How to Pack for a Gorilla Trek
(2021 Update) I thought that a quick Google search would tell me everything I needed to know about packing for my first gorilla trek in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. But trust me, it didn’t. So here’s the lowdown from a novice hiker.
Limit your bag weight to 33lb (15kg)
Stick to lightweight duffel luggage because internal flights have a max weight limit of 15kg or 33lbs. If you’re traveling internationally, pack strategic essentials. Casual, practical comfort is key for this safari adventure.
Layer with neutral colors and all-purpose scarf
Wear long sleeved shirts and lightweight hiking pants (trousers) to avoid scratches and bugs. Think colors of the forest. Beige, khaki green, warm browns. Stay away from dark blues or black as that can attract the biting tsetse flies. A cotton scarf is useful accessory. It protects from the morning chill and can shield your camera from dusty dirt roads. Tuck your wicking hiking socks over your pants to protect against nasty fire ants.
Always be charging
Power outages in Uganda are common but brief. I brought along a power strip that was a life saver (UK-3 prong). It allowed me to charge my phone, camera batteries and laptop all at once. Don’t forget to pack a fully charged spare camera battery on your trek.
Bring waterproof hiking boots, day pack, and rain jacket
Prepare for Mother Nature because you’ll hike rain or shine. Make sure your boots are broken into before traveling. Your waterproof day pack should be small enough to fit 3-4 water bottles, a camera with extra battery and memory cards, phone and external charger, hat, bug repellent wipes, gloves and rolled up rain slicker. Nothing else. Your lodge will provide you with snacks and lunch.
Don’t forget your safari essentials but AVOID single use plastic bags - 2021 Update
Make sure you pack safari essentials like bug spray with DEET, sunscreen, malaria pills and anti-diarrheal medication in sealed travel bags. Note that in 2019, Uganda joined 40 other countries in Africa to ban single use plastic bags to protect the environment. While I used handy Ziplocks on my pre-ban safari, it is no longer advised to pack Ziplocks in your suitcase or hand luggage even if you will return home with them. Some countries like Rwanda will confiscate them at the airport.
Toss in a good hat and gripping gardening gloves
Protection from exposure is important. The jungle is dense and full of vines and slippery inclines. While I brought along the grippy gloves, I did not end up needing them. We had no rain on our trek, but some of the inclines were muddy and slick.
More tips to know before you go to Uganda (updated March 2021)
2021 COVID Update: All passengers arriving in Uganda must show a valid negative COVID-19 PCR certificate that is not more than 120 hours from the time of sample collection to the time of boarding the aircraft leaving the country of origin. All passengers departing Uganda must also show a valid negative COVID-19 PCR certificate that is not more than 120 hours from the time of sample collection to the time of boarding the aircraft in Uganda.
Tourists are required to wear N95 masks, surgical masks, or cloth masks with filters on their trek in Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla and Kibale and Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) policy is for masks to be worn during game drives as well.
Tourist visas, which can be obtained online, and yellow fever vaccines, are mandatory for all U.S. passport holders.
Work with a qualified tour operator to ensure the best possible gorilla trekking experience. I used Let’s Go Travel Uganda.
Bwindi National Park is split in to 4 sectors, 2 northern sectors and 2 southern sectors. There are a total of 19 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga National Park. With only 8 tourists allowed to visit a family, there are only 160 gorilla permits a day which are normally booked between 6 to 9 months in advance.
Each sector in Bwindi has gorilla groups and different levels of accommodation. Your accommodation choice will dictate which sector of Bwindi you will stay in.
You must be a minimum of 15 years old to trek. UWA reps assess your physical stamina and plan the route accordingly. With advance notice, treks for physically disabled visitors can be arranged.
Plan to exchange currency at the airport. Larger bills ($50 and $100) will get better exchange rates. I also found U.S. dollars to be widely accepted for tipping. U. S dollar notes printed prior to 2006 are not accepted.
Hire a porter ($15 per person) to assist during gorilla trekking. They are optional, but my group found them to be essential to navigate the trek (do not share a porter). Hiring a porter is also a good way to support the local community with your trek.
Expect unpaved, bumpy roads outside of the city.
Wi-Fi is an issue in the bush. It was available only in the lodges’ reception areas and dining rooms.
