What to Wear

CLOTHES: For hiking and gorilla watch: Climbing can be on a 45 degree incline, the path will zig zag and go up and down. Well-broken-in boots or shoes should have jagged edge tread with high ankle support for the hiking. Bring a backpack to keep arms free. Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect your skin, and gloves to protect your hands. Be prepared for rain with a poncho, or a light umbrella. Lodges and camps provide umbrellas but they are not recommended for trekking, as passing through thick forest would be impossible. Jeans are not recommended because they take forever to dry. Laundry is available on any stay of two nights or more.

While on safari drives, wear cotton layers that you can shed as the day heats up, and comfortable shoes for walking, such as top-siders or sneakers with socks. Bring a hat with a brim; it not only protects you from the sun, which can be quite intense at midday, but will keep your head dry in case of rain. During early morning and late afternoon you may need a sweater. While laundry service is available at some stops, you should plan for at least three changes of clothing. Pale earth colors such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds, but camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Solid-colored safari clothes can be worn once you return home, and are widely available via mail order catalogues such as L.L. Bean or Travel Smith. Supplex pants and chinos travel better than jeans.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

  • Backpack for trekking
  • Work gloves (to protect hands during trekking)
  • A small flashlight with extra batteries
  • Malaria tablets; consult your doctor for suggestions
  • Adapter plugs & converters for electrical appliances
  • Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
  • A tiny calculator for estimating cost while shopping
  • Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers
  • Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn
  • Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
  • Sun hat with a brim and sunscreen
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long trousers/slacks
  • Underwear and socks
  • Good walking/hiking shoes, broken in
  • Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
  • Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
  • Warm winter jersey for cooler mornings
  • Light rain gear
  • If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
  • BINOCULARS (ESSENTIAL)
  • Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by many establishments)
  • Insect repellent e.g. Off!, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc
  • Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
  • Visas, tickets, passports, money etc
  • Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.

Please note that bright colors and white are NOT advised while on safari as they tend to attract bugs such as flies and mosquitoes. Camouflage clothes are often illegal.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: International flights from the U.S. allow two pieces of checked luggage with a weight limit of 70 pounds each; within Africa their cumulative weight is limited to 44 lbs per person. However we recommend you travel as light as you possibly can manage. The baggage limit on domestic flights is one piece at 33 lbs per person (plus a carry-on bag.) Also, the size and the structure of the bag is limited. Soft "squashable" bags (canvas, fabric or duffel bags) about 24" X 17" X 7" are ideal. Large suitcases are virtually impossible to stow on smaller aircraft and should not be used, or left behind in your hotel.