- Hiking boots: Essential in any season, since you may hike for hours over uneven, sometimes muddy terrain.
- Rain jacket: Rain is common in gorilla habitats even in the dry season.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts: Protect against insects and scratches from vegetation.
- Garden gloves: Useful for gripping plants and steadying yourself on rough paths.
- Warm clothing: Mountain elevations can get cold.
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen: Useful protection during sunnier, drier conditions.
- Drinking water: No water sources are available in the forest.
- Binoculars: Useful for spotting the region’s many bird species.
- Camera with extra batteries: Remember to disable your flash, since it can startle the gorillas.
- Energy snacks and a packed lunch: Treks can run long; carry all waste back out of the forest.
- Insect repellent: Helpful given the number of insects in the forest.
- A small first aid kit and daypack to carry all of the above comfortably.
See our full gorilla trekking packing list for more detail.




