Pre-DepartureInformation

MOUNTAINGORILLASAFARI

TableofContents

TRAVELINFORMATION PassportVisasMoneyTippingSpecialDietsCommunicationsElectricity

MEDICALINFORMATION InoculationsInternationalHealthCardMalariaPreventionStayingHealthyBotFlyBites

HELPFULINFORMATION PhotographyBeingaConsiderateTraveler

PACKINGLIST TheEssentialsWTGearStoreLuggageNotesonClothingClothingSafariEquipmentPersonalFirstAidSuppliesOptionalItems

READINGLIST EssentialReadingAlsoRecommended

RemindersBeforeYouGo

WELCOME!

We’redelightedtowelcomeyouonthisadventure!Thisbookletisdesignedtoguideyouinthepracticaldetailsforpreparingforyourtrip.Asyouread,ifanyquestionscometomind,feelfreetogiveusacallorsendusanemail—we’reheretohelp.

PLEASESENDUS

TripApplication:Complete,sign,andreturnyourTripApplicationformassoonaspossibleifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.MedicalForm:Complete,sign,andreturnyourMedicalFormassoonaspossibleifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.AirSchedule:Pleaseforwardacopyofyouremailconfirmation,whichshowsyourexactflightarrivalanddeparturetimes.RefertotheArrival&DeparturesectionoftheDetailedItineraryforinstructions.PleasefeelfreetoreviewyourproposedschedulewithWildernessTravelbeforepurchasingyourticketsifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutthetimingofyourarrivalanddepartureflightsorwouldliketoconfirmwehavetherequiredminimumnumberofparticipantstooperatethetrip.VisaPhotocopy:Onceyouhaveobtainedtherequiredvisainyourpassport,pleasescan*acopyofyourvisaandemailittousasaJPGorPDFattachment,orsendusahighqualityphotocopybymail.VaccinationCard:PleasesendusaphotoorscannedcopyofyourcompletedCovid-19VaccinationCardifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.Justthefrontsideofthecardissufficient.

*Ifyouarescanningdocumentstoemail,wesuggestamaximumresolutionof300dpi.

PLEASECAREFULLYREVIEW

TravelDocuments&MedicalInformation: CarefullyreviewtheTravelDocumentsandMedicalInformationsectionsofthisbooklettofamiliarizeyourselfwithPassportandVisaentryrequirementsforyourdestination,aswellasanyrecommendedinoculations.OptionalTravelInsurance: ReviewtheTripCancellation&TransferFeeScheduleincludedintheDetailedItinerary.WerecommendthatalltripmemberspurchaseTravelInsurance.ExtraServices:RequestanyExtraServices(hotelnights,transfers,extensions)withyourWTofficecontactusingtheExtraServicesRequestFormsentwithyourconfirmationpacket.FinalDocuments:Approximatelythreeweeksbeforeyourtrip,wewillsendyoufinaldeparturedocuments,includinghotelandlocalcontactinformationandrendezvousinstructions.

QUESTIONS?

Call:1-800-368-2794,gotoourwebsite(www.wildernesstravel.com)ore-mailusat:info@wildernesstravel.com.

TravelInformation

PASSPORT

Avalidpassportisrequiredforyourtrip.Besuretochecktheexpirationdate.ForentrytoUganda,yourpassportmustbevalidforatleastsixmonthsafteryourdeparturefromUgandaandhaveaminimumofthreeblankpagesavailable.Itisveryimportantthattheblankpagessay“Visas”atthetop.Thelastfewpagesofyourpassport,whichsay“AmendmentsandEndorsements,”andthefinalpageofyourpassport,whichmaynothaveapagenumber,arenotconsideredtobelegitimatepassportpages.YoucanrequestanewpassportthroughUSPassportServicesOffice(http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html)(theserviceofaddingpagesforvisaswasdiscontinuedasofJanuary1,2016)oruseavisaserviceagency,whichcantakecareofyourpassportrenewalandexpeditetheprocess,ifneeded.WerecommendPassportVisasExpress(http://www.passportvisaexpress.com/?affId=2120).Besuretoallowsufficienttimetoacquirethisbeforeyourtrip.

Itisagoodideatocarryphotocopiesofyourpassport’sphotopageandanyacquiredvisapagesforyourtrip(ifapplicable)incaseyourpassportislostorasanadditionalpieceofidentification,aswellastwoextrapassportphotos.

