Feather Trail Safaris
Safari
Packing List
Everything you need. Nothing you don't.
Heading out on a gorilla trek through Bwindi, a game drive in the Serengeti, or a boat cruise on Lake Victoria? We want every guest to arrive fully prepared, confident, comfortable, and ready for adventure.
Important: This list is a practical guide, not a strict requirement. Pack light where possible, many lodges and camps offer laundry service, usually one item per person per day. Small personal items are generally not included in laundry service.
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Packing Categories
Your Complete Packing Guide
Use the interactive checklist below to tick items off as you pack. Your progress is tracked in real time. Click any category card to jump straight to that section.
Passports, visas, health cards, tickets and financial documents. Never leave home without these.
Earthy tones, layered for temperature changes. Bright colours and camouflage patterns should be avoided entirely.
Malaria prophylaxis, sun protection, insect repellent and personal care essentials for the bush.
Binoculars, torches, adapters, packs and gadgets that make the difference between a good safari and a great one.
Specific gear for Bwindi and Volcanoes NP — gloves, trekking poles, waterproofs and more.
Weight limits, luggage rules, laundry services and insider advice from our guides in the field.
At Feather Trail Safaris, we recommend khaki, green, olive, tan and brown tones for all safari days. Bright colours disturb wildlife. Blue clothing attracts certain insects. And camouflage-patterned clothing is prohibited in Uganda and Rwanda — it is worn exclusively by military personnel. Leave it at home.
Category 1
Travel Documents
These are non-negotiable. Without them, your safari cannot happen. Keep originals and photocopies in separate bags — one in your main luggage, one on your person.
Always keep a digital copy of all documents in your email, accessible anywhere with internet.
Stick to khaki, olive, green, tan and brown. No bright colours. No blue. No camouflage.
Category 2
Safari Clothing
East Africa's climate varies significantly — cool highland mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings. Layering is essential. Keep everything in earthy tones, lightweight, and breathable.
Category 3
Health & Toiletries
Start your malaria prophylaxis 4–6 weeks before travel and consult your doctor about any additional vaccinations. Bring more medication than you think you'll need.
Malaria is present in low-lying areas of Uganda and Rwanda. Always use repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
Uganda & Rwanda use 240V / 50Hz with square 3-pin sockets. Bring an adapter if your devices use different plugs.
Category 4
Gear & Supplies
The right gear turns a good safari into a great one. Binoculars are arguably the single most important item after your passport — every person in the group should have a pair.
Specialist Section
Gorilla Trekking Extras
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park requires specific gear beyond the standard safari list. These items make the trek significantly more comfortable and safe.
Expert Advice
Packing Tips from Our Guides
Luggage Weight Limits
Bush plane and light aircraft flights — common on safari circuits — often have strict baggage limits of 15kg (33lbs) in soft-sided bags. Avoid hard suitcases. Use a duffel bag or soft travel bag instead. Keep your carry-on light.
Laundry Service
Most lodges and camps offer laundry service — typically one item per person per day. Small personal clothing items are often excluded. Pack a travel wash tube for quick rinsing of socks, underwear, and base layers in your room.
Power & Electronics
Uganda and Rwanda use 240V / 50Hz electricity with square 3-pin plugs (British-style). Remote lodges may have power only at certain hours. Bring a power bank for cameras and phones during long drive days away from power.
Colour Rules
Stick strictly to khaki, green, olive, tan and brown tones for all game drive and trekking days. Blue clothing attracts tsetse flies. Bright colours disturb wildlife and are simply unnecessary. Camouflage patterns are illegal in Uganda and Rwanda.
What You Can Buy There
Kigali and Kampala have good pharmacies, supermarkets, and outdoor stores. Sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, and basic toiletries are widely available. You do not need to overpack — restock in the capital if needed.
Full Uganda Guide
Planning a Uganda safari specifically? Read our dedicated Uganda Safari Packing List for experience-specific advice on Bwindi, Kibale, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
Got questions about packing?
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Our team has been in the field. We know exactly what you need — and what to leave at home.
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