What the internet tells you…
A quick search of “gorilla trekking packing list” online will return dozens of similar lists covering worse case scenarios across the seasons, so this is exactly how I packed ahead of my own trip last month after some last minute gaiter shopping.
Many of this items came home unworn following a full tour being carted around Uganda and Rwanda whilst taking up some valuable luggage real estate for items that I did want!
The most important piece of advice I can give is to ask the experts – the agent that booked your trip if they’ve not reached out to you directly or your chosen accommodation / activity operator. You may be surprised to discover that some of the kit required could be provided.
As I opened the wardrobes to unpack in all of the lodges that I stayed in, I found warm fleeces and long rain ponchos and on top of this the gaiters were not only supplied but fitted by the experts and my (provided) back pack would be handed over already containing gloves, a full water bottle (and even some snacks!)
The levels of inclusion will vary by supplier and some of the group tours may not be carrying enough kit for everyone so it is very important to check BEFORE you travel.
Conditions of Carriage!
Pre-warned about the importance of layers, I arrived with an abundance of layering more suitable for a Kilimanjaro climb.
At altitude, in mid-June the forests were dry underfoot and the temperatures were warm increasing to hot with under active conditions. The forests are humid and insects are present so a superlight long sleeve sports base layer is the perfect starting point.
The hotel supplied fleece and rain poncho in my backpack also provided some good cushioning for the camera equipment and although that turned out to be all they were used for, conditions in a rain forest can be changeable and its always better to be safe than sorry.
“Sounds cumbersome” you may be thinking, but here is another invaluable tip. All of the trekking centres provided porters from the local community. These are highly coveted jobs that due to such popularity can only be as often as once or twice a month. The days wage (suggested at $20) goes a very long way and is nearly as appreciated as the opportunity to chat to visitors about their home and culture. From my point of view having my hands freed up for the camera was a huge bonus but even better was a steadying hand offered without hesitation in advance of any steep slopes, high steps or obstacles. I even watched an impromptu fan being created in front of my eyes to cool an overheating fellow trekker!
If the Shoe Fits …
According to internet advice, a spare pair of boots can be useful if you are taking part in multiple treks. I had already chosen to ignore this due to limited bag weight and an onward journey to a different destination and normally I would have been very glad that I did. Every lodge I stayed in would meet me at the end of the trek, help me off with my gaiters, hand me a pair of comfortable slippers or sliders and whisk my boots away, only to be returned looking brand new within hours. Sounds amazing? It was – just would have been better if I had not packed my daughters hiking boots – identical to mine but one and a half shoe sizes smaller! The lesson to take from that – check your boots, try them on and go for a walk. Check they fit are adequately worn in.
Boot Space
What I would have added in that extra space:
- Flip Flops – after breaking the solemn oath never to put my feet in a pair of crocs …when someone slips your feet into a pair after you’ve hiked up a mountain in a pair of shoes a size and a half too small fashion choices go out of the window.
- Swimwear – Either for a cooling dip in a plunge pool or a warming woodfired sauna – not something I was prepared for.
- Most importantly – extra space for purchases! There is some extraordinary handiwork available at local community projects and I was sad to be limited on space. Also, if you do need a woolly hat, cap or extra fleece a memento from a lodge boutique is a lovely way to remind you of your experience on a weekend walk at home.
Survival Gear
The non-negotiables:
- Long Sleeve Lightweight Sports Top – keep covered without overheating and moisture wicking.
- Hiking Socks – ideally double layer, to stay dry and avoid blisters.
- Photochromatic Sunglasses – Perfect for changeable lighting such as a forest on a sunny day.
- Trousers with STRETCH! – Either walking trousers (or controversially I wore running tights) but make sure they have stretch you don’t want your movements in anyway restricted.
- Comfortable outfits for travel or lounging after your trek. Loose fitting, natural fabrics like organic cotton or lightweight linen to stay covered yet cool.
- Linen Pyjamas – Warm on chilly nights and not too hot when there’s a fire in the grate and a hot water bottle in your bed.
Good to Go
Don’t rely on a worst case scenario without asking for up to date advice. While conditions can never be guaranteed and can be easily changeable due to the environment. Season can what is available locally can make a big difference.
This is exactly the kind of detail that I will make sure to give you will in advance to avoid any last minute shopping panics or over packing scenarios so if you want to book a journey of a lifetime and have ALL the details taken care of please get in touch.
