes and vehicles. Don’t stress! We’ve packed for hundreds of journeys. Here’s our simple, proven guide to packing smart.

The Golden Rule: Layers, Layers, Layers!

Forget heavy jackets. The key to comfort in East Africa’s varied climates is dressing in lightweight, breathable layers you can easily add or remove.

Morning (Chilly Start): Base Layer + Long-Sleeved Shirt + Light Fleece or Sweater. Midday (Warm & Sunny): Short-Sleeved Shirt or T-Shirt. Evening/High Altitude: Add the fleece back on.

The Essential Clothing Checklist

Tops: A mix of neutral-colored t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts. Long sleeves protect from sun and insects.
Bottoms: Comfortable, quick-dry trousers/safari pants (zip-offs are great!) and 1-2 pairs of shorts for downtime at the lodge.
For Gorilla Trekking: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (broken-in!), thick gardening gloves (for grabbing vines), and gaiters (optional but great for keeping mud out).
Outer Layer: A lightweight, packable waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket is non-negotiable.
Headwear: A wide-brimmed hat and a buff/bandana for dust.
Swimwear: Most lodges have pools with stunning views!

Footwear: The Holy Trinity

Sturdy Hiking Boots: For trekking.
Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes or Trail Runners: For general game drives and walking around camp.
Sandals or Flip-Flops: For relaxing at the lodge.

Gear & Accessories You’ll Thank Yourself For

Binoculars: (7x or 8x magnification is ideal). This is your single most important wildlife-viewing tool.
Camera & Equipment: With extra memory cards and batteries. A zoom lens (200-400mm) is recommended.
Daypack: A small, comfortable backpack for your daily essentials on drives and treks.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated sustainably.
Power Bank: Outlets can be sparse during long days out.
Small Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for moving around lodges at night during power-saving periods.

What to Leave at Home

Bright Colors & White: Avoid white (it gets dirty fast) and bright blue/black (attracts tsetse flies). Stick to khaki, green, brown, and beige.
Single-Use Plastics: Be a responsible traveler.
Expensive Jewelry: It’s unnecessary and best kept safe at home.
Hairdryers/Irons: Most lodges provide them, but they often run on generators at specific times.

The One Thing You Can’t Forget

Your sense of adventure and a flexible attitude! Sometimes the best safari moments come from an unexpected rain shower or a detour to follow a rare animal.

Packed and Ready? With this list, you’ll be prepared for comfort and adventure. Remember, Muga Great Lakes Safaris is here to answer any last-minute questions before you zip up that bag.