Planning your first African safari can feel overwhelming. Here’s what Afritrek Safaris tells every first-time guest before they land in Uganda.
1. Pack Neutral-Colored Clothing
Khaki, olive, and brown tones help you blend into the environment. Avoid bright colors and pure white or black, which can startle animals or attract insects (particularly tsetse flies, which are drawn to dark blue).
2. Bring Layers
Mornings on game drives can be surprisingly cool, especially at altitude near Bwindi or Kidepo, while afternoons warm up quickly. A fleece or light jacket you can remove easily is ideal.
3. Invest in Good Footwear
Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots are non-negotiable for gorilla or chimpanzee trekking. For general game drives, comfortable closed shoes are fine.
4. Get Your Vaccinations and Visa Sorted Early
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda. Most nationalities can apply for an e-visa online in advance — we recommend doing this at least a few weeks before travel.
5. Malaria Prevention Matters
Uganda is a malaria-risk area. Speak to a travel clinic about prophylaxis, and pack a reliable insect repellent with DEET for evenings.
6. Bring a Good Zoom Lens
Even budget mirrorless or DSLR cameras with a 200mm+ zoom will dramatically improve your wildlife photos. Phone cameras struggle with distance shots on game drives.
7. Carry Cash in Small Denominations
While lodges and some tour operators accept cards, cash (US dollars, 2013 or newer bills, and Ugandan shillings) is useful for tips, curio shops, and rural stops.
8. Budget for Tipping
Tipping guides, drivers, and trekking porters is customary and appreciated. Porters especially rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
9. Respect Wildlife Distance Rules
For gorilla and chimp trekking, a 7-meter distance rule protects both you and the animals from disease transmission. Rangers will guide you, but it’s worth knowing in advance.
10. Build in Buffer Time
Uganda’s roads, especially to remote parks like Kidepo, can take longer than Google Maps suggests. A well-planned itinerary — the kind we build at Afritrek Safaris — accounts for realistic travel times so you’re never rushed.
Have questions before you book? Get in touch with Afritrek Safaris — we’re happy to walk first-time travelers through every step of the planning process.
