Don’t Make These Mistakes! The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Packing List

I’ve seen it all: trekkers in brand-new white sneakers, others with a tiny handbag, and some who packed for a fashion shoot instead of a rainforest. Your experience can be made or broken by what’s in your backpack. After years of leading treks, here is my definitive, professional guide on what to pack and—just as importantly—what to leave at the hotel.

The Essentials: What You Absolutely Need

• ** Sturdy, Broken-In Hiking Boots** : This is non-negotiable. You need ankle support for the uneven, muddy terrain. Please, for the love of your feet, do not wear new boots for the first time on trek day .
• Gaiters: These are the unsung heroes of a dry trek. They wrap around your lower leg and ankle, keeping mud, stones, and biting ants out of your boots.
• Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Shirt and Pants: This protects you from stinging nettles, thorny bushes, and the intense sun at high altitudes. It’s also a health precaution for the gorillas. Avoid bright colors that might startle them .
• Waterproof Rain Jacket: The weather in the rainforest is notoriously fickle. Sunshine can turn to a downpour in minutes. A good jacket is your best friend .
• Gardening Gloves: A local secret! As you grab onto vines and branches to haul yourself up slopes, gloves will save your hands from blisters and cuts.
• Daypack with Rain Cover: Bring a small backpack for your water, snacks, and camera gear, and make sure it has a cover to keep everything dry.
• Porter: I’m including this in the gear guide because hiring a porter is the best “gear” you can buy. For around $20, they will carry your daypack and give you a steadying hand when the trail gets tough. It also directly supports the local community .

What to Leave Behind

• ** Trekking Poles** : Unless you have a medical need, leave the poles at home. In the dense jungle, they often get caught in vines. A sturdy stick, provided by your guides or found on the trail, works much better.
• Large Camera with a Big Lens: A heavy DSLR with a massive zoom will feel like a boulder by the end of the trek. You’ll be relatively close to the gorillas, so a smaller mirrorless camera or even a good phone camera is often sufficient.
• Expensive Jewelry: Leave the valuables in the hotel safe. You’re going to get dirty and sweaty. This isn’t a red-carpet event.

Packing smart is the first step to a successful trek. Focus on practicality, comfort, and protection. When your feet are dry and your hands are unscathed, you can focus entirely on the magic happening in front of you.