Experience Uganda the pearl of Africa

Check our packing list for your Uganda Mission Trips, Volunteer Trips & Safaris. Find out what to pack to stay comfortable and safe during your stay in Uganda.

Packing list for Uganda Mission trips, volunteer trips & safaris for individuals, Church groups, school tours, and other groups.

Airline baggage allowances: how much you are allowed to carry by your airline

Pack light, especially if you have to walk a lot on your trip

Check the average temperatures for the time you will be travelling

Documentation is essential on your packing list to Africa

You must take an up-to-date passport. If your passport is old, check and make sure it does not expire while you are in Africa. The expiry date of your document has to be at least 60 days after you return from your trip.

You will need a visa to enter Uganda and nearly all African countries. It is advisable to acquire your visa in your country of origin before you travel. However, you can get visas on entry in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport. Check for entry requirements to other countries or contact us for more details. Keep all of your documents in a safe place at all times.

Record details of your travel documents before you leave. Note credit card numbers, travellers-cheques etc. and write down procedures and telephone numbers in case of loss. Make copies of your passport and other personal documents, and package them separately. Nominate a family member or a trustworthy person in your home country to assist you should your documents be lost or stolen. Your passport, boarding card and other necessary documents should be easily accessible when you board your flight and in your destination country.

Baggage type:  Suitcases are very difficult to move around with and can be quite heavy. You should take lightweight baggage that is easy to carry. If you do take a suitcase, you will need a spare backpack, which you can use when you go on Safari or travel up the country. Ensure that the backpack you choose is right for your back.

Clothing Guide:

Men/Boys

  •  1 pair of comfortable shoes that can be worn to a nice restaurant or hotel
  •  1 pair of flip-flops to use at the guest house and for casual wear
  •  3-4 pair of socks
  •  1 sweater or light jacket
  •  2 long sleeve casual shirts
  •  1-2 pairs of casual trousers
  •  1-2 pairs of shorts
  •  1 belt
  •  A raincoat
  •  A pair of sunglasses
  •  1-2 hats (for sun protection)
  •  1-2 swimsuits
  •  3-4 t-shirts
  •  1 pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking
  • Prescription glasses with spare pair (note: contact lenses are difficult to use on safari due to the high amount of dust)

Women/Girls

  •  1 pair of comfortable shoes that can be worn to a nice restaurant or hotel
  •  1 pair of flip-flops to use at the guest house and for casual wear
  •  3-4 pair of socks
  •  1 sweater or light jacket
  •  1-2 swimsuits
  •  2 long sleeve casual blouses
  •  1-2 pairs of light-weight casual trousers or dresses (below the knee)
  •  1-2 pairs of shorts (long is best)
  •  1 belt
  •  3-4 casual short sleeve blouses or t-shirts
  •  A raincoat
  •  1 pair sunglasses
  •  1-2 hats (for sun protection)
  •  1 pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking
  •  Prescription glasses with spare pair (note: contact lenses are difficult to use on safari due to the high amount of dust)

Toiletries and linens:

  • Toothpaste/toothbrush/mouthwash*
  •  Shampoo/conditioner *
  •  Soap/shower gel*
  • Deodorant*
  •  Tissues*
  •  Towel and hand towel (You can purchase these things in Africa as well)

Hand Luggage:

  •  Guide book
  •  Reading book*
  •  Personal money (pounds sterling or US dollars)
  • Indigestion/diarrhoea/ travel sickness tablets
  •  Small notepad and pen (always handy)
  •  Snacks/packed lunch for coach journey

Medical items:

  •  Mosquito repellent (with high DEET %)
  •  Malaria prophylaxis tablets
  •  Pain killers
  •  Prescription medicine (enough to last the duration of your trip)
  •  Antiseptic/antibiotic cream
  •  Plasters
  •  Wet wipes/baby wipes/hand sanitizer
  •  Sunscreen lotion
  •  Anti-diarrhea tablets
  •  Earplugs (optional)

Miscellaneous:

  •  Your up-to-date passport
  •  Visa for the destination country
  •  Handheld fan (the small battery-operated ones do the job well)
  •  A good camera, extra batteries/charger
  •  Binoculars (optional but highly recommended)
  •  An alarm clock
  •  Small torch/flashlight
  •  Donations for schools/orphanages
  •  Power adapters/voltage protectors (voltage can fluctuate highly in Uganda; you can purchase these in Kampala as well)

NOTE: The electricity supply in Uganda is 240 Volts A/C.

Camping trips/Safaris (backpacking):

  •  Two or three medium size towels (quick-dry if possible)
  •  Soap (with a plastic soap dish for easy travel)
  •  Shampoo/conditioner