Uganda Safari Adventure Outfit: What to Wear and Pack for the Wild
Packing for a safari in Uganda isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about staying comfortable, protected, and prepared for long days in unpredictable terrain. From dusty game drives to misty gorilla treks, Uganda’s wild side demands the right outfit.
Here’s your complete guide to what to wear on safari in Uganda and how to dress for every adventure, whether you’re tracking big cats or gorillas.
The Ideal Safari Outfit: Function Over Fashion
In Uganda, lightweight, breathable, and neutral-colored clothing works best. Temperatures shift between chilly mornings, hot afternoons, and cool evenings. Your outfit must adapt to changing weather, rough terrain, and biting insects.
Key Outfit Elements:
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: These protect against sunburn, insect bites, and scratches from vegetation. Choose quick-dry fabric.
- Neutral colors: Wear beige, olive, brown, or khaki. Avoid bright colors (which attract insects) or dark colors like black and blue (which attract tsetse flies).
- Layered clothing: Mornings can be cold, especially during gorilla trekking in Bwindi or game drives in Murchison. Layer up and remove pieces as it warms.
Footwear Matters
- Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, and walking safaris. Waterproof boots with ankle support are best.
- Closed-toe safari shoes or sneakers: Comfortable for general use at lodges or during light hikes.
- Flip-flops or sandals: Ideal for relaxing at camp or shower use.
Break in your boots before the trip to avoid blisters in the bush.
Safari Accessories to Include
- Wide-brimmed hat: Keeps the sun off your face and neck
- UV-protection sunglasses: Essential for game drives
- Light rain jacket or poncho: Especially important in forests and during rainy months
- Insect repellent: Choose one with DEET or natural alternatives like lemon eucalyptus
- Buff or bandana: Useful for dust on game drives or covering your nose during hikes
- Gloves (optional): Useful during gorilla trekking for gripping vegetation
Special Note for Gorilla & Chimp Treks
If your Uganda safari includes gorilla trekking in Bwindi or chimpanzee tracking in Kibale:
- Wear long socks and tuck your pants in to block safari ants
- Carry a small daypack with water, snacks, camera, and a light jacket
- Use gardening gloves to protect your hands when grabbing branches
- Bring a face mask, as it’s often required when near great apes
Permits allow one hour with the primates, but reaching them may take 2–5 hours of hiking in steep, muddy terrain.
What Not to Wear
- Camouflage clothing: Restricted in some areas and associated with military use
- Bright white: Stains easily and stands out to animals
- Heavy jeans: Hot, slow to dry, and not ideal for treks
- Perfume or scented lotions: Attract insects and can disturb animals
Stick to practicality — you’re not on a fashion runway, but an unforgettable wildlife expedition.
Plan Your Packing
Before your safari, make a simple checklist:
- Two or three safari outfits to rotate
- Comfortable walking shoes and boots
- Daypack, hat, sunglasses, and bug spray
- Binoculars and camera
- Personal meds and rehydration salts
If you’re traveling light, many lodges offer laundry services. Just ask in advance.
Your safari outfit sets the tone for your experience. Dress smart, move freely, and you’ll focus on the adventure — not the discomfort.
