A few well-chosen items matter more than a huge kit.
Great safari gear is simple: a good pair of binoculars, a camera that handles distance and low light, and clothes that suit the day. Here is what we suggest.
Quick Facts8x42 is a popular choice.
A zoom lens of 200 to 400 mm helps; a phone is fine for scenery.
A bean bag steadies lenses in a vehicle.
Neutral colours; layers.
Choose 8x or 10x magnification with a wide objective such as 42 mm. Share a pair, or bring two if you are serious about birds. See birding.
A mid-range zoom is enough for most. On gorilla treks, you need a fast lens or high ISO because forests are dark, and flash is forbidden. Protect gear from dust.
Bring spare batteries, memory cards, a rain cover and a dry bag. Clothes in khaki, green or brown; avoid bright colours and, in tsetse areas, dark blue and black.
See what to pack and power and plugs.
Frequently Asked Questions8x42 is a good all-round choice.
Not necessarily; 200 to 400 mm is plenty.
No.
Neutral tones.
A practical packing guide for a Uganda safari.
Explore →Uganda holds over 1,000 recorded bird species — a genuine rarity even within East Africa.
Explore →Bring a universal adapter, a power bank and a plan for patchy connectivity in the bush.
Explore →New to safari travel? This guide and planning form help us design your first Uganda trip around what actually matters to you.
Explore →Tell us your dates and interests and we will design the route around you.
