Uganda, Rwanda Primate Trekking and African Safari Packing List

A safari in Uganda and Rwanda can take you from warm savannahs to cool, wet mountain forests in the same trip. Gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking can involve steep slopes, mud, thick vegetation, insects and sudden rain, so packing the right clothing and footwear makes a major difference. Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long sleeves and rain protection are particularly important.

Gorilla Tracking Packing List

For Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, prepare for potentially wet, muddy and uneven forest trails.

Clothing

1. Lightweight, quick-drying long hiking trousers
2. Long-sleeved breathable shirt
3. Moisture-wicking T-shirt/base layer
4. Lightweight waterproof rain jacket or poncho
5. Fleece, sweater or light warm jacket for cool mornings
6. Comfortable underwear and sports bra where applicable
7. Long, comfortable hiking socks
8. An extra pair of dry socks
9. Gaiters, especially during wet conditions
10. Neutral colours such as khaki, olive, brown, beige or grey

Avoid relying on jeans for the trek. Once wet, they become heavy and take a long time to dry.

Footwear

1. Waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip
2. Preferably ankle-supporting boots
3. Boots should be broken in before your safari
4. Lightweight shoes or sandals can remain at the lodge for after the trek

Protection

1. Lightweight gardening or trekking gloves — useful when holding vegetation for support
2. Insect repellent
3. Sunscreen
4. Hat/cap
5. Sunglasses
6. Small personal first-aid kit
7. Any personal prescription medication

Your daypack

A small waterproof or water-resistant backpack is ideal. Carry:

1. Drinking water
2. Packed lunch/snacks provided by your lodge/operator
3. Rain jacket
4. Camera
5. Spare camera battery
6. Phone
7. Power bank
8. Waterproof/dry bag for electronics
9. Tissues/toilet paper
10. Hand sanitiser
11. Small first-aid items
12. Permit/booking information and identification where requested

A porter is highly recommended. Apart from carrying your daypack, porters can provide valuable assistance on difficult or slippery sections of the trail.

Photography

1. Camera or smartphone
2. Spare batteries
3. Extra memory cards
4. Lens cloth
5. Waterproof camera cover/dry bag
6. Moderate zoom lens if available

Do not use flash photography around the primates. Rwanda safari guidance specifically recommends flash-free photography for gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys.

Chimpanzee Tracking Packing List

This applies particularly to places such as Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge in Uganda, and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda.

Chimpanzee tracking can be faster-paced than gorilla trekking because chimps move through the forest considerably more actively.

Bring:

1. Lightweight long trousers
2. Long-sleeved shirt
3. Quick-drying T-shirt
4. Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
5. Long hiking socks
6. Lightweight rain jacket/poncho
7. Small daypack
8. Water
9. Snacks where permitted/provided
10. Insect repellent
11. Sunscreen
12. Hat
13. Gardening/trekking gloves if desired
14. Gaiters, particularly in muddy conditions
15. Camera or smartphone
16. Spare battery/power bank
17. Binoculars, particularly worthwhile for chimps high in the canopy and for forest birds
18. Waterproof bag for electronics
19. Personal medication
20. Small first-aid kit

For photographers, a zoom lens is particularly useful for chimpanzees because they may remain high in the trees.

Golden Monkey Tracking Packing List

Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, usually takes place through montane/bamboo forest.

Pack:

1. Comfortable hiking boots
2. Long hiking trousers
3. Long-sleeved shirt
4. Hiking socks
5. Rain jacket
6. Light fleece/sweater
7. Small daypack
8. Water
9. Insect repellent
10. Sunscreen
11. Hat
12. Gardening/trekking gloves
13. Gaiters
14. Camera
15. Spare batteries
16. Extra memory card
17. Waterproof camera/phone bag
18. Binoculars
19. Personal medication

Golden monkeys can be extremely active, so photographers should favour equipment that can be handled quickly rather than very heavy setups.

General African Safari Packing List

For game drives and boat safaris in destinations such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Kidepo, Akagera, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Masai Mara and other African wildlife areas:

Safari clothing

Pack lightweight, breathable and preferably neutral-coloured clothing:

1. 3–5 lightweight safari shirts/T-shirts
2. 2–3 pairs lightweight trousers
3. 1–2 pairs shorts for appropriate locations/lodge use
4. Long-sleeved shirt for evenings
5. Light fleece or sweater
6. Lightweight waterproof jacket
7. Comfortable underwear
8. Several pairs of socks
9. Sleepwear
10. Swimsuit for lodges with swimming pools
11. Comfortable closed walking shoes
12. Sandals/flip-flops for the lodge
13. Wide-brimmed safari hat or cap

Avoid packing only heavy clothing. Layers work better because mornings can be cool while afternoons become hot.

