Uganda, where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle, is the "Pearl of Africa". Its incomparable natural beauty encompasses a host of different ecosystems, and the variety of animals is staggering! Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plains antelope, and its bird checklist tops the 1,000 mark! We have selected five different locations to observe wildlife, and we will be doing game drives, boat travel and hiking explorations in our quest. On each excursion, we will be accompanied by experienced guides and trackers. Our lodging will be in small exclusive tent camps and lodges that serve fabulous food and have all the comforts of home.

Our first stop is Lake Mburo National Park. The Park has about 68 different species of mammals, with common sightings are Zebra, Impala, Buffalo, Topi, and Eland, and there is a chance of seeing Roan antelopes, leopards, hyenas and jackals. Bird viewing opportunities are excellent. Next, we move to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of Uganda’s star attraction, the endangered mountain gorilla.  They live in a spectacularly dense rainforest, and we will spend the day hiking with our experienced tracker in search of these animals.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is our next destination. This National Park is a UNESCO world bio-sphere reserve with nearly 100 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Highlights here are the tree climbing lions, elephants and a large concentration of hippos along with several species of monkeys. Chimpanzees are next on the list, and we should find them in Kibale National Park along with a number of other primates who make this forest their home.

Our final destination is the Semliki Safari Lodge, a beautiful small private tented lodge, located in the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve. Semliki’s diverse habitant includes lakes, riparian forest, gallery rainforest, brasses palm forest and grass savannahs. Chimps, elephant, lion and buffalo are found here along with colonies of red-throated bee-eaters and the rare Shoebill, visually a cross between a dodo and a dinosaur.

Day 1 - Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, transfer to Speke resort Munyonyo for checking in, orientation,  and this evening we shall drive to Kasubi Tombs in Kampala the cultural burial grounds for the Buganda Kings,then return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 2 - Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
Depart Munyonyo and drive across the Equator through Uganda’s rolling green hills to Lake Mburo National Park (the drive will take approx. 3 hours). Following lunch, we will do a hike and a late afternoon game drive in search of zebra, impala, eland, topi, oribi, cape buffalos, and with luck, Roan antelopes, leopards, hyenas and jackals. Our lodging is a luxury tented camp overlooking Lake Mburo underneath a starlit African sky.

Day 3 – After an early guided bush walk and breakfast at the lodge, we head through the highlands to Kabale and continue on to Bwindi, Impenetrable National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. In the evening we shall walk to the nearby community for a cultural performance. We overnight at our tented camp for two nights.

Day 4 – The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to roughly half of the world's 650 mountain gorillas. We will start hiking early with our tracker and do our best to find them - but remember, there is no guarantee because this is nature and she does not keep regular hours! The gorillas are shy, peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph these gentle giants at close range. We return to our tented camp for the night.

DAY 5 - After breakfast we will leave Bwindi early and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park.  We’ll pass through the southern sector of the park known as Ishasha, famed for its tree-climbing lions. This National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere and has one of the highest
biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world! Almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species can be found. Elephants, LOTS of hippos, the elusive giant forest hog and the handsome Uganda kob all regularly sighted. We spend three nights Queen Elizabeth National Park at an intimate eco-lodge with cozy guest cabins and complete facilities.

DAY 6 – This will be our second day in the Park, we will leave for an early forest walk in Kyambura Gorge to look for primates and with a bit of luck even chimpanzees! We return to the lodge for lunch and then an afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga Channel for an opportunity to view hippos a few feet away from the boat and buffalo in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, fish eagles, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others.

DAY 7 – We will fill this day with wildlife activities and visit favorite spots or something new, or you can relax and take it easy – the scenery is great!  We will be at the same lodge for the night.

DAY 8 - After a morning game drive, we depart after breakfast and enjoy game viewing en-route toward Kibale Forest National Park. We will be staying for two nights at the Ndali Safari Lodge, a private reserve that overlooks a crater lake.

