Gorilla and Chimp Packing Guidlines

A Yellow fever Vaccination Certificate is compulsory for entrance into Uganda (regardless of where you are coming from).
A Yellow fever Vaccination Certificate is not compulsory for Rwanda unless you are coming from an endemic country. Please read the Vaccination and Medication section in the Before You Come section on the menu of our website.
A good torch/flashlight is recommended. If you like those that fit on your head then wonderful but any small but strong torch should be fine.
Malaria prevention medication is recommended. Please consult your doctor to make the best choice.

The electricity current is 220v in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Like Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda utilizes three flat-pronged sockets (see picture). If you have a three-flat prong adapter, that will be all you need. For guests bringing expensive electrical materials like ipods or laptops, a surge protector is also recommended, as the electricity can sometimes be unreliable and unstable. On a good day, the electricity supply is the same as Australia (220 V), just don’t bring your toaster oven!

Many of the lodges/camps do not have power sockets in the rooms but there is a common ”recharging point” at reception. Bring an ”adaptor” so your electrical items can be charged into the countries power socket.
A good power bank is recommended.
Your clothes should be neutral natural colors, especially while on the gorilla and chimpanzee treks. This same rule goes for your day backpack.
Bring a good camera with the biggest zoom that you can manage and which you know how to work beforehand
If you have a good set of binoculars, this is the place to use them.
Sunblockers are hard to find from here. Bring your own.
Mosquitoes and other bugs are not a big problem but bringing some insect repellent which you like is recommended.
Uganda sits on the equator so the sun is strong. Hence a hat is recommended. In nature rough hiking boots are best. At lodges sandals or other light shoes are fine.

For Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking

Good hiking boots or shoes that protect your ankles as trekking gorillas involves climbing sometimes steep hills and if it rains, the trail can get muddy or slippery.
Long trousers.
Long socks that you can tuck your trousers in. Or bring some gaiters if you would prefer.
Clothes to relax in back at the lodge (e.g. shorts and a T-shirt) after the trek and then something warm for the cold and misty nights. You might also like to bring a pair of long socks to keep your feet warm are night.
Many trekkers like having a light long sleeve shirt to avoid scratches from the forest and to protect from the run.
Simple garden gloves for the hands
Gorillas and Chimps live in and around a rain forest so it often rains so a raincoat or poncho that goes over your backpack is essential.
Some toilet paper incase you need to go to the toilet during the trek.
Headbands or hair ties to prevent your hair getting caught in forest branches
Some snacks to put into your back pack for the times you need an energy boost

At the lodges, there are linen and towels waiting for you. No need to bring your own.
In many places, it’s often solar power. Inverters are not designed for much more than recharging cameras and mobile devices. Leave your kettle and hair drier home.

You have to be 15 years or more to trek the gorillas.
It is recommended that trekkers are as hygienic and clean as possible so that transmission of diseases are kept to a minimum.
Do not leave any litter in the forest during the trek. Either carry it in your backpack or place your litter in designated rubbish bins are the park headquarters.
Always follow the instructions of your guide who are both experienced, professional and well trained.
Once you reach the gorillas, you will be able to sit with them for one hour.
You must not touch the gorillas
A minimum distance of 7m should be kept between yourself and the gorillas.
Always speak in a soft, low voice until you are at least 200m from the gorillas where you can speak more normally.
Stay with your group and do not wander off on the trek.
If you need to go to the toilet during the trek speak with your guide so they can advise you on what to do.
Do not eat of drink when near the gorillas
Should a gorilla come near you, keep calm, look down and follow your guides instructions.
Do NOT use a flash when taking pictures of gorillas