VISAS

Priortoarrival,allUScitizensmustobtainavisaapprovalletterforUganda.(Currentcostis$50,subjecttochangewithoutnotice).YoumustpresentthislettertotheUgandanofficialsattheEntebbeairport.Theywillthenstamptheofficialvisaintoyourpassport.WerecommendthatyouobtainthisletterthroughtheUgandae-visaapplicationsystem(https://visas.immigration.go.ug/),orPassportVisasExpress(https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/).Percurrentregulations,thevisaapprovalletterisvalidfor3monthsfromitsdateofissue.Becauseofthis,werecommendthatyouapplyforyourvisaletter1-1.5monthspriortoarrival,sothatitisvalidduringyourentiretripdates.Pleasenotethatapprovalletterscantake~2-6businessdaystobeprocessed.

Step1:Choosethetypeofvisa:UgandaOrdinary/TouristVisa(singleentry)Step2:Fillouttherequestedpersonalandtravelinformation.Important:Onthee-visawebsite,youareaskedforyour“Givenname(s)”aswellasyour“LastName”.Pleaseremembertoincludeanymiddlename(s)ormiddleinitialsthatyoumayhave,ifapplicable.Itisimperativethatthenameyousupplywhenapplyingforthee-visamatchesyournameexactlyasitappearsonyourpassport.Step3.Ourlocalpartner'sofficeaddressisrequiredontheform:

ClassicAfricaSafarisPlotNumberM,77EricaMagalaRoadEntebbe,UgandaTel:(+256)784-332-501or(+256)772-642-527

Step4:Uploadclearcopiesofcurrentpassport,yellowfevercertificate,andapassportphoto.ForanEastAfricaTouristvisa,(seebelowformoreinformation),atravelitineraryandproofofreturnticketmustalsobesubmitted.Step5:Oncetheonlineapplicationformiscompletedandsubmitted,theapplicantwillreceiveabarcodedemailnotificationofapproval.Thiscantake~2-6businessdays.Oncereceived,thisbar-codedemailshouldbeprintedandbroughttoUgandaforpresentationuponarrival.Step6:UponarrivalinEntebbe,thebar-codedemailalongwithpassportandoriginalyellowfevercertificatemustbepresented.TheImmigrationOfficerwillscanthebarcode,takeyourfingerprints,andaphotograph.Yourvisawillthenbeprintedandpastedintothepassport.

IfyouareplanningonextendingyourtriptoKenyaorRwanda,youwillalsoneedaKenyaorRwandavisa.YoucanapplyforanEastAfricaTouristvisa,validfor90days,whichallowsyoutovisitKenya,Rwanda,andUganda.(Currentcostis$100,subjecttochangewithoutnotice).Toapplyforthisvisa,visittherelevantwebsiteofthecountryinwhichyouwillbestartingyourtrip.IfyourtriporiginatesinUganda:https://visas.immigration.go.ugIfitoriginatesinRwanda:https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/web/dgie/east-africa-tourist-visaIfyougotoKenyafirst,youcanobtainthisvisaonarrival.TheholderoftheEastAfricaTouristvisashallenterfromthecountrythatissuedthevisaandmovewithinthetwoothercountrieswithoutapplyingforanothervisaorpayinganothervisafee.

IfyouareacitizenofanycountryotherthantheUS,checkwithalocalconsulateforentryrequirements.

MONEY

TheunitofcurrencyistheUgandashilling.WerecommendyoubringmostofyourfundsinUSDandchangingsomeofyourmoneyattheairportuponarrivalinEntebbe.UScurrencyisacceptedtopayforexpensesatmost,butNOTallaccommodations.USbillsmustbeclean,ingoodcondition,anddated2009ornewer. Oldbillsarenotaccepted.UScashinlargebills($50and$100)getsabetterratethan$20s.Smallbills($1)arenotwelcomed.Youwillalwaysreceiveabetterpriceforsouvenirspurchasedwithshillings.

Traveler’schecksarenotaccepted.OnlyVisacreditcardsareacceptedathotelsandlodges(notwidelyacceptedanywhereelse)andthereisoftena5%to7%surcharge.WhileATMswithinUgandaarelocatedattheinternationalairportandinsomeofthelargercitiessuchasKampalaandEntebbe,theyareoftenoutofservice.Therefore,pleasedonotrelyontheuseofATMstoobtaincashwhileonyoursafari.ATMswillonlyacceptVisacardsandcashwillbegiveninUgandanShillings.ConsultwithyourTripLeaderonhowmuchcashtoexchange.AnyextraUgandashillingscanbeexchangedattheairportupondeparture.

YouwillneedtobudgetspendingmoneyforgratuitiesforyourTripLeader,formealsoutsideofthetripitinerary(ifapplicable),andforpersonalitemssuchassouvenirs.Note:Laundryservicefeescanbeexpensiveathotels,butlaundryiscomplimentaryatNdaliLodge,MazikeValleyLodgeandGorillaForestCamp.