Day 9 - After breakfast, we drive into Kibale Forest National Park to hike with a guide who will provide a detailed explanation of the primates we are likely to see as well as the forest’s fauna and flora. On our half-day hike we will look for chimpanzees, phoestes, red colobuses and red-tailed and grey cheeked mangabeys. In the afternoon we plan to visit Bigodi swamp, an amazing place to observe rare and beautiful flora and fauna.  Spend 2 nights at a lovely Safari Lodge.

Day 10 - Today we drive to the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve in the Western Rift Valley. The diverse habitat creates a great mix of animals and we are likely to see chimps, elephant, lion and buffalo as well as a host of African antelope species. There is a night drive planned to look for the fantastic nocturnal species such as large spotted genet, African scops owl, pearl dash spotted owlet and night jars. We will spend two nights at the beautiful Semliki Safari Lodge, the only accommodation in this 500 square kilometers of wilderness. Gourmet food, private tented rooms with en-suite facilities, large four poster beds, swimming pool and the sounds of Africa to fall asleep to...life is good!

Day 11 - After breakfast we will take a boat trip on Lake Albert to
see the brightly colored colonies of red-throated bee-eaters and the incredible and rare Shoebill, a stork-like bird with a shoe for a bill. The lake is gorgeous with sand cliffs, waterfalls and small fishing villages on its shores. We drive back to the lodge through a palm forest and the acacia savannah keeping an eye out for mammals and different species of raptors. In the late afternoon we have a game drive with sundowners to end our most perfect day.

Day 12 - An early morning rainforest safari for bird watching and to track wild chimpanzees precedes breakfast.  After saying our goodbyes to the lodge, we make our way back to Entebbe in the late afternoon. Lodging and farewell dinner at a hotel in Entebbe.

Day 13 - Depart for home or other destinations.  Let us know if we can book additional lodging for you in Entebbe.

ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS. All the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of your trip. If airline schedule changes, unusual weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control prevent us from operating the services according to the schedule described above, we will attempt to substitute services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.

DATES & PRICES: 13 days, July 10 - 22, 2007/$4,250

GROUP SIZE: 6 - 8 people

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 12 nights double occupancy lodging, all meals, a full time safari guide, all ground transportation and airport transfers, guided forest walks, day and night game drives, 1 Gorilla Permit, Chimp tracking, hire of a boat trip in Queen Elizabeth and other activities while on safari and all applicable Government Taxes.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Gratuities for local guides, trek staff and lodging personnel (approx. $200 US); alcoholic beverages; international flights to & from Entebbe; Trip Cancellation Insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!).

CAN I CHARTER THIS TOUR? Yes! This tour can be chartered with a group of 6 people. Call us for information and availability, 800-648-8488.

WHO COMES ON A NICHOLS EXPEDITIONS TOUR? You can expect a spirited mix of singles and couples in their 20's to 70's from all corners of the US and a few international locations as well. Many have accompanied us on numerous tours in the past. All seem to share the common bond of an active lifestyle, an appreciation for the outdoors and a love for fun. We will gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.

THE GUIDES: Our Uganda staff includes expert bilingual naturalist guides at the lodges and on the tracking safari. The owners, Chuck and Judy Nichols, will accompany this trip. Chuck and Judy supply a comfortable style that brings folks together like a group of friends having a great time on an unforgettable vacation.

THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, PACK LIGHT & ARRIVE A DAY EARLY. If you travel to Europe a few days before the tour, you will eliminate jet lag. If you arrive in Entebbe a day before the tour, you will be rested and more acquainted with the customs and pace of life in Africa, and there is less chance of lost luggage. Contact us for additional hotel reservations.

THE GUIDES: Our Uganda staff includes expert English speaking naturalist guides at the lodges and on the trek. The owners, Chuck and Judy Nichols, will accompany this trip. Chuck and Judy supply a comfortable style that brings folks together like a group of friends having a great time on an unforgettable vacation.

WHAT ANIMALS WILL I SEE? Chances are good you will see gorillas, chimps. lion, buffalo, elephant, hippos and so much more. However, as with all things wild, nature really determines what happens, so start getting your “animal karma” in order…and we shall see!

