What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth thinking about before you arrive. A gorilla trek is not the kind of activity where you want to discover halfway through the forest that you forgot your rain jacket, your water bottle or an extra pair of socks.
The trek takes place in mountain forests where conditions can change quickly. You may walk through mud, rain, thick vegetation and steep terrain for several hours. You therefore don’t need to bring your entire suitcase, but you do need a few practical things that will keep you comfortable and prepared.
Here is a simple gorilla trekking packing list to help you get ready.
1. Sturdy Hiking Boots
A good pair of hiking boots is probably the most important item in your bag.
Gorilla trekking trails can be muddy, slippery, steep and uneven. Choose boots with good grip and enough ankle support to give you stability on difficult sections.
Ideally, your boots should also be waterproof or water-resistant. Most importantly, wear them before your safari. Breaking in new boots during your gorilla trek is an easy way to end up with painful blisters.
2. Long Trousers and Long-Sleeved Shirts
Pack comfortable hiking trousers rather than jeans or shorts. Long trousers protect your legs from vegetation, insects and scratches as you move through the forest.
A lightweight long-sleeved shirt is equally useful. It gives you additional protection without making you feel too hot.
If you’re unsure what clothing is best, our What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking guide goes into more detail.
3. Waterproof Jacket or Poncho
Don’t assume that a sunny morning means you won’t see rain.
Bwindi and Mgahinga are highland forest environments, and rain can arrive unexpectedly. A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho can make a huge difference if you are caught in a shower.
A waterproof cover for your backpack is also useful. If you are carrying a phone or camera, keeping your electronics protected should be a priority.
4. Backpack
You need a small, comfortable backpack rather than a large travel bag.
Your daypack should have enough room for your water, snacks, rain gear, camera, personal medication and other small essentials.
Keep it as light as possible. Remember, you could be carrying it for several hours.
If your bag becomes too heavy, you can also consider hiring a porter to help carry it.
5. Plenty of Drinking Water
Walking uphill through a forest for several hours can leave you surprisingly thirsty.
Carry enough drinking water for the trek and take regular sips along the way. A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder can be more convenient than carrying several small plastic bottles.
Don’t wait until you are extremely thirsty before drinking.
6. Snacks and Quick Energy
Even if your safari accommodation provides breakfast, carrying a few snacks is a good idea.
Pack small, easy-to-carry foods such as:
- Energy bars
- Nuts
- Dried fruit
- Chocolate
- Biscuits
- Fresh fruit
Choose things that won’t make a mess inside your backpack and that you can eat quickly during a break.
Your trek may take several hours, so having something to give you a little extra energy can be helpful.
7. Gloves
A pair of lightweight gloves may seem unnecessary until you are holding onto a wet branch while climbing a steep section.
Simple hiking or gardening gloves can protect your hands from rough vegetation, thorns and scratches. They can also give you a better grip when moving through thick forest.
They don’t take up much space, so they are worth packing.
8. Hat and Sun Protection
Even though much of the trek takes place under forest cover, a hat or cap can still be useful during exposed sections.
Pack sunscreen as well, particularly if you are spending several days travelling around Uganda before or after the trek.
Sunglasses can also be useful when you are outside the forest or travelling between destinations.
9. Insect Repellent
The forest is home to plenty of insects, so insect repellent is a useful addition to your daypack.
Apply it before entering the forest and reapply it as necessary. Long sleeves and trousers also provide an extra layer of protection.
A small bottle is enough—you don’t need to carry a huge container on the trail.
10. Camera or Smartphone
You will probably want photographs of your Uganda adventure, but remember that gorilla photography has its limitations.
Bring your camera or smartphone, but keep it protected from rain and accidental drops. A waterproof pouch or dry bag can be useful.
Don’t spend the entire trek looking through your camera screen, though. When you finally encounter a gorilla family, take some photographs and then give yourself time to simply watch them.
The experience is much bigger than the pictures.
11. Spare Batteries or Power Bank
If you are using your phone as a camera, GPS or communication device, a power bank is a smart addition.
A long trek can drain your battery, especially if you are taking lots of photographs and videos.
Keep your power bank and other electronics in a waterproof pouch inside your backpack.
12. Personal Medication and Basic First Aid
If you take regular medication, bring enough for the entire trip and keep it somewhere easily accessible.
A few basic first-aid items can also be useful, including:
- Plasters
- Blister treatment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relief medication
- Any personal medication you normally use
Your safari operator and guides will have their own safety arrangements, but carrying a few personal essentials gives you extra peace of mind.
13. Binoculars
Binoculars aren’t essential for gorilla trekking, but they can be useful if you are combining your gorilla trip with birdwatching or a wider Uganda safari.
They can help you spot birds and wildlife during other activities without adding too much weight to your luggage.
14. Walking Stick or Trekking Pole
A walking stick or trekking pole can be helpful on steep and slippery sections.
You don’t necessarily need to bring one from home. Depending on your arrangements, walking sticks may be available locally or through your guides.
They are particularly useful if you feel more comfortable having additional support while climbing or descending.
15. Waterproof Bags
A few waterproof bags or dry bags can save you a lot of trouble.
Use them to separate wet clothes from dry ones and to protect important items such as your passport, phone, camera and other electronics.
Even a simple plastic waterproof pouch can be useful for small items inside your main backpack.
What You Don’t Need to Pack
It is just as important to know what to leave behind.
You don’t need a huge backpack filled with unnecessary equipment. Avoid carrying heavy books, excessive clothing or anything you won’t realistically use during the trek.
The lighter your daypack, the more comfortable you are likely to feel after several hours of walking.
How Your Packing List Depends on the Trek
Every gorilla trek is different.
Some treks are relatively short, while others can involve several hours of walking through steep and challenging terrain. Weather can also change the experience considerably.
That is why your packing list should always include the basics for wet and muddy conditions, even if the forecast looks promising.
If you’re concerned about the physical side of the experience, our guide on How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking? explains the terrain, walking time and fitness you should expect.
You can also learn more about the overall experience in our Gorilla Trekking in Uganda guide.
Quick Gorilla Trekking Packing Checklist
Before leaving your accommodation, check that you have:
- Hiking boots
- Long hiking trousers
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Backpack
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Gloves
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera or smartphone
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Personal medication
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Waterproof bags
- Binoculars, if needed
- Walking stick or trekking poles
You don’t need fancy equipment to enjoy gorilla trekking. What matters is being prepared for the environment and keeping your load manageable.
The forest can be muddy, your clothes may get dirty and your boots may come home looking very different from when you started. That’s part of the adventure.
And when you finally find a gorilla family deep in the forest, you’ll be glad you packed for the trek rather than simply packing for the photographs.
Ready to plan your Uganda gorilla adventure? Go To Africa Safaris can help you arrange your gorilla permit, accommodation, transport and a complete Uganda Gorilla Safari based on your travel dates and interests.
