On a gorilla trekking safari to see gorillas, packing right will save you from stress and only carry essentials. Trekking mountain gorillas and spending time with a habituated gorilla family is a once-in-life time experience only done in the remote mountainous rainforest areas of DR.Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. These remote regions have minimal access to modern services and at mountainous high altitudes, to see the gorillas you will be trekking uneven steep terrain at 7000 ft. above sea level.
Gorilla trekking experience requires a fair fitness level as you have to hike in humid conditions through thick rainforest vegetation and along steep, at times rather muddy, mountain tracks. Waterproof trousers, long sleeved shirts, a poncho and well-fitting waterproof hiking boots will come in handy.
Packing as light as you can is very important as you may have to take a light aircraft to get to your lodge, which will have strict baggage size and weight limits. Also, it is very important to look out for the ever-changing entry restrictions like Visas and vaccines as it is important to have all documents packed in your handbag.
With the following items listed in your luggage, you will surely have a comfortable experience to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR.Congo.
Packing list for health and hygiene
- Facemasks – as per the guidelines, you must wear a facemask when in presence of gorillas.
- Hand Sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and hand-surface cleaning spray if you want to be extra precautions. Use items approved by CDC.
- Prescribed glasses together with a floating strap if you will use them while trekking the gorillas
- Carry sunscreen to protect you from the scotching heat. When purchasing sunscreen, choose one that is water-resistant and reef-friendly. Remember that nothing can protect you against the sun better than clothing.
- Essential prescriptions, medications and vitamins
- Insect repellent – this will help you keep the bugs away during the hike in the woods
- A small traveler’s first aid kit carry items like spirit, bandages and your medication.
Clothes to Pack
- Long-sleeved shirts to protect you from sunburn and scratches from thorny leaves.
- Two pairs of long pants, one for the forest hiking and another for dressy at the lodge
- A pair of hiking gloves, you need to protect your hands while trekking when you touch thorny branches and vines in the woods
- Underwear and comfortable socks
- A lightweight waterproof jackets or raincoat that will keep you dry or warm when the temperatures drop.
- Sunglasses and hat
- A pair of getters and outside cloves
Footwear
- Comfortable, lightweight hiking or walking shoes, preferably waterproof
- Closed sandals and a pair of long, warm socks to wear around the lodge
- Retractable trekking poles or hiking staff (porter), usually you can get a free wooden walking stick at the park office or your lodge. It could turn out to be heavier than your foot.
Books and documents to pack
- A good travel book about Uganda or Rwanda depending your gorilla trekking destination, these books are perfect for learning about the basics of the destination you are visiting.
- Pack some reading materials like ebooks, magazines, novels, or a travel blog with great content about Uganda.
- A passport with at least three empty pages and valid for at least three months. Also have photocopies (paper and digital copy).
- Identification cards (driver’s license) and insurance cards with emergency contacts. Carry both paper and digital copies.
- Debit cards and credit cards – most cards are accepted in Uganda and Rwanda, and there are Banks/ATMS in major towns en-route to the gorilla destinations. Only carry small amounts of cash for souvenirs, street food, bus/taxi fare, and tipping. Most shops and lodges in Uganda and Rwanda accept US Dollar bills not older than 2006.
Packing List for Toiletries
- Razors
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, you may not find at your lodge a gorilla destination
- Pack small bottles of shampoo and body soap if you don’t want to use complimentary toiletries at the lodge
- Brush or comb
- Deodorant and antiperspirant
- Cosmetics and other beauty items such as body lotion, antibacterial wipes among others
- Sanitary pads, which you can also buy in Kigali City in Rwanda and Kampala City when you land.
Miscellaneous Things to pack for a Gorilla Trekking Safari
- Ziplock bags
- Energy snack for hiking, a mix of dried fruit and nuts is great energizing snack. Also, request the chef at the lodge to pack your favorite in your ziplock.
- A small flashlight for late-night walks to your cottage
- A tablet or light laptop
- Camera or cell phone for photography. At the lodge there is WI-FI to connect with your social buddies
- A waterproof day pack or backpack for daily activities is handy.
- Chargers with your electronics with a socket adopter
- Headphones for quiet me-time
- Emergency contact for friends and family
Tips for Luggage Packing
Fit more into your luggage – The best way to get space in your bag is rolling your clothes, and you will make less luggage and likely not have to pay extra luggage fees on your flight.
Buy stuff at your destination – Cities like Entebbe, Kampala, and Kigali have travel stores where you can buy items you will need on your gorilla trekking adventure. Please pack only the essentials and then as your tour manager to help you make a list of the things you can get when you arrive.
Layer up: when packing, avoid the bulky, heavy clothing that takes up space. Carry lighter clothes than can layer up to stay warm. For example, instead of that bulky sweater, why wear a Merino wool tank or a T-shirt with a lighter long-sleeved top.
Carry heavy clothing on you: To free up some packing space to carry other important items like give away and snack, you can wear heavy clothing during transit. It is very common to see someone in transit wearing a jacket or holding it, a thick pair of jeans and sturdy boots.
Travel Tip – Uganda and Rwanda have two dry seasons; June to August and December to February. These two seasons present perfect conditions for gorilla trekking experience under the humid jungle canopy. When packing to see gorillas, you should pack light clothing for the trek and something to protect yourself against the sun outside the rainforest. Sun glasses, a wide-brim hat and sunscreen shouldn’t miss in your luggage.
March to May and September to November are rainy seasons in Uganda and Rwanda, unexpected rain outbursts for a couple of hours a day are common, carrying a cloak is vital.