Can I wear jeans for gorilla trekking?

No. Jeans become heavy and uncomfortable when wet, and they take forever to dry in Uganda's humidity. Pack lightweight hiking pants instead.

Do I need special socks for the trek?

Yes. Bring merino wool or synthetic hiking socks that wick moisture. Pack extra pairs since your feet will get wet. Avoid cotton socks that stay damp and cause blisters.

Should I bring a walking stick?

The park provides walking sticks at the trailhead, so you don't need to pack one. The provided sticks are cut from local bamboo and work well for the terrain.

What camera gear should I pack?

Bring a camera with good low-light performance since the forest is dark. Pack extra batteries (cold and humidity drain them faster) and waterproof your gear. No flash photography is allowed near gorillas.

How to Pack for Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Pack lightweight, earth-toned hiking gear that covers your body completely. Bring waterproof boots, long pants, gloves, and rain gear. The forest is muddy, humid, and full of stinging nettles.

Choose earth-toned colors only. Pack khaki, brown, dark green, or black clothing. Bright colors can startle gorillas and other wildlife. Leave anything white, red, or fluorescent at home.
Pack full body coverage. Bring long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed shoes. The forest has stinging nettles, thorns, and insects. Shorts and tank tops will leave you scratched and stung.
Get waterproof hiking boots. The forest floor is muddy and slippery year-round. Your boots need good ankle support and waterproofing. Break them in before your trip to avoid blisters during the 2-8 hour trek.
Pack rain gear. Bring a lightweight rain jacket and rain pants. Uganda's weather is unpredictable, and the forest canopy doesn't stop all rain. Pack everything in waterproof stuff sacks.
Bring gardening gloves. You'll grab branches and vegetation while hiking steep, muddy terrain. Gardening gloves protect your hands from thorns and give you better grip. They're more useful than hiking gloves here.

Can I wear jeans for gorilla trekking?: No. Jeans become heavy and uncomfortable when wet, and they take forever to dry in Uganda's humidity. Pack lightweight hiking pants instead.
Do I need special socks for the trek?: Yes. Bring merino wool or synthetic hiking socks that wick moisture. Pack extra pairs since your feet will get wet. Avoid cotton socks that stay damp and cause blisters.
Should I bring a walking stick?: The park provides walking sticks at the trailhead, so you don't need to pack one. The provided sticks are cut from local bamboo and work well for the terrain.
What camera gear should I pack?: Bring a camera with good low-light performance since the forest is dark. Pack extra batteries (cold and humidity drain them faster) and waterproof your gear. No flash photography is allowed near gorillas.