Dress Code – What to Wear On Gorilla Safari
On a journey through Uganda and Rwanda, you can encounter the wonders of all four seasons. It’s essential to pack some wet weather gear since the mountainous regions of Uganda and Rwanda experience frequent rain. We recommend packing some lightweight rain gear for the exhilarating hike to catch a glimpse of the gorillas.
On your safari, the dress code may change a bit based on the type of adventure you select. Women are encouraged to dress modestly by covering their knees and shoulders while exploring a rural village or market. All the lodges and hotels embrace a relaxed atmosphere, where formal attire like ties and jackets is not required.
Instead, guests can enjoy a casual or smart casual dress code, depending on the setting. In towns and cities, as well as at some of the more upscale lodges and hotels, long pants and a shirt or golf shirt would be more fitting, particularly in the evenings. Ladies might also opt for a skirt, naturally adding to the charm of the setting!
It’s advisable to wear durable clothing that blends in with the environment, such as earthy tones like greens and khaki, avoiding bright colors. During the daytime on safari, it is advisable to wear shorts or lightweight trousers, t-shirts, a hat, and sunblock, as temperatures typically range from a warm 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Steer clear of blue hues in regions where tsetse flies might be present, as these colors tend to draw them in.
This is particularly relevant in certain areas of Murchison Falls, so be sure to consult your guide.
We recommend bringing along something cozy, like a tracksuit, fleece, or sweater, for the thrilling mountainous regions such as Bwindi or the Virungas. The evenings here are bound to be cooler due to the higher altitude. A rain jacket or anorak is highly recommended, as the rain forest areas experience frequent showers, even during the drier months. Wearing long trousers and long-sleeved shirts is a smart choice for the evening, helping to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay while also providing a cooler experience than the daytime heat.
When embarking on your journey to track gorillas and chimps, it is essential to have a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots. The terrain is often quite treacherous and slick. There are challenging uphill sections that can be quite steep and demanding.
Wearing a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers is a smart choice to shield yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants. (Tracksuit pants can snag on branches and thorns, while jeans tend to become quite heavy when they get wet).
It is a great idea to have gloves on hand – even a simple pair of gardening gloves will suffice – as they will protect your hands from scratches while navigating through the thick underbrush of the forest.
Secure your long pants into your socks or boots to keep pesky biting insects at bay. Your attire is bound to get quite messy and might not return to its former glory – so be sure to wear old clothes for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Recommended Gear to Bring
- Bug Spray
- Flashlight – plus Extra Batteries
- Moist Towelettes Hydration Container Photography Gear, lenses, etc.
- Cozy footwear for exploring the great outdoors and sturdy socks for your journeys
- Gloves for exploring the wild with gorillas
- Footwear for exploration
- Hat & Sunscreen Rain Jacket Sweater / fleece
- Swimwear Binoculars (for exploring games or observing birds)
Leave your jewelry behind, and if you wear a watch, choose one that can withstand the elements.
