For those who are particularly concerned about packing, perhaps it is most useful for you to give us a call when you are ready, as this discussion is often highly individualized. Below are general suggestions that can serve as guidelines for your planning. You will perhaps want to cross reference these guidelines with the climate information on this page, based on the location and timeframe of your itinerary.
Luggage Limitations
If you have light aircraft flights in your itinerary, you are likely subject to strict luggage limitations. Each charter airline makes its own luggage rules. Please let us know if you have any questions about the requirements specific to your itinerary. The general regulations applicable to light aircraft flights on a seat-rate basis are as follows.
- Total luggage, including camera equipment and carry-on luggage (hand luggage), is normally restricted to between 15kg (33lbs) and 20kg (44lbs).
- Often only completely soft-sided bags are accepted. This means the bag must have no frame or rigid structures. Luggage with rigid sides—including bags with an extendable handle that creates a rigid side—are sometimes problematic as they cannot physically fit into the aircraft.
- The maximum dimensions of the bags which can be accommodated are normally around 26x14x14 inches (66x35x35 centimeters). Luggage that is larger than this is often problematic, as they cannot physically fit into the aircraft.
- Some charter companies have limits on passenger body weights, which, when exceeded, may require that you purchase an additional seat to ensure your safety and comfort. Please let us know in advance if any travelers in the group are more than about 280lbs, and we can advise whether this is a problem for your itinerary.
- The above limitations are applicable to guests traveling on a seat-rate basis and may differ for guests who have booked private flying.
General Recommendations for Clothing
The key to safari attire is layers. Dressing in layers allows you to stay warm in the cool mornings, strip off layers as the day warms up, and reapply the layers as the evening cools off.
There are really no absolute prohibitions for safari attire, other than perhaps to dress modestly for the sake of some local cultures. The rule of thumb as to color is earth tones. Where tsetse flies are prevalent, they are attracted to blacks and dark blues, so it is generally recommended that you avoid wearing these colors. White clothing will of course tend to get dirty more quickly. There is no dress code for dinner, and wearing your safari attire is expected and normal.
Remember that laundry is available at most properties. (Refer to your itinerary for specific inclusions.)
Packing List
This is a suggested list based on our own packing. It is not comprehensive, and you may want to bring more or less depending on your individual packing style.
- 1 x sun/bush hat
- 1 x headscarf/bandana/buff – particularly for dusty, dry regions
- 4 x t-shirts/base layer for warmest temperatures
- 2 x lightweight long-sleeved shirts
- 3 x shorts
- 3 x pants (pants are especially recommended if your itinerary includes walking safaris or primate trekking)
- 2 x pajamas – lightweight for summer and warm/thermal for winter
- 1 x quality walking shoes with heavy soles (comfort is key… especially important if your itinerary includes walking safaris)
- 1 x comfortable walking sandals like Tevas
- 1 x swimsuit
- 1 x lightweight sweater
- 1 x warm jacket or fleece
- 1 x pair of warm/fleece gloves
- 1 x beanie for early mornings and late evenings
- 1 x polarized, UV protected sunglasses
- Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments)
- Personal first aid kit (antihistamines, anti-nausea, aspirin, etc.) – camps will generally have a basic first-aid kit available
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Personal size bug repellent (DEET 30% or higher) – most camps will have bug spray available
- Headlamp
- Binoculars (8×40 or 10×42)
- Camera (including all accompanying gear – see this page for an extended discussion of cameras)
- Notebook and pens
Walking Safaris
The packing list above will serve you well for a walking safari. But we would want to reemphasize footware! It is important that you have hiking shoes/boots with impermeable soles that will protect you from thorns and sticks. We have a preference for high top boots (as opposed to low top shoes) that support ankles over uneven terrain. Please purchase any footwear well in advance of your trip so that you have adequate time to wear them in and avoid blisters!
Primate Trekking
For primate trekking, consider that you will be in the rainforest. Moisture-wicking or quick-dry fabrics are key. Some of the specific items may be available in camp for you to borrow, but we cannot guarantee their condition or availability which is why we suggest them here.
- Rain jacket
- Gardening gloves (to protect hands from stinging nettles)
- Waterproof hiking shoes/boots
- Gaiters (waterproof fabric that covers your lower pants and your shoe tops)
- In both Rwanda and Uganda, face masks continue to be a requirement for primate trekking.
Favorite Brands & Stores
- Prana
- Pact Clothing
- Patagonia
- REI Co-op
