Uganda travel packing suggestions!

International Travel Requirements

• (take photocopies of each document and also email to next of kin/ family contact)
• Passport
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Card
• Visa ( https://visas.immigration.go.ug – apply online prior to flying)
• Flight Tickets
• Flight Details
• Intended Address in Uganda
• Medical Information & Insurance
• ATM/Visa cards (inform bank you will be using abroad)

Medications & Personal Hygiene

Prescription Meds with copy of prescription
Allergy Medication
Pain Relief
Pepto-Bismol and Imodium

Insect repellent and Sunscreen

If you plan to visit Uganda, remember to pack a small bottle of insect repellent and sunscreen. The prices for these essentials can be high, and it’s best to bring your own to make sure you have them right when you land.

Protect yourself from malaria and the sun with these must-have items

• Sunscreen/After Sun/Lip Balm
• Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitiser
• Wet Wipes
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Toiletries- shampoo, roll-on deodorant, razors, soap etc
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Hairbrush/comb
• Facecloth
• Travel Wash/ travel washing line with suction pads

Water bottle:

Bring your own water bottle and refill it with filtered water available in most hotels and accommodations in Uganda. This way, you can save money while also doing your part in reducing the number of plastic bottles that end up on the beautiful Uganda beaches.

Clothes:

• Long sleeve light shirts
• Shorts/skirts/dresses/tops (nothing skimpy)
• Swimwear/light beach towel

• Don’t forget to pack your swim suit for all the swimming opportunities! And it’s always good to have a sarong or quick-dry towel on hand for unexpected situations like rain showers or covering up when visiting cultural sites.
• Underwear/Socks/Pj’s

Make sure you’re dressed for the hot and humid temperatures, no matter the time of year. Don’t forget to bring a light wrap or loose pyjama pants to cover up your legs or shoulders at very remote places. It’s important to respect the local culture, so avoid wearing above-knee shorts or showing overly bare shoulders. Most hand-washed items dry quickly, but if you need to wash your clothes, you can easily find a laundry centre where you can use a machine for just a few dollars per load.

Light rain jacket/cagoule

Even if it’s not rainy season, it’s always smart to expect the possibility of rain in Kampala and other parts of Uganda. To ensure that you’re ready for any situation, it’s a good idea to have a rain jacket shell with you. Whether you’re taking a hike with the Mountain Gorillas or strolling down the streets of Kampala, having a rain jacket with zippered slits under the arms will keep you dry while still allowing for ventilation.
One sweatshirt/cardigan

Walking shoes/trainers/flip flops

In case you are planning to explore the jungle in parts of Uganda, a great pair of trainers or hiking sandals is a must-have. In case you’d prefer sticking to Kampala’s cities or Entebbe’s beaches, sandals may not be essential but packing a pair of good hiking trainers or shoes will come in handy for those trails. Avoid going for hiking boots, instead opt for lightweight waterproof trainers or hiking sandals. Hiking boots are too bulky to carry around and may cause discomfort in the heat.

Jumper:

Even though the weather is typically hot and humid, you may need to pack something warmer for chilly plane rides and air-conditioned buses and stores. Don’t forget that temperatures can drop significantly during rainy seasons! A hoodie would be the perfect addition to your packing list.
Hat

Other Items

• Mobile Phone/charger/power bank
• Camera
• Headphones
• Earplugs
• Sleeping Mask
• Sunglasses
• Travel fan
• Travel Pillow
• Roll of bin bags for laundry etc
• Belt bag/cross body bag
• Book/pack of cards

Bags

• Backpack
• Purse
• Security Pouch
• Travel Bag
• Luggage Locks

Miscellaneous (on the plane, on the bus)

Comfort over fashion

• Comfortable shoes are the most essential thing to pack!!!
• What is your body temperature like- keep this in mind when deciding what to wear
• We recommend wearing layers each day
• Keep your day bag light, you will be carrying it the whole day
• Keep in mind the time of year of travel (if a holiday is near, there may be a lot of people)
• What is the weather usually like during the time of year of the trip
• Leave room in travel and day bag for souvenirs Travel by Plane
• On the plane, we suggest only bringing a carry-on bag
• Neck pillow for the plane
• Prescription medication needs to be in the container with the original label
• Which of the documents are needed for the destination
• You might need an electric converter or adaptor
• Best shoes to travel in while on a plane Overnight Trips
• Hotels do provide shampoo, conditioner, and bar soap
• Does the hotel have a swimming pool, are you allowed to use it?

Videos

• Travel Insurance Explained – Why you Need it and What to do in a Medical Emergency (7:56 ) – This video walks through the various insurance options, questions to ask and the pros and cons of international insurance options. They even provide important information on handling a medical emergency while overseas.
• Safety Tips for Traveling Abroad (3:42) – Travel expert, Jessica Dodson, talks about the most important and up-to-date safety tips for international travel.
• How to Pack for a Missions Trip // Pack with Me (6:17) – Pack along with this teenage girl as she shows you the ropes on what to take for a mission trip.

Travel by Tour Van

• Extra socks to change into if it is hot outside
• sweatshirt to leave on the Tout van
• Blanket/Pillow for the Tour van
• Snacks can be left on the tour van while at attractions
• Travel shoes
• Some motor coaches have outlets inside to charge cell phones

Day Trips

• Extra Socks
• Water Bottle (at least one to carry and one to have on the bus)
• Do you have your Msafiri tour gear?
• Make sure to purchase or bring your Msafiri tours String Bag and bracelet with you on the trip if they have already been given.

Have a look at other useful links, learn some Luganda phrases

This is what to Pack for a Uganda safari

Here is a list of what NOT to pack for travel to Uganda

Also, have a look at what you can pack to donate

How to get a Uganda visa

Other travel resources