Details on what to pack for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda
When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing. It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas of Uganda and Rwanda; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.
When trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees we recommended wearing sturdy clothing to help protect against scratches, i.e. long sleeve shirt, trousers and a good pair of lightweight walking boots. Protective leather gloves or gardening gloves are also useful, as well as a pair of gaiters.
As the temperature is variable and weather conditions can change; we also recommend taking a fleece or light jumper (layers of clothing are best especially with moisture-wicking undergarments) and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers or poncho. A small backpack is useful to carry your water, pack lunch, camera and binoculars. Walking sticks are available at the park head quarters as are porters (it is worth taking a porter as it provides local people with employment and they will give you a helping hand on any steep terrain).
Whilst on safari neutral coloured, loose fitting and relaxed clothing is the most appropriate. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary. Please note that most hotels and lodges hand wash clothing.
Khaki / natural coloured clothing for safaris / trekking
1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks – that can dry quickly if wearing on treks
1 Pair of shorts
1 – 2 long sleeved shirts – preferably quick drying
2 – 3 short sleeved shirts – preferably moisture wicking
Casual clothes for evenings
1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks
1 – 3 sports / long sleeved shirts and / or blouse
1 dress / skirt for ladies
Exterior clothing
1 Lightweight waterproof / windproof / breathable jacket, e.g. Gortex / Event type fabrics
1 Fleece, sweater or sweatshirt
Sturdy / lightweight waterproof walking boots – trousers / pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots or gaiters also work well)
1 Pair of shoes for evening wear
1 Pair of sports sandals will be useful, e.g. TEVA
Swimsuit (and a plastic bag for packing in)
Bush hat with a brim for sun protection
Underwear
Lightweight wool socks
Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla tracking only)
Miscellaneous
Towel – many lodges provide these, but if needed we suggest taking trek towels. These are lightweight, pack to a small size and dry quickly. Best to get a large or extra large.
Gaiters
Sunscreen and moisturising cream
Sunglasses with neck strap
Insect repellent with DEET, please note that DEET can effect man-made fibres and plastics.
Daypack / small rucksack
Binoculars
Alarm clock – though our staff will wake you
Ear plugs
Spare / extra batteries
Camera and extra lenses
Camera charger / converter / adapter for 220 / 240 AC voltage, plus cigarette lighter adapter is useful
Film – particularly fast film for the primates (400 – 1600ASA)
Personal toiletries /Prescription medicines and the prescription itself
Wet-wipes / tissues
Back-up glasses especially if you wear contact lenses
Wash cloth and plastic bag (if needed)
Ziplocs / dry bags and other plastic bags for keeping valuables dry or storing wet clothes
Torch / flashlight – LED models are light weight and have a good battery life
Sewing kit (needle, thread, safety pins)
Small notebook
First Aid Kit – including anti-diarrhoea medicine, rehydration sachets, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids (plasters), motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication
Photocopies of your passport, visas, credit cards and airline tickets (it is advisable to have 2 sets to keep in separate places)
Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling
Symbol: KSh
ISO code: KES
Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50
Coins: KSh40, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 50, 10 cents(lesscommonly used)
Banking:
Card Transactions:
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Sometimes
Diner’s club: Sometimes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09h00 - 15h00
Weekends:Saturdays: 09h00 -12h00. Sundays: Closed. Check the specific hours of the bank branch you plan to visit, as operating hours can vary between branches and regions.
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Kenya Airways, Airkenya Express, Fly540, JamboJet, African Express Airways, Mombasa Air Safari
International Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport
Road:
Conditions vary greatly.
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: No, unless your national licence is not in English. Third party insurance is needed.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Some, but not generally safe.
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and vegetables: No, unless thoroughly washed and peeled
Ice: No, unless made from bottled or purified water
Meat: Yes, but from reputable establishments
Street food: No, unless from a reputable source and freshly prepared
Local cuisine: Kenyan food is diverse, exhibiting the different tastes and flavours of its different tribes, as well as the spices of early Arab settlers and East Indian railway workers, and the fresh seafood straight from the Swahili coast. Top dishes include Kenyan Stew, made with meat and spices; Mutura, a rich, dark goat sausage; and Mandazi, a kind of donut flavoured with cardamom and sweet coconut milk.
Drinks:
Tusker Beer
Kenyan Coffee
Chai (Kenyan Tea)
Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)
Maziwa Lala (Fermented Milk)
*In addition to these beverages, there are also a variety of everyday drinks available, such as fruit juices, sodas, and bottled water.
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 680 mm
Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C
Average in lows: 16°C
Winter: July-October
Average in highs: 21°C
Average in lows: 12°C
* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.
Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to December)
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes, for early morning and evening game drives, especially in higher altitudes or cooler months (June to August).
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes, in cities.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: G
Voltage (V): 240
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
