What to Pack & Bring: Kampala

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Kampala's warm, tropical climate means lightweight, breathable clothing. Focus on cottons, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics.

Seasonal & Modesty Guidance

Year-round: Light clothing for daytime.
Rainy Seasons (March-May, Oct-Nov): A Lightweight rain jacket or Packable waterproof poncho. An Umbrella also works.
Modesty: Shoulders and knees coverage is respectful, especially at religious sites. Women: consider a Lightweight scarf for mosques.

Activity-Specific Attire

Tailor your packing for planned activities.

Attire for Journeys

City Exploration: Comfortable, casual clothing adhering to modesty guidelines.
Safari/Nature Walks (beyond Kampala): Neutral colors (khaki, brown, green). Long sleeves and trousers protect against sun and insects.
Hiking: Durable hiking trousers, moisture-wicking tops, and a light jacket.

Footwear Guidance

City Comfort

Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy Sandals are necessary. Kampala's pavements can be uneven.

For daily wear.

Rainy Weather

Waterproof shoes or sandals manage mud and puddles during wet periods.

Stay dry.

Outdoor Activities

Closed-toe shoes with good grip. Lightweight Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes for trails.

Trail readiness.

Essential Documents

Documents Checklist

Secure important documents. Carry both physical and digital copies.

Passport: Original, valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Uganda, with sufficient blank pages.
Visa Approval Letter: A printed copy of your e-Visa approval letter.
Travel Insurance Policy: Printed and digital copies of your policy details, including emergency contact numbers and policy numbers.
International Driving Permit (IDP): If driving, carry your IDP along with your home country's valid driver's license.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: The original certificate and a photocopy. This is a mandatory entry item.
Flight Itinerary & Accommodation Bookings: Printed and digital copies of your flight details and all accommodation reservations.
Emergency Contact Information: A list of family members or friends, their contact numbers, and your country's embassy or consulate contact details in Kampala.
Photocopies/Digital Copies: Keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and other important documents in a separate bag from the originals. Store digital copies on a cloud drive (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) or email them to yourself for easy access if physical documents are lost or stolen. Consider a secure Travel document organizer.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up with the right electronics.

Electrical & Mobile Guidance

Power Adapter: Uganda uses Type G (UK standard) electrical outlets. Voltage is 240V at 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter with Type G compatibility is necessary.
Mobile Phone: Uganda operates on GSM. Your Unlocked smartphone works. Local SIM cards are available from MTN and Airtel (passport registration). Airalo eSIM is an option.
Portable Chargers: Portable chargers and power banks are useful for charging devices on the go or during power outages. A High-capacity power bank keeps your devices charged.

Photography & Data

Capture moments and secure data during your travels.

Camera & Backup Solutions

Camera Equipment: Consider a Mirrorless camera or a DSLR for high-quality photos. Pack extra batteries and memory cards. A Portable tripod is useful.
Backup Solutions: Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive to back up photos and documents regularly. This protects your memories and information.
VPN: Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Google Maps (download offline maps for Kampala before you arrive).

Ride-sharing

Bolt, Uber (widely used in Kampala for taxis and boda-bodas).

Communication

WhatsApp (ubiquitous for local communication). Google Translate (offline language packs for Luganda and Swahili).

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked health kit manages minor ailments.

Contents for Wellness

Antimalarial medication (prescription, if advised). Diarrhea medication (e.g., Loperamide, Imodium). Prescription antibiotics for traveler's diarrhea.
Pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, paracetamol). Antihistamines for allergies.
Bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape. Topical antibiotic cream for cuts and scrapes. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) for dehydration. Thermometer. Blister treatment.

Personal Protection

Shield yourself from the elements and insects.

Essential Protection

Insect Repellent: High DEET content (30-50%) or Picaridin is effective against mosquitoes.
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, a Wide-brimmed hat, and Sunglasses.
Water Purification: A Portable water filter (like a LifeStraw) or purification tablets are useful.

Special Health Notes

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion sickness medication if prone.
Stay hydrated; avoid alcohol to ease acclimatization.
Consult a doctor for specific altitude medication if traveling to higher elevations.

Personal Hygiene

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for frequent use.
Travel-size toiletries. Specific preferred brands may be difficult to find locally.
Bring any prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Safari Essentials

For wildlife viewing and nature walks (if extending beyond Kampala).

Binoculars for distant viewing.
A Small daypack for daily excursions.
A Headlamp or flashlight for early morning or late evening activities.
Dust covers for camera gear.

Photography Gear

Capture all your moments without interruption.

Extra batteries for your camera.
Multiple memory cards for ample storage.
A Lens cleaning kit for clear shots.
A portable tripod for stable photos.

Security Items

Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

A Money belt or hidden pouch for cash and passport.
A small Padlock for hostel lockers or luggage.
An RFID-blocking wallet for credit cards.
Security alarm for bags if staying in shared accommodation.

Rent vs Buy Equipment

Renting Equipment

Good for short-term specialized gear (e.g., high-end cameras for safari).
Cost-effective for bulky items you only need briefly.
Avoids airline baggage fees for large equipment.
Local expertise on equipment often available.

Buying Equipment

Better for frequent travelers or specific personal fit items.
Ensures consistent quality and familiarity with your own gear.
More initial cost, but long-term value exists.
No worries about rental availability or condition.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Convenience

These items contribute to your comfort and security.

Travel Aids

A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long bus rides or noisy environments.
A Reusable water bottle for plastic waste reduction and savings.
A reusable shopping bag is useful for market purchases.
Travel utensils come in handy for street food.

Region-Specific Items

Unique considerations for Uganda.

Local Considerations

Small gifts, like pens or notebooks, are appreciated for local interactions (direct handouts are generally discouraged).
A power bank is specifically useful due to intermittent electricity.
Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: Specific toiletries, preferred snacks, prescription medications, or high-quality outdoor gear are best brought from home.
A physical map of Kampala, for use when mobile connectivity is limited.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Plastic waste reduction.

Fabric Shopping Bag

For market visits.

Travel Utensil Set

Disposable cutlery avoidance.

Solar Charger

Green power for devices.

Destination-Specific Items

City Specifics

Compact backpack for day trips.
Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for convenience.

Safari Extensions

Dust covers for camera gear.
Head coverings for sun protection.
Layers for varied temperatures during game drives.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes instead of folding for space saving in luggage. Packing cubes organize and compress clothing.

A checklist prior to packing prevents leaving behind important items.

What to Pack & Bring