TIPPING

Tippingiscompletelydiscretionary,butovertheyears,clientshaveaskedusfortippingguidelinestorewardoutstandingservice.TippingfortheTripLeaderwillnotbeformallyorganized.Shouldyouwishtotip,wesuggestyoudosotowardtheendofthetrip.Arangeofreferencewouldbe$100-125USDpertripmember.TipscanbegiveninUSDollars($20billsandsmaller),thoughlocalcurrencyispreferred.TheTripLeadertakescareofgratuitiesforlocalguideswhoarewithusforashortperiodoftime,alltrackersandporters,luggagehandling,groupmealsatrestaurants,andlodgetips.

SPECIALDIETS

Wewilldoourbesttoaccommodatespecialdietaryneeds,however,pleasekeepinmindthatcertainculturaldifferencesorlimitationsduetologisticscanmakeitextremelydifficultandattimesimpossibletoaccommodatedietaryrestrictions.Pleaseinformusatleasteightweeksbeforeyourtripifyouhavearestricteddiet.Itisimportanttobringaflexibleattitudeandsupplementalsnacks.

COMMUNICATIONS

TelephoneTheinternationaldialingcodeforUgandais256.Pleasecontactyourcellphonecompanyforspecificinstructionsforinternationaluse.

Email&InternetAccessNearlyallofthelodgeshaveWi-Fiavailableinthemainareas,althoughnotethatspeedandreliabilitymaybedifferentthanwhatyouareusedto.TheEntebbeProteaHotelhasWi-Fiintheroomsaswell.

ELECTRICITY

Ugandahasthefollowingelectricalspecifications:240volts50HzPlugtypeG.Plugsusuallyhavethreerectangularprongs(asintheUK).

Youmaywanttobringaplugadapterkitforchargingcamerabatteries,iPadsorusingsmallappliances.Youwillneedplugadapter(s)ifyouhaveUSAplugs(typeA,B).Notethatiftheelectronicdevice(s)/charger(s)youwishtobringdonothaveuniversalvoltageyoumayneedaconverter.Youcanfindplugsandconverterson-lineoratstoreswithtravelgear,suchasREI.AlllodgesonthistriphaveelectricityapartfromNdaliLodgeandIshashaWildernessCamp,whichusesolarpowerandagenerator.

MedicalInformation

Thefollowingrecommendationsshouldbeusedasaguidelineonly;consultyourphysicianformedicaladvice.ItisvitalthatyouletWildernessTravelknowofanymedicalproblems,allergies,orphysicallimitationsyoumayhave.Pleasefilloutandreturnthepersonalmedicalquestionnaire,andfeelfreetoconsultusifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutyourabilitytoundertakethisparticulartrip.

WildernessTravelisnotamedicalfacilityandhasnoexpertiseorresponsibilityregardingwhatmedicationsorinoculationsyouandyourphysiciandecidearenecessaryforyoursafeparticipationinthetrip.

Traveler'shealthinformationisavailablefromtheCentersforDiseaseControl. (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm)MedicaltravelproductsareavailablefromTravelHealthMedicine (http://www.travmed.com)andfromMagellan'sTravelSupplies.(http://www.magellans.com)

INOCULATIONS

Entryrequirementsaresubjecttochange;checkwiththeCentersforDiseaseControlforupdates.AllshotsshouldbeenteredonyourInternationalHealthCard(yellowcard),whichisprovidedbythefacilitygivingtheshots.Keepitwithyourpassportwhiletraveling.Thisprovidesanimportantpersonalrecordforyoutorefertowhenmakingfuturetravelplans.Werecommendyoudiscussthefollowingwithyourphysician:

YellowFever(Required)ProofofaYellowFeverinoculationiscurrentlyrequiredforUganda.Travelersshouldbevaccinatedatleast10daysbeforetraveling.UgandahasadoptedtheWHOpolicyoflifetimevalidityforYellowFevervaccinations.Formosttravelers,asingledoseofyellowfevervaccineprovideslong-lastingprotectionandaboosterdoseofthevaccineisnotneeded.However,sometravelersmayrequireaboosterdose;pleasediscussthiswithyourdoctor.HaveproofoftheshotrecordedinyourInternationalHealthCardandcarrythecardwithyourpassport.Healthofficialsatbordersoften(butnotalways)requestproofoftheshot.VisittheCDCTravelers’Healthlinkhere(https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/)formoreinformation.

