Packing list for Uganda, travel insurance for Uganda and taking your belongings

What to take to Uganda: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival, a pre-approved visa and the visa approval letter, preferably both digitally and on paper. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required. Copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance and vaccination records are useful, both digitally and on paper. The currency in Uganda is the Ugandan shilling (UGX). You can withdraw cash in many places in the larger cities, but you'll need cash outside the cities. US dollars can be useful as a backup, for example for excursions and safaris.
• Clothing: lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and is comfortable in hot and humid weather (cotton or linen, for example). A sturdy, breathable, quick-drying pair of long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are useful for walks, evenings and protection against insects. Neutral-coloured clothing is a bonus: it offers better protection against mosquitoes and is essential for safaris and treks. Layers for cooler evenings and higher-altitude areas, as well as a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, are also important.
• Shoes: the ultimate comfort is three pairs; sandals or flip-flops for your accommodation, lightweight shoes for travel days and cities, and sturdy hiking boots for treks. Want to pack a little lighter? You can bring comfortable sneakers or sturdy sandals for cities and for after muddy hikes, along with sturdy, closed shoes with good grip for treks. At least one pair of long socks that you can tuck your trousers into is also useful.
• Toiletries and hygiene: good-quality sunscreen, SPF lip balm, hand sanitiser, toilet paper, wet wipes and sufficient personal care products that are biodegradable (sometimes you'll be showering in nature, and you don't want to leave any chemicals behind). Consider bringing menstrual products as well, especially if you're travelling to remote areas.
• Packing and protecting your belongings: a good rain cover for your backpack and a dry bag for everything that needs to stay dry.
• Insects and animals: sufficient insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET, and a tick remover, especially if you're planning to hike, camp or spend time in national parks. You can also treat your clothing with permethrin if you're heading into nature.
• Medication and travel first aid kit: sufficient supplies of your personal medication, ORS, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medication, hand sanitiser and a thermometer.
• Outdoor and useful items: sunglasses, a wide-brimmed sun hat, a reusable water bottle with a filter and a lightweight scarf. A good daypack is useful for hikes and visits to national parks.
• Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type G sockets, a headlamp or torch for campsites and a power bank.
• Safety and theft: a money belt and/or another secure way to conceal valuables. Also, bring some knowledge on rules regarding photography.

To consider:

• Binoculars for wildlife, for example during safaris or when birdwatching.
• Offline maps, accommodation details and important documents.
• A water filter or water purification tablets if you're travelling independently or camping.
• Some extra vegetarian or vegan snacks for longer journeys.
• An extra memory card, because there will be a lot to photograph

Are there mosquitoes in Uganda?

• Uganda is a big mosquito paradise. Mosquitoes are present throughout the year, and the country is known for its high malaria risk, as well as the risk of many other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are particularly active between sunset and sunrise, but good protection is important both during the day and at night because of other diseases too.
• You can protect yourself with good anti-mosquito repellent in combination with wearing lightweight, long clothing and by sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net if your room isn't properly sealed or fitted with mosquito screens.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Uganda?

• Yes, there are sandflies in Uganda. They are a nuisance because of their small, itchy bites, which you often don't notice at first, but a bit can also get more serious and result in leishmaniasis. Relatively little is known about the distribution of leishmaniasis in the country so far.
• Long clothing, insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and sleeping under a suitable mosquito net can help prevent bites.
• Ticks are also present and can transmit diseases. Bringing a tick remover is therefore advisable if you're planning to hike or spend time in nature.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Are DEET, or other insect repellents, available in Uganda?

• In Kampala and other larger towns, insect repellents are available at pharmacies and larger shops. Outside the cities and in remote areas, you might only find them occasionally.
• It's therefore advisable to bring sufficient insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, especially if you're planning to visit national parks or go hiking. That way, you can be sure you have the repellent of your choice with you.
• More about DEET, picardin or natural lemon eucalytus oil. 

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Uganda, or bring it with you to Uganda?

• Although marijuana is legally produced and exported for medicinal purposes, all forms of use within the country itself are prohibited, both recreational and medicinal. Possession, use, cultivation and trafficking can have severe consequences, such as spending a lifetime exploring a Ugandan prison cell.
• So don't forget to check your bags before you go, because if you get caught, the penalties are no joke.