The Ultimate Packing List for Gorilla Trekking
GORILLA TRACKING PACKING LIST
Thinking about going on a gorilla trek in the Congo, Rwanda or Uganda? Here’s our suggested packing list to maximize your experience.
Clothing
Fleece-lined waterproof jacket— if travelling into the mountains, especially to Nyiragongo Volcano in the DR Congo, it can get very cold at the summit. Having a solid waterproof warm layer will go a long way.
Breathable rain jacket— Virunga has two distinct wet seasons and they don’t call it a rainforest for nothing. Rain is common and being prepared will help a lot in making your experience more enjoyable.
Rain-resistant pants— especially useful if travelling in the rainy season, it’s a good idea to get some water resistant hiking pants. You’ll be out in the jungle for a while tracking gorillas and or hiking, so rainstorms can come and go at any time.
Long underwear and warm socks— useful for hiking and camping trips that go up into the mountains. Remember temperatures can drop to below freezing in the Rwanzori Mountains in the evenings and early morning.
Warm hat— a solid toque/beanie for hiking and sleeping Virunga/Volcanoes National Park.
Bandana— you’ll get sweaty out there, definitely have something to help soak up the sweat and something that you can dip into the rivers easily to rinse and cool down. A lightweight cap is also very useful.
Quick-dry t-shirts (see these for men, and these for women)— again, it’s very humid, so quick-dry clothing will prove to be the least “sticky” options in the jungle.
Long trekking pants (see these for men’s, and these for women’s)— you definitely do not want to trek in shorts. While it may seem like a good idea at first, fire ants, bugs and sharp plants scraping against your legs is not a pleasant experience. Rather, definitely have some strong, lightweight trekking pants.
Lightweight, waterproof trekking shoes (check out KEEN)— there’s no need to have large, clunky hiking boots that will become weighed down with mud. Rather, expect muddy conditions, with lots of ups and downs between slopes and ravines. You’ll need good traction, and also something lighter weight and waterproof to help get you through the jungle.
Electronics
Headlamp— an extremely useful aid for bathroom trips in the middle of the night and walking around camp. Also, if you choose to bring an ultra bright headlamp, it can be used to go on night safari walks to spot amazing nocturnal animals in the jungle.
USB power bank— for charging phones/tablets. If you are looking to use one to charge camera batteries, you can look for something more powerful like an external battery pack for camera/laptop charging.
Activity Gear
Lightweight daypack— great for going on day trips while based in a camp, or if trekking with porters, it’s very useful for carrying what you need for the day (camera, water, sunscreen etc)
Dry bag— staying in the jungle can be a very wet experience. Rains may come down without warning and are usually very powerful and very short-lived. Additionally, river crossings are also quite common. Having a dry bag for your essentials and electronics is a good idea to keep them safe.
Lightweight sleeping bag— a lightweight sleeping bag good to -5 Celcius is good if you are planning on hiking and camping in the Rwenzori Mountains and or Mount Nyiragongo.
Inflatable sleep pad or air mattress— essential for campers, as it makes your sleep a lot more comfortable and adds a necessary layer of protection between your body and the ground.
Misc
Quick-dry microfibre towel— the jungle is humid and a quick-dry towel will help a lot.
Biodegradable cleansing wipes— very useful for when you don’t have a river or pool to swim in, a good wipe-down with these will help make you feel a little better about yourself before you go to sleep.