WHAT IS A GAME DRIVE? We use comfortable 4WD vehicles to increase our travel range and more easily find the animals we are seeking for the day. The vehicles provide safe viewing of Africa’s more dangerous animals and allow us to observe and photograph them from a closer vantage point. Morning game drives start before sunrise (coffee will be available!) to view the last of the previous night’s animal activity as the sun peaks over the horizon. A hearty breakfast will be waiting for us upon our return. Evening game drives combine the magical light of sunset with the excitement of the hunt, when many of Africa’s big carnivores are on the move.

WHAT KIND OF SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN? Any fit hiker who enjoys a good day's walk in hilly terrain with a light daypack will do fine on this trip. This walking safari is not a race or test of strength, but it will be an active, off the beaten path adventure that you will never forget!

SELECTING THE RIGHT DAYPACK: Your daypack should fit you comfortably and have comfortable adjustable shoulder and waist straps. It needs to be just large enough to carry your rain gear, sweater, water, snack, camera and a small first aid kit. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND PURCHASING A DAYPACK WITH A HYDRATION SYSTEM or adding one to your existing daypack. To keep your clothing and gear organized and dustproof, put all the interior contents either in small stuff sacks or 1-gallon freezer weight Ziploc bags. For rain protection, use either a waterproof pack cover or a sturdy trash compactor bag to line THE INSIDE of your pack.

FOOTWEAR: For hiking, you can use either a sturdy hiking shoe or a light weight hiking boot. We will be hiking in hilly, uneven terrain with loose rocks and occasional wet conditions. Your footwear should provide good ankle support, be in good repair and have a traction sole. Make sure to check old boots for worn laces, cracked leather and delaminating soles, and we suggest waterproofing all leather footwear before the trip. Be sure your footwear is well BROKEN-IN, (BUT NOT BROKEN) BEFORE THE TREK. Blisters, caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common, painful problem encountered on treks.

GOOD SOCKS: Pay special attention to your sock selection to help prevent blisters. Many trekkers wear a thin liner sock that hugs the foot to eliminate abrasion. A thicker outer sock is worn over the liner to provide cushioning. What ever you decide to use, it is advisable to test it out on several hikes at home before the trek.

WHAT ABOUT COLLAPSIBLE TREKKING POLES? They are fantastic! We recommend using TWO POLES rather that only one for smoother walking. Collapsible trekking poles increase safety and ELIMINATE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS of pressure from your knees and ankles per day, helping reduce muscle fatigue and joint pain. Once you start walking with a good light pair of poles, you will never be without them on the trail again! The collapsible models easily fit into your duffel for travel. We recommend removing the baskets, you will not need them, and only bringing the rubber tip guards to protect your baggage from the sharp points.

USING TREKKING POLES FOR BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY: If you are serious about bringing home great photos, but concerned about the weight of a tripod, purchase a pair of collapsible TREKKING POLES WITH A CAMERA MOUNT built into the handle and use one as a monopod. These poles are light, easy to transport and perfect for stabilizing your camera. Check out Komperdell and Leki for a pair of hiking poles with camera mount.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT: ALWAYS INSTALL NEW BATTERIES AND BRING REPLACEMENT BATTERIES FOR YOUR CAMERA! Whether you shoot a digital or film camera, bring more media storage capacity than you think you need. For film cameras, we suggest an assortment of ASA 100 - 400 films for the varying light conditions. If you have a good camera, bring it, but make sure you have a good DUST-PROOF CASE for the game drives and trekking. Your selection of lenses should include at least a 200mm so you can really fill the frame with the animals you will see. Bring a lightweight tripod to stabilize your camera or use monopod trekking poles (see above - USING TREKKING POLES FOR BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY). In addition, a second camera body or a “point and shoot” camera as a back-up might save the day if your camera malfunctions. Other useful items are lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.

