What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Clothes: What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure, you might be wondering what to wear to ensure comfort and safety. Below is a guide to the essential gorilla trekking clothing you’ll need for your trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or other similar locations.

Essential Clothing and Gear for Gorilla Trekking

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater or Jacket

Since the park can get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, it’s advisable to wear a long-sleeved sweater. This will keep you warm and protect your arms from scratches and insect bites.

2. Two Pairs of Long Trousers

Wear long trousers that are durable and comfortable for trekking. It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair, as the terrain can be muddy or wet.

3. Waterproof Hiking Boots

Waterproof hiking boots are essential, as you’ll be walking through damp, slippery areas. Ensure that the boots are broken in and comfortable for long walks.

4. Hat and Sunglasses (Optional)

Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can help protect you from the sun. These are optional but can be useful on particularly sunny days.

5. Camera and Extra Batteries

Since photography is a big part of the experience, bring a camera with long-lasting batteries. Don’t forget to turn off the flash when taking photos, as it can disturb the gorillas.

6. Binoculars

A pair of binoculars will help you spot various birds and other primates that inhabit the forest, enhancing your trekking experience.

7. Gardening Gloves

These gardening gloves are helpful for gripping tree branches or vines as you navigate through the forest. They can also protect your hands from cuts and dirt.

8. Raincoat

Since Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a rainforest, rainfall can happen unexpectedly. Carry a raincoat to stay dry in case of rain.

9. Mosquito Repellent

To protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects, it’s important to bring mosquito repellent or wear it during your trek.

10. Sunscreen

If you’re trekking during the hotter months, applying sunscreen can help protect your skin from sunburn, especially at higher altitudes.

11. Avoid Bright Colors

Avoid wearing bright colors during the trek as they can startle or scare the gorillas. Also, black and blue colors should be avoided, as they attract Tsetse flies. Neutral colors like khaki, brown or green are recommended.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

To trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will need to secure a gorilla trekking permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Here’s the current pricing for the permits:

• USD $800 for Non-Foreign Residents
• USD $700 for Foreign Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

The permit allows you one hour of observing the gorillas. Keep in mind that permits are limited and can sell out quickly, particularly during the high season (January, February, July, August, September and December).

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we make the process of booking your gorilla trekking permits simple and transparent. Contact us with your preferred dates and we will check availability for you. If the permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once your payment is received, we’ll secure your permits and send you a confirmation receipt with a booking ID.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Since Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rainforest, it experiences rainfall throughout the year. However, the best time for trekking is during the drier months, which are from:

• January, February, June, July, August and early September

During these months, the weather is more favorable for trekking with less rainfall and easier access to the gorillas. However, the climate can change daily and trekking can still be rewarding year-round.

While the rainy season (April, May and November) may seem less ideal, it’s actually a great time to see the gorillas, as the abundant food supply allows them to stay closer to the trekking routes. Keep in mind that gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly during peak months, so it’s important to book your permits well in advance.

Plan your gorilla trekking adventure today with Trek Africa Gorillas and secure your permits for an unforgettable experience!

How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a top destination for gorilla trekking, is located in southwestern Uganda and can be accessed in a few different ways.

1. By Road

The most popular way to reach Bwindi is by road. It’s a scenic 9-10 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. During your journey, you’ll have opportunities to stop at the Equator for photos, enjoy lunch in Mbarara and take in the breathtaking views along the way. To ensure your comfort and safety, we use 4×4 vehicles for the journey and our professional driver-guides are experienced and trained to make your trip as smooth as possible.

2. By Air

If you prefer a quicker option, you can take a flight to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips, both of which serve Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The flight takes about 1-2 hours, followed by a short drive to your lodge. There are daily flights available from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip, with options for scheduled or chartered flights, depending on your budget and preferences.

3. Via Kigali, Rwanda

Another option is to fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From there, you can drive to Bwindi through the Cyanika or Katuna border posts, which takes only 4-5 hours (including time at immigration). We recommend getting an East African Visa (USD 100), which allows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. This is often more cost-effective than purchasing individual visas. However, you can also opt for a Rwandan Visa (USD 30) or a Ugandan Visa (USD 50), depending on your preferences.

Where to Stay on Your Gorilla Trekking Trip to Bwindi

Bwindi offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly or luxurious lodges, we can help you book the best options for your stay. We recommend staying in the sector where you’ll be trekking for easy access to the park headquarters.

• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp
• Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge and accommodations near Lake Bunyonyi or in Kabale Town

Note: These lodges can fill up quickly, especially during the high season, so we recommend booking your accommodation in advance. At Trek Africa Gorillas, we ensure high-quality service for your safety and comfort during your stay.

Why Book with Trek Africa Gorillas for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves on offering unforgettable and sustainable travel experiences. Based in Uganda, we have over 15 years of experience organizing life-changing tours across East Africa.

As members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board), we have strong relationships with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which allows us to easily secure your gorilla permits and plan your gorilla trekking safari.

We are highly rated on Trip Advisor and Safari Bookings, thanks to our commitment to providing exceptional service and memorable experiences.

Let Trek Africa Gorillas help you plan your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ensuring your trip is smooth, safe and enjoyable from start to finish.

Contact us today for more information and to book your gorilla trekking clothes and permits!