Essential Gorilla Trekking Packing List & What to Wear – What should I wear and bring for gorilla trekking?

This essential Gorilla Trekking Packing list & what to wear is all you need for the best gorilla trekking experience in the tropical jungles of Africa. Unlike other wildlife safari tours in Africa, mountain gorilla trekking is done in tropical African jungles that are impenetrable and accessible only on foot. When planning your gorilla trekking tour, having the best backpack for gorilla trekking with all the gorilla trekking tour essentials will make your experience in the jungles a safe and hassle-free. If you are wondering What should I wear and bring for gorilla trekking? this complete guide is designed for you. So let’s delve into this gorilla trekking essentials.

What should I wear and bring for gorilla trekking?

Spending time with a family of habituated mountain gorillas is a life changing experience that every traveler would want to experience however, understanding how to prepare for gorilla trekking is crucial before you travel. One of the frequently asked questions when preparing for gorilla trekking is What should I wear and bring for gorilla trekking? Understanding what to wear and bring for a gorilla trekking safari is for your own good as it will ensure your comfort in the jungles, ease the trek, and protect you from getting injuries. This Essential Gorilla Trekking Packing List & What to Wear will give you a glimpse into what you should include in your packing list, be it attire or gadgets.

What should I wear and bring for gorilla trekking? Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts that can protect you from scratches and insect bites and sturdy hiking boots. Your packing list must also include a lightweight rain jacket, hat with a brim, gardening gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera, and binoculars among others.

Complete Gorilla Trekking Packing List: Clothes, Gear, and Accessories

Although Uganda and Rwanda have a conducive tropical climate that is good for safaris, it is important to keep in mind that mountain gorillas live in areas with high altitudes and temperatures usually drop drastically. Preparing well for your trekking means having the right gorilla trekking gear and gorilla trekking packing list. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through impenetrable forests with rugged terrains and slippery ground.

To safely navigate through the forest, you need to have an essential packing list for gorilla trekking with items that will aid you during the trek in the forest. It is important to have the right clothing for gorilla trekking, the best backpack, and all other essential gear. This complete guide includes what to pack for gorilla trekking from clothes, gear, and accessories among others. If you are planning a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda, Rwanda, and D. R Congo, here is what to pack for your gorilla trekking tour.

What should I wear and bring for gorilla trekking? Clothes (long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, pajamas, a lightweight rain jacket, hat thick stockings)

Long sleeved Shirts and Long trousers

Having the right clothing for gorilla trekking safaris is essential when visiting Africa for your gorilla trekking safari tour. The best clothing for gorilla trekking includes long sleeved shirts and long trousers that can cover most parts of your body. Mountain gorilla trekking is done in thick forests with vegetation that is prickly. The long sleeved shirts and long trousers will keep you protected from getting bruises or rashes from plants during the trek. When choosing shirts and trousers, consider wearing neutral colors.

Are there specific clothing items I should avoid wearing during the trek? Avoid camouflage as it is illegal for civilians to wear it in both Uganda and Rwanda. It is also advisable to avoid animal print clothes as they may make gorillas agitated.

Pajamas

It is important to keep in mind that gorilla trekking locations like Bwindi can be cold especially during the wet season and thus carrying some pajamas can be helpful.

A lightweight rain jacket or Poncho

When packing your gorilla trekking gear, consider carrying a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. This is one of the essential items to include in your gorilla gear packing list. Top gorilla trekking parks like Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park receive unpredictable showers regardless of the season of the year and a lightweight rain jacket or Poncho will protect you from rain. The rain jacket is also important as it will help you stay warm and to maintain your body temperature. When packing your Gorilla trekking essentials, make sure to include a lightweight rain jacket or poncho.

Hat and thick stockings

Consider carrying a hat when going for a gorilla tour in Uganda or Rwanda. It will protect you from the sun, and rain, and also provide warmth. Generally a hat with a brim is the most recommended and can be use in all other types of safaris in Africa (wildlife safaris on game drives, walking safaris, etc)

The other must include in your essential packing list for gorilla trekking is the thick stockings. These will provide you with comfort, warmth and protection in areas where the terrain is rough.

