Packing List for Buhoma & Gorilla Trekking

Clothing for Gorilla Trekking

What you wear on the gorilla trek matters. The forest is dense, wet, thorny, and steep. Your clothing needs to protect you from vegetation, insects, and unpredictable weather while keeping you comfortable during hours of physical exertion. All clothing should be in neutral, earth-toned colors — khaki, olive green, dark green, brown, grey, or dark blue.

Essential Trekking Clothing

• Long-sleeved shirt (1-2): Lightweight, breathable, quick-dry fabric. Protects arms from nettles, thorns, and insect bites. Avoid cotton — it stays wet and heavy.
• Long trousers (1-2): Sturdy, quick-dry material. Convertible trousers work well. Tuck into socks to prevent ants and ticks from crawling up your legs.
• Waterproof rain jacket: Non-negotiable. Choose a lightweight, packable jacket. Breathable fabrics (Gore-Tex or similar) are ideal as you will sweat. Avoid loud, rustling materials.
• Rain trousers: Optional but useful in the rainy season. Lightweight waterproof over-trousers that pull on over your regular trousers.
• Fleece or warm layer: For early mornings and higher elevations in the forest. A lightweight fleece or soft shell jacket is ideal as a mid-layer.
• Moisture-wicking base layer: A synthetic or merino wool T-shirt worn under your long-sleeved shirt. Helps manage sweat.
• Hat or cap: A brimmed hat protects from rain dripping off leaves and occasional sun in clearings.
• Gardening gloves: This is specific to gorilla trekking and critically important. You will grab onto branches, roots, and vegetation to haul yourself up steep slopes. Cheap gardening gloves with rubber grip are perfect. Bring a spare pair — they get wet and muddy.
• Hiking socks (2-3 pairs): Thick, moisture-wicking socks. Wool-blend hiking socks are best. Bring extras — your socks will get wet.
• Gaiters: Recommended. They prevent mud from entering your boots and provide extra protection against vegetation and insects around your lower legs.

Footwear

Your choice of boots is arguably the most important gear decision for gorilla trekking.

• Waterproof hiking boots: Sturdy boots with ankle support and aggressive tread for grip on muddy, steep terrain. Leather or synthetic waterproof boots are ideal. They must be broken in before the trip — do not bring new boots.
• Alternative footwear: Bring sandals, flip-flops, or light shoes for wearing around the lodge and village. Your boots will be muddy and wet after the trek.

Rubber Wellington boots (gumboots) can be rented at some lodges for around $5 to $10 and are actually an excellent option for very muddy conditions. They are easy to wash and completely waterproof. However, they offer less ankle support and can be uncomfortable on long treks if not well-fitted.

Gear and Equipment

Daypack and Carrying

• Daypack (20-30L): Waterproof or water-resistant. Carry your water, snacks, rain gear, camera, and extra layers. A rain cover for the pack is essential.
• Dry bags or zip-lock bags: For protecting electronics, camera, phone, and documents inside your daypack. Even waterproof bags can leak in heavy rain.
• Porter: You can hire a porter at the trailhead for $15. They carry your daypack and assist you on difficult terrain. This is highly recommended — it frees your hands and energy for the trek — and provides crucial income for the community.

Camera and Electronics

• Camera: A camera with good low-light performance is essential. The forest canopy creates very low light conditions. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast lens (f/2.8) is ideal. Set ISO capability to at least 3200-6400.
• Lens: A 24-70mm or 24-105mm zoom covers most situations. You will be within 7 meters of the gorillas, so long telephoto lenses are unnecessary.
• Spare batteries: Cold and humidity drain batteries faster. Bring at least 2 spare camera batteries.
• Memory cards: Bring more than you think you need. You will take hundreds of photos.
• Camera rain protection: A rain cover or even a large zip-lock bag with a hole for the lens.
• Smartphone: Works for casual photos and videos. Many modern smartphones perform well in low light.
• Power bank: Electricity at some lodges can be unreliable. A power bank keeps your phone and small devices charged.
• Headlamp: For early mornings and walking around the lodge after dark. Buhoma has very limited street lighting.

Important: Flash photography is strictly prohibited during gorilla trekking. Turn off your flash before entering the forest and confirm your settings.

Health and Hygiene

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): UV is strong near the equator, even on cloudy days. Apply before the trek.
• Insect repellent: DEET-based (30-50%). Apply to exposed skin and around ankles/wrists.
• Anti-malaria medication: As prescribed by your travel doctor.
• Prescription medications: Enough for your full trip plus extras in case of delays. Bring copies of prescriptions.
• Basic first aid kit: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, antihistamines.
• Hand sanitizer: Essential for before eating and after the trek.
• Tissues or toilet paper: For use during the trek — there are no facilities in the forest.
• Reusable water bottle: With built-in filter if possible, to reduce plastic waste. Fill at your lodge.
• Lip balm with SPF: Air can be dry at altitude despite the humidity.

General Travel Items

• Passport: With at least 6 months validity and your Uganda visa.
• Yellow Fever certificate: Required for entry into Uganda.
• Travel insurance documents: Printed copies. Ensure it covers gorilla trekking and medical evacuation.
• Gorilla permit printout: Bring a printed copy. Do not rely solely on your phone.
• US Dollars: Clean, undamaged bills printed after 2006. Mix of $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, and $1 bills for various needs.
• Photocopies of documents: Copies of your passport, visa, permit, and insurance — kept separately from the originals.
• Plug adapter: Uganda uses Type G (British 3-pin) power sockets. Bring a universal adapter.
• Binoculars: Useful for birdwatching and viewing wildlife from a distance.
• Small notebook and pen: For jotting down species names, guide tips, and memories.

Packing Checklist Summary

What NOT to Bring

• Bright-colored clothing: Red, yellow, orange, and white can disturb gorillas.
• Camouflage patterns: Can be confused with military uniform — avoid.
• Strong perfume or cologne: Strong scents can agitate gorillas and attract insects.
• Excessive luggage: If flying to Kihihi, domestic flights have a 15 kg luggage limit (soft-sided bags only).
• Expensive jewelry: Leave valuables at home. The forest and mud will not be kind to them.
• Plastic bags: Uganda has banned single-use plastic bags. They may be confiscated at the airport.
• Drones: Drone flying is prohibited in national parks without special UWA permission.