If you’re wondering what to pack for a trip to Uganda, you’re in the right place. After traveling to this beautiful country many times over the past 15 years, I’ve learned what’s essential, what you can leave at home, and a few little things that can make your trip a whole lot more comfortable.
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When it comes to what to pack for a trip to Uganda, a little planning goes a long way. The right gear can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling ready for anything. I started traveling to Uganda over 15 years ago and have learned a lot about what to pack (and what not to). After countless trips, some well-packed, others… not so much, I’ve figured out the essentials that truly make a difference.
From staying healthy to staying comfortable, what you bring really does shape your experience. So take the time to pack smart. It’ll help you enjoy every moment of this incredible country without the stress.
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Card
- Visa Document
- Copies of all travel documents: I recommend having color copies of all of the above.
Clothing
Uganda sits right on the equator, so the weather is generally warm year-round with two rainy seasons in March to May and October to November. Even during the rainy months you’ll still get sunshine most days, but be ready for sudden downpours, especially in the afternoon. The temperature tends to hover in the 70s and 80s °F, though it can feel hotter in the sun or more humid depending on where you are.
When deciding what to pack for a trip to Uganda breathable, lightweight clothes are your best friend. I usually pack a mix of loose-fitting trousers, cotton or linen tops, long cotton dresses and a couple button up, breathable long-sleeved shirts. These are also nice in the evenings, especially if you’re in the highlands where it can cool down.
- Lightweight, breathable shirts (linen or moisture wicking) - Ideally covering the shoulders for sun protection.
- A couple lightweight long sleeve shirts
- Lightweight trousers - I find that jeans get pretty hot, especially in the dry season.
- Long cotton dresses
- Conservative swim suit
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Comfortable walking or trail shoes and Socks - Ideally water resistant. I would steer clear of bright white shoes if you're planning to go up north or spend time in rural areas. There are very few paved sidewalks or roads in those areas and white shoes get dirty very quickly (I've learned this the hard way).
- Sandals
- Shower shoes - Plastic flip flops work great. I also have these shower shoes from Amazon that I really like because they drain through the base of the shoe.
- Wide brimmed hat - You can wear a baseball hat but it leaves the back of your neck pretty exposed so be sure to apply extra sunscreen.
- Sunglasses
A note on modesty.
While Uganda is pretty relaxed when it comes to dress, you’ll want to keep things modest in rural areas, think covered shoulders and knees.
Toiletries and Personal Care
- Sunscreen - You want to get a high SPF and reapply often.
- Mosquito repellent / big spray - Personally, I find the all natural bug sprays to be less affective. I recommend getting a DEET repellent.
- Hand sanitizer and Sanitizing hand wipes
- Disinfecting wipes and spray - I like getting travel sized Lysol wipes and the spray. It works great for buses and cars, plane tray tables, dirty dining tables, etc.
- Glasses and contacts
- Period products - I highly recommend bringing your own period products. You may not be able to access them, especially when traveling in rural areas, so pack some just in case even if the timing doesn't seem to be an issue.
- Moist towelettes (or wet wipes) and Travel toilet paper or tissues - Trust me on this one. A lot of bathrooms in Uganda, especially in rural areas or roadside stops, don’t have toilet paper, and running water isn’t always guaranteed. Having wipes on hand can make things a lot more comfortable (and cleaner) when nature calls.
- Travel towel (fast drying)
Medicines & First Aid
I probably go a bit overboard when it comes to packing medicine for a trip to Uganda but after years of leading teams and traveling in East Africa, let me tell you, it’s worth it.
I’ve seen everything from food poisoning to infected mosquito bites to mystery rashes that came out of nowhere. Depending on where you're going and what you’ll be doing, your tour company or guide might have solid medical supplies on hand, and if you're sticking to the cities, you'll have access to decent clinics and pharmacies. But in many of the more rural places I’ve worked and visited, that’s just not the case and being prepared is crucial.
That all goes to say, pack according to the trip you are planning. If you’re going remote, don’t be shy about bringing a well-stocked kit. In my experience, it’s always better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Here are some medications you may need.
- Antimalarial medication - There are a few different antimalarial medications your doctor might prescribe for a trip to Uganda, the most common being Malarone, doxycycline, or mefloquine (Lariam). You’ll need a prescription for any of them and it’s really important to take the medication exactly as directed for it to be effective. I personally recommend Malarone. It’s a bit more expensive, but in my experience it comes with the least side effects. Always talk to your doctor about what’s right for you based on your health history and travel plans.