Accessories (Sunscreen, insect repellant, Camera, and Binoculars)

When choosing items to carry for your gorilla trekking safari, it is important to include some accessories too. Some of the items you can carry include sunscreen, a camera, and binoculars. The sunscreen will protect you from the sun during your trek in the forest. A camera is a must-carry if you wish to film gorillas in the wild and also capture iconic moments in the jungle. The binoculars will also help you view gorillas and other species at a far range.

Most travelers however ask ‘‘Should I bring a camera, and if so, what type is recommended?’’ Yes, it is recommended to bring your own camera for a gorilla trekking safari.

When choosing a camera type for your gorilla trekking safari tour, it is important to consider a number of things. Some of the things to consider include; size and weight, Zoom range, image stabilization, weather sealing, battery life, and ease of use. The best recommended options include the mirrorless Sony Alpha series or Fujifilm X series and the Compact DSLRs like the Canon EOS Rebel series or the Nikon D3000 series.

Insect Repellant

Mountain gorillas live in dense forests that also inhabit a number of insects and other organisms. It is recommended to pack an insect repellant that is strong enough to protect your self from insect bites. The insect repellant must be strong enough with at least 30% DEET.

Most travelers ask ‘‘Should I bring insect repellent or are there other ways to deal with bugs?’’ it is best recommended to carry your own insect repellant since they are not provided for during safaris.

Foot and hand protection ware (Sturdy hiking boots, Gardening gloves)

Sturdy hiking boots

When arranging your essential packing list for gorilla trekking, foot ware is one of the must include. Since you will be trekking in thick jungles with thick undergrowth, you need to keep your legs protected. Pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots with good traction and comfortable enough for you.

What type of footwear is best for gorilla trekking? The sturdy hiking boots that are lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable are best recommended for gorilla trekkers. When choosing your hiking boots for your gorilla trekking safari, consider boots that can give you ankle support and protection of feet from sharp rocks, thorns, and Branches.

Gardening gloves

Gardening gloves can be of great use during the gorilla trek. These gloves can protect your hands from injuries as you grab branches for support during the trek. Remember to carry a pari of gardening gloves when going for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gear (Small backpack, water bottle, energy snacks, personal medication, first aid kit)

Small Backpack

When planning a gorilla trekking safari, a small backpack is essential for carrying your essentials like water bottles, snacks, camera gear, rain jacket sunscreen, insect repellant, and any other personal items. You may wonder ‘‘What kind of bag or backpack should I bring for carrying essentials?’’ The best Backpack to Cary for gorilla trekking must be large enough, water resistant, and light for the trekker to carry.

Water bottle

Mountain gorilla trekking usually takes hours and trekkers hike for long distances. It is important to keep hydrated during the trek thus carrying a refillable water bottle is essential. Do I need to bring my own water, or will it be provided during the trek? Usually, during safaris, water is provided to visitors however, carrying your own refillable water bottle is recommended. You can refill your water bottles at any time during the trek.

Energy Snacks

Energy snacks are some of the most important items to carry along with when going for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking duration is usually unpredictable and may last for longer hours. The trek involves hiking for long distances and may require a lot of energy. To keep up with the pace, we recommend carrying some energy snack during your gorilla safari to boost your energy levels.

Most travelers ask ‘‘Do I need to bring my own snacks, or will food be provided?” this entirely depends on your agreement with your tour operator however, most operators provide snack for visitor who are going for gorilla trekking.

Personal medication

When traveling to Africa, it is best recommended to first meet your medical personnel and discuss your medical conditions. It is recommended to carry some personal medication along during the gorilla trekking tour. This will help you to cub any medical emergencies that may arise during the trek.

Explore Africa on a customized gorilla trekking tour with us and discover the charming primates in their natural habitat. Book your gorilla tour with us today.