Half the packing lists online are padded out to look thorough. These are the things our guides watch people wish they had brought.
The six that matter
- Gaiters. Bwindi has safari ants, and they find the gap between boot and trouser within seconds. Gaiters end the problem entirely. Under US$30 and the best purchase on this list.
- Gardening gloves. Thick, cheap, rubber-palmed. You will grab nettles, thorns and vines constantly on the steep sections.
- Waterproof boots with ankle support, broken in before you fly. Wellingtons are a legitimate wet-season choice.
- A rain shell that actually works, plus a rain cover for your daypack. Ponchos flap in undergrowth; a fitted jacket is better.
- Two walking poles. Most useful on the descent. Lodges often lend them.
- 3 litres of water and more food than you think. Six-hour treks happen without warning.
Clothing
- Long trousers — light, quick-drying, tough enough for thorns
- Long-sleeved shirt in a neutral colour; no bright red or white
- Fleece or light down layer for the 05:30 start and the cold at altitude
- Two pairs of thick socks, one to trek in and one dry pair in your bag
- Sun hat and a warm hat — you will use both in the same morning
Camera kit for a dark forest
- A fast standard zoom (24–70 mm or 24–105 mm) beats a long lens; you will often be too close for 300 mm
- Two spare batteries, carried warm in an inside pocket
- A dry bag or a plain plastic bag for the camera when it rains
- Microfibre cloths — condensation on the lens is guaranteed
- Practise your camera's high-ISO settings before you go; you will be shooting at ISO 3200 and up
Small things, big difference
- Insect repellent with DEET, applied to boots and trouser cuffs as well as skin
- Face mask — required in Rwanda, sensible everywhere
- US$ cash in small notes for porters and tips; ATMs are hours away
- Passport — checked against your permit at the briefing, no exceptions
- A yellow fever certificate, required for entry into both Uganda and Rwanda
- A dry change of clothes waiting in the vehicle
Leave at home
Drones, camouflage clothing (illegal for civilians in Uganda and Rwanda), single-use plastic bags (banned in Rwanda), and anything you would be upset to see covered in mud.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
Long trousers tucked into gaiters, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support, gardening gloves and a light rain shell. Neutral colours. Nothing you mind ruining — the mud does not come out.
Do I need special boots?
Waterproof, above the ankle, and broken in. Trail runners are not enough in Bwindi mud. Rubber wellingtons work well in the wet season and can be hired at some lodges if you don't want to fly with boots.
Can I take a camera into the forest?
Yes. Cameras, phones and video are all allowed; flash is not. Drones require a permit and are effectively never approved for gorilla treks.
Next
Keep planning
- How hard is the trek? — why gaiters and gloves matter
- Best time to trek — wet season versus dry
- Complete trekking guide — the whole picture
- Lodges near the gorillas — which lodges lend boots and poles
Enquire
Start planning your gorilla trek
Tell us roughly when you would like to travel and how you like to travel. A trip specialist replies within one working day with a costed suggestion.
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