What to wear on a chimpanzee tracking safari? – The right Gear
what to wear on a chimpanzee tracking safari? – When you travel to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing. It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas of Uganda and Rwanda; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.
When tracking the Chimpanzee we recommend wearing sturdy clothing to help protect against scratches, i.e. long sleeved shirt, trousers and a good pair of lightweight walking boots. Protective leather gloves or gardening gloves are also useful, as well as a pair of gaiters.
As the temperature is variable and weather conditions can change; we also recommend taking a fleece or light jumper (layers of clothing are best especially with moisture-wicking undergarments) and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers or poncho.
A small backpack is useful to carry your water, pack lunch, camera and binoculars. Walking sticks are available at the park headquarters as are porters (it is worth taking a porter as it provides local people with employment and they will give you a helping hand on any steep terrain).
Whilst on safari neutral coloured, loose fitting and relaxed clothing is the most appropriate. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary. Please note that most hotels and lodges hand wash clothing.
Khaki / natural coloured clothing for safaris / trekking
1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks – that can dry quickly if wearing on treks, click on this link to checkout samples on Amazon
1 Pair of shorts
1 – 2 long sleeved shirts – preferably quick drying
2 – 3 short sleeved shirts – preferably moisture wicking
Casual clothes for evenings
1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks
1 – 3 sports / long sleeved shirts and / or blouse
1 dress / skirt for ladies
Exterior clothing
1 Lightweight waterproof / windproof / breathable jacket,
1 Fleece, sweater or sweatshirt
Sturdy / lightweight waterproof walking boots – trousers / pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots or gaiters also work well)
1 Pair of shoes for evening wear
1 Pair of sports sandals will be useful.
Swimsuit (and a plastic bag for packing in)
Bush hat with a brim for sun protection
Lightweight wool socks
Gloves – gardening or similar (for Chimpanzee tracking only)
Miscellaneous
Gaiters
Sunscreen and moisturising cream
Sunglasses with neck strap
Insect repellent with DEET, please note that DEET can effect man-made fibres and plastics.
Daypack / small rucksack
Binoculars
Alarm clock – though our staff will wake you
Ear plugs
Spare / extra batteries
Camera and extra lenses
Camera charger / converter / adapter for 220 / 240 AC voltage, plus cigarette lighter adapter is useful
Film – particularly fast film for the primates (400 – 1600ASA)
Personal toiletries /Prescription medicines and the prescription itself
Wet-wipes / tissues
Back-up glasses especially if you wear contact lenses
Ziplocs / dry bags and other plastic bags for keeping valuables dry or storing wet clothes
Torch / flashlight – LED models are light weight and have a good battery life
Sewing kit (needle, thread, safety pins)
Small notebook
First Aid Kit – including anti-diarrhoea medicine, rehydration sachets, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, Band-Aids (plasters), motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication
Photocopies of your passport, visas, credit cards and airline tickets (it is advisable to have 2 sets to keep in separate places)