What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Clothing and Kit Guide

Trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes place on steep, often muddy slopes covered with bamboo, nettles and thick vegetation, at altitudes where mornings are cold and the weather can turn quickly. Clothing that would be fine for a city break will quickly become uncomfortable.

The aim is protection, warmth and dryness, with enough flexibility to cope with a climb that may last from a short walk to several hours. This guide covers each item and why it matters.

This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Why the Forest Demands the Right Clothing

The volcano slopes are damp, steep and overgrown. Stinging nettles line many paths, branches and thorny stems reach across the trail, and soil can be slick after rain. Cool air at altitude means you may start the day in a fleece and be down to a shirt after an hour of climbing. Gorillas are habituated and unbothered by most clothing, so you are dressing for the terrain and the weather, not for the animals. Rely on your guide, who will brief the group before you set off, and read the permit and trekking rules for conduct on the day.

Footwear and Socks

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and a good grip are the single most important item. Break them in before travel, because new boots cause blisters on long descents. Avoid trainers, which lack grip and let in water and soil.

Wear moisture-wicking socks, preferably with a spare pair in your daypack. Many trekkers add gaiters, which keep mud, ants and debris from entering boots and trousers. Some lodges and local suppliers offer gaiters or walking sticks for hire or sale, so ask your operator whether you need to bring your own.

Trousers, Tops and Layers

Choose muted colours such as green, khaki and brown rather than bright white or neon, which are less pleasant against the forest and can show dirt quickly. Cotton stays wet and cold, so quick-drying synthetic or blended fabrics are better.

Gloves, Hats and Small Accessories

Thin gardening or work gloves are very useful for gripping vegetation, steadying yourself on slopes and avoiding nettle stings. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, because the sun at altitude can be strong even in cool air. Insect repellent is sensible for the lodge and the trail edge. A bandana or buff can keep sweat and drizzle out of your eyes. Keep personal items to a minimum, since you will carry them yourself or with the help of a porter, and avoid carrying food into the forest sector that is not needed for your own use.

Daypack, Camera and Waterproofing

Use a small daypack with a rain cover or line the inside with a waterproof bag. Pack water, any snacks you need, a rain jacket, a spare pair of socks and your camera. Flash photography is not permitted near gorillas, so set your camera accordingly. A zoom lens is not essential, because groups often come close, but good low-light performance helps in dense forest.

Photographers should read safari photography tips and think about keeping gear dry in a drizzle.

Hiring Porters and Preparing Physically

Hiring a porter is a popular choice. It supports local households, helps you carry your pack and offers a steadying hand on steep ground. Preparation matters too: walking on hills in the weeks before travel will make the trek more enjoyable. See gorilla trekking fitness and preparation for training ideas.

What to Leave Behind and Where to Go Next

Leave behind jeans, which stay wet and heavy, strong perfume, plastic bags and anything bright or noisy. Rwanda restricts single-use plastic bags, so pack in reusable bags. For a full list of equipment for your whole trip see the East Africa packing list, and to understand the experience itself see Rwanda gorilla trekking and Volcanoes National Park.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team