Pleasenote:AccordingtotheCDC,people60yearsoroldermaybeatincreasedriskforseriousadverseeventsfollowingvaccination,comparedwithyoungerpersons.Thisisparticularlytrueiftheyarereceivingtheirfirstyellowfevervaccination.Ifyouareover60,pleasediscussthiswithyourphysician.Ifyouareadvisedtodeclinethevaccineformedicalcontraindications,pleasehaveyourphysicianortravelclinicfilloutandsignthe"MedicalContraindicationstoVaccination"sectionoftheInternationalCertificateofVaccinationorProphylaxis(ICVP)form,indicatingthenatureofthecontraindication.Itisalsostronglyrecommendedthatahealthcareproviderwritealetteronaphysician'sletterhead,indicatingtheneedforthewaiver.Pleasevisittheirwebsite(https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever)formoreinformation.Specifically,payattentiontotheheading“MedicalWaivers(Exemptions)”.Notethatissuanceofawaiverdoesnotguaranteeitsacceptancebythedestinationcountry.

PolioPeoplewhohavereceivedtheprimaryseriesofatleastthreedosesofpoliovaccineareconsideredfullyimmunized.Peoplewhoareunsureoftheirstatusshouldreceivethevaccine(threedosesspacedatintervals).

HepatitisThevaccinesHAVRIXandVAQTA(twoinjections,sixto18monthsapart)givelong-termprotectionagainstHepatitisAandareworthwhileifyoutravelregularlytodevelopingcountries.

TetanusBoosterAboosterisstronglyrecommended(effectivefor10years).

TyphoidTheCDCrecommendstheinjectionortheoralvaccine,VivotifBerna.Youmaynotbeabletotaketheoralvaccinesimultaneouslywithmefloquine(formalariaprevention).

INTERNATIONALHEALTHCARD

ProofofaYellowFeverinoculationiscurrentlyrequiredforthefollowingcountries:Uganda,Rwanda(iftravelingfromayellowfeverendemiccountry),andTanzania(iftravelingtoZanzibarorfromKenya).HavetheshotrecordedinyourInternationalHealthCardandcarrythecardwithyourpassportasproof.Thevaccinationisgoodforyourlifetime.Formoreinformation,refertotheCDCwebsite(http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm).

MALARIAPREVENTION

AlltravelerstoUgandaareurgedtotakeantimalarialmedications.Malariaisaseriousbutpreventablediseasespreadbythebiteofaninfectedmosquito.Pleasediscussantimalarialmedicationwithyourdoctor,whowillexplainvariousantimalarialsandtheirsideeffectsandrecommendaregimenforyou.Inadditiontomedication,afurtherprecautionagainstmalariaistowearlongsleevesandlongpantsatdusk.Thinclothingshouldbesprayedwithinsectrepellent,especiallyaroundtheelbowsandankles.UserepellentcontainingDEET.

If,afterreturningfromyourtrip,youhaveapersistentfever,feverwithchills,muscleaches,andheadache,reporttoyourdoctorthepossibilityofexposuretomalaria.

Forfurthermalariainformation,consultyourdoctororthe CDCMalariaHotline(http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm):888-232-3228.

STAYINGHEALTHY

Consideralltapwaterunsafe.Donotdrinkitorbrushyourteethwithit;usebottledwater,availableeverywhere.Don’tuseiceinyourdrinksunlessyouaresureitwasmadewithtreatedwater.Whenindoubt,askyourTripLeaderforguidelines.

Additionally,beawareofthepossibilityofdehydration,especiallywhengorillatracking.Youmaywanttobringrehydrationsaltsorgatorade-typepowdereddrinkmixesforlongtrekkingdays.Besuretobringplentyofbottledwater.

BOTFLYBITES

Botfliesbitesarearareoccurrencefortravelersinthetropicsandrarelycauseserioushealthproblemsbutwewantyoutobeawareofthepossibility.(BotfliesarecalledmangofliesinUganda.)WerecommendmakingsureanylaundryyouhavedoneduringyourstayinUgandaisproperlyironedortumbledried.Ifyouwearhatsduringthetrip,pleasemakesuretheyarewashed,ironed,ortumbledriediftheygetsweaty.Wealsorecommendyoudonotsitdirectlyonthegroundoroncushionsoutsideiftheyaredamporhavebeenleftoutsideovernight.

Ifyouhaveamosquitobitethatseemsextremelyitchy,isswollenorraised,lookslikeaspiderbiteoraboil,orhasasmallholeinthecenter,askyourlocalguideorTripLeaderhowtotreatit.Ifyouhavealreadyreturnedhome,seeyourdoctorandbesuretotellhimorherthatyouhavebeeninatropicalarea.Trytofindadoctorwhoknowsabouttropicalmedicine,asfewUSdoctorsareknowledgeableaboutbotflybites.Ingeneral,judicioususeofmosquitorepellentwithDEETisthebestwaytoavoidbites.

