When you read information concerning Ugandan safaris on different websites, everyone tells you about what you should wear but no one even tells you about what you should not wear during the trip. Worry not because this article brings you some of the things you should avoid during your safari through Uganda so that you can enjoy a memorable trouble free holiday. However, one should not ignore the fact that what someone wears depends on the tourist activity intending to enjoy whereby what is not good for a particular activity may be ideal for another activity.
The clothes you select are of prior importance since they will determine your comfort and enjoyment of your safari as a whole. If you intend to take a wildlife safari take special note that blend in well with the environment. Therefore wear dull and muted colors like olive, beige, brown, green and khaki. Avoid colors like blue or black in your safari clothing since tropical Africa is relatively hot. Pack light and flexible (can be squashed) luggage since in some instances you will need to fit into a light aircraft.
It is sunshine all year round in Uganda with warm or hot daytime temperatures. Some seasons are wetter than others therefore it is advisable to carry some rain gear with you on especially a gorilla safari. Evenings are colder especially at high altitudes therefore carry a couple of light sweaters as well.
On hiking safaris make sure you carry a lot of warm clothes since you will be exposed to alpine temperatures. Sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sun glasses and water proof jackets are ideal for trekking safaris.
Mountain climbing
When climbing a mountain like Rwenzori with glacial peaks, you will need to have the following:
- Climbing boots
- Ropes
- Ice axes
- Harnesses
- Crampons
- Walking sticks
- Snow goggles
- A campus
- Altimeter
- Bring plenty of warm clothing for the nights
- Water proof jackets in cases of rain
- Gum boots since some of the trails are muddy
- Plastic bags to seal off your matches and clothing
- Portable stove
- A variety of snacks to boost your energy during the climb
- Well labeled food for all days of the climb
- Lots of drinks
- Porters to carry your luggage
- Cooks
- Sleeping bag
- Map of the circuit
Note:
Some of these can be hired at the park headquarters before your climb. Specialized cooks can be arranged for at a fee. Watch out for altitude sickness that may increase as you ascend above the snow line. Well trained guides may force you to turn back if they fill it unsafe for you to continue depending on the altitude related symptoms you exhibit.
Skin care:
All Caucasians should carry sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun. Sun exposure increases the risks of skin cancer and premature wrinkling or aging of the skin. Wear insect repellant each time you go swimming as this will protect you from possible insect bites.
Important Tips
Don’t wear or apply heavy makeup during the Ugandan safari
Most safari activities in Uganda are conducted in the wilderness-National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, thus what is the point of wearing heavy makeup when you will be moving or conducting most activities within varying vegetation types-dense forests (gorilla trekking within Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, chimpanzee tracking within Kibale Forest National Park or even nature walks within the different Parks), savannah plains and woodlands among others. However, some female travelers apply heavy makeup with bright colors thus appearing like a rainbow.
Clothes that normally takes long to dry
Another mistake that should be avoided is carrying clothes that normally take long to dry up but instead you should opt for light weight and quick to dry fabrics thus the jeans are flannel should be avoided. Not only that, Denim normally take forever to dry and remember that most Safari Lodges in Uganda’s National Parks do not have clothes driers.
Comfortable clothes that can layer up
Comfortable and cool clothes that can layer up to keep you warm during the cold evenings or early mornings during game drives are recommended. However, lightweight shirts and fleece pullovers are perfect when the day starts to heat up but also zip off pants that can be turned into shorts should be added on your packing list.
Flip-flops or sandals
Flip-flops or sandals are not bad depending on the activity you are planning to undertake during the safari. When it comes to game drives, always wear flip-flops much as they are not advisable but if you are heading for nature walks, then you have to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots are ideal for mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and mountain hiking/climbing.
Dressing up like as if you are heading for a meeting (office wear)
Casual clothes not office wear are perfect for daywear thus button-up shirts or polo T-shirts/shirts can be worn with shorts by both men and women. Imagine how strange it is for someone to wear a suit when going for game drives or nature walks.
High heel shoes
Usually, flat and comfortable shoes are more practical for safaris than high heels when walking within the African jungles, wooden boardwalks or even sand paths. Not only that, heels are not good for hiking or walking through the muddy trails, otherwise there are high chances of you falling down and getting injured during the safari.
Avoid brightly-colored wear
Brightly colored clothes should be avoided during the safari but instead opt for beige, green and brown clothes thus color of cloth being worn is important when tracking wildlife on foot. Not only that, white clothes can easily become dirty and thus should be avoided.