Essential Prep & Documents

• Passport & e-Visa: Passport valid ≥6 months; apply only via Uganda’s official e-Visa portal. Carry printed approval + payment receipt. Yellow fever card may be requested during e-Visa application. visas.immigration.go.ug+2washington.mofa.go.ug+2
• Permits: Book gorilla/chimp permits well in advance; carry permit/ID to gate. (See UWA tariff 2024–2026 for current rates.) ugandawildlife.org
• Money & Declarations: Bring a mix of cards + crisp USD notes. Declare cash over US$10,000 on arrival.
• Insurance: Comprehensive travel/medical + evacuation coverage (adventure sports included).

Health & Hygiene

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry; CDC also recommends typhoid, hepatitis A, and rabies (for high-risk rural travel). Carry the International Certificate (yellow card).
• Medications: Personal prescriptions (in original packaging), anti-malarials, broad-spectrum antibiotics (if advised by your clinician), oral rehydration salts, antihistamines, motion-sickness tabs.
• Protection: High-DEET repellent, sunscreen (SPF 50+), hand sanitizer, basic first-aid (plasters, bandages, blister kit).

Adventure Clothing & Gear

• Safari wear: Neutral colours; lightweight long sleeves/trousers; fleece for chilly highlands; breathable rain shell; brimmed hat.
• Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots + camp shoes; trekking socks; gaiters (rainforest treks).
• Accessories: Quick-dry towel, headlamp, water bottle/hydration bladder, dry bags, binoculars, camera with spare batteries/memory.
• Tech & Power: Universal adapter, surge protector/power bank (20k mAh), local SIM/eSIM.

Emergency & Field Kit

• Documents pack: Printed itineraries, permits, insurance policy, emergency contacts, embassy details.
• Navigation & comms: Offline maps, satellite communicator (if going very remote).
• Health safety: Sterile needle kit (if clinician-advised), small trauma dressing, thermometer.

Drones, Photography & Special Items

• Drones require prior approval (UCAA + security clearances). Apply in advance; don’t fly without permits. caa.go.ug+1
• Wildlife rules: Maintain distances; no flash for primates; follow ranger guidance; respect park-specific regulations and time limits on gorilla viewing. ugandawildlife.org

Charity & Community Support Pack

• Most needed (coordinate with a registered NGO before travel): Durable school supplies (exercise books, pencils), age-appropriate readers, reusable menstrual kits, newborn kits (caps/blankets), solar lamps, sturdy footballs with pumps, basic clinic consumables (gloves, gauze) if permitted.
• Best practice: Give through vetted organizations (avoid handouts on the roadside), request needs lists, and ask for a receipt/acknowledgment letter for customs transparency.
• Sourcing locally: Whenever possible, buy in-country to support local economies and avoid customs issues on bulk imports.

Park & Permit Notes (Uganda)

• Gorilla permits and other activity fees are set by UWA; 2024–2026 tariffs apply (carry proof of payment/ID). ugandawildlife.org