Gorilla Trekking Packing List

A gorilla trekking packing list is one of the things each traveler planning a gorilla safari should know. Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable adventure, offering incredible face-to-face encounters with one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife species- mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. However, to make the most of this life-changing experience, packing the right essentials is important. From camera equipment to clothing and footwear, here’s our complete guide to what you need to pack for a seamless gorilla trekking experience.

Travel documents

Before heading out on our long-awaited gorilla trekking safari, ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents, which include;

• Visa and passport, and ensure to keep original copies along with digital and paper copies, as you will need them at the briefing points before embarking on actual gorilla treks.
• Gorilla permits: These are required for accessing the habituated gorilla families. You don’t have to worry about gorilla permits if you are traveling with Sarania Adventure Safaris as our safari guides will take care of all these and ensure that they are in place before you arrive at the Park gate (of the area/National Park you are tracking from).
• Medical and travel insurance: This is important for covering unexpected medical emergencies or safari cancellations/changes.
• Booking form with emergency contact information: This should include the numbers of your local contacts, the Tour Operator, the Embassy, and others.
• A Yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required for visitors traveling from yellow fever-prone destinations.
• Additionally, you will need your flight e-tickets and confirmation for accommodation reservations.

Ensure to carry these essential travel documents in a waterproof folder for safety from moisture and dust.

Clothing and other wearables

Many people will tell you to pack according to the season you plan on visiting the mountain gorillas, but we say pack appropriately for jungle and gorilla trekking. This is because, in as much as Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (countries where mountain gorillas are found) experience two seasons, these Giant Apes live in dense forests, high on the mountains, hence making the weather unpredictable. All in all, dressing appropriately ensures comfort and helps to avoid unnecessary distractions during your gorilla trekking adventure.

• We recommend comfortable, lightweight, and breathable cotton clothing in earthy tones (brown, khaki, green, or neutral colors).
• Long-sleeved shirts and safari pants are recommended for protection from direct sunlight and scratches from unpleasant vegetation.
• Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high SPF sunscreen are handy for preventing sunburns during your gorilla trekking adventure.
• A waterproof rain jacket or poncho is essential for unexpected rain showers during your gorilla trekking adventure.
• Layered clothing, such as warm sweaters, light woollen scarves, and fleece jackets, is handy for cold mornings and evenings, especially when relaxing at the Lodge.
• Gardening gloves are not only for protecting your hands during gorilla trekking (as you use tree branches and vegetation for support) but also for providing warmth during cold weather.
• Long cotton socks are recommended for gorilla trekking adventures, and you should tuck your trousers into the socks to avoid crawling insects.
• For footwear, you will need comfortable hiking boots/walking shoes for the rugged terrains and dense foliage. They should come with enough ankle support, and add gaiters for additional comfort during your gorilla trekking adventure.
• Still on footwear, flip-flops/or slippers are recommended for use at the Safari Lodges, transferring from one safari destination/National Park to another, or even going for village tours.
• A small backpack is handy for carrying essentials such as the insect repellant, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and other items while on your gorilla trekking adventure.

Viewing and Photography gear

Capturing the unforgettable moments (such as infants playing, silverbacks exhibiting authority and marking territories, and others grooming each other) with the right equipment will leave an unforgettable experience. For this reason, we recommend;

• A camera (mirrorless or DSLR cameras) with a zoom lens of at least 300mm is perfect for capturing the unforgettable daily routines of these Giant Apes in their natural habitat. Additionally, ensure to carry extra batteries and memory cards because gorilla trekking adventures usually last several hours, hence it is important to be prepared.
• A pair of binoculars is handy for spotting distant and smaller wildlife species as well as birds, which spice up your gorilla trekking experience. Mountain gorilla natural habitats are home to lots of primates and bird species, which are simply unmissable during these adventures.
• A tripod is essential for stabilizing shots, especially during long-distance wildlife and landscape photography.
• It is important to keep your equipment safe from moisture and dirt; hence, it is advisable to pack a dustproof camera bag for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Health and medical essentials

The National Parks where you will be tracking the endangered Mountain gorillas are generally remote, and gorilla treks are long and hectic/physically demanding, hence it is recommended to be prepared for minor health issues that may arise during your gorilla trekking tour. Therefore, ensure to pack the following;

• Sunscreen and toiletries (lip balm, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, nail clips, hair comb/brush, toilet and tissue paper, moisturizer, and others). Sunscreen not only keeps your skin hydrated but also prevents sunburns.
• Prescription medicines, and ensure to pack enough to last your entire gorilla safari. For those who are prone to altitude and motion sickness, packing anti-nausea medicines is a wonderful idea.
• An insect repellent and anti-itch ointment is recommended on gorilla safaris, as they are essential for mosquito (or other insect bites) protection.
• Don’t miss a First aid kit (with wound care supplies, Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, plasters, blister ointment, pain relief medications, and others).

Other essentials for a comfortable and unforgettable gorilla safari

We recommend a field guidebook on wildlife and bird species in the National Park you are visiting, and a reusable water bottle because you need to stay hydrated during your gorilla trekking adventure while reducing plastic waste. Additionally, energy-giving snacks and protein Bars are recommended because the duration of gorilla treks is unpredictable, some being long and others short, hence it is important to always be prepared before venturing into the jungle. You will also need a flashlight or a headlamp to be used at the Lodge for night movements. While few travelers consider this, a Notebook and pen are handy for jotting down wildlife and bird sightings and experiences while on your gorilla trekking adventure. Remember that the National Parks where mountain gorillas live shelter other wildlife species such as forest elephants, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, primates, and a plethora of bird species.