HelpfulInformation

PHOTOGRAPHY

CameraRecommendationsWiththemanyadvancesindigitaltechnology,asimplecompactdigitalcameraorevenyoursmartphoneiscapableoftakingpicturessuitablefortheneedsofmostpeople.Forhigherqualityimagesandtheabilitytouselonglensesforcloserwildlifepictures,aDSLRcameraiswellworthwhile,thoughheavier.Mostdigitalcamerasandphoneshavegoodvideooptions,butyoumaywanttoconsideraGoProforalightweight,waterproofoption.Alwayspracticeaheadoftimewithnewequipmentandbringyourmanualwithyou.CameraequipmentisavailableforrentfromBorrowLenses(https://www.borrowlenses.com/discount/wildernesstravel),witha10%discountofferedtoWildernessTravelclients.Thisisanespeciallygoodideaforrentinglargezoomlensesthatyoumayneedforjustonetrip.

CameraAccessoriesWerecommendbringingatleasttwolargecapacitymemorycardsorasmalldigitalstorageunit(ortablet)tobackupyourphotos,freeingspaceonyourmemorycards.Don’tforgettobringabatterychargerandabackupbatterysooneisalwayschargedandreadytouse.Fortripswhereyoumaybeawayfrompowersourcesformultipledays,considerlookingintoasolar-poweredbatterychargerorbuyingadditionalbackupbatteries,andcheckthatyouhavetheappropriateadapterfortheelectricaloutletsinyourdestination.

SharingYourImagesWewouldloveforyoutosharephotosfromyourtrip,andwithyourpermission,mayevenuseyourphotosinourmarketingmaterialsoronourphotoblog.Werequestthatyousendusasmallsampleofyourbestimages.Pleaseemailyourphotostowtphotoblog@gmail.comortagus@WildernessTravelonsocialmedia.

PhotographyEtiquetteWhentakingpicturesoflocalpeople,beawareofculturalconsiderations.Approachingpeoplewithawarmsmileandusingpolitegesturesorsimplephrasestoaskpermissiontophotographthemusuallyworkswell.Itisalwaysrecommendedtoengagepeopleinconversationbeforeaskingtophotographthem,butifpeopledonotwishtohavetheirphototaken,pleasehonortheirrequests.Weurgetravelerstoavoidgivingmoneyinexchangeforphotoopportunities,whichmakesitharderforfuturetravelerstohaveameaningfulpersonalinteractionwithlocalpeople.PleasealwaysheedyourTripLeader’sguidelinesforwhatisappropriate.

BEINGACONSIDERATETRAVELER

Pleaseshowrespectforthecultureswearevisitingbyobservinglocalcustomsconcerningappropriatedress,particularlyinsacredplaces.YourTripLeaderisalwaysavailabletoansweranyquestionsthatyoumayhaveregardingthis.Ifitisnecessarytouseacellphoneduringthetrip,pleasedosoprivately.Smokingisrarelyanissuethesedays,butifyoudosmoke,pleasedosoonlyawayfromthegroup.

PackingList

THEESSENTIALS

Airtickets(orE-tickets)PassportOneotherpictureID,suchasdriver’slicenseBar-codedUgandae-visaapprovalletterInternationalHealthCard(“YellowCard”)withproofofYellowFeverinoculationExpensemoney

WTGEARSTORE

TohelpyouprepareforyournextWTadventure,we'veputtogetheragreatcollectionoftopbrandsincludingPatagonia,OutdoorResearch,EagleCreek,andmoreatourWTGearStore(http://wildernesstravel.newheadings.com).

LUGGAGE

PleasenotethatyourbushflightfromBwinditoEntebbeonAerolinkUgandahasastrictweightlimitofnomorethan 33lbs,includingyourcarry-onbag.

Soft-sidedbagwithsmallpadlock(mustbeunlockedfortravel).Duetolimitedspaceonsafarivehiclesandcharterflights,allyourclothingandgearmustfitintothisonebag.Daypackforcameragear,binoculars,waterbottle,andpersonalitemsneededduringtheday.

Anoteonyourdaypack :GorillaForestCamp,whereyouwillbestayingduringthegorillatrackingportionofthetrip(days7-9),providescomplimentarydaypacksforyourtrekkingdays.However,westillrecommendyoubringasmalldaypackinwhichtoputitemssuchaswaterbottle,cameraorextraclothinglayersontheotherdaysofthetripbutdobeawarethatGorillaForestcampprovidesdaypacks.Alsonotethatyouhaveindividuallyassignedporterswhilegorillatrackingwhowillbecarryingyourdaypackforyou(ongorillatrackingdaysonly).

