What Colours Should You Wear for Gorilla Trekking? A Complete Guide.
Are you unsure what colours to wear for gorilla trekking? The type and colour of clothes you plan to wear for gorilla trekking matter a lot. This guide explains the best colours to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. It also covers what to avoid and how to dress practically. The guide focuses on the rainforest conditions of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.
First, wear neutral, earthy tones—browns, greens, and khaki — that blend effortlessly with the natural environment. During gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, you should always avoid brightly colored clothing.
Why neutral colours?
- Wearing neutral colored clothes prevents insects from getting attracted to you.
- Neutral colours also reduce the risk of gorillas becoming irritated or scared, unlike bright-coloured attire.
- Match the environment. Clothes that can match the natural environment help you stay less noticeable in the forest.
What to Wear on Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Expeditions
Here is a list of what to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The list applies to all adventure seekers planning to embark on a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda.
Choose only Long-sleeved Shirts.
The environment where mountain gorillas live differs from the habitat of the Big 5. Long-sleeved shirts are preferable to help protect your arms from sunburn, insect bites, or scratches. When choosing long-sleeved shirts, consider breathable, lightweight, and easy-to-dry fabrics. Cotton clothing is suitable for most people, but avoid it for gorilla trekking safaris. Cotton clothes often retain moisture, and you can spend long hours waiting for them to dry, yet you have to embark on your gorilla trekking adventure. You should choose long-sleeved shirts that dry quickly, even if it rains, so they can dry quickly while you are tracking gorillas. Imagine walking and your clothes are wet. If you are not sure which type of packing to use, consider speaking with your tour expert at Native Africa Tours.
Long Pants
Long pants are essential for gorilla trekking adventures. Wearing long pants can protect you from thorny vegetation, mud, and insects. Get long, quick-drying, breathable pants for your captivating trek with mountain gorillas. The pants you choose should be comfortable and help you feel relaxed as you walk.
A Rain Jacket (Waterproof)
A waterproof rain jacket/coat is essential for gorilla trekking, primarily to protect you from unexpected rain. Have lightweight rain jackets/coats with hoods, sealed seams, and ventilation zippers to help regulate temperature.
Good Hiking Socks
When packing for gorilla trekking, don’t forget a pair of socks. Get yourself a pair of thick socks to help protect your feet from cold and crawling insects. The pair of socks you carry should reach your ankles.
The Underwear
Hygiene is essential, even on safari. If you are on a multi-day gorilla trekking safari, you should expect to carry several pairs of underwear. They should be quick-drying and avoid cotton.
Good Safari Boots/Shoes (Waterproof)
The choice of footwear is crucial for a successful gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. To help you choose the ideal waterproof hiking boots, look for a pair that supports your ankles as you walk. Waterproof hiking boots are the best, given the environment you’ll be navigating.
The pair of hiking boots you carry should also have traction to help you safely navigate the muddy, slippery slopes as you search for mountain gorillas. The walking boots you pack should be durable and made of leather or synthetic materials. Your comfort also matters a lot when choosing footwear.
Gaiters
To protect your feet from mud and ensure you have a comfortable trek, gaiters are essential. The gaiters to be used should be durable and waterproof. The gaiters you choose should fit your boots and calves.
What else to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Tour
Additional items to pack for gorilla trekking include a waterproof daypack, a first-aid kit, insect repellent, a safari hat, gardening gloves, sunglasses, a headlamp, a camera, and more.
Top Destinations to find Mountain Gorillas.
The best places to visit to experience a gorilla trekking adventure include Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. These are perfect for mountain gorilla encounters, but the safest destinations are Rwanda and Uganda. Overall, they protect about 1,063 mountain gorillas, with half confined to the lush rainforests of Uganda.
Bwindi and Mgahinga Conservation Areas
Gorilla trekking is excellent in Uganda. You can do it at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. These parks have over 25 habituated gorilla families. Treks start from five sectors: Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga, Ntebeko, and Buhoma.
Considering Uganda for gorilla trekking allows you to experience the best of a budget gorilla safari. Uganda’s gorilla permits cost USD 800 per person, and you can take advantage of this opportunity. Securing a valid gorilla permit is essential for all gorilla trekking in Uganda. It offers you the chance to explore habituated gorilla groups such as Mishaya, Kahungye, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Katwe gorilla family, Rushegura, and many others.
Mgahinga National Park, located in the Kisoro District of Southwestern Uganda, is known for intimate gorilla safari experiences. At Mgahinga alone, visitors can only explore the Nyakagezi group–the only family of mountain gorillas available for gorilla trekking.
While in Uganda’s leading gorilla destinations, the available lodges to book include Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Gorilla Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Nshongi Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, and others.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the leading places to visit to find mountain gorillas. At Volcanoes NP, expect to explore the 13 habituated groups of mountain gorillas that reside in this park, including the Kwitonda, Agashya, Karisimbi, Umubano, Kwisanga, Muhoza, Igisha, Hirwa, Sabyinyo, and Amahoro groups.
The lodges available for guest overnight stays include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, and One & Only Gorillas Lodge.
Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks
Visit Congo gorillas, from Eastern Lowland gorillas to the rare mountain gorillas. The main gorilla trekking areas in Congo include Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern Lowland gorilla treks. Virunga National Park primarily offers captivating encounters with the rare mountain gorillas. Suppose you are visiting the Virunga National Park for a mountain gorilla tour. In that case, the available lodges include the Virunga Inn Resort & Spa, Kibumba Tented Lodge, Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Ngila Lodge, Tchegera Lodge, and more.
When is the ideal time to see Mountain Gorillas?
The best time to visit Uganda/Rwanda to see gorillas is during the dry season. The dry months offer an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience most of the gorilla trekking. Visitors can opt to travel during the longest dry season, from June to September, or during the remaining dry months, December to February. Drier trails, clearer vegetation, and a passable forest floor characterise these months.
Visitors rarely get challenges manoeuvring through the lush forest in search of gorillas. Challenges are often encountered during the wet or off months of the year, from March to May, which mark the extended wet/rain season. The brief wet months fall in October and November.
Plan Your Trek With Native Africa Tours
Choosing suitable colours to wear for gorilla trekking can significantly enhance your comfort, safety, and overall experience in the wild. Earthy tones like olive green, khaki, grey, and brown help you blend into the forest environment, making you less noticeable to wildlife and more protected from insects. Avoid bright colours or dark shades such as black and blue, as they attract bugs and can distract the gorillas.
At Native Africa Tours, we do more than just show you where to trek. We help you prepare properly. From packing tips to securing your gorilla permits and guiding you through Bwindi, Volcanoes, or Virunga, we make sure every moment of your safari is smooth.
Book your gorilla trekking safari with Native Africa Tours today and prepare for the rainforest, dressed appropriately, for one of Africa’s most unforgettable adventures.
