packing for Africa - Uganda

Packing for Uganda-Africa

Things one needs while traveling in Uganda- Africa


It all begins with the right suitcases or suitcase.  It also depends where you coming from.  If you are coming from North America you get to bring 2 suitcases and 50 pounds each, from Europe it is almost half that.  It means one has to be practical and take in mind what your plans are once you arrive in Africa, where you will be going and what you will be doing while here.


For the parts of East Africa where I live it is advisable that you pack what you will need while in Africa.  If you are coming here on an African Safari that is one thing, if you are coming as a short term volunteer that is another.  For one thing in Uganda the voltage is 240.  That means that anything that plugs into 110 volts in North America, leave at home.  It would be good to get a plug-in that converts your plug to fit the British kind which is used in East Africa.  Enough said lets begin packing.


Suitcases:  Two allowed, but a piece of advice, keep all medicine, electronic equipment, battery chargers, camera equipment in the carry on.  Also put one set of clothing if the unthinkable happens that your luggage is temporarily lost.


Money Belt: One that will allow you to carry your passport also. Do not wear your money on the outside of your clothing.


Clothes: Safaris in Uganda

Jeans and Trousers:  I wear jeans here, most Africans wear jeans when it comes to leisure.  I like the way they hide the dirt, especially the red clay dust that is here, much better than khaki trousers.  If you do have some khaki trousers, bring them also.

Light Shirts and Blouses:  T-Shirts are easy to pack and come in handy for many things such as traveling to a safari destination and going on game drives.  I on the other hand will often wear long sleeved shirts since I find that they protect better from insects and even sunburn.

Sweater and Jackets:  Not needed for most safaris and general stay in Uganda except if you are going to the Rwenzori Mountains or Mount Elgon, even Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for Gorilla Tracking early in the morning.

Skirts:  made of cotton, nothing synthetic since that will simply cause you to sweat more.

Socks and underwear:  Once again it is best that they are made from natural fabrics since again it is the heat and this way you have less of a chance for heat rash.

Shoes:  Good leather shoes, sandals, and a lightweight pair of Hiking boots if you will doing some hiking and gorilla tracking (trekking).


Photographic Equipment:  If you are using film, bring it along.  It is much more expensive here.  Batteries, bring  rechargeable ones, most chargers can take the local voltage if you have plug in that fits here (UK plug) You can buy a converter plug if you do not have the UK kind.


Toilet Bag:  Anti-bacterial soap (though you can buy several kind here). razor, toothbrush, shampoo.  Most of these items can be easily bought here including feminine hygiene products.


First Aid Kit:  Include band-aids, antiseptic, Imodium, aspirin and any other thing you deem necessary.


Small Flashlight:  Is a good thing to have a long, the power goes out often at least for a few minutes until generators kick in.


Binoculars:  If you are going on Safari. Or if you are going birding.


Small gifts such as T-Shirts: For Ugandan Friends that you might meet here.  Hard candy for kids is always a hit.


Forget all the fancy gadgets they sell you in airports, they are for the most part useless.  Bring a few books on Uganda instead.


 

This year experience Africa-Discover one of its Pearls-the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda

Here is some helpful advice once you arrive in UgandaKabiza Wilderness Safaris in Uganda

Helpful Information, Tips, Advice to make your stay in Uganda a delight.

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Why Visit Uganda?Why visit Uganda?  Uganda is a bit under the radar when it comes to African Safari Travel and yet Uganda has more to offer than other African countries in a safe and secure setting.  It is one of the most bio-diverse countries in Africa, the highest snow capped mountain range in Africa, Rainforest Jungles, Savannas, the largest lake in Africa and home to half the endangered mountain gorillas in the world.


Things to do & See in Uganda:   Here are the top ten things to do and see in Uganda.  The Mountain Gorillas, the Rwenzori Mountains, White water rafting on the awesome Nile river, Chimpanzee tracking in the Jungle and more.  There is lots to do and see in Uganda.


Uganda BackgroundUganda Background Information:  Make your trip to Uganda more enjoyable by knowing something about the country.  You will find some historic background, current situation in the country.  What life is like for the average Ugandan, all designed to give you insight into the Pearl of Africa.


Flying to UgandaFlying to UgandaUganda is serviced by many major international airlines from British Airways to KLM.  There are also African carriers from Air Kenya to South African Airlines.  Here you will find helpful terminal information that makes your arrival and departure easier.


Uganda Tourist VisaUganda Tourist Visas:  Getting your visa is actual quite simple.  Arrive here and purchase your tourist visa for the time of your visit right at the Immigration desk.  It costs you less than sending your passport to a Ugandan embassy and paying for the express mail coming and going.


Uganda Travel Advice and TipsUganda Travel Advice & Tips:  Practical advice for those planning to travel to Uganda. Here you will find safety tips, health tips, transportation tips, all designed to make your stay in Uganda trouble free.  It is our desire that you enjoy your journey to and in Uganda.


Ask Uganda Travel Questions:  Simply type in your question regarding travel in Uganda and we will attempt to answer it shortly thereafter.  Many of your question may be answered on one of the pages on this site, but just in case you are unable to find it, ask.


Uganda Money AdviceMoney Tips for Uganda:  The Uganda Money Tips page covers ATM machines here in Uganda, the use of credit cards  here in Uganda, what currency to bring, Forex bureaus, banks, even a link to page where you can check the latest exchange rate.


