What to Pack for Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari?
The things that you need to pack for a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Getting prepared for your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park is a thrilling experience as much as a daunting one. You are here because you wish to know what to pack for a safari to one of Uganda’s unmissable safari destinations. One of the secrets to packing is “less is more” because when you pack light, you save yourself a lot of headaches. There is a popular saying that goes: “There’s no bad weather on a wildlife safari; only the wrong clothing”.
From North to South, Mother Nature puts on a show through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diversity of landscapes. From the tropical rainforests in Kyambura Gorge to the incredible swathes of open savannah plains as well as rugged terrains, wonderful gear will translate into an unforgettable experience in this beautiful Park.
To make the most of your wildlife safari, it is important to pack wisely
Picture yourself hopping into a safari vehicle on your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari rambling across the grassy savannah plains, as the sun rises over the horizon. Birds chirping and fluttering through the woodlands while a thrilled variety of wildlife emerges to greet the beautiful dawn. This is one of the most memorable experiences you will have on your wildlife safari.
We have put together a detailed guide, ensuring you have all the crucial items for a seamless and unforgettable Queen Elizabeth National Park safari. Whereas climate and season play a critical role in what you pack for the Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, following some universal tips will guarantee that you are best prepared for your safari of a lifetime. Here’s what you need to pack;
Warm layer in safari-friendly colors
The number one rule to packing clothing is to make sure you wear clothes in safari-friendly colors- beige, green, or khaki. Avoid blue and black because they attract tsetse flies or bright colors (like yellow, orange, white, and pink) because they increase your chances of being spotted by wildlife hence jeopardizing safety and affecting wildlife viewing. Regarding warm layers, always remember that game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park begin early and finish late. For this reason, it can get very cold on the back of open-game viewers. Even in the dry season, you will be amazed by how cold it can get and if your Safari Lodge is outside or far from the Park, the drive can be especially cold. In the wet season (March, April, May, early June, October, and November), it is a good idea to pack a waterproof layer like a rain jacket.
Sun protection (a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses)
The perfect and effortless way to avoid sunburns is by covering them up, hence we recommend wearing clothing made from lightweight ripstop. This will absorb moisture and keep you cool while providing sun protective advantages. Besides clothing, we also recommend packing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sun safety can be stylish; hence packing a safari-styled hat is guaranteed to provide 360-degree coverage during game drives.
An insect repellant
There is a high risk of malaria when exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park. Also, red and painful sunburns can interrupt the enjoyment of your days on the wildlife safari. Therefore, the best way to protect yourself is by preventing getting bitten in the first place. This therefore begins with selecting the right and environmentally-friendly insect repellant. A wide range of insect repellants such as the “Bushman insect repellant”, an Australian brand of repellant is known for its effectiveness in protecting the skin against biting and flying insects. We always advise travelers to pack extra so that they can have enough for themselves and their travel mates for the duration of the visit.
Comfortable walking shoes
Whether you are going for game drives or guided bush walks (or chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura), make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Ensure that your shoes have been worn in and are suited to sometimes the rough terrains of this beautiful National Park. Additionally, anti-blister socks are recommended for a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari because they have the capability of wicking moisture and preventing blisters.
Pair of binoculars
Binoculars are undeniably a must-have for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park is any other destination that offers the same activity. While this Park will undoubtedly provide great sightings that are close to the game tracks, not every sighting is (or should be) up close. For this reason, a pair of binoculars will boost your game-viewing experience into unforgettable safari memories. How then will you authenticate whether you have seen a flick of a tail in a distant tree? The best way to get closer to the action without physically getting near the action is by using binoculars. Therefore, if you wish to talk about the details of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s wildlife and birds, then binoculars should be your top accessory.
Flashlight (Torch)
A flashlight or a torch is a significant safari accessory, whether you are a luxury safari goer or a Camper. One of the reasons is that shining around for safety whenever you move around at night is what you look forward to. This is important for sighting nocturnal wildlife in unfenced Safari Lodges/Camps or even snakes. For this reason, a reliable flashlight/or torch is crucial for after-dark hours while on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Cash
Whether you booked your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari directly or through a tour operator, you will need money for lunches, especially on transfer days. You also need money for drinks (especially in Safari Lodges that don’t offer drinks), souvenir shopping, gratuities/tips, or emergencies. There are several craft shops in or around the National Park that sell basics including small curios.
As far as tipping goes, it is recommended that deserving service providers like Rangers, and drivers are tipped individually apart from those like kitchen staff for whom tipping boxes are offered. It is always crucial to understand whether you will have many drivers or several transfer drivers so that you can plan.
A lightweight and waterproof rain jacket
It is always a wonderful idea to pack a rain jacket, no matter when you are traveling to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Some Safari Lodges may provide rain jackets to visitors but it will never be enough if everyone forgets his/hers.
Yellow fever inoculation certificate
Before embarking on your safari, please remember that the Ugandan Authorities at the Airport or other points of entry will require overseas travelers from countries infected with Yellow fever to present valid vaccination certificates. Additionally, this applies to visitors who transited through these countries. For instance, if you flew from the USA to Uganda via South America or certain African countries (like Cameroon, Angola, or Gambia), you will be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in Uganda. One important information you need is that it is not possible to get yellow fever vaccination on arrival in the Pearl of Africa because it should be dated at least 10 days before arrival. The good news is that yellow fever vaccination is valid for a decade.
A camera plus lenses, extra batteries, and memory space
Any unforgettable wildlife sightings will normally be accompanied by the fervid snapping of cameras during game drives or walking safaris. No one will blame you for wanting to capture such once-in-a-lifetime moments. For this reason, always bring your camera or smartphone to capture pictures hence always include extra memory cards, lenses, and batteries.
A personal first-aid kit
Several general medical supplies are a wonderful addition to your packing list and they include anti-allergy medication, painkillers, band-aids (plasters), and anything else that you think might be required. Malaria medication is a must-have when visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In conclusion, a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park isn’t worthwhile without the right packing list. However, having a safari hat, a good camera, a pair of binoculars, a personal first aid kit, hiking boots, an insect repellant, and enough cash will make your trip unforgettable.