NOTESONCLOTHING

Duringgorillaandchimpanzeetracking,wehighlyrecommendlong,comfortable,breathablepantsandshirts.Duringgamedrives,bringawarmlayerforearlymorningandsunsetgamedrives.Yourdaytimeclothingshouldbeneutralcolorssuchaskhaki,bushgreen,anddarkercolorstoblendinwiththesurroundings(absolutelynocamouflageclothing).Whiteandbrightcolorstendtoscareawaytheanimals.Forcityandhotelattire,wesuggestlongpantsformenandwomen.Nojacketsarerequiredformen.

Laundryserviceisavailableatallthelodgesalongtheway,(itiscomplimentaryatNdaliLodge,MazikeValleyLodge,andGorillaForestCamp),whichwillhelpyoupacklight.Alsonotethattowels,shampoo,conditioner,bodywash/soapandhairdryersareprovidedattheProteaMarriott,MazikeValleyLodgeandGorillaForestCamp.AtNdaliLodge,soapandbodywashaswellasahairdryer,isprovideduponrequest.

CLOTHING

Thislistismeantasaguidelineonly;weencourageyoutopackaslightlyaspossible.Breathablerainjacket(suchasGore-Tex)withhoodoraponchocanbeusedtocoveryourdaypack,butshouldnotbeyourprimaryformofraingear.FleecejacketforcooleveningsLightcotton,quick-dryingsyntheticpants,orkhakipantsLightweight,long-sleevedshirtsandt-shirts.Quick-dryingfabricsarebest.Sleepwear(orlightweightlongunderwear)Shadehatwithwidebrim,preferablywithchinstrapWarmfleecehatandlightweightfleeceglovesforearlymorningandeveninggamedrivesLightweightpolyproglovesorgardenglovestoprotectyourhandsasyoutrekthroughdense,thornybushatBwindiHikingbootswithanklesupportandgoodtraction.Youwillneedtheseforgorillatracking.Gaiters—eitherankle-orcalf-length.Theseprotectyourpantlegsfrommoistureandcrittersinthebrushyundergrowth.ComfortablewalkingorrunningshoesforvehicletravelandtouringTeva-typesandalsorflip-flopsforwearingincampHikingsocks.Forgorillatracking,pleasebringatleasttwopairsofsocksthatarelongenoughtotuckyourpantsinside(theykeeptheantsout!).Sportsbraforwomen(forbumpygamedrives)SwimsuitCity/hotelattireShortsareanoptionfordowntimeatthelodges,(thoughbeawareofmosquitoes),butshouldneverbewornduringgorillaandchimpanzeetracking

SAFARIEQUIPMENT

Strongflashlightorheadlamp,withsparebatteriesBinocularsCamera,sparebatteries,spareflashcardsFieldguidesGoodqualitysunglasseswithcasePlasticbagstoorganizeitemswithinduffelandprotectthemagainstdust/rainPersonaltoiletries

PERSONALFIRSTAIDSUPPLIES

Everytripmembermustbringasmallkitforpersonaluse.Yourownexperiencewillinfluenceyourchoices.Rehydrationsaltstocombatdehydration,especiallywhengorillatracking(bring1packetpertravelday)SunscreenofSPF30orhigher.Werecommendmineral-basedsunscreenswithzincoxideortitaniumdioxidebecausetheydonotcontainharshchemicalsthatareharmfultotheenvironment.BrandssuchasAllGood,HonestCompany,Badger,andAlbaBotanicaarefoundinmostsportinggoodsstoresanddrugstores.LipbalmwithsunscreenAspirin,ibuprofen,orTylenol,TylenolPMforsleepingInsectrepellent.RepellentswithDEETarerecommended.DEETcontentofabout30-35%isideal(higherDEETcontentisnotrecommended).WipeDEEToffyourhandsbeforetouchingplasticsurfaces(suchasbinoculars)becauseitcandamageplasticBlisterkit.Lookforthelong-lastinggel-typebandagesthatyoucanapplydirectlyonblisters.“Liquidband-aids,”suchasNew-SkinarealsousefulDramamine(formotionsickness)forlongdrivesAnti-bacterialgelforhandwashingPost-insectbitecream(antihistamine)AntihistaminesuchasBenadrylandcoldremedysuchasSudafedImodiumfordiarrhea.Ifyouwishtobringanantibioticfordiarrheaprophylaxis,pleaseconsultyourphysician.PrescriptionmedicationsproperlylabeledSparecontactlensesorspareprescriptionglasses

