Gorilla Trekking Clothes
Choosing the right clothes for your gorilla trekking is essential for all primate adventure seekers on Gorilla tours to Uganda or Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is a unique adventure, and by its nature, visitors intending to engage in it must ensure they pack the right gear. The landscape of gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda completely differs from destinations where game drives are conducted.
Gorilla safari destinations in Uganda and Rwanda are in higher altitude regions. They include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. The weather patterns in these gorilla trekking destinations are generally unpredictable, and you shouldn’t be unaware. Remember, trekking with gorillas in any of these protected areas involves navigating through the areas with no trails.
With weather conditions, the gorilla safari destinations’ general landscape, the nature of the gorilla habitats, and other factors, considering the essential clothes for your gorilla trekking adventure should be a must. I’ve included a detailed list of gorilla trekking clothes to pack. A checklist of gorilla trekking garments to pack for your next Uganda or Rwanda gorilla tour;
Long-sleeved shirts
When choosing gorilla trekking clothes to wear or pack, long-sleeved shirts shouldn’t be off your list. Wearing long-sleeved shirts is recommended for every gorilla trekker. Long-sleeved shirts are better because they help protect your hands from nettles, fall tree branches, thorns, and scratches as you navigate the jungle.
Avoid short-sleeved shirts, considering the exposure they give to your body. The gorilla trek is distinct in that visitors penetrate the jungle deep in search of mountain gorillas. In the middle of the rainforest, expect to encounter all kinds of vegetation, including thorny plants, itchy species, and more. You must travel when fully equipped with the right gear, such as long-sleeved shirts.
Long trousers
Long trousers are essential for gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park. The long trousers help protect your legs not only from the thorny or itchy plants, muddy places, and biting insects. When dressing up for your actual gorilla trekking session, you are recommended to tuck your trousers into the cotton socks to prevent insects from accessing your legs.
A safari hat
The weather conditions in gorilla safari destinations in Uganda and Rwanda may differ significantly from those back in your home country. A safari hat is necessary for anyone planning to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park, or Virunga National Park. Wearing a safari hat is intended to help protect you from the hot sunshine as you search for a family of mountain gorillas in the wild.
A sweater
A sweater should be part of the packing list for gorilla trekking. Gorilla safari destinations such as Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi, or Mgahinga often experience cold weather conditions. A sweater is needed to keep yourself warm on chilly nights and mornings. The temperatures can be recorded at 11 degrees Celsius or lower at Bwindi. Early preparation and equipping yourself with a sweater can save you from the cold nights or mornings as you join other colleagues for a briefing at the park offices.
Safari socks
You’ll need long cotton socks during your gorilla trekking tour in Uganda/Rwanda. The thick cotton socks are helpful as they help protect your feet. Besides, they need to be tucked into your trousers to prevent insects from entering.
A rain jacket
A waterproof rain jacket is crucial for a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda. Trekkers preparing to visit mountain gorillas need a good rain jacket to protect themselves when it rains. Gorilla trekking destinations like Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park receive rain at any time of the day. A rain jacket or a poncho can protect you when suddenly it rains while you are still in the forest tracking mountain gorillas.
When choosing a rain jacket, please ensure it has a hood, sealed seams, and ventilation zippers to help regulate temperatures. It should also be lightweight and breathable.
Long pants
Long pants are helpful because they help shield your legs from insects, thorny plants, and mud. Get fast-drying and breathable pants for your hiking adventure as you search for mountain gorillas. You should also find long pants that are comfortable on your body.
Underwear
Remember to pack plenty of underwear to help you keep changing. This is especially important for trekkers intending to spend more days in the gorilla tour destination. The underwear to be packed should be quick-drying, and try not to carry cotton materials.
Gardening gloves
Get yourself good gardening gloves for a gorilla trekking adventure. The gloves protect your hands from insect bites, thorny vegetation, cold temperatures, and itchy plants when you accidentally touch them. When choosing the right gardening gloves, consider lightweight and breathable nylon or synthetic leather gloves. Waterproof gardening gloves are the best choice.
Face mask
Facemasks are essential for gorilla trekking. Wearing them means observing a responsible practice to protect mountain gorillas from infectious human diseases. You need breathable masks to cover your nose and mouth.
Useful Tips
Avoid bright colors
When choosing gorilla trekking clothes, avoid brightly colored attire as much as possible. Like other primates or species, mountain gorillas are susceptible to bright colors. On the actual day of tracking gorillas, consider wearing clothes that blend perfectly with the natural environment.
Fragrances
You should avoid perfumes or colognes, as they attract insects and can irritate gorillas’ very sensitive noses.
Avoid wearing short pants/shirts.
You can avoid packing shorts or short-sleeved shirts for your gorilla trekking adventure. Places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park have all kinds of thorny plant species, insects, and other things. Short pants can expose you to most of these things, so you require long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Cotton clothes
Cotton material tends to absorb moisture and takes a long time to dry. You may opt for moisture-wicking fabrics, especially polyester.
Revealing clothes
Dressing appropriately is essential as it shows respect. Avoid clothes that expose your body, as they disrespect the cultures and traditions in the local community. Besides, wearing revealing clothing exposes you to insects and sunburn.
Dangling jewelry
Certain items like jewelry must be left behind for gorilla trekking. You can keep them at the lodge or leave them at home. Wearing dangling jewelry risks you getting caught on the vines or tree branches. Generally, they can cause discomfort as you navigate the forest searching for a family of gorillas.
What else should you pack for a Gorilla Tracking Adventure?
Beyond packing the right clothes, other items to consider for a gorilla trekking tour apply to any destination. They include waterproof and comfortable hiking boots, gaiters, a camera with no flashlight, insect repellents, first aid kits, a daypack, sunglasses, a headlamp, and more.
The right gorilla trekking clothes are essential for all trekkers who plan to see mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. The comprehensive guide to gorilla trekking garments above will help you plan your next gorilla tour.