FILM WARNING FROM TSA: Equipment used for screening both checked and carry-on baggage at airports will damage your undeveloped film. You should REMOVE ALL UNDEVELOPED FILM FROM YOUR CHECKED AND CARRY-ON BAGGAGE and have it hand inspected. To expedite the screening process, carry your film in clear canisters or take the film out of solid colored canisters and put it in clear plastic Ziploc bags. Digital cameras and digital media are not affected by the screening machines. See the TSA website for complete details at http://www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp

EXCHANGING MONEY: In Uganda the official currency is the Uganda Shilling. The US Dollar, is widely accepted. Money can be exchanged for local currency at banks and private exchange houses in all large towns. ATMs can be found at the Entebbe International Airport and in a few other large towns. WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU EXCHANGE SOME CASH WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT IN ENTEBBE. If you bring U. S. Dollars, make sure they are new bills with no tears. DO NOT BRING TRAVELERS CHECKS because they are problematic and require a bank to exchange them. As for credit cards, Master Card and Visa are most widely accepted at ATM’s. We suggest traveling with 2 or more credit cards (in case you have trouble with one), and that each one has a PIN# that can be used in an ATM. Be sure you ACTIVATE THE PIN# at home and CHECK THAT IT WORKS IN AN ATM BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR TRAVELS.

MONEY NEEDS DURING THE TOUR: You will need to exchange the equivalent of $300-600 - $200 for tips for drivers, trekking guides and staff and $100-400 extra for shopping, alcoholic beverages.

PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS: All travelers need a PASSPORT (check the date of expiration!) and a VISA for entry into Uganda. We suggest obtaining your documents well in advance before the start of the tour. Complete information for obtaining a visa can be found at http://www.ugandaembassy.com/visa.html#6

MAKE COPIES OF PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION: We recommend making 2 photocopies of your passport’s photo page and visa, and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored separately from your passport and visa. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.

HEALTH ISSUES & IMMUNIZATIONS: A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required, and all visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. Be sure that you have a current tetanus shot. The most definitive source for current requirements and suggested immunizations is your State Health Department.

PLEASE PURCHASE TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE!! Due to the limited number of people we are taking on this tour, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GIVE A REFUND FOR ANY CANCELLATIONS UNLESS WE ARE ABLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Please make sure your current insurance policy covers both MEDICAL AND ACCIDENT RISK, and that it will cover you in Uganda. If not, consider subscribing to the Travel Insurance Policy you receive with your confirmation material for this tour.

AVOIDING TRAVEL DELAYS: For international flights, it is necessary to arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure (check with your carrier to make sure). Also, make sure you ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME BETWEEN ALL CONNECTING FLIGHTS so both you and your baggage will make it. Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to delays with transportation (airline or other), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control. If you miss your flight and we need to provide a special shuttle for you to meet up with the group, you will be responsible to pay for all extra costs.

ADDITIONAL LODGING: If you would like to reserve additional nights at the hotel in Entebbe/Kampala before or after your trip please CALL US TO MAKE YOUR ARRANGEMENTS EARLY as hotels are busy this time of year.

ELECTRICITY: Voltage in Uganda is 240V AC, so check to make sure your appliances and battery chargers will accept that voltage. Wall OUTLETS ARE THE THREE-SQUARE-PIN “British variety” and you will need an OUTLET ADAPTER of this style for your appliances.

LANGUAGE: Forty different tribal languages are spoken, but English became the official language of Uganda after independence.

THE WEATHER: Uganda's equatorial climate provides plentiful sunshine, moderated by the relatively high altitude of most areas of the country. Mean annual temperatures range from about 60 ° F in the southwestern highlands to 80 ° F in the northwest; Nighttime temperatures range between 45 ° F - 60 ° F.

The southern region has two rainy seasons, usually beginning in early April and again in October. Little rain falls in June and December. In the north, occasional rains occur between April and October, while the period from November to March is often very dry.

FOOD AND WATER: The food is great and there is a wide selection of tropical fruits, fresh vegetables, meat and fish. Vegetarian diets can easily be accommodated with advanced notice. Tap water should not be drunk. Bottled water is available in all lodges, hotels and tent camps.

