Packing for a self-drive safari to Uganda can be disheartening and cumbersome, but we have simplified the process by listing some of the things you have to carry (and what to leave-out) on this mind-blowing trip. Before going through the packing list, just keep in mind that undertaking a self-drive safari to Uganda is the best decision you have ever taken because you are guaranteed of utmost freedom as well as flexibility to go anywhere you desire or stop whenever you deem fit.
The self-drive safari also gives travelers the opportunity of discovering the unexplored parts of Uganda, especially beautiful tourist sites within the countryside. Therefore, here are some of the things that you need to carry for your self-drive safari to Uganda;
Appropriate Clothing and Footwear
The mistake that most travellers make is thinking that you need all new outfits for your self-drive safari to Uganda, yet there are some good outfits in your wardrobe that can suit for the adventure. Just keep in mind that whatever you choose is in neutral colors that blend so well to the natural environment and should have natural fibres. Some travellers imagine Uganda or Africa in general to be extremely hot but the fact is that it sometimes gets cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Therefore, a warm sweater is recommended in addition to a rain jacket. Avoid white color because there are high chances of your clothing to become dirty and this is unpleasant during your self-driving safari to Uganda.
Avoid over-packing and instead carry a number of t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pairs of shorts and long safari pants for several adventures during your self-drive safari to Uganda. A number of safari Lodge/Tented Camps/Hotels in Uganda feature swimming pools for visitors’ comfort and unwinding. Therefore after a long day self-driving or discovering the hidden treasures of Uganda, you would want to cool-off hence a bathing/swimsuit is recommended. Don’t forget underwear to finish all the days of the self-drive safari to Uganda.
Sandals/flip-flops is a wonderful companion for self-drive safaris to Uganda, especially for simple walks around the place of lodging or leisurely City walks. If you have primate trekking, guided nature walks and mountain climbing or hiking on your bucket list, then sturdy hiking boots as well as long cotton socks are handy. High heels should be avoided, unless your trip is based within an Urban Center or better still you have a date or business meeting planned during the self-drive safari to Uganda.
Sunglasses and hats are important for sun protection, regardless of the activities added on your bucket list.
Toiletries such as deodorants, shaving creams, toothpaste and toothbrush, sunblock, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo and hair conditioner, bathing soap, hair comb/brush and travel towels shouldn’t be left behind when packing for the self-drive safari to Uganda. Avoid packing perfumes, hair dryers.
Insect repellant is handy for a self-drive safari to Uganda because most places you will visit in this country are malaria heavy zones and do avoid falling sick during your trip, carry some insect repellant, with quantity depending on the severity of mosquitoes in the visited safari destination.
Although many travellers forget it, a basic medical/first aid kit is essential for the self-drive safari to Uganda and the must-have items are cold meds, Ibuprofen, cough drops, anti-septic cream, bandages, Neosporin, Ciprofloxin (for traveller’s diarrhea) and many others.
Camera Equipment plus extra batteries and charger is also important for the self-drive safari to Uganda. Imagine self-driving through Murchison falls, Kidepo Valley or Queen Elizabeth National Park and you get a rare sighting of lion ride or leopards hiding in the tall grasses and suddenly the camera blacks out. This is one of the most unfortunate incidences that you need to avoid during your self-driving trip. Other crucial electronics are laptop plus a charger, smartphone and a charger, headphones, pair of binoculars and so much more.
Travel documents especially driver’s license, passport with at least 6 months validity, yellow fever vaccination certificate and visa (if required) shouldn’t be left out when packing for a self-drive safari to Uganda.
If wilderness camping is part of your self-drive safari to Uganda, make sure that you have tents, waterproof dry bag, headlamp, lighter matches, trash bags and many others.
