A travel blog about adventure and culture

Traveler´s Buddy

  • HOME
  • TRAVEL 101
  • TRAVEL JOURNAL
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • America
    • Asia
    • Europe
  • TRAVELBUZZ
  • MORE
    • Write for Traveler’s Buddy
    • Work with me
      • Media content
      • Video Content
      • Photography and Video content
    • Contact me
    • About me
    • MediaKit
Danakil depression camel caravan
Avatar
Juan Martinez
Tuesday, 07 June 2022 / Published in Africa, Destinations

What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking

What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking

Rain jacket, double socks, boots, and lots of water – here is the ultimate guide on what you need to pack and wear for gorilla trekking tours in East and Central Africa.

Going on a gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo is not a walk in the park. The climate is humid and hot, as well half of the plants and small animals around can bite, scratch, or poison your skin.

It is an adventure of a lifetime. Still, it is an adventure that involves going deep into the rainforest and getting ready for everything ahead. From scrambling over trees and rocks to cutting through vines with a machete, this is an experience to remember and be better prepared before.

hiking in uganda searching gorillas
Hiking in Uganda searching for gorillas

Packing light and efficient

I have to confess. It took me several tours to master my packing list for a gorilla trekking in Africa. I took too many unnecessary things on my first trip and left a couple of essential items. On the second trek, I took way less than what I needed, and for the third and final trip, I was finally comfortable at all times.

Additionally, I was surprised to see several couples wearing designer clothes and fancy hats on the trip. They looked like actors in one Indiana Jones or The Mummy, which could look nice on your Instagram Stories. However, after a four-hour hike into the jungle, I can tell you that leather vests and suspenders are two of the few accessories you will need.

Read more: Where Is The Best Place To Do Gorilla Trekking In East Africa

gorilla trekking attire
The most simple and perfect gorilla trekking attire is a rain jacket, long sleeve shirt, pants and hiking boots

What to wear during a gorilla trekking

Like any other medium-hard trek around the world, keep it light and simple. Wear only what is essential for the trip and carry anything you might need for an emergency.

Waterproof hiking boots are a must, and being fully covered is key to surviving in these tropical conditions. Yes, it seems obvious to wear a t-shirt and shorts with the hot temperature. Unfortunately, everything in the forest will scratch you, and the less your skin is exposed, the more comfortable you will feel.   

Additionally, wearing two pairs of long thick socks can save you from time to time. Fire ants roam everywhere in the jungle, and once you step in the wrong place, they will crawl into your foot and enter your shoes.

I met a guy wearing short socks and tight pants during the gorilla trekking. Multiple times he was extremely uncomfortable because of the fire ants or poison ivy touching his skin.  

Read more: Why You Need To Do A Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

Observing gorillas in Uganda
Observing gorillas in Uganda

INSIDER INFO:
Do not wear glasses during the gorilla trekking. Your glasses will be foggy half of the walk and while spending time with the gorillas (because of the mask you have to wear). I made that mistake during my first trek, and it was the most uncomfortable part of the whole experience. Wear contact lenses at all times, and bring your sunglasses if you need them.

Clothing packing list for gorilla trekking

  • Long-sleeve shirt or a regular shirt
  • An extra-long-sleeve shirt in case of heavy rain
  • Long trousers (hiking trousers are a plus)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Two pairs of socks that you wear at the same time
  • A light rain jacket
  • Headband or hair ties (in case you have long hair)

Other optional accessories are:

  • Sunglasses
  • A hat (however, the jungles of Uganda and Rwanda are pretty deep, and you will be barely under the sun)
  • A sweater in case it’s cold
  • Gloves for protecting your hands against thorns or poison ivy

NOTE: It is also recommended to wear khaki or dark clothing colors. You will be able to blend better with the natural environment and won’t scare the gorillas.

Read more: Tracking chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale National Park

The forests can be very muddy
The forests can be very muddy

What to carry during a gorilla trekking

Now that you have the proper clothing, it is essential to know what you need to carry.

Lasting anything between two hours to seven hours, enough water and food are essentials for your gorilla trekking. But don’t worry. Your guide will remind you at all times.

What your guide will probably forget to tell you is to bring some mosquito repellent, sun cream, a handkerchief to clean your sweat, and a first aid kit.

Here is a complete list of everything that you need in your backpack during a gorilla trekking:

  • At least 2 liters of water
  • A light lunch box (you will be only able to eat once at a designated site)
  • A basic first aid kit (painkillers, diarrhea tablets, band-aids)
  • One handkerchief
  • Sun cream and mosquito repellent
  • Power bank

Read more: Which are the best national parks in Uganda

You can hire porters who can carry your backpack and support you - wear gorilla trekking
You can hire porters who can carry your backpack and support you

In case you are bringing a professional camera to take photographs of the gorillas, this is my recommendation as a professional photographer.