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Patagonia - the top source for outdoor clothing, www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your outdoor gear needs, www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.rei.com
L. L. Bean - for travel clothing & gear, www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing & gear, www.sierratradingpost.com
Travel Smith - ventilated & sun blocking clothing, www.travelsmith.com
Zeal Optics - great fitting sports sunglasses, www.zealoptics.com

BACKGROUND RESOURCES AND READING:
A Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - J. Dorst and P. Dandelot
The Collins Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa - J. G. Williams and N. Arlott
The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals - R. D. Estes

For clothing, use the layered approach with synthetic fabrics such as pile, supplex, capilene and coolmax that launder easily, dry quickly. Gore-Tex rain gear is the best for outerwear, and yes, you need BOTH PANTS AND JACKET WITH A HOOD! Daytime temperatures should be 60 – 80F, with night lows of 45 - 60F. Rain is always a possibility, and eveningwear is strictly casual. By following the equipment list carefully and leaving out unnecessary items, you will be able to travel light.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Make 2 photocopies of your passport and visa, and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored separately from your passport and visa. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you will give as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.
__ PASSPORT - make sure that it DOES NOT EXPIRE DURING YOUR TOUR!
__ VISA - a visa is necessary to visit Kenya
__ Document / money pouch - for carrying passport and money around your neck or on a belt

CLOTHING:
Evening dress at lodges and while hiking is always casual.
__ Sunglasses with strap - if prescription, bring a spare pair
__ Prescription glasses, contacts, reading glasses - bring spares, contact lens solution, spare contacts
__ Brimmed hat or baseball cap - for sun protection
__ Bandanna – sweat control & a washrag, too!
__ T-shirts - 4 light wt. synthetic t-shirts, you can wash them & hang to dry
__ Long-sleeved shirts – 2 light to medium wt. synthetic zip-front turtlenecks
__ Pile shirt or wool sweater
__ Underwear
__ Swimsuit
__ Shorts for hiking – 2 pr., synthetic quick drying, can replace swim suit for men
__ Long pants – 2 pr., synthetic quick drying fabric, zip-off leg convertible pants can also replace shorts
__ Rain suit - BOTH JACKET W/ HOOD & PANTS, Gore-tex or waterproof nylon

FOOTWEAR:
__ Tennis shoes - for travel & evening wear
__ Hiking shoes / boots – sturdy hiking shoes or light weight boots in good repair that provide good ankle support & have a traction sole, be sure they are WELL BROKEN-IN BEFORE THE TREK. Blisters, caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common & painful problem encountered on treks!
__ Socks & liner socks – 2-3 pr. each, wear a thin liner sock that hugs the foot to eliminate abrasion & a thicker outer sock over the liner to provide cushioning
__ Sandals – optional for evenings, wear with thin socks to avoid getting blisters from straps

PERSONAL ITEMS:
__ Malaria medication & personal medications - keep all prescription meds. in original, labeled containers, bring these in your carry-on luggage
__ Earplugs – 2-3 pr. foam, a MUST for sound sleep
__ Toilet kit - normal toiletries in small travel sizes, feminine hygiene products, bath soap & small shampoo, skin lotion, foot powder, ZIPLOC BAG ALL LIQUIDS & CREAMS
__ Waterless hand sanitizer - 2 oz. bottle for hand washing before eating, very important for traveler’s health
__ Personal first aid kit: anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhea, anti-acid, anti-biotic ointment, antihistamine & decongestant tablets, oral anti-biotic for traveler’s diarrhea (Cipro or Levaquin), vaseline, hydrocortisone cream, assorted band-aids, eye drops, sunburn ointment (sm. aloe vera gel), 1" white athletic tape, moleskin & second skin for blisters
__ Sunscreen & lipscreen - SPF 30 min., sweat proof so it will not run in your eyes
__ Insect repellent – small non-aerosol, products containing DEET recommended
__ Small flashlight with extra batteries - headlamps with LED bulbs are most versatile
__ Small travel alarm clock
__ Portable laundry kit - pack 1 cup powdered laundry detergent in 1 qt. Ziploc bag, 8-10 clothes pins & 25 feet of light nylon cord for clothes line
__ Small amount of toilet paper & a few extra 1 qt. Ziplocs (for used paper), pack all in a 1 qt. Ziploc bag
__ Spare Ziploc bags – freezer wt. are strongest, assorted sizes, for dirty laundry, damp clothing and dirty shoes
__ Water bottle or hydration system - many daypacks come with hydration systems built in, 2-quart minimum
__ 2 light weight collapsible trekking poles - a MUST to save your knees, especially on descents, 2 poles work MUCH better than one - really!