OPTIONALITEMS

Reusablewaterbottle(sealedplasticwaterbottlesareavailableonthetrip)ExtrasweaterorfleeceifyoureallyfeelthecoldPlugadapterkitforapplianceuseathotels/camera/iPadcharging.Ugandahas240-voltcurrent;plugsusuallyhavethreerectangularprongsorthreeroundpins.Reading/writingmaterialBandannatoprotectneckfromsunortocoveryournoseandmouthasconditionscansometimesbedustywhiledrivingGatorade-typepowdereddrinkmixesorrehydrationsaltstocombatdehydration,especiallywhengorillatracking(bring1packetpertravelday).Itisalsoagoodideatodrinkrehydrationfluidsafteralonginternationalflight.Thereisplentyoffoodonthetrip,butforvarietyandsnacks,feelfreetobringasmallsupplyofyourownfavoritesnacks,suchasraisins,hardcandies,M&Ms,driedfruits,chocolatebars,granolabars,trailmix,powerbars,etc.TravelclockMoneybeltorneckpouch.Alwayscarryyourpassport,creditcards,andcashwithyouinamoneybeltorneckpouchtuckeddowninsideyourshirtorblouse.Eyedrops/nasalsprayifsensitivetodust

ReadingList

ESSENTIALREADING

ALSORECOMMENDED

TheSafariCompanion RichardEstes1999,459PAGESAninvaluableencyclopedicguidetoAfrica'smammalsbyanotedscientist,thisperennialbestsellerincludesblack-and-whitedrawings,anoverviewofeachanimalgroupandin-depthinformation.Writtenwiththetypicalsafari-goerinmind.

TheYearoftheGorilla GeorgeSchaller2010,290PAGESAvividtaleofadventuresamongthegorillasoftheVirungavolcanoesofZaire,RwandaandUganda--awonderfulaccountoffieldworkundertryingcircumstancesbyagreatwildlifebiologist.

GorillasintheMist DianFossey2000,326PAGESFossey'shighlypersonal,detailedaccountoftheecologyandbehaviorofthemountaingorillaofVirungabasedonher13yearsamong"thegreatestofthegreatapes."

BradtGuideUganda PhilipBriggs2013,512PAGESThisinformative,compactguideprovidesanexcellentoverviewofUganda'shistory,cultureandnaturalhistory.Withphotographs,mapsandtravelinformation.

UgandaMapITMB2010Adetailedphysicalmap(scale1:800,000)ofUganda,featuringcityandnationalparkinsets,alsocoveringpartofRwanda.

TheScrambleforAfrica ThomasPakenham1992,738PAGESAbsorbingandmeticulouslyresearched,thisin-depthhistoryoftheVictorianlandgrabin19thcenturyAfricaincludesexcellentportraitsoftheegomaniacalpersonalitieswhooverranthecontinent.

AfricanWildlifeJamesKavanaugh2018Alaminatedfoldoutguideillustratingalmost150speciesofAfricananimals,designedforquickreferenceinthefield.

KingdonPocketGuidetoAfricanMammals JonathanKingdon2005,272PAGESAconvenientlycompacteditionofKingdon'sgloriouslyillustratedFieldGuidetoAfricanMammals.Theguideincludesabbreviatedinformationonidentification,distribution,ecologyandconservationstatusand480outstandingcolorillustrationsandmaps.

WildlifeofEastAfrica MartinB.Withers2002,256PAGESThistake-alongguideto475commonspeciesofbirds,mammals,reptiles,insects,treesandflowersofEastAfricafeaturesfull-colorphotographswithdetaileddescriptionsonfacingpages.

BirdsofEastAfrica JohnFanshawe2006,602PAGESCompactandcomprehensive,thisguideto1,388speciesofbirdsinKenya,Tanzania,Uganda,RwandaandBurundifeatures286excellentcolorplates,rangemapsandnotesonhabitatsandconservation.Aveterantourleader,co-authorStevensonlivesinKenya.

LikeUs,EncountersWithPrimates FritzJantschke2014,240PAGESThisseriesbyphotographerandbiologistThomasMarentpresents130primatespecies,capturingtheprimates'personalitiesanddrawingusclosertoournearestrelatives.

MountainGorillasGeneEckhart2008,256PAGESFeaturing200intimatecolorphotographs,thisup-to-date,captivatingportraitrevealsthegorillasofBwindiNationalForestandVirungaVolcanoes,theirbiology,statusandhope.

TheFortunesofAfrica,A5000-YearHistoryofWealth,GreedandEndeavorMartinMeredith2016,784PAGESCoveringtheepicstoryofcolonialisminAfrica,Meredith'smagisterialhistorydepictsempire-hungrykings,missionaries,tribalwarlords,miningbarons—evenmodernmultinationalcorporations.Anexpansivebutentertainingread.

TheWhiteNile AlanMoorehead2000,431PAGESThislivelyhistoryoftheVictoriansearchforthesourceoftheNileincludestheextraordinarytalesofBurtonandSpeke,nottomentionthefamousmeetingofLivingstoneandStanley.ThenarrativeincludesvividdescriptionsofZanzibar,thelastdaysofKhartoumandthebuildingoftheSuezCanal.

