Gorilla Trekking Packing List — Essential Gear & Clothing

Gorilla treks in Bwindi and Mgahinga are physically demanding, humid and changeable. Pack for steep terrain, mud, close-contact biosecurity and a full day outdoors.

Below is a focused, practical packing list with why each item matters and tips for organising your kit. Keep paragraphs short and actionable.

Quick essentials (what goes in your daypack)

• Printed gorilla permit + passport/ID — mandatory at briefing and entry.
• Small first-aid kit (plasters, blister patches, antihistamine, painkillers, personal prescriptions) — immediate care while on trail.
• Water (1–2 litres in a refillable bottle) — you may be on the trail several hours; hydration matters.
• High-energy snacks (sealed, non-perfumed energy bars) — eat only away from gorillas; keep scents minimal.
• Lightweight rain jacket with hood (packable) — sudden showers are common even in dry months.
• Plastic dry bag or zip-locks for electronics and documents — keep moisture out.
• Face masks (surgical or N95) — 2–3 — for biosecurity and any park-required use; bring extras.
• Hand sanitizer (alcohol-based) and biodegradable wet wipes — hygiene before/after visits.
• Binoculars (small, 8x preferred) — for scanning canopy and approaching trails when distance is required.
• Small notebook + pen / trail etiquette card — record permit number, guide names, or emergency info.
• Headlamp or small torch — early starts/late returns and camp use.

Pack these in a comfortable daypack (20–30 L) with waist strap. Weight matters — keep under ~8–10 kg if possible.

Clothing — what to wear (and why)

• Lightweight, quick-dry long-sleeve shirt — protection against scratches, insects and sun; breathability reduces sweat.
• Lightweight, quick-dry trekking trousers (convertible trousers are useful) — protect legs from nettles, briars and ticks.
• Thermal base layer or fleece (thin) — mornings at higher elevations can be cold; pack one layer.
• Waterproof / breathable outer shell — essential for rainy conditions and wind on ridges.
• Gaiters (mid-calf) — keep mud and leeches out of boots; very helpful in Bwindi’s sloppy trails.
• Spare socks (1–2 pairs; wool or synthetic) — fresh socks prevent blisters and cold feet if wet.
• Hat — sun hat or wide-brimmed for sun; lightweight beanie for cold mornings.
• Gloves (thin, touchscreen-friendly) — for cold and for handling trekking poles.

Wear layers so you can regulate temperature; materials: synthetic or merino (avoid cotton).

Footwear — non-negotiable

• Sturdy, ankle-support trekking boots with grippy soles — expect steep, uneven and muddy slopes; good tread prevents slips.
• Comfortable camp shoes (lightweight trainers or sandals) — for lodge use after a long trek.
• Break in your boots well before travel — blisters cause misery on the trail.

Waterproof boots can help in rains, but ensure breathability to avoid blisters.

Technical gear & trekking aids

• Adjustable trekking poles — stabilise balance on muddy descents and reduce knee strain.
• Lightweight pack cover / rain cover — protects daypack contents in heavy rain.
• Camera + spare battery / memory cards — long lenses are often unnecessary (respect distance) but a 70–200mm or 100–400mm is useful for safe photographs. Turn off flash.
• Dry sacks for camera and electronics — protect gear from humidity and rain.
• Compact towel / chamois — for wet or muddy conditions at lunch or camp.
• Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin — ticks and biting flies exist on trails.

Remember that drones and flash are forbidden; follow ranger instructions on photography.

Health, hygiene & biosecurity

• Mask(s): surgical or N95) — protect gorillas from respiratory pathogens; carry spares.
• Personal medications + copy of prescriptions — bring extras in case of delays.
• Basic first-aid supplies (antiseptic, wound dressings, blister care) — immediate treatments reduce infection risk in remote settings.
• Hand sanitizer and soap — use before/after visits.
• Anti-malarial medication (as prescribed) — consult travel clinic before departure.
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination (if required) and any other vaccines advised by your clinician.
• Water purification tablets or a filter straw (optional) — lodge water is usually safe, but backups are prudent.

Do not trek if you are symptomatic with a respiratory illness; this is critical for gorilla safety.

Documents, money & admin

• Printed permit confirmation + UWA contact details — bring original or pdf printout.
• Passport (original) + photocopy — required at briefing and entry.
• Travel insurance policy / emergency evacuation details — essential for remote remote access.
• Local currency (UGX) and small USD bills — for tips, porter fees, incidental purchases; some lodges accept cards but rural businesses may not.
• Emergency contacts and local operator phone — keep printed and saved on phone.

Keep documents waterproofed; a laminated copy of permit + ID is useful.

Electronics & power

• Phone with local SIM (optional) — for lodge coordination and emergencies.
• Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) — some lodges lack reliable power; charging on the move is useful.
• Plug adapter (UK/European/US depending on devices) — check lodge receptacles in advance.
• Spare camera batteries and memory cards — cold and humidity drain batteries faster.

Turn off Wi-Fi/cell functions if instructed during hikes to preserve battery and minimise disturbance.

Luggage strategy & porters

• Daypack + main duffel/suitcase — main bag stays at lodge or in vehicle.
• Hire a porter if you have limited mobility or heavy gear — porters make steep climbs feasible; bring small tip and pack extra for them if you hire privately.
• Distribute weight: put essentials in daypack; leave bulky items in lodge — you will thank yourself on steep ascents.

Porters are professional; offer fair tips and a light rain jacket if the porter will carry your pack.

Special considerations for habituation experiences

If you have a habituation permit (longer observation time):

• Bring more water and snacks (stowed away and not eaten near gorillas).
• Extra batteries and field-notes for extended observation time.
• Pack a quieter camera setup (no loud zoom motors) and be prepared to follow stricter biosecurity guidance.

Habituation visits may require additional rules—confirm with UWA/guide.

Wet-season (rainy) adjustments

• Waterproof gaiters and fully waterproof boots — mud protection is essential.
• Quick-dry spare clothing and multiple sock changes — dampness causes blisters and chills.
• Strong trekking pole and ankle support — terrain becomes more treacherous.
• Pack bag liners and multiple dry sacks for electronics and documents.

Expect longer trek times and allow extra margin in your itinerary.

What to leave at home

• Strong perfumes, scented lotions or food in open containers — scents attract and stress wildlife.
• Drones, flash units, large lenses if prohibited — both a rule and conservation issue.
• Excessive valuables — remote areas increase risk; bring minimal valuables and secure them at the lodge.

Follow the guide’s rules on prohibited items — violations can end the trek.

Final quick checklist (pack-in / essentials)

Daypack: permit + passport, water, snacks, mask(s), sanitizer, camera, binoculars, rain jacket, small first aid, headlamp, phone + powerbank, trekking pole (collapsible).
Main bag: spare clothing, boots, gaiters, fleece, toiletries, insect repellent, plug adapter, insurance docs, cash.

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