What Should I Wear on A Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes

What should I wear on a Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes? Planning a Gorilla Trip to Volcanoes National Park but unsure what to wear? Well, you’re in the right place! For many travelers, seeing the endangered mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and since their natural habitat isn’t like anywhere else, it can be difficult to know what to wear. Knowing what you need or do not need in the National Park can help avoid packing unnecessary items in your suitcase and keep you at your most comfortable in the Giant Apes’ natural habitat conditions. If you’ve never trekked the Giant Apes before, deciding what to wear can be a troublesome task. A quick search on Google and you might be presented with a ton of products to buy, all claiming to be essential. From the safari pants to shirts, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars on new clothing items. Let us burst your bubble that you don’t need to buy anything expensive. Book Now

The Volcanoes National Park jungle is known for its high humidity, scorching sun, and intense rainstorms. For this reason, all you need to pack is clothes that make their weather conditions bearable. Using our years of experience in organizing and taking part in gorilla treks, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of what you should wear on a gorilla trek in Volcanoes. Simply read on!

Dry-fit and Loose-fitting clothes are the perfect option for conquering Volcanoes National Park while searching for mountain gorillas. It is normally humid in mountain gorilla natural habitats and It can take days for clothing to dry.

Long-sleeve shirts and pants.
Even when it is hot in Volcanoes National Park, you will need to wear long-sleeved shirts as well as pants to protect you from the scorching sun, and more importantly the stinging nettles and insects (especially mosquitoes). While packing, ensure that the pants and shirts are light-colored, loose-fitting, and light-colored. Mosquitoes are usually attracted to dark colors and will most likely bite through tight-fitted clothes.

Talking of pants, they should be quick dry and full length with lots of pockets. Jeans are not recommended for the Volcanoes National Park climate.
Shoes and socks.

The best form of footwear for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is sturdy waterproof hiking boots/or traditional rubber boots. Costly hiking boots are perfect but the protection provided by rubber boots is surprisingly ideal. One, your feet remain completely dry but the boots rise-up to below your knee. Two, you have additional protection from insects, thorny vines, shrubs, and snakes.

Light rainproof and windbreaker jacket
A light, hooded, and rainproof windbreaker is ideal for the cooler early morning gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, or for getting caught in the rain. Some Lodges will provide visitors with rain ponchos (for free or hire), especially during the rainy season but ponchos tend to be heavy and uncomfortable.

Headwear and hats for gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park.
Wide-brimmed hat: A dry-fit and light-colored hat with a wide brim will be handy for protecting you from the scorching sun and mosquitoes. It is crucial to get a hat with a back-flap to protect your neck from sub-burns. Hats are very important while on gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park.

For women with long hair or bangs, headbands are recommended as the Forest humidity can mess up your nice hair thus it is best to keep it pulled back. Besides what you can wear, there are plenty of other items you need to pack for your gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and they include sunglasses, an insect repellant, a refillable/reusable water bottle, sunscreen, toiletries (such as shampoo and body wash, face wipes, tissue packs, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and hair comb/brush), a first-aid kit (with antiseptic wipes, assorted Band-Aids, gloves, wound dressing, blister dressing, anti-fungal cream, antibacterial wipes, anti-diarrheal medicine, tweezers, and others), extra cash (for tipping and souvenir shopping), energy-giving snacks, a camera with extra batteries and memory space, and a pair of binoculars. Book Now