When preparing for a gorilla trekking adventure, what you pack and wear is key to ensuring your comfort and safety. In order to properly enjoy your gorilla trekking experience, preparation is key.
This is my ultimate packing list for what to bring and wear for your trek! Here you will find tips on what to pack and how to dress on the day of the trek. For a complete guide on what to expect during gorilla trekking, check out this post.
Understanding the Climate and Terrain
Before you start packing, it’s crucial to understand the climate and terrain forests of East Africa. Gorilla trekking typically takes place in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These areas are characterized by their dense forests, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. I did my trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The temperatures can range from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 27 degrees Celsius). Rainy season is March to May and October to November, while the dry season is from June to September and December to February. The dry season is considered the best time of the year to go trekking. However, even during the hot days of the dry season, the forest can receive unexpected rain, so it’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions.
Considering the altitude and temperature fluctuations; dressing in layers is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the trek.
Essential Clothing for Gorilla Trekking
When choosing what to wear gorilla trekking, you want to keep the following in mind when picking your clothes:
- Breathable and Quick-Drying Fabrics: opt for clothing that is breathable and quick-drying to handle the humidity and rain. Nylon and merino wool are good options.
- Long-Sleeved Shirts and Long Pants: These provide protection against insects, sun, and scratches from branches. Look for clothes that offer UV protection.
- Packable Rain Jacket: even if you are not trekking during wet season.
- Wide brimmed hat: For sun protection and to keep bug out of your face/
- Gardening gloves: Allow you to grab onto whatever branches are in front of you. You’ll have better support without worrying about grabbing onto thorns.
- Neutral Colors: Stick to neutral and earth-toned colors like greens and browns to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting insects. Avoid bright colors. The gorillas will be afraid if you’re moving around in colors that are unnatural to their environment!
Tip: Avoid wearing black or dark blue as these colors can attract tsetse flies, which have a painful bite.
Essential Footwear for Gorilla Trekking
Deciding what shoes to wear gorilla trekking is one of the most important packing decisions you will make. Having the right shoes is crucial for navigating the rugged, mountainous areas of the forest. Not having comfortable shoes can make even an easy trek miserable. Your hiking boots should be:
- Sturdy: good ankle support and good traction on slippery, uneven surfaces.
- Waterproof and Breathable: to protect your feet from moisture and keep them cool and comfortable.
- Well-Fitting: ensure your boots are broken in and fit well to prevent blisters and discomfort.
You should wear moisture wicking socks to keep your feet cool and dry during the trek. They should be long, so you can tuck them into your pants to keep out rocks and ants.
Backpack Essentials for the Trek
Being fully prepared on what to wear for gorilla trekking includes your bags and gear! Your day pack will be your lifeline during the trek, carrying all the essentials you need for a safe and enjoyable experience. Your bag should be:
- Lightweight and Durable: Choose a day pack that is comfortable to carry and can withstand the rainforest conditions. Make sure to keep it light, especially if you opt not to get a porter to carry your stuff.
- Waterproof: Protects your gear from the frequent rain. If your bag isn’t water proof, consider getting a rain cover.
- Organized and Accessible: Pack strategically to ensure you have easy access to all your essential items.
Remember to pack only the essentials to keep your backpack light and manageable. Carrying too much weight will make the trek more challenging and tiring. Prioritize items that are crucial for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment during the trek.
Essential Gear and Equipment
In addition to your clothing and footwear, there are several other pieces of gear and equipment that are essential for a successful gorilla trekking experience.
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- Walking Stick: Provides support and stability on the rugged trails. You can rent or purchase these at the park headquarters. They’re especially helpful if it’s slippery on your way down the mountain.
- Binoculars: to enhance your ability to spot gorillas and other wildlife.
- Power bank and charger: I only used my phone to take photos and I got some great ones. Having a power bank ensures you’ll have enough charge just in case you get stuck on a long trek.
- Camera: I didn’t bring one, but if you are bringing one, make sure it’s not too bulky.
- Money: to hire a porter at an extra cost and tip your guide
- Plan to tip rangers between 15-30 USD/ per person, and porters 10-20 USD/ per person. Also consider a tip for your driver to and from the park.
- Tipping is not obligatory, but once you see what a typical day of work looks like for them, I am sure you will feel compelled to tip!
- Make sure to carry cash with you, since credit cards aren’t usually accepted.
