Venturing into the jungles of East and central Africa to search for habituated gorilla groups is life-changing and emotionally rewarding experience. Gorilla Tourism in the rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and other parts of the African Continent directly contributes to the protection of the endangered Great Apes and conservation of their natural habitats.

However, gorilla trekking is conducted through rough terrains, dense forest and hilly slopes that require basic to moderate fitness levels to maneuver through the humid areas, thick vegetation as well as long and steep trails that are sometimes even muddy. Given these trekking conditions, a certain packing list for recommended for gorilla trekking adventures and this includes;

Long Safari-style pants

Regardless of the destination you choose for the gorilla trekking safari, the vegetation will always be dense, verdant, tall and filled with unpleasant plants, thickets and uncomfortable tree branches, hence wearing long safari-style pants are important to ensure that your legs are covered from insect bites, bruises and tree scratches which are particularly common in the jungles. Make sure that the chosen clothes are of khaki material and colors that properly camouflage with the forest.

Additionally, the chosen trousers should be easy to tuck into your socks (although you must avoid tight trousers), have pockets and should be waterproof.

Long sleeved shirts/t-shirts

The vegetation of the Gorilla National Parks is thick and weather sometimes gets cold, especially in the higher altitudes where the Mountain gorillas live. The shirts/t-shirts should be safari-style and of neutral colors (brown, black and green) to properly camouflage with the natural environment. Avoid short sleeved shirts that will not protect your arms from tree branches, stinging nettles and many other unpleasant vegetation.

Poncho or Rain jacket

The Rain jacket is one of the essentials that shouldn’t be forgotten for gorilla treks, at whatever cost, reason being that the Tropical rainforests where these mountain gorillas live are verdant because rains are experienced all year round, even sometimes in the dry season. You wouldn’t wish to be in the middle of the forest without protection when it finally begins raining. The rain jacket you choose should be lightweight, breathable, neutral colors (Khaki, brown and green) to camouflage properly into the natural environment, must have a hoodie and comfortable enough.

Wide-brimmed hat or hair Bandana to protect your head

Travellers with long hair should make sure that it is properly covered to avoid getting stuck in the tree branches or getting filled with rubbish or dust. Therefore, a wide-brimmed hat or bandana for protection against dirt/dust and even scotching sunshine.

Strong and waterproof hiking shoes with enough ankle support

The kind of footwear to carry for gorilla trekking will greatly determine your entire experience because if you are not comfortable with your shoes, your experience will be totally ruined. The Park rangers and guides usually wear gumboots which keep their feet warm and provide enough grip when crossing rivers, walking in mud and hiking slopes. Because it is difficult to pack gumboots, it is advisable to pack rainproof hiking boots with enough ankle support to keep your legs dry in case of rain or stepping in mud, crossing rivers and puddles. Open shoes and sandals must be avoided at whatever cost.

Rainproof backpack

Most of the items you will need during gorilla trekking will be kept/stored in the backpack that you will carry along during the trek especially camera, binoculars, snacks, lunch box, bottled water, rain jacket and sunglasses. You might need to hire a porter to carry the backpack on your behalf and therefore should be waterproof to keep your camera and other items dry.

Insect repellant

Packing insect repellant when visiting Africa is a good decision and having it during gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or even Democratic Republic of Congo is no brainer whether you are exploring Urban centers or remote National Parks. It is uncomfortable to be bitten by tsetse flies or be stung by the noisy mosquitoes hence make sure that you carry an insect repellant.

Camera with extra batteries and enough memory space

Packing a goof camera with enough memory space and extra batteries will make your gorilla trekking safari complete, because memories of your trips will be documented. Remember that flash cameras are prohibited because your flash will scare and sometimes make them charge.

Other important items for gorilla trekking include your travel documents (passport, visa and air ticket), thick and long socks, re-usable water bottles, extra energy giving snacks, gaiters, gardening gloves to protect hands when finding leverage in grabbing vegetation for support, pair of binoculars for spotting small and far creatures in the forest, first aid kit, face mask and hand sanitizer (given the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic at time of writing), and toiletries (deodorant, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair gel, sunscreen, lotion and many others) and warm sweater.