Uganda Safety SecurityUganda Safety and Security Information:: Latest security update from Uganda regarding travelers to Uganda.  This includes travel alerts and advisories, the current situation, updated daily for you.  This includes the background to the July 11, 2010 deadly bombings in Kampala, Uganda.


Staying Well in UgandaHealth Tips for Uganda:   What are choices regarding malaria prevention?  What not to eat?  How is the water?  What do to in a restaurant?  There are a lot of things you can do in order that you do not get ill while in Uganda.


Getting around UgandaGetting around Uganda:  Transportation in Uganda is readily available and usually quite affordable.  From Motorcycle taxis to self drive, you can travel across Uganda by bus, plane, or bus.  If you have not been here before, self drive is not suggested but hire a vehicle with driver for similar cost.


Weather in UgandaUganda Weather: Find out what the weather is like in Kampala.  Get the mean temperatures of various cities and towns in Uganda.  Find out when the rainy seasons take place.  You can even get current weather information from Kampala on this page.  Helpful information for visitors and tourists.


BargainingBargaining in Uganda:  The bargaining ritual, if you are not with a tour group you have to bargain for a lot of things from transportation to souvenirs.  Enjoy the ancient ritual and bring a sense of humor, it is actually a lot of fun.


Conversaton Ugandan StyleConversations Uganda Style:  Making yourself understood in Uganda and tips of social etiquette in Uganda.  English is spoken everywhere but there are times words mean different things to the one speaking.  If someone says that they are going to make a short call, it is not a phone call, but a trip to the bathroom.


Luganda Everyday PhrasesLuganda Everyday Phrases:  Learn some Luganda phrases before you come to Kampala.  Knowing some basic Luganda phrases will endear you to most Ugandans in the central region.  Luganda is spoken in Kampala and in the central region of Uganda.  In villages some of the people do not speak English, so some words in Luganda will bring a smile on the hearers face.


Uganda SafarisUganda Safaris:  Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to go on Safaris.  A small country and yet bio-diverse in nature, almost twice the species of birds found in the USA yet Uganda is the size of Oregon. Game parks, lodging from budget to luxury, jungle, open savannas, mountains, volcanoes...simply awesome and off the beaten tourist track. One day, three day and 5 day or longer safaris with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.


Gorilla Tracking InformationGorilla Tracking (Trekking) Information:   Complete Guide to Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Uganda.  Here you find all the information that you need to know for a gorilla safari in Uganda, from permits, to guidelines and the lodging that is available.


Uganda Wildlife InformationUganda Wildlife Information:  The wildlife that you find in Uganda from Mountain Gorillas to Chimpanzees, reptiles, hippos, crocodiles, birds.  There is simply lots to discover in Uganda and you will enjoy your time here in Uganda viewing tree climbing lions, the Giraffes,  leopards, warthogs and so much more.


Exploring the National Parks of UgandaNational Parks of Uganda Information & Guide:  There are some fabulous game parks in Uganda, not only the wildlife but the scenery is simply breathtaking, crater lakes, bamboo forests, the most powerful waterfall in the world, glacier covered mountains and intriguing rainforest jungles.


Uganda LodgingAccommodations in Uganda:  From Budget to Luxury accommodations can be found in every game park in Uganda. Tented camps that give you that classical Safari feel, great lodges with fabulous food all enhancing your Uganda safari in the National Parks in Uganda.


Kampala City InformationKampala City Information:  Originally built on 7 hills, now many more, Kampala is a truly African city where much awaits your visit.  Here are some of the things you can see and do in Kampala and simple practical tips for a Kampala visit.  From day trips from Kampala to entertainment.


Speciality Safari ToursSpecialty Safari Tours in Uganda-Africa:  Including Uganda African Photo Safari, African Honeymoon Safari in Uganda and Create your own Safari. Each of the specialty safari tours is created with your input in mind.  Private photo safaris where you are in control, Adventure safaris that allow you to experience Uganda in a very different way, romantic Honeymoon safaris that reflect the celebratory note of your visit to Uganda and Create your own African Safari.


Helpful Africa Safari Information for UgandaHelpful Africa Safari Information & Uganda Travel Information:  How to save money on a safari, budget travel, how to choose a safari, booking a safari, safari consultant, comments from clients, safety in Uganda, and responsible tourism practices.


Uganda Travel GuideUganda Travel Guide and Visitor Information:  Here you will find the complete Uganda Travel Guide and Visitors Information such as Packing for your Ugandan Visit, Flying to Uganda, Visa Information, Uganda Background Information, Money Tips, Safety Tips, Health Advice, Luganda Phrases, Restaurants, Kampala City Information and more.


Cars for Hire-Transportation with Driver in Uganda:  Cars for hire with English Speaking driver.  Airport pickup and transportation to any destination in Uganda and other destinations in East Africa. We provide you with an accident free driver who knows Uganda.  From passenger vehicles such as station wagons to 29 passenger buses we can meet your transportation needs in Uganda.


A safari in Uganda will be the experience of a lifetime with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris

Uganda Travel Site Map


Kabiza Wilderness Safaris in Uganda

Contact usContact us by clicking on the Mountain Gorilla Stamp or this link, it will take you to the contact page.

Call us from overseas 256 - (0) 774785852. Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - St. Augustine

 

 

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Last updated: 28 July 2010

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