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Food and Water for the Trek
I didn’t eat breakfast on the day of the trek and I was MISERABLE. Don’t be like me. You’ll be starting with an early morning, so eat a proper breakfast to ensure you have enough energy to get through the hike. Make sure to pack snacks and as much water as you think you’ll need for a full day.
- Hydration: enough water for the day and boxed juice. Make sure it’s boxed so you don’t attract insects.
- Energy-Rich Snacks: Bring snacks that provide quick energy and are easy to carry. I don’t recommend things like apples, or oranges, because they will attract insects.
Some trekking companies offer packed lunches or snacks as part of the trekking package. I recommend you go with a tour that offers this. Mine did, and we did not have to carry our lunch the full way. Someone was waiting for us at a breakpoint with our lunch which was very helpful.
Safety and First Aid Supplies
Most of the time, your ranger will have first- aid supplies on him. But it’s a good idea to be prepared just in case.
- Travel first aid kit: A small one from the pharmacy that includes items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers will suffice. A small pair of tweezers will also be helpful just in case you get a thorn.
- Personal medications, inhalers, etc.: anything you normally take during the day.
- Body braces: if you usually wear a ankle or knee brace, make sure to wear it on the hike for support!
- Insect Repellent and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from insect bites and sunburn. Get the highest SPF you can.
- Travel insurance: this might not be something you physically pack, but making sure you have good travel insurance with medical coverage is important. Also make sure to have your emergency contact information on you, just in case.
This is one of the most important tips I can give you. Make sure you get a DEET- based insect repellent. Douse yourself in it when you’re getting dressed in the morning. Spray your body and your clothes.
You do NOT want to reapply this while you are in the forest. The smell of it can actually attract wasps (same goes for sunscreen and deodorant). The rangers told us this, but some people in the group did not listen, and we got attacked by wasps. If you see someone spraying bug spray during the trek, get as far away from them as you possibly can. The wasp stings hurt for a long time after you get stung.
Packing Tips for a Comfortable Trek
Knowing what to wear for gorilla trekking is crucial. How to pack for the trek is just as important. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently and comfortably.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to keep your backpack light and manageable.
- Use Packing Cubes or Dry Bags: Organize your gear and keep it dry.
- Check the Weather Forecast: Pack according to the expected weather conditions.
Packing light is crucial for a comfortable trek. The less weight you have to carry, the easier it will be to navigate the challenging trails. Focus on packing only the essentials and leave non-essential items at your accommodation. A lighter backpack will also help you conserve energy and reduce the risk of fatigue. You can always get a porter to help you carry your stuff, but scaling back is always a good idea during experiences like this.
Using packing cubes or dry bags can help you organize your gear and keep it dry. These items are especially useful in the forest, where rain and humidity can quickly dampen your stuff. Packing cubes also make it easier to find items in your backpack without having to unpack everything.
Before you pack, check the weather forecast for the area where you will be trekking. This will give you an idea of what to expect and help you pack accordingly. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and pack items such as a rain jacket, hat, and extra layers.
Complete Packing List
Here is my complete packing list:
- Long sleeve shirt—light weight, moisture- wicking
- Leggings—like gym tights, moisture- wicking
- Trekking pants—make sure they’re looser fitting, so that if you get snagged by a thorn, it doesn’t pierce your skin.
- Comfortable sports bra
- Long, moisture- wicking socks—plus an extra to keep in your day pack
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Light- weight rain jacket (packable)
- Broad- brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Gardening gloves
- Cooling towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- DEET- based bug spray
- High- SPF sunscreen
- Unscented lip balm with SPF
- Small first- aid kit that has at least bandages and antiseptic wipes.
- Your personal medications
- Toilet paper and disposable plastic bags to carry out any waste
- Water bottle(s)—try to bring a reusable one!
- Power bank with charger for your phone/ camera
- Binoculars (optional)
- Snacks/ lunch if your tour operator doesn’t provide it
- Trekking poles—I highly recommend renting theirs, unless you have a pair you’re attached to.
- Money for hiring a porter and tips.
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By packing the right gear and following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking adventure. Remember, the key to a successful trek is being prepared for the climate, terrain, and challenges of the rainforest.
I hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to decide what to pack and wear gorilla trekking. For more tips and insights on solo adventure travel, be sure to check out my other blog posts. Happy trekking!
