Packing for a safari has never been an easy task and packing for a birding safari is not easy either. Birding safaris in Uganda are generally conducted in remote areas with limited access to supplies hence it is important to always be prepared. Therefore, we bring you the perfect packing list for birding safaris;
Appropriate clothing. The best clothing to pack for birding safaris should be versatile, light-weight, neutral-colored and long-sleeves. Also take into the account the likely climate, nature of habitats-forest, savannah grassland, wetland and arid areas.
Field guidebook
What is a birding safari without a field guidebook? Avoid carrying bulky guides and make sure to carry a guidebook for your specific destination.
For optics, you will need to pack a good pair of binoculars with some birders even packing extra binoculars (particularly a smaller one) in case the focal one becomes misplaced or damaged. There is no enjoyable way to see birds then a good optics.
A good and portable camera should not miss on your packing list for Birding Safari. There is nothing as unforgettable in your birding safari as photographing birds in flight, low light situations or exhibiting courtship behavior.
A good hat and sunglasses are important for heat and sun protection during your birding safari. A sunscreen is also a must have.
Flashlight is another important item for your birding safari and is handy for watching or checking birds in dimly-lit situations.
Field bag/backpack
You will always need a field bag for carrying your birding equipment, regardless of where your birding adventure is based. You will need to carry a waterproof one to protect your camera, pair of binoculars, rain jacket and many other necessary items.
Electronic equipment
Some of the must-have electronic equipment for birding safaris include universal adaptor for travellers with numerous devises to charge, tablet/iPad/smart phone for photo editing and sometimes you can carry a portable laptop to recharge USB Items during your birding safari. Also pack chargers and cables for your cellphone, camera, MP3 player, iPad/tablet as well as rechargeable batteries.
Rain jacket
A rain jacket is important because sometimes weather can be unpredictable and you never know when it rains. Therefore undertake the birding safari prepared.
Footwear
The best footwear for birding safaris is hiking boots, given the fact that birding is mainly conducted on foot and within remote areas.
Medication is another crucial item on your packing list for birding safaris with the must-have being malaria meds, cold and flu medication, anti-diarrhea tablets and cough drops.
Toiletries such as hand sanitizer, sunscreen, hair gel, toothbrush, deodorant, toothpaste, sanitary towels or tampons for female birders, hair brush, hair gel, wet wipes, shampoo, facial cleanser, shaving supplies, first-aid ointment, nail clippers, dental floss, conditioner, lotion and many others.
First aid Kit with cotton, bandages, tweezers, anti-septic, insect repellant, plasters, safety pins, disposable sterile gloves, distilled water for cleaning wounds, scissors, cream to relieve insect bites and stings during birding safaris, pain killers especially aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen and many others.
