Uganda: Gorilla Conservation Adventure > ‎

Packing List

Uganda has two dry seasons June-September and December-February. Low season runs between March-May and October-November, these are the rainier months in Uganda. The weather in Bwindi is extremely unpredictable, prepare for wet weather!

Suggested Packing List:

IMPORTANT:

  • Passport (MUST be valid 6 months after trip)

  • Personal medication. Note: It is best to be packed in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked luggage. Also, this medication should be in its original container. If this is not feasible, a copy of the prescription should be carried along with the medication.

  • Mosquito repellent (recommended with DEET)

  • One refillable water bottle

  • Small backpack or day bag for daily excursions

  • IMPORTANT: We suggest bringing US dollars and dividing the money into different places and keeping small bills handy. US Bills MUST be crisp, with no rips or markings otherwise they will not be accepted!

  • Luggage: if you plan to check a suitcase, we recommend using an "air-tag" as a tracking device in case luggage is lost.

Clothes:

  • Short-sleeved shirts (we recommend thin, breathable shirts as it is can be hot and humid during the afternoons)

  • A warm sweatshirt / fleece / light jacket (it can get cool at night)

  • Rain jacket (lightweight, water-resistant for sudden, unexpected tropical showers especially during the rainy season)

  • Gym / sportswear (for hiking / outdoor activities)

  • Undergarments, socks

  • Bathing suits (for pools)

  • Shorts

  • Several light pairs of long pants (we recommend wearing light pants, especially in the evenings and early morning to prevent mosquito bites)

  • Hat

**Mornings and evenings can be cooler.

***There is laundry available at all lodges but we recommend bringing enough lightweight clothes to last you through the trip. While your clothes will be washed, they will not be dried.

Bath/ Personal:

  • Glasses/contacts/contact solution

  • Personal toiletries (shampoo, deodorant etc.)

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug spray (with DEET)

Other:

  • Light day bag or pack

  • Binoculars (highly recommended for wildlife viewing)

  • Sunglasses

  • Ear plugs

  • Portable charger (phone or camera)

  • Camera

  • Personal snacks

  • Books and/or magazines

  • Watch or small alarm

*Electrical outlets in Uganda are 240 volts and 50 Hz. Therefore, an adapter is needed if you coming from the U.S. We recommend purchasing a universal adapter.

What to Pack (gorilla & chimp trekking)

1. Remember that you’ll be walking through mud and be covered in dirt by the end of your trek. Consider bringing clothes that are not precious, that you don’t mind ruining.

  • Comfortable trekking pants. If you have separate waterproof pants carry these in your backpack in case of rain.

  • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt. We recommend a light long-sleeved shirt to protect you against sun exposure and bugs (of which there are A LOT in the forest and jungle).

  • Waterproof jacket. Keep this handy, especially in the wet season, in case it begins pouring down rain.

  • Fleece or light jacket. Although it’s unlikely you’ll be cold when trekking in the forest, you may become chilled waiting around or stopping for lunch, as the park is above 2,000m (6,000 ft.).

  • Comfortable trekking shoes. Ideally, your shoes have good traction on the bottom. Even better if they are somewhat water-resistant. We recommend waterproof hiking boots.

  • Hat. For sun protection when trekking outside the forest.

2. Food and water

  • Two liters of water per person. Recommended to carry with you in case it’s a long, hot hike.

  • Lunch and snacks. In addition to the lunch box your resort will pack, bring snacks that you can munch on along the way to keep your blood sugar and energy high. Depending on your gorilla search, it can sometimes be a while before you eat lunch.

3. Other gear

  • Small backpack. Be sure this is comfortable, as you’ll need to carry it for hours en route to and inside the jungle.

  • Walking stick. Do not worry about bringing your own. They are available to borrow at the park entrance.

  • Cameras and rain protection.

  • Sunscreen and bug spray. A staple of Africa travel.

  • Porters are available for hire at the National Park entrance for $15 per day (May 2014 prices). Porters can help carry your bag, as well as assist you up through the hills and difficult patches of the forest and jungle climb.