Packing List for Gorilla Trekking (Inclusive of Only the Right Gear)
Discover a complete packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Get to know what to pack/bring/what to wear for a gorilla trek in Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
We have put together everything you require to pack for the gorilla trek tour from the footwear, and clothing to photography gear and other equipment. The packing list guide below is perfect for you to make adequate preparations for a successful gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is generally distinct from normal wildlife tours. By its nature, adequate preparation is essential which includes considering what to pack or wear. Choosing the right gear is key when planning for a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda or Rwanda.
A Complete Packing List for Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Rwanda, & Congo
Want to pack right for your gorilla trek safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park?
What to wear & packing list for gorilla trekking
Long sleeved shirts
When choosing the kind of shirts to wear for the gorilla trek, long-sleeved should be the priority. Look for the material that blends well with the environment and should be long-sleeved to protect your hands from tree branches, thorns, nettles, and other pickers/materials that can scratch you. Pack the fast-drying long-sleeved shirts.
Long trousers
Long trousers that are environmentally friendly should be part of your packing list for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The long trousers are essential for gorilla safaris because they help protect your legs from scratches and also crawling insects.
Sturdy hiking boots
Choose the best and waterproof hiking boots for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda. The search for mountain gorillas is unpredictable but generally, it is strenuous and involves navigating through the slippery ground/steep slopes depending on the season.
Comfortable and waterproof hiking boots are essential for your gorilla trekking. The pair of hiking boots you find should be rubber and able to provide traction, stability, balance, and support to ankles.
Gardening gloves
Strong gardening gloves shouldn’t miss out of your packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The gloves are essential because they will help you when you are in need of support and you happen to touch itchy or thorny tree branches/vines. Your hands can be safeguarded from potential scratches.
Rain jacket
A rain jacket is an important gear any visitor must consider packing for a gorilla safari tour. A rain jacket or poncho helps protect you from rains. Get a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. You can carry it and when time reaches it is needed, you can pick it up from your backpack.
A safari hat
A safari hat is essential on any packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. A good safari hat is helpful to protect your head from the sun’s heat as you embark on the journey to see mountain gorillas.
Gaiters
Get the gaiters for gorilla trekking. A pair of good gaiters are essential to help protect you from bugs, dirt, water, and pebbles.
A warm sweater
A good warm sweater is valuable for all gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda or Rwanda. It helps keep you warm during the cold mornings as you join other visitors for briefing or even an actual gorilla trek. Besides, you may need a sweater to keep you warm during the cold evenings/nights in your respective lodges. Some destinations such as Bwindi, Mgahinga, or Volcanoes record low temperatures ranging from 10 to 11 degrees Celsius.
A pair of safari socks
A pack of safari socks is required for your gorilla trek. During the actual trek with mountain gorillas, you will be advised to tuck the trousers into the socks to prevent the crawling insects from entering the trousers and ending up biting you.
Essential Gear/Equipment to include on the packing list for gorilla trekking
A good camera plus accessories
A good camera with additional accessories shouldn’t be left out of your packing list for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, Volcanoes National Park, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A camera is essential for photography –imagine capturing the massive silverback in the wild and the rest of gorilla members. That can be remarkable, a reason you shouldn’t leave a camera out on your packing list. Besides a camera, you should also have an extra battery and memory card.
Packing list for gorilla trekking; Daypack
A waterproof daypack is essential for visitors on gorilla tours. The daypack or backpack is useful in securing your bottled drinking water, documents, snacks, and other small essentials for gorilla trekking.
Money belt
The money belts/bags are good for you to keep safe your money. If possible, a waterproof money belt/bag is essential to prevent your money from getting wet. You may also keep your valuable documents like a copy of your passport, emergency contact, and others.
A tin of insect repellents
Any gorilla trek requires you to have a tin of insect repellents. The insect repellents help protect you from biting insects like mosquitoes. You can spray or apply on your body. Ensure that you get the effective insect repellent preferably DEET/RID or citronella soap.
Sun blocker cream
Sun blocker creams are essential for gorilla trekking tours. Applying it helps protect your face and eyes from the hot sunshine in Uganda or Rwanda.
Toiletries
Toiletries shouldn’t miss on your packing list for gorilla trekking Uganda safaris, and Rwanda tour. The pack of toiletries may vary depending on the sex of the traveler.
First aid kit
A first aid kit is essential part of the packing list for the Uganda/Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure. The first aid kit should have essential items like bandages, allergy remedies, creams, cold medication options, anti-malaria tablets, painkillers, liniments, and others, especially for emergencies.
Bottled drinking water & snacks
Bottled drinking water and snacks are among the essentials to consider on your gorilla trekking packing list in Uganda and Rwanda. Get enough drinking water to keep you hydrated and snacks to help keep you fit through the gorilla trek.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s rays as you embark on a journey to see gorillas.
Binoculars
A pair of binoculars should also be included on your gorilla trekking packing list. These are ideal for you to spot some birds, primates, and other species as you trek to see mountain gorillas.
Gorilla permits
A gorilla permit shouldn’t miss out on any gorilla trekking packing list whether you plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. Book a gorilla in advance through Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd info@premiumafricasafaris.com. Uganda gorilla permits are open for booking at USD 800 per person, and Rwanda permits at USD 1500 per visitor.