The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Packing Guide

Packing correctly for a gorilla trek is essential. The terrain inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes National Park, and Mgahinga can be steep, muddy, and densely vegetated. Rainfall is possible at any time of year, and temperatures can swing dramatically between a humid forest floor and an exposed highland ridge. The right clothing and equipment will keep you comfortable, protected, and free to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Below is our comprehensive packing checklist, refined over more than a decade of guiding clients through some of Africa’s most demanding terrain.

Clothing & Footwear

• 2–3 pairs of lightweight trousers or slacks

Choose quick-drying, breathable fabrics such as nylon or moisture-wicking polyester blends. Avoid denim — it is heavy, slow to dry, and uncomfortable when wet. Neutral or earthy tones (khaki, olive, brown) are recommended, as bright colours can alarm wildlife. Full-length trousers also provide essential protection against stinging nettles, thorns, and insects during the trek.

• 3 short-sleeved t-shirts and 1 pair of shorts

Lightweight t-shirts in breathable fabrics are ideal for warmer days and for use at your lodge or camp outside of trekking hours. A pair of shorts is useful for relaxing at the lodge in the evenings or during game drives in drier savannah parks.

• 1–2 long-sleeved shirts

Long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended for wearing during the gorilla trek itself. They protect your arms from nettles, scratches, and insect bites, and help reduce the amount of insect repellent you need to apply directly to your skin. Earth-toned fabrics are preferable.

• 1 sweater or sweatshirt

Early morning departures in highland forest areas can be surprisingly cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping close to 10°C at altitudes above 2,000 metres. A warm, mid-layer fleece or sweatshirt is essential for the drive to the park gate and the initial stages of the trek before you warm up from exertion.

• Waterproof rain jacket

A high-quality, lightweight waterproof jacket is non-negotiable. The forests of Bwindi and the Virunga Volcanoes receive heavy rainfall throughout much of the year, and showers can arrive with little warning even during the dry season. Opt for a jacket with a hood and sealed seams. Packable jackets that compress into their own pocket are ideal for keeping your day pack light.

• Strong waterproof hiking boots

Your footwear is arguably the single most important item you will pack. Gorilla trekking involves navigating steep, root-covered, frequently muddy forest trails. You need boots with excellent ankle support, a sturdy waterproof upper (Gore-Tex or similar), and aggressive, deep-lugged soles for grip on wet mud and slippery vegetation. Boots should be broken in well before your safari to avoid blisters. Lightweight trail running shoes are not adequate for the terrain at Bwindi or in the Virungas.

• Lightweight wool or merino socks

Wool or merino socks are superior to cotton for trekking because they manage moisture effectively, retain warmth even when damp, and resist odour. Bring at least three to four pairs to ensure a clean, dry pair for every day of trekking. Tall socks that cover the lower leg also provide additional protection against insects and nettles.

• A pair of sports sandals or camp shoes

After a long day’s trek, your feet will appreciate a comfortable pair of sandals or lightweight camp shoes to wear around the lodge or during game drives and cultural visits. A good pair of sport sandals (such as Tevas or Chacos) doubles up as a light walking shoe for flat terrain around your accommodation.

• Wide-brimmed hat or sun visor

A wide-brimmed hat or hat with a visor is essential protection against the sun, particularly during open sections of the trek, at the park gate, and during game drives in savannah parks. At altitude in Uganda and Rwanda, UV levels can be deceivingly high even on overcast days.

• Gardening or light work gloves

This is one of the most frequently overlooked items on the gorilla trekking packing list, and one of the most appreciated once you are on the trail. Gardening gloves or similar light work gloves protect your hands from the stinging nettles, sharp vegetation, and thorny undergrowth that you will inevitably need to push through in the forest. They also provide grip when using trekking poles or holding on to vegetation on steep sections.

Health, Safety & Wellness

• Insect repellent

A reliable, DEET-based insect repellent (30–50% DEET concentration) is essential for the forest environment. Apply to all exposed skin before entering the forest and reapply as instructed. In addition to mosquitoes, the forest harbours biting midges and other insects. We recommend bringing both a spray and a lotion formulation for versatility.

• High-SPF sunscreen

Bring a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Apply it to all exposed skin before your trek and during game drives. UV exposure at altitude in equatorial Africa is significantly higher than in temperate climates, and many travellers are caught off-guard by the intensity of the sun.

• Personal toiletries and a small first aid kit

Pack a compact personal first aid kit containing plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relief tablets, antihistamines, and any prescription medications you require. Anti-malarial prophylaxis should be discussed with your GP before travel. Your lodge or camp will typically have basic first aid available, but personal preparedness is always wise in remote forest locations.

Photography, Electronics & Lighting

• Camera and extra lenses

A gorilla trek is one of the most photogenic wildlife experiences in the world. Whether you shoot on a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a modern smartphone, make sure your equipment is ready to capture the encounter. A versatile zoom lens (such as a 24–105mm or 70–200mm) is excellent for gorilla photography, allowing you to capture both wide environmental shots and detailed portraits. Keep your camera in a waterproof bag or cover when moving through the forest in rain.

• Extra camera batteries and memory cards

Always carry at least two fully charged spare batteries for your camera. Cold morning temperatures and intensive use during the one-hour gorilla encounter can drain batteries quickly. Many of the safari lodges and camps near gorilla trekking areas offer facilities for recharging batteries and electronic devices, but supply is not always guaranteed — particularly in more remote locations. Bring sufficient memory card capacity to avoid having to delete images in the field.

• Flashlight or head torch

A compact flashlight or — better still — a hands-free LED head torch is invaluable for early morning pre-dawn departures to the park gate, navigating your lodge or camp at night, and in the event of a power outage (which can occur in remote highland areas). Bring spare batteries or choose a rechargeable model.

• Binoculars

While you will get very close to the gorillas during your hour-long encounter, binoculars are invaluable during the trek itself for spotting other primates, birds, and other forest wildlife. They are also essential if your safari includes game drives in savannah parks, where distances between you and the animals can be considerable.

• Sunglasses

Quality UV-protective sunglasses are a must, particularly for game drives, volcano hikes, and open-terrain walks. In the forest, sunglasses also protect your eyes from low-hanging branches and vegetation. Polarised lenses are a good choice for reducing glare during boat cruises and lakeside activities.