What to wear for gorilla trekking
A gorilla trek is a walk through steep, wet forest, usually for 2 to 7 hours. The packing list is short: profiled waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved top, sturdy gloves, rain gear, a daypack and drinking water. Layers help, because the temperature changes during the day.
These are practical recommendations, not an official equipment rule. Your own operator will tell you if something else is needed for your date. If you have not booked yet, start with gorilla trekking and the permit prices, and then come back to this page.
Our pick: a three-day Bwindi trip
A three-day trip in a 4x4 gives you time to rest between the drive and the trek.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi
Gorilla treks and safaris to Bwindi, with live prices and availability. Ask the operator what to pack for your date.
Gorilla trekking packing list
What to take and why.
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Profiled, waterproof hiking boots | Steep, wet ground |
| Long trousers | Protection from plants on the trail |
| Long-sleeved top | Protection for arms in dense vegetation |
| Sturdy gloves | Grip and protection when you hold branches or steady yourself |
| Rain gear | Rain can come in any month |
| Daypack | For water, rain gear and a camera |
| Drinking water | The walk can last up to 7 hours |
| Layers | Cool mornings and nights, warmer later in the day |
A walking stick is available on request with some operators. Ask whether your trek provides one, and do not count on it being at every trailhead. For most trekkers, boots and rain gear matter more than anything else on the list.
Weather and layers
Cool mornings, mild days, and rain at times.
Long-term averages for the town of Kabale, which lies outside the park, show daily highs between 23.3 and 24.7 degrees Celsius and lows between 9.3 and 11.9 degrees across the year. The coolest nights fall in June and July. The forest sectors lie at different heights, so use these numbers as a guide only. Rain is possible in every month. April is the wettest month on average, with 139.8 mm, and July the driest, with 20.0 mm. The best time to visit page shows the month-by-month picture.
Wear layers that you can take off in the warm part of the day and add again when you rest. Pack your rain gear in the daypack before you leave, not in your main luggage.
Porters
Support for the bag and the slope.
A porter can carry your daypack and help you on steep sections. It costs roughly $15 to $20, paid separately from the permit, and the amount varies. There is no fixed official price and no general obligation to hire one. Ask your operator how to arrange one for your sector. The sectors page compares the starting points.
Cameras, drones and health items
What the rules say.
Camera
Flash is not allowed when you visit gorillas. Switch it off before the trek, and keep your distance of 10 m while you photograph.
Drones
Commercial filming and drone use need a permit. Leave a drone at home unless you hold a permit for the park.
Masks and illness
Surgical masks are advised within 10 m of gorillas. Ask your operator what to bring. A cold or a contagious illness rules out a visit.
Fitness
The terrain is steep ridges and deep valleys, and moderate fitness is expected. No one can promise a short or easy trek. See the Habituation Experience if you plan the longer encounter.
What to wear gorilla trekking: frequently asked questions
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
Profiled waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved top, sturdy gloves and rain gear, with layers for changing temperatures. Carry a daypack with drinking water.
Do I need a porter?
No, there is no general obligation. A porter costs roughly $15 to $20, paid separately, and can carry your bag and help on slopes.
Can I bring a drone?
Do not plan to fly one. Drones need a permit, so leave the drone at home unless you hold one.
Is flash allowed on a gorilla trek?
No. Flash is not allowed when you visit gorillas.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate fitness. The terrain has steep ridges and deep valleys, and the whole trek takes 2 to 7 hours.