🌐 English · Nederlands · Français · Deutsch
Good preparation makes the difference between a tough slog and the best day of your trip. Here’s what to arrange before you go and what to pack for the trek.
Before you travel
Passport and visa
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your trip. Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda and Rwanda, usually applied for online in advance. If you visit both countries (and possibly Kenya), the East Africa Tourist Visa can be a convenient option. Visa rules change regularly, so check the official government websites before you book. Make sure the name on your gorilla permit matches your passport exactly.
Health
- Visit a travel clinic or your doctor 6–8 weeks before departure for advice on vaccinations and malaria prevention.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda and may be asked for when travelling between countries.
- Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or other contagious illness – for the gorillas’ sake.
- Take out travel insurance that covers hiking and medical evacuation.
Fitness
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you will enjoy the trek much more if you can walk several hours on hilly terrain. In the weeks before your trip, take regular long walks with elevation, use stairs, and break in your hiking boots.
Money
Bring some clean, recent US dollar notes (and/or local currency) for tips, porters and small purchases. ATMs are scarce near the parks, so withdraw cash in larger towns along the way.
Gorilla trekking packing list
Clothing
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip (broken in)
- Long trousers in a sturdy fabric, and long sleeves – against nettles, thorns and insects
- Gaiters, or long socks to tuck your trousers into (against ants)
- Gardening or work gloves to grab vegetation
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Warm layer (fleece) for the cool early morning
- Hat; neutral colours (green, brown, khaki) rather than bright ones
In your daypack
- Passport and gorilla permit (or confirmation)
- At least 2 litres of water, packed lunch and snacks
- Face masks (rangers may require them near the gorillas)
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera or phone, spare battery, and a rain cover or dry bag
- Small first-aid kit with plasters for blisters
- Cash for the porter and tips
Leave at the lodge
- Large bags, tripods and drones (drones are not allowed in the parks)
- Perfume and strongly scented products
- Plastic bags (banned in Rwanda)
Travelling by car?
If you combine the gorillas with a road trip, pack for both the forest and the road: a power bank or car charger, offline maps, a headlamp and some snacks for long driving days. Roadtrip Africa collected a lot of useful information about driving, visas, vehicles and permits on its practical Uganda page. Travellers who book with them also receive detailed travel notes with route descriptions, and can rent a 4×4 with camping gear if they want to camp along the way.
← Back to the gorilla permit guide · Your trekking day · Best time · FAQ