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Luggage and bags: I have often wondered how I can keep all my clobber and personal belongings secure in my back pack. Over the years I have experimented with various locks that can pass through the holes of the zips or have in the past even fitted eyes similar to what you might have on your shoes to make somewhere to put a small pad lock. I usually now carry a small chain and lock or even a bicycle lock to so that I can fasten the pack to something that wont move usually the bed in wherever I am staying.
It did occur to me that even if I did all this it was still possible to slash a small hole in my bag and take out what ever the miscreant might want. I have always wanted some kind of solid back pack something that is unslashable but could never find anything that was appropriate or affordable. So it wasn't until I was in a local charity shop where I saw a Samsonite suitcase for sale. It was one of the smaller ones but it was complete with the 2 keys and it was for sale for only £1. Bargain!
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Miscellaneous: This was what I could do with but I do like the ease at which a backpack can be carried on your back leaving your hands free. After buying the case I then went to my local “Pound-stretcher” where I bought 2 luggage straps which I threaded through the handle and adjusted them to make shoulder straps. Sorted!
This is what I took to Uganda this year keeping everything safe and with the case being nice and flat it fitted easily onto overhead racks on buses rather than being out of sight I the baggage hold.
Case £1 + 2 straps @ £1 each = £3 Tidy!
Updated Sep 2, 2009
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Miscellaneous: A lot of washbasins in Uganda or even east Africa do not have a plug for the sink. For some reason they do not seem to think that they are necessary. I for one can not have a shave without a bowl full of water.
So if you need a sink full of water either bring your own or either by one when you get here. The pug I am using now is one that I had bought at hardware shop in Mombasa. Universal plugs are available in the UK but I find the smaller plug with a diameter of just over an inch seems to fit all the east African plug holes that I have come across.
Updated Jul 27, 2009
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Luggage and bags: It is up to everyone traveller alone to make a choice, I prefer huge "samsonite" plastic bag. Make sure your bag have up to 20 kg. of weight because, in case of flying from Nairobi to Entebbe, like I did, overweight will be charged. I had to pay additional 1.500 ksh for 5 killos over the limit.
To those who practice buying cloths during their travellings, there is nothing of a kind in Kampala what might attract you.
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Make sure all your cloths is made out of cotton fabrics, same goes for underwear too. August is winter season in Uganda but no need for warm cloths there. However, it is rainy period and light mackintosh might be very usefull. I suggest you to take light leather jacket or sweater, it is a must for late evenings. You need waterproof shoes, those goretex might serve very well.
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Make sure your certificate of vaccination is valid and anti-malaria pills inside your bag. Malaria is much bigger problem in Uganda than it is in Kenya!
Photo Equipment: Depend on your preferences but additional lens could be very useful.
Written Sep 29, 2007
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Luggage and bags: My friends and I had suitcases, rucksacks and backpacks between us. All were fine really, but the backpack was best when we had to lug all our stuff up the road in Kampala. If you go for suitcases - wheels are a good idea but only on paved areas!
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: An unbrella came in handy
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: So wish I took a stronger sunblock (I took factor 25). Being British and having pasty white, after two days of rafting I turned pink (much to the amusement of the locals). I would spend loads of money on the best one I could find next time.
Photo Equipment: I had an old SLR camera which did me fine. My friend had a lovely digital camera which has never been the same since the 30 local kids crowded round to see the photo he had just taken of them all.
I so glad a took my camcorder - about 2 weeks editing all the film but no I have a DVD I will treasure for ever (and that isn't boring to show my friends)
Miscellaneous: Most places say they have mosquito nets, but they are rarely good quality. Take your own - you won't regret it.
Written Nov 10, 2005
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: As in almost all of the Sub-saharan countries, there is malaria in Uganda, so you must take some pills.
If you're going to be there for less than 1 month, I recommend you to take MALARONE.
You have to start taking them the day before you travel, one everyday, and during one week more when coming back home.
In Spain is allowed to take them for a maximum of 35 days, but other countries like France are not so restrictive and you're allowed to take them for even some months.
Written Apr 23, 2005
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Luggage and bags: Hard- wearing bags are necessary to withstand long dusty safaris.
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Most undertakings require simple and light cotton clothing which doesn´t absorb heat. However, you will need a pullover for late evening hours and garniture for going out.
As for shoes, you need strong sandals and water proof shoes for rainy times.
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Carry all basic medical supplies along with you: Asprins, paracetamol, plaster, .....
Photo Equipment: Films are obtainable in Kampala and other main towns. Because of the good weather you can use 50 to 100 ASA (18 zo21 DIN).
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: For those interested in trekking and mountain climbing its advisable to carry the necessary armament
Written Feb 25, 2003
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Luggage and bags: Rugged backpacks are the best, since you'll be throwing your bags in buses, taxis, and the back of trucks. Backpacks are much more practical than wheeled luggage, unless you're doing a high end tour where you'll be dropped off at your hotel's front door every day (UPDATE: My wife probably wouldn't agree - she would've preferred wheeled luggage - I guess it depends how much off-road walking you'll be doing).
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Check whether or not you're going during the rainy seasons or dry seasons. If during rainy season, be prepared...have rain jackets, good boots, and maybe an umbrella.
Otherwise, bring light, fairly cool clothing (but don't wear skimpy clothes - even shorts are culturally insensitive in off-the-beaten-path areas). Plus, long sleeves and long pants are more better at preventing mosquito bites. Most of your washing will be by hand (I think Kampala has one laundry joint), so have clothes that dry quickly, and don't get too wrinkled.
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: It's a good idea to have a basic first aid kit. Make sure you take malaria meds, tylenol/exedrin/aspirin, some basic disinfectants and bandages. You'll also want antacid, diarreah medicine (Imodium), and ask your doctor if you should take CIPRO (for giardia, etc.). It is a good idea to carry your own roll of toilet paper with you when you travel outside of Kampala. Toilets can be tough to find and you will probably see Ugandans using the bushes and trees for what they call 'short calls' (peeing) and 'long calls' (crapping). We bought a case (or 2?) of bottled water before going 'up-country' - it was cheaper in Kampala, and that way we always had it when we needed it.
Photo Equipment: A good camera is vital, but you need to be careful which kind you bring. Trekking after gorillas can be wet and wild, so a US$2000 500mm lens might not be the best option. Besides, you get within 15 feet of the gorillas, you don't need an amazing lens. A weather proof point-and-shoot might be the best bet.
However, in QENP, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Kidepo, etc. where animals might be 100 feet away or more, a good camera, with a powerful lens might be appropriate.
For my trip this past summer, which also included a safari in Kenya's Masai Mara, I bought a Canon EOS Rebel 2000 with 2 lenses (28-80mm and 100-300mm) - I was very happy with the quality of the pictures. However, when I was living in Uganda, I got by with a point and shoot 35-110mm, which has many advantages, as well. It can be quite a challenge to whip out a big camera when your the only white guy in a crowded market and everyone is watching you, so having a little point and shoot allowed for more candid and quick shots. The advantage of a big camera ('SLR') is that the good zoom lens allowed me to hang out a ways from the 'action' and still get a great shot without being noticed. I guess I recommend taking both!
Written Aug 25, 2002
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