List Of What To Pack/Wear For Chimpanzee Tracking/Habituation

Is it your first time going for chimpanzee tracking or chimpanzee habituation? Don’t  you know what to pack? This is our guide to what you need for a safari in Kibale Forest National Park.

There are a number of lists designed for travelers about what to pack, and yet many travelers are still get it wrong. Over packing is also a huge problem. International flights have a high luggage allowance, yet on many of the smaller planes and safari vehicles the amount of luggage you can bring is limited, and you can end up paying additional fees for being overweight.

What to wear on a chimpanzee tracking or chimpanzee habituation safari?

Light, cotton clothing in light tones

Carry neutral tones and light fabrics, preferably cotton. These fabrics work best in a hot climate. Pack about 3 t-shirts and 3 pairs of shorts. Do not pack white shirts, they show the dirt up easily and make you highly visible to the animals. Other colours to avoid are red which attracts animals attention, which might cause them to attack.

For the Ladies

You can pack one smarter set of clothing for if you are staying at a private lodge, but for the most part informal. Much more important however is to pack a good support bra, as chimpanzee tracking or habituation can be a little rough.

Long Sleeved Shirt and Trousers:

Pack a number of long sleeved shirts and a pair of long trousers to avoid frequent acratches by tree branches. On the other hand,  the evenings can be chilly and they are also good for keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

Lightweight Waterproof Jacket

The temperatures in Kibale National Park can vary greatly. In dry seasons,  you can be very cold in the mornings,  and there may be light showers, but perfectly comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt at midday. The secret is to wear several layers that you can take off or add to as needed.

A Good Pair of Hiking Shoes

Unless you are doing a game drive safari, there is no need to pack heavy duty hiking boots. A good light weight durable pair of trekking boots is all that is needed. You might also like to pack a pair of sandals for around the lodge or pool.

A Wide Brimmed Hat

Many visitors to Uganda underestimate the strength of the Sun even. Select a hat that has a wide brim to give shade to your eyes and the back of your neck (this is an area most people forget, and where they get sunburnt.

Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF or sun protection factor of between 30 and 50. Do not underestimate the power of the Ugandan sunshine.

Sunglasses

We also urge you to pack a pair of sunglasses as the glare from the sun during the middle of the day can hurt your eyes and give you a headache, especially if you are not used to it.

A camera, charger and spare memory cards

You will want to take lots of photographs so make sure you take plenty of memory cards for your camera. Don’t forget to pack the charger.

A light weight flashlight

Packing a small flashlight is always the best idea. Sometimes during chimpanzee habituation, you have to walk in the dark and in order to be able to see where you are going in the bush is always a good thing!

Medical/First aid kit

Pack small medical or first aid kit with some pain killers, and other complications medicines enough for the trip, as well  as some insect repellent, any vitamins among others because most Uganda lodges and Rest Camps don’t hav basic medical aid kit; And yes take Lip balm and a small bottle of moisturizer.

A good book

Consider packing a book that you will enjoy reading. There will be some leisure time during the day or in the evening while waiting for dinner or overnight when you will be grateful to have a book to read.