Uganda:TarnishedPearlofAfrica ThomasP.Ofcansky1999,224PAGESAnanalystforEastAfricaintheU.S.DefenseIntelligenceAgency,Ofcanskyexaminesthepolitical,socialandculturalhistoryofcontemporaryUgandainthissuccinct,well-consideredscholarlysurvey.

ASchoolforMyVillage KaguriTwesigyeJackson2011KagurireturnshometoUgandatofoundtheNyakaandKutambaAIDSOrphansschools.

FirstComesLove,ThenComesMalaria,HowaPeaceCorpsPosterBoyWonMyHeartandaThird-WorldAdventureChangedMyLifeEveBrown-waite2010,320PAGESAnhonestandhumorousfirst-handaccountofapamperedcitygirl'sunlikelytransformationintoaPeaceCorpsworkerandhermisadventuresalongtheway,assheconfrontsintestinalparasites,rat-infestedtoiletsandherownprejudicesinEcuadorandUganda.

TheWizardoftheNile,TheHuntforAfrica'sMostWantedMatthewGreen2008,333PAGESABritishjournalistwithexperienceinEastAfrica,GreenjourneysuptheWhiteNileinUgandatoreportonJosephKonyandhisLord'sResistanceArmy,whichhasterrorizedUgandafortwodecades.

AbyssinianChroniclesMosesIsegawa2001,480PAGESArivetingcoming-of-agenovel,setinUgandaduringtheabsurd,terriblereignofIdaAmin.It'sabig,ambitiousbookthatfollowstheauthor'sownpath--andUganda'shistory--fromruralUgandatoKampalaand,eventually,Europe.

TheLastKingofScotland GilesFoden1999,352PAGESAlurid,darklyhumorousnovelbasedonthedesperatelastdaysoftheruleofIdiAmininUganda.Thebookisrichindetailofnotonlythelunacyofafailingdespot,butalsoofeverydaylife--especiallyamongtheexpatriates.

AmongAfricanApes MarthaRobbins2012,196PAGESRobbinsandBoeschtellthecompellingstoriesofwildapesandtheresearcherswhostudythem,includingfieldresearchinBwindiImpenetrableNationalParkinUganda,IvindoNationalParkinGabonandtheTaiNationalParkinCoted'Ivoire.Withsomephotographs.

AmongtheGreatApes,AdventuresontheTrailofOurClosestRelativesPaulRaffaele2011,370PAGESAcclaimednaturejournalistRaffaele'sepicjourneytosurveythelastremaininggreatapeslivinginthewildtakeshimfromtheorangutansofBorneotothecentralAfricanhighlandswherehegetsupclosewithmountaingorillas,chimpsandbonobos.

TheImpenetrableForestThorHanson2008,286PAGESHansonrecountshistimeinthePeaceCorpsinUgandaandhisworktoestablishagorillatrekkingprogramintheBwindi-ImpenetrableForest,hometonotjusthalfoftheworld'smountaingorillasbutalsotochimpanzees,colobusmonkeys,elephants,giantforesthogsandrareforestbirds.

ThroughaWindow,MyThirtyYearswiththeChimpanzeesofGombeJaneGoodall2010,416PAGESThenow-classicaccountofJaneGoodall'sresearchintothelifeofthechimpanzeesontheshoresofLakeTanganyika.

EastAfricaBirdsJamesKavanagh2015Afoldingwildlifeguidedesignedforquickreferenceinthefield.Withfull-colorimagesandtext,itfeaturesmorethan120birdsoftenseeninEastAfrica'sforests,wetlands,marshes,desertsandcoastlines.

Revised:June02,2021

EastAfricaWildlifeJamesKavanagh2015Afoldingwildlifeguidedesignedforquickreferenceinthefield.Withfull-colorimagesandtext,itfeaturesthecreaturesoftenseeninthelegendarySerengetiandMaasaiMarareservesandbeyond.

JaneGoodall:MyLifewithChimpanzees NationalGeographic1990NationalGeographicheadstoTanzaniatovisitwiththeworld'sforemostexpertonchimpanzees.JaneGoodallintroducesthemembersofthetroopshestudies,talksin"chimpspeak"andexplainsthegroup'srituals.Runtime:52minutes.

MysteryGorillas/SearchfortheGreatApes NationalGeographicSociety2010ThisdoublefeatureintheNationalGeographicWilddocumentaryseriesincludesthecaptivatingclassicNationalGeographicfilmchroniclingtheground-breakingfieldworkofDianFosseyandBiruteGaldikas-Brindamour.