OPTIONAL ITEMS:
__ Camera – ALWAYS INSTALL NEW BATTERIES AND BRING EXTRA BATTERIES, bring lots of film or media cards, camera case or freezer wt. Ziploc bag, lenses should be at least up to 200mm, light weight tripod or mono-pod trekking poles, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.
__ Portable battery powered hard drive - to download & store digital images, digital photographers who shoot 100-200 high resolution photos per day might consider pricing one of these units against the number of media cards needed to hold the 1,500-3,000 photos you might take on this wildlife tour
__ Binoculars - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, compact 7 or 8 power will really bring the animals in close
__ Paperback book, journal, sketchbook
__ Guidebook for Uganda
__ Energy snacks – energy bars or liquid gels from home
__ Small "hotel size" sewing kit
__ Address book
__ Small calculator (for calculating exchange rates)

PACKS & BAGS:
Bring a medium sized duffel and a daypack and you will have plenty of room for all of the items on the equipment list, and your bags will easily fit in the vehicles. If you need to bring additional clothing for other portions of your travels, you can leave your bag(s) at our hotel in Entebbe.

__ Duffel bag – Chuck and Judy use - Camp Inn brand Roll Top Duffels. 55 liters (13” x 24”) Camp Inn Waterproof Duffle This duffel is inexpensive, waterproof, simple, durable and soft sided without a frame or wheels.
__ Daypack - 2,000-2,500 cubic inches (35–40 liters) with 2 qt. hydration system, padded shoulder straps & a comfortable waist belt, to carry your rain gear, sweater, water, snack, camera and a small first aid kit, use for your carry-on bag
__ Waterproof daypack cover (external) or a heavy plastic trash compactor bag (to line the inside) - to keep pack contents dry & dust free
__ Waterproof nylon stuff sacks or large freezer wt. Ziploc bags to organize all of your clothing and gear in duffels and daypack

PACKING SUGGESTIONS:
See TSA Security Regulations http://www.tsa.gov/public/ for procedures and suggestions for expediting your experience in security. In addition, if you change carriers on route to Uganda, make sure you allow plenty of time for going through any additional security and for your checked baggage to be transferred to the new carrier.

Travel light and bring only the items on the equipment list.

DAYPACK – make this your carry-on bag with your hiking boots (you can wear them on the flight), toilet kit (NO SHARP INSTRUMENTS), essential medications, travel clothing and necessities for a day or two should your other bags be delayed.

DUFFEL BAG – your checked bag for the rest of your clothing and gear. Check out these duffels: Camp Inn Duffels

Packing Hint #1: Freezer weight Ziploc plastic bags are lightweight, inexpensive, and see-through. They are indispensable for packing items like books, toilet kits and cameras, and to prevent spilled liquids & creams in your baggage.

Packing Hint #2: Travel-size samples save space and weight! Visit the "samples section" of your drugstore or supermarket and see if your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothpaste and deodorant are available in travel-size samples. If not, transfer some to smaller plastic bottles that can be purchased in the size you need. Remember to plastic bag all lotions.

Packing Hint #3: Think multiple use garments. Convertible pants with zip off legs save bringing an extra pair of pants. Quick dry shorts double as a swimsuit. A rain jacket over a sweater replaces bringing a bulky jacket. Trekking poles can be a camera support and replace a tripod. Be creative and keep that baggage light!

Packing Hint #4: Do your own laundry. If you bring synthetic clothing, you can easily wash it and hang it to dry.

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.