The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Packing List & Tipping Guide

Seeing mountain gorillas on a trek in Rwanda or Uganda is a bucket-list experience, but the terrain is challenging. You will be hiking through thick "impenetrable" forests, often off-trail, in humid and potentially rainy conditions.

🥾 The Essentials (Non-Negotiable)

• Hiking Boots: Must be waterproof with excellent ankle support and deep tread (traction). The forest floor is slippery and steep.
• Long-Sleeved Shirt & Trousers: Lightweight, moisture-wicking material. Never wear shorts or short sleeves—stinging nettles and safari ants are common.
• Gardening Gloves: This sounds strange, but you will often need to grab onto branches or vines for balance. Many of these plants have thorns or irritants.
• Gaiters: To keep water, mud, and ants out of your boots. (Some high-end lodges provide these.)

🧥 Weather & Layering

• Lightweight Rain Jacket: A high-quality poncho or breathable rain shell. It can rain at any moment, even in the "dry" season.
• Fleece or Light Down Jacket: It is surprisingly cold in the early mornings and late evenings due to the high altitude.
• Tall Hiking Socks: Long enough to tuck your trousers into (this prevents fire ants from crawling up your legs).

🎒 Gear & Accessories

• Small Waterproof Daypack: To carry your water, lunch, and camera gear.
• Waterproof Dry Bag: Even if your backpack is "waterproof," a dry bag inside for your camera/phone is highly recommended during heavy downpours.
• Walking Stick: Most parks provide these for free at the briefing point. Take one, even if you are fit; they are invaluable for downhill stability.
• Wide-Brimmed Hat & Polarised Sunglasses: For protection during the trek and when out in the open.

💵 Tipping Etiquette & Currency

Tipping Information: Understanding when and how to tip is just as important as knowing what to pack for your trek.

Suggested Rates (Per Person, Per Trek)

• Lead Guide: $15 – $25 USD. (Usually one per group).
• Trackers: $10 – $15 USD. (Usually, two trackers who go ahead to find the family).
• Park Rangers/Security: $5 – $10 USD.
• Porters: $10–$15 USD (in addition to the standard $15-$20 hire fee).

Important Considerations

• Currency: US Dollars (post-2013 series) are widely accepted, but ensure bills are crisp and untorn. Local currency (Ugandan or Rwandan Shillings) is often preferred by porters as it's easier for them to use immediately.
• The "Shared Pot": Often, you can give a lump sum to the lead guide to distribute among the rangers and trackers, but always tip your Porter directly.

🩹 Health & Personal Care

• Insect Repellent: High DEET concentration for the forest.
• Sunscreen (High SPF): The African sun is intense at high altitudes.
• Personal First Aid Kit: Blister Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medication.
• Energy Snacks: High-protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit to supplement the packed lunch provided by your lodge.

💡 Expert Pro-Tips

1. Neutral Colours: Wear khaki, green, or tan. Avoid bright colours (especially blue and black, as they can attract Tsetse flies).

2. The Porter Service: Hire a porter even if you feel fit. They help you over difficult terrain, and their fee helps support conservation by providing local employment.

3. Tucking in: It’s a fashion crime, but tuck your pants into your socks. It is the only guaranteed way to stop safari ants.