- Strong antibiotic (optional) - I also recommend asking your doctor for a prescription antibiotic like ciprofloxacin (Cipro) to bring along just in case. Do not take it unless you really need it, but having it on hand has come in handy more than once, especially when getting to a clinic wasn’t an easy option. It’s one of those things you hope you don’t need, but you’ll be really glad to have if you do.
- Basic travel first aid kit - You'll want get something compact that has bandaids and bandages in various sizes, some sort of disinfectant wipes or antiseptic, etc.
- Anti-itch cream or bite relief - Even with bug spray expect to get a few bites. Having some hydrocortisone or similar anti-itch cream is a good idea.
- Sleep aid - Between the jet lag and the fact that it might be warmer at night than you're used to, I find that having something to help me fall asleep makes those first few nights way easier. Whether it’s melatonin, magnesium, or something stronger from your doctor, it’s worth packing just in case.
- Dramamine -If you are prone to motion sickness I recommend throwing some Dramamine or another anti-nausea med in your bag. Uganda’s roads can get bumpy, especially once you’re out of the city. It’s better to be prepared than spend a four-hour drive trying not to lose your lunch.
Travel Gear & Accessories
- Power adapter - These Tessan Type G power adapters are great because they have charging ports.
- Daypack or a small backpack or pick pocket resistant bag - I have a couple of these Baggallini Purses and they are great for travel. They are pretty water resistant and theft resistant but they still look really cute. I also have one of these Crossbody Shoulder Backpacks and my husband likes carrying this one as well.
- Reusable water bottle (optional: get a Life Straw): To be honest I usually just bring my Owala Water Bottle and then pour bottled water into it. But I've seen people with these LifeStraw Go Series Water Bottles. They have a special filter that removes Bacteria, parasites and microplastics.
- Portable, battery powered fan - These can be a game changer, especially at night and more especially if you don't have power. This Viniper Fan is battery powered and rechargeable and works really well. Or you can one with a clip like this Gaiaitop portable battery powered fan with a lantern.
- Solar phone bank charger - My husband and I each have one of these Solar Rechargeable power banks. They work great in Africa (and at Disney!)
- Camera or Go-pro - The phone works great but if you really want to capture beautiful photos I recommend bringing your DSLR or a Go-Pro, especially if you are planning to do water activities.
- Travel journal - I always like bringing a travel journal to Uganda. It helps me slow down and really take in the little moments and reflect on the trip.
- Flashlight or Headlamp - This is especially important for getting to an outside toilet at night. These Gearlight LED Headlamps work really well, or just a basic battery powered flashlight.
- Strong Laptop or Tablet case and Screen protector.
- Headphones - Good quality headphones make a difference. I cannot handle the ones that stick into your ears but I love my Beats Headphones and take them everywhere.
Optional:
- Dry bag for or waterproof pouch (for phones, passports, etc.) - These are mainly needed if you're planning to do water-based activities like rafting on the Nile. These Pelican Waterproof Phone Pouches are great and they even have a clear window so you can still take pictures while the phone is protected.
- Binoculars - If you go bird watching or on safari these are super helpful!
Snacks & Food
The food in Uganda is delicious and I highly recommend trying the different dishes. But depending on what kind of trip you're on (a fancy catered safari vs. a mission trip) I do recommend bringing some snacks. Do not bring anything that melts or spoils easily as they will get quite warm. And make sure that everything is resealable or the bigs will sense your weakness and invade.
- Trail mix or Mixed nuts - Just make sure you get the ones without any chocolate.
- Protein bars and Granola bars
- Beef jerky or meat sticks - I like chomps.
- Dried fruit - Just make sure to reseal well to keep the bugs from invading your bags.
- Hard candies or Gum
- Electrolyte packets - I always bring Liquid IV. I mix it into my 4 cup water bottle and drink about one a day when I'm in the field to prevent dehydration. Salt is very important when being physically active in a hot climate and if you don't get enough it can be dangerous. I once passed out from dehydration, luckily one of my colleagues had a bunch of lactated ringers on her and hooked me up to an IV in a tukul, but not an experience I recommend.