Hiking boots

Choosing the proper hiking boots should be one of your first priorities when making your gorilla trekking packing list.

Waterproof boots with high traction are what you need. There may probably be times when you have to go through muck. Boots with strong traction will assist you in remaining upright and preventing you from slipping downhill, as the terrain might also change. Your well-loved pair of footwear won’t be adequate for this journey!

Make sure they are boots that you have worn before; it should go without saying. Returning to your automobile after seeing your gorilla family could take anything from four to eight hours. You should not find out that your boots are somewhat smaller than expected at this moment.

Long Pants

I would strongly discourage anyone from hiking in shorts to visit the gorillas, as I have seen photos of such individuals doing just that. Wear long pants and cover your skin unless you want uncomfortable, bite-covered legs from going through thorny bushes or dealing with pests.

Lightweight, wicking pants will keep you cool and covered up if you’re worried about getting hot.

Wearing neutral-colored clothing will help you blend in with your surroundings (but avoid wearing camouflage prints, as they are reserved for troops). Stay away from white, as it will only lead to a muddy disaster!

Tops

The mornings of your gorilla trek may be a bit chilly, but as you hike into the humid rainforest, you’ll definitely warm up. Because of this, I think layering is a good idea.

For example, you may layer a lightweight hiking shirt over a wicking t-shirt, or wear a tank top under a long-sleeve merino wool top (such as the one from Icebreaker below).

Wearing long-sleeved clothing is essential for protecting yourself from bushes and mosquitoes, much as wearing long pants.

A lightweight jogging top was worn underneath a t-shirt by me. Even though I didn’t need to remove any of my layers due to the high temperatures, I discovered that it was plenty to keep me warm on the cold mornings.

Gaiters

On your journey, you will encounter bugs, as well as muck and grime. Wearing gaiters is one approach to preventing such debris from getting into your shoes and socks.

While on our trek, we paused to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat and suddenly realized that we were standing on an anthill. The enormous ants rapidly made their way up our legs.

I should have brought gaiters; they were missing from my suitcase. For added protection, tuck your pants into your boots if you choose not to use them.

Gloves

On a gorilla trekking trip, even the most sure-footed trekker is bound to slip and fall once. We all know that when we’re scared, our initial instinct is to grasp onto anything we can get our hands on, even if it’s a scraggly bush or plant.

You can keep your hands clean and safe from cuts and scrapes by simply donning a good pair of gardening gloves.

Backpack with rainproof cover

In the event that your backpack isn’t waterproof, be sure to have a rain cover just in case.

Make sure your backpack isn’t too heavy. Although you can elect to hire a porter for the gorilla hike, it is advisable not to overpack your pack with unneeded items just because you have the choice.

Walking poles

When descending a steep slope or traversing an uneven surface, walking poles can help you maintain your balance and alleviate strain on your knees.

Despite the fact that several of my companions were carrying trekking poles, I opted not to bring any along because I despise using them. A robust stick, suitable for use as a trekking pole, may also be able to be retrieved by your guide.

Sunscreen

Bring SPF50+ sunscreen and reapply it frequently because even though most of your hike will be in shade, there will be exposed sections. In order to travel to Uganda, you must have this item.

Insect repellant wipes or spray

The insects are genuine. One thing you must have on hand when trekking with gorillas is insect repellent wipes or spray – an essential item for your gorilla trekking packing list.

Rain jacket

Bring a lightweight, hooded raincoat or poncho that you can roll up into a small shelter in case it starts to rain (even in the dry season) while you’re hiking. You may also use this as a layer.

If your hiking jacket doesn’t allow air to circulate, you risk turning into your own personal sauna.

Waterproof case for your phone

What other gorilla trekking packing lists don’t mention? Get a case that will protect your phone from water.

The one I brought along for my iPhone worked perfectly because it is attached to a lanyard, so not only is it protected from the elements, but it is also easy to access for taking photos. On the majority of my travels, this is an essential item.

Camera

Make sure to bring your camera! Keep some kind of tangible (or digital) record of this encounter for yourself.

Make sure your memory cards have enough capacity, charge your camera and spare batteries the night before the hike.

If you aren’t already familiar with your camera’s flash settings, you should spend some time learning them so that you can get images of the gorillas without light.

Even if you’re only bringing your phone’s camera, it’s still important to charge it the night before. An additional item to think about bringing is a portable charger.

Money

You should bring some money to pay the porter and guides a tip. They work so hard, and this could be their sole or primary source of income, so please accept my sincere gratitude. They do not have the ability to provide change, so it is important to bring exact US dollars, Rwandan francs, or Ugandan shillings.

Women selling homemade toys and jewelry are also common towards the trek’s end. So, be prepared to part with some cash if you’re in the mood to shop.

Passport

When you get to the park, you’ll have to show your passport as identification. You cannot go on the gorilla trekking expedition without this, so be sure to include it in your gorilla trekking packing list.

Gorilla permit

Your tour operator (The Bespoke African Safari Co.) will take care of this unless you’ve planned your gorilla trekking expedition on your own.