Wildlife viewing equipment

1. Binoculars — one of the most useful safari items
2. Camera
3. Telephoto/zoom lens
4. Spare camera batteries
5. Extra memory cards
6. Battery charger
7. Lens-cleaning cloth/kit
8. Phone
9. Power bank
10. Charging cables
11. Plug adapter suitable for your destinations
12. Waterproof/dust-resistant camera bag

A pair of binoculars is especially worthwhile for birds, distant predators and animals that cannot safely be approached closely.

Sun & insect protection

1. High-SPF sunscreen
2. Sunglasses
3. Hat
4. Insect/mosquito repellent
5. Lip balm with SPF
6. After-sun lotion if desired
7. Lightweight long sleeves/trousers for evenings

Health & Personal Medical Kit

Carry essential medication in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.

Consider packing:

1. Prescription medication for the entire trip, plus some extra
2. Copies of prescriptions
3. Malaria medication where advised by your doctor
4. Painkillers
5. Antihistamine
6. Anti-diarrhoeal medication
7. Oral rehydration salts/electrolytes
8. Motion-sickness medication if required
9. Plasters/bandages
10. Antiseptic
11. Blister treatment
12. Insect-bite treatment
13. Hand sanitiser
14. Wet wipes
15. Personal hygiene products
16. Small travel first-aid kit

Travelers should discuss vaccinations and malaria prevention with a qualified travel-health professional before departure. CDC currently recommends malaria preventive medication for travelers to both Uganda and Rwanda.

Yellow-fever requirements differ between the two countries and can also depend on where you are arriving from. Uganda has stricter entry requirements, while Rwanda may require proof depending on your travel origin. Always check the latest requirements for your specific itinerary before departure.

Travel Documents & Money

Keep these together in a secure waterproof travel wallet:

1. Passport with sufficient validity
2. Visas/e-visa documentation where applicable
3. Gorilla/chimp/golden monkey permit confirmation where supplied
4. Yellow fever vaccination certificate where required
5. Travel insurance details
6. Emergency evacuation/medical insurance information
7. Flight tickets/confirmations
8. Safari itinerary
9. Hotel/lodge confirmations
10. Tour operator contact details
11. Emergency contact information
12. Photocopies of passport
13. Digital copies stored securely online
14. Credit/debit cards
15. Some cash in USD
16. Small amount of local currency where useful

Keep your passport, cards, cash, medication and important documents in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage.

You

Toiletries & Personal Items

Most safari lodges provide basic toiletries, but clients with preferred brands should bring their own.

Consider:

1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Deodorant
3. Moisturiser
4. Shampoo/conditioner where desired
5. Hairbrush/comb
6. Feminine hygiene products
7. Razor
8. Contact lenses and solution
9. Spare glasses
10. Small microfiber towel
11. Wet wipes
12. Tissues
13. Hand sanitiser
14. Reusable water bottle

Useful Extras People Often Forget

These small items can become surprisingly useful:

1. Small torch/headlamp
2. Power bank
3. Universal travel adapter
4. Zip-lock bags
5. Waterproof dry bag
6. Small laundry bag
7. Lightweight reusable shopping bag
8. Travel-size detergent
9. Earplugs
10. Eye mask
11. Notebook and pen
12. Luggage tags
13. Small combination lock
14. Refillable water bottle
15. Extra pair of prescription glasses
16. Copies of important documents

What to Put in Your Carry-On Bag

Never put everything essential into your checked luggage.

Your carry-on should contain:

1. Passport and travel documents
2. Wallet/cards/cash
3. Phone and charger
4. Camera where practical
5. Prescription medication
6. One complete change of clothes
7. Underwear
8. Basic toiletries
9. Hiking shoes if space allows
10. Rain jacket
11. Essential valuables

This gives you enough essentials to continue your safari temporarily if checked luggage is delayed.

What NOT to Overpack

African safari travel is generally easier with soft-sided, manageable luggage, particularly when an itinerary includes smaller aircraft.

You normally don’t need:

1. Several formal outfits
2. Heavy winter coats
3. Large quantities of shoes
4. Large hard-shell suitcases when flying on light aircraft
5. Excessive toiletries
6. Heavy jeans for trekking
7. Large amounts of jewellery
8. Unnecessary valuables

Many safari lodges offer laundry services, making it possible to travel considerably lighter.

The Golden Rule

Pack light, but never compromise on good hiking boots, rain protection, sun protection, insect protection and your essential medications.

For gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking, the five most important pieces of equipment are good waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a rain jacket and a comfortable daypack. Forest conditions can change quickly, and rain and mud are possible even outside the main rainy periods.

For a classic African safari, add binoculars, neutral lightweight clothing, sun protection, a warm layer for early game drives and good camera equipment.

Musana Tours & Travel Tip: Pack for the experience, not for fashion. On safari, comfortable, practical clothing will almost always serve you better than bringing too much luggage.