  • One medium-range lens (50-80 mm)
  • One ultra-telephoto lens (150-600 mm) – this was my most used lens during the trek
  • 2-3 additional batteries
  • Power bank with an adapter to charge batteries in case they run out of energy

Additional accessories like tripods, timers, filters, and raining coats won’t be necessary.

Drones are forbidden in most national parks in Africa, and flying a drone without proper authorization can lead to very hefty fines.

Read more: How to plan a gorilla trekking in Uganda

Photographing gorillas from a minimum distance
You can only photograph gorillas from a minimum distance of 10 meters

Read more: Kwita Izina – A Ceremony To Name Baby Gorillas

Planning a trip to Uganda independently is fun. However, if you want to arrange everything with tour operators beforehand from the comfort of your home. SafariBookings is the best platform for it.

They have the largest database of tour operators in Africa and you can simply send a request and negotiate a tour and a price directly with the operator. You don’t have to pay any additional fees.

These are some of the most popular tours in Uganda at SafariBookings

Read more: How To Plan A Trip To Kahuzi-Biéga National Park In Congo

  • Tweet
Tagged under: Africa, Congo, East Africa, Gorillas, National Park, Rwanda, Uganda

What you can read next

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
How to plan a trip to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
Old town in Ouadane in Mauritania
Traveling to Chinguetti and Ouadane – Mauritania‘s gateway to the Sahara
What makes Sharjah different from the other Arab Emirates?
Beyond the Desert – What makes Sharjah different from the other Arab Emirates?

See my work for Lonely Planet

Juan Martinez - Lonely Planet Berlin

See more of my work

Juan Martinez BBC Travel - Deutsche Welle

Follow me on Instagram

Instagram Juan Martinez Travelers Buddy

Follow me on facebook

facebook banner travelersbuddy

See my videos on YouTube

youtube channel Travelersbuddy

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • Exploring Spreewald – The Venice of GermanyExploring Spreewald – The Venice of Germany
  • 7 ways to save money while traveling in the United States7 ways to save money while traveling in the United States
  • 19 simple tips for traveling Stockholm on a budget19 simple tips for traveling Stockholm on a budget
  • Torres del Paine highlights the natural beauty of ChileTorres del Paine highlights the natural beauty of Chile
  • Places to visit around Salar de Uyuni in BoliviaPlaces to visit around Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
  • Meet the man who solo kayaked the Atlantic Ocean – three timesMeet the man who solo kayaked the Atlantic Ocean – three times
  • Which are the cheapest cities in Europe?Which are the cheapest cities in Europe?
  • Breaking cities: How much is a day in Amsterdam?Breaking cities: How much is a day in Amsterdam?
  • The importance of wildlife reintroduction in national parksThe importance of wildlife reintroduction in national parks
  • Sticking to Your Travel Budget – It’s easy but requires some self-controlSticking to Your Travel Budget – It’s easy but requires some self-control

RECENT POSTS

  • Hidden Currency Markets: 6 Countries with Favorable Parallel (Black) Market Exchange Rates

    While in some countries exchanging money is jus...
  • Best things to do in Niamey

    Niger Unveiled: Best things to do in Niamey

    Being one of the less traveled capitals in the ...
  • Hidden Gems of Africa – How to Plan a Trip to Niger

    Hidden Gems of Africa – How to Plan a Trip to Niger

    Known as one of the most challenging countries ...
  • All You Need to Know About Trip Cancellations and Travel Insurances

    All You Need to Know About Trip Cancellations and Travel Insurances

    Do you travel a lot? Expect to cancel their tri...
  • What makes Sharjah different from the other Arab Emirates?

    Beyond the Desert – What makes Sharjah different from the other Arab Emirates?

    From its rich cultural heritage to its contempo...
  • Everything you need to know about the Sharjah Light Festival in UAE

    Everything you need to know about the Sharjah Light Festival in UAE

    I visited the Sharjah Light Festival in the UAE...
  • Best things to do in Paramaribo, Suriname

    Best things to do in Paramaribo, Suriname

    Whether you’re interested in nature, hist...
  • How to travel overland from Guyana to Suriname

    How to travel overland from Guyana to Suriname

    While flying between Guyana and Suriname is exp...

WRITE YOUR STORY

We accept guest posts from bloggers, journalists or travel enthusiast about anything what motivated you to travel and experience new things

CONTACT ME HERE

WORK WITH ME

Last year we worked with over 10 different tourism boards from all over the globe. Learn more how we can work together and present how awesome your destination is

CONTACT ME HERE

COME AND SAY HI

Don't be shy and just drop us an email. It´s free

CONTACT ME HERE
Travelers Buddy Mountains Footer
  • Home
  • Travel journal
  • About me
  • Contact me
  • Write for Traveler’s Buddy
  • Imprint
  • More about Traveler´s Buddy
  • Travel journal
  • Home
  • About me
  • Work with me
  • Write for Traveler’s Buddy
  • Contact me
  • GET SOCIAL

www.thetravelersbuddy.com© 2021. All rights reserved

TOP