How to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Prioritize high-performance, moisture-wicking layers in neutral colors and thick, puncture-resistant gear. You need to dress for a rainforest environment where thorns, mud, and stinging nettles are guaranteed encounters.
- Start with the base layer. Wear long-sleeved, moisture-wicking synthetic shirts. Avoid cotton, as it stays wet once you sweat or get rained on, which will make you cold quickly in the high-altitude mountains.
- Layer for variable temperatures. Pack a lightweight, breathable fleece or soft-shell jacket. The trek starts early in the morning when it is cold, but you will heat up significantly once the incline trekking begins.
- Protect your legs and skin. Wear thick, cargo-style hiking trousers—not leggings. Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent safari ants and other insects from crawling up your legs. Always carry a lightweight waterproof rain shell or poncho.
- Prepare your footwear. Use sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with excellent ankle support and aggressive tread. You will be walking on steep, uneven, and often muddy terrain. Break them in for at least 30 miles before your trip.
- Gear up for the brush. Bring a pair of sturdy gardening gloves. You will need to grab onto vines, branches, and trees to steady yourself, and many of them have sharp thorns or stinging hairs.
- Do I really need gardening gloves?
- Yes. The vegetation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is thick and often sharp. You will be grabbing vines to maintain balance; gloves are non-negotiable for comfort.
- Can I wear bright colors like white or blue?
- Avoid them. Bright colors can distract or irritate the gorillas, and blue is specifically known to attract Tsetse flies.
- How do I keep my camera gear dry?
- Bring a dedicated dry bag or a high-quality waterproof cover for your backpack. Rainforest humidity and sudden downpours are constant risks.