By Jackie Gouverneur
There are some moments on safari that stay with you long after you’ve put your camera away. For me, one of those was cruising through the narrow channels of Uganda’s Mabamba Swamp and finding a shoebill with its chick.
We had travelled to Uganda hoping to see shoebills, chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, but that first encounter was something special. We had a chance to photograph them and simply sit back and enjoy the sighting. And the chick? Strangely cute, with a head that looked almost too big for its body!
From Mabamba, our journey took us to Murchison Falls, where we found more shoebills in the most beautiful setting, and later to the Kazinga Channel, where afternoons on the water brought elephants, buffalo and countless birds. Uganda delivered far more than we could have hoped for.
If chasing shoebills is on your Uganda itinerary, a little preparation goes a long way. You may be out early, spending hours on the water with changing temperatures, sun exposure and insects for company. Here’s what I’d suggest packing so you can concentrate on the extraordinary birdlife in front of you.
When you’re heading out early, it can be tempting to dress for the cool start and forget how warm it may become later. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt is a useful place to begin: it gives you coverage while you’re sitting on an open boat and can be worn comfortably as the day warms up.
Look for a shirt that allows you to move easily when lifting your camera or turning in your seat. A collar is helpful too, especially when you’re spending time in the sun.
A Craghoppers option: The NosiLife Adventure Long Sleeved Shirt III combines NosiLife insect-repellent fabric technology with SolarShield sun protection. The Women’s NosiLife Pro IV Long Sleeved Shirt is another option, with stretch for ease of movement and practical features for outdoor travel.
If you prefer a more relaxed, T-shirt-style top, explore the lightweight NosiLife SolarShield+ long-sleeved tops, which offer UPF50+ sun protection.
A long day on the water is not the time to discover that your trousers pinch when you sit down. Choose a lightweight pair with a comfortable waistband and enough room to move as you climb in and out of the boat.
Long trousers give you extra coverage from the sun and insects, while pockets are handy for small essentials.
A Craghoppers option: The NosiLife Pro Trousers III are designed for outdoor travel, with NosiLife insect-repellent technology and SolarShield sun protection. Insect protection is particularly useful around Murchison Falls, where the insects can be relentless. Pack some extra insect repellent too.
Avoid blue and black clothing in areas where tsetse flies occur, as these colours can attract them. Their bites can be painful, so lightweight clothing in neutral colours is a sensible choice.
Convertible trousers are another useful option if you prefer shorts during the warmer hours of the day, although I’d keep my legs covered when insects are active.
There is something wonderful about being out on the water in the morning, but the breeze on a moving boat can make an early start feel cooler than expected. Take a light layer that’s easy to remove and tuck away once the day warms up.
The NosiLife Anya II Jacket in Oyster is a women’s layering option for a little extra warmth.
I’d also make space for a waterproof jacket, such as the Zohra Jacket in Soft Mushroom or the Caldbeck Jacket-Deep Coral. Being on the water means you can’t simply duck indoors when the weather changes, and you’ll appreciate having a dry layer close at hand.
When you’re watching the reeds for a shoebill or waiting for the right photographic moment, it’s easy to lose track of time. Add the reflection from the water, and sun protection becomes an essential part of your packing list.
Bring:
Remember the easy-to-forget spots: your ears, neck and the backs of your hands. Apply and reapply sunscreen as directed, particularly after sweating or getting wet.
You’re visiting a wetland, so insect protection deserves a place near the top of your list. Long sleeves and trousers offer useful coverage, and Craghoppers’ NosiLife garments have an insect-repellent treatment built into the fabric.
Also pack a suitable insect repellent for exposed skin and use it as directed. Apply sunscreen first, allow it to dry, and then apply repellent.
Before travelling, speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about malaria prevention and other health requirements for your itinerary, and check the latest Uganda travel health guidance. Insect-repellent clothing is an additional precaution and should be used alongside other recommended bite-prevention measures and any prescribed malaria medication.
When the birding is good, time on the water can disappear quickly. Ask your guide how long you expect to be out, and pack enough drinking water and a snack for the conditions and duration. A reusable bottle, a small packet of snacks and any personal medication are easy additions to your day bag.
Wear comfortable shoes with a secure grip for getting in and out of the boat, and keep your phone, travel documents and other valuables protected from water.
Before you head out, check that you have:
And finally, leave a little room for the unexpected. We set out hoping for a shoebill and came away with so much more: a special sighting, wonderful photographs and memories of a remarkable place.
For more about our journey, the photographic opportunities and the camera gear to pack, read Uganda: The Pearl of Africa. Explore the Craghoppers South Africa range for clothing made for your next adventure.
