What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking: The Complete List

Packing correctly for your gorilla trek can make the difference between a comfortable, joyful experience and a miserable slog through wet forest. Here is our definitive packing list — built from over a decade of guiding guests through the forests of Rwanda and Uganda.

Footwear — The Most Important Item

• Waterproof hiking boots — ankle support is essential. The forest floor is uneven, steep, and often muddy. This is the single most important item on this list. Do not trek in trainers or sandals.
• Thick hiking socks — wool or synthetic, at least 2 pairs. Tuck your trousers into your socks to keep out ants and vegetation.
• Camp sandals or flip flops — for lodge evenings.

Clothing

• Long-sleeved shirts x2 — dark, muted colours (khaki, olive, brown, grey). Avoid bright colours and camouflage patterns.
• Long trousers x2 — lightweight and quick-dry. Avoid shorts — your legs will be scratched by vegetation.
• Waterproof rain jacket — the forest can receive heavy rain with no warning. Essential.
• Fleece or light jacket — mornings at altitude (2,400m+) are cool.
• Gardening gloves — for grabbing thorny vegetation when climbing steep sections. A game-changer that most people forget.
• Hat or buff — for sun and to keep twigs out of your hair.

Daypack Essentials

• 1.5–2 litres of water — hydration is crucial at altitude.
• Energy snacks — chocolate, nuts, energy bars for the trail.
• Insect repellent — DEET-based for the forest.
• Sunscreen — even in cloud cover the UV is strong at altitude.
• Small first aid kit — plasters, blister pads, ibuprofen.
• Toilet paper and hand sanitiser — forest facilities are basic.
• Poncho or pack cover — to keep your bag dry.

Camera & Electronics

• Camera or smartphone — no flash is permitted near gorillas. This is a strict rule.
• Extra batteries or power bank — cold temperatures drain batteries faster.
• Dry bag or ziplock bags — to protect electronics from rain.
• Memory cards — you will take hundreds of photos.

Cash & Documents

• Cash (USD) — for porter tips ($15–20 recommended), guide tips, and small purchases. ATMs are not available at the park.
• Passport and trek permit — carry originals, not copies.
• Travel insurance documents — including emergency evacuation cover.
• Yellow fever certificate — required for entry into Rwanda and Uganda.

What NOT to Bring

• ❌ Plastic bags (banned in Rwanda)
• ❌ Flash photography equipment
• ❌ Strong perfume or cologne (can disturb gorillas)
• ❌ Food that creates strong smells near the gorillas
• ❌ Drone (not permitted in national parks)

Pro Tips from Our Guides

• Always hire a porter — they carry your bag, assist on steep terrain, and your fee directly supports local livelihoods.
• Wear your boots for a few weeks before the trek to break them in. New boots cause blisters.
• Put your camera on silent mode before entering the gorilla zone.
• Leave your expensive jewellery at home — the forest is muddy and rough.