What to Wear for Mountain Gorilla Watching in Uganda

Prepare for the Adventure of a Lifetime

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—one that brings you face-to-face with one of the world’s most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. But before you enter the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it’s essential to know what to wear for mountain gorilla watching in Uganda.

With Hillary Uganda Trips, your journey is in the hands of Hillary—a seasoned, local guide from Lake Bunyonyi—who will not only lead your trek but also help you prepare for it with deep insight and local expertise.

 Why the Right Clothing Matters for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking takes you through dense tropical forest, steep hillsides, muddy trails, and variable weather. The right clothing and gear help:

• Protect against insect bites and scratches
• Ensure comfort during long treks
• Prepare for sudden weather changes
• Blend into the natural environment to avoid disturbing the gorillas

Wearing the wrong clothing can turn your dream safari into a struggle. So, let’s break it down.

Top Clothing Recommendations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

1. Long-Sleeved Shirts (Neutral Colours)

Protect your arms from branches, thorns, and insects with lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved shirts in earth tones like olive, khaki, or grey.

Tip from Hillary: Bright colours can startle gorillas or attract tsetse flies—stick to natural colours.

2. Long Trousers or Safari Pants

Avoid shorts. Choose quick-dry trekking trousers that offer flexibility and protection. Tuck them into your socks to keep ants away.

3. A Waterproof Jacket or Poncho

Uganda’s forests can surprise you with rain any time of the year, even in the dry season. A lightweight, foldable rain jacket is essential.

4. Comfortable Hiking Boots

Wear waterproof, well-broken-in hiking boots with strong ankle support. The terrain is uneven and can get muddy.

What Hillary Recommends: Lightweight, high-grip boots like those used for volcano hiking are perfect for both Bwindi and Mgahinga terrain.

5. Gaiters or Wool Socks

To protect your feet from mud, sharp plants, and biting insects, wear thick socks or use gaiters.

6. Wide-Brim Hat or Cap

A hat shields you from the sun and falling debris, especially if you’re trekking under the canopy.

7. Gardening or Trekking Gloves

Protect your hands from nettles and sharp branches. Gloves are also helpful when you need to grab tree limbs for support on steep slopes.

 Additional Essential Gear and Accessories

Daypack or Backpack (Waterproof Cover)

Bring a comfortable backpack for essentials like water, snacks, camera gear, and rain protection. Make sure it has chest and waist straps.

Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

Staying hydrated is critical. Use eco-friendly bottles or a hydration bladder that fits into your pack.

Insect Repellent and Sunscreen

Tropical forests are home to mosquitoes and intense UV rays. Hillary provides local insight into the safest repellents to use in these areas.

Optional but Useful Gear for Gorilla Trekking

• Binoculars – For birdwatching before or after the trek
• Camera with Zoom Lens – A 70mm–200mm lens is ideal for gorilla shots
• Walking Stick – Usually provided at the park headquarters or arranged by Hillary Uganda Trips
• Face Mask – Required to protect gorillas from human respiratory diseases

What NOT to Wear During Gorilla Trekking

• Bright colors (red, white, neon)
• Open shoes, sandals, or flip-flops
• Shorts or skirts
• Strong perfumes (may disturb gorillas)

Best Time to Trek and What to Pack for Each Season

Uganda has two dry seasons (June–August and December–February) and two wet seasons. Dry months are easier for hiking, while wet months offer rich green photography opportunities.

Hillary Uganda Trips operates year-round and customizes packing recommendations based on your travel month and park conditions.

 Gorilla Trekking Led by a Local Expert – Hillary from Lake Bunyonyi

When you choose Hillary Uganda Trips, you’re not just going on a trek—you’re stepping into a story.

Hillary, a local guide from the Lake Bunyonyi region, has spent years leading tourists through the slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the dense trails of Bwindi. He’ll walk you through what to wear, what to pack, and how to behave around the endangered mountain gorillas.

His deep respect for the gorillas and passion for conservation and community development make your trekking experience both personal and meaningful.

Support Local Communities During Your Trip

Hillary Uganda Trips is committed to sustainable travel and uplifting local communities. When you book your trek:

• Local porters and guides earn a living wage
• Orphans and vulnerable children are supported through education and food
• Community projects like clean water tanks and women’s groups are funded

Packing extra clothing or supplies for the community.

Booking and More Travel Tips

• Gorilla permits must be booked in advance via Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) – Hillary can help secure yours
• Permits cost $800 and include 1 hour with a habituated gorilla family & $1,500 for 4 hours on gorilla habituation trek.
• Treks begin at 8:00 a.m. after a briefing at the park headquarters

Where Gorilla Watching Happens in Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to over 50% of the world’s mountain gorillas
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda’s smallest national park, sharing the Virunga Mountains with Rwanda and DR Congo

Both locations are rich in biodiversity, offering encounters with bird species, colobus monkeys, and even forest elephants.

How to Get There

• By Road: From Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro or Kabale (8–10 hours)
• By Air: Charter flights to Kisoro airstrip or fly to Kigali, Rwanda, then drive across the border (3–4 hours)

Hillary Uganda Trips offers airport pickups, custom itineraries, and optional add-ons like Lake Bunyonyi tours, Batwa cultural experiences, and photography packages.

Final Checklist: What to Wear and Pack for Gorilla Watching in Uganda

Dress Smart, Trek Confidently

Knowing what to wear for mountain gorilla watching in Uganda ensures that you’re prepared, comfortable, and respectful of the incredible environment you’re entering. With Hillary Uganda Trips, your safari is not only led by a passionate local guide but also contributes to preserving gorillas and empowering the people of Uganda.

Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience Today

Let Hillary guide you through the forests of Uganda for a life-changing gorilla encounter.

Email: hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com
Call/WhatsApp: +256 726 436 969
Website: www.hillaryugandatrips.com