East Africa is a gorilla haven offering incredible primate encounters. The region is home to an impressive variety of primate species, including the endangered mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkeys, which are only found in the mountain rainforest region. Other primate species found in East Africa include chimpanzees and black and white colobus monkeys, among others.
Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo are awe-inspiring encounters with primates on several primate experiences such as
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in DR.Congo.
- Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Each of the primate experiences in East Africa is different from the other depending on the kind of primates you are interested in.
To enjoy your primate trekking experience in East Africa, you need proper gear and equipment. This primate trekking packing list gives a good guideline for what to pack on a primate trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tips for Packing
Do not Over Pack
The most crucial thing to consider when packing for a primate safari in Rwanda, Uganda and DR.Congo as well as any African safari is to avoid overpacking. Small charter flights adhere to a strict weight restriction of 33Ibs (15 kgs) for all luggage. Therefore, pack light, especially since most safari lodges and hotels offer laundry service.
Account for Laundry Time
The rainforests in Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo can get muddy and wet. Therefore, bring enough suitable clothing including socks to allow time for laundered items to dru in the often humid and wet conditions. Also, most lodges and hotels provide a boot cleaning service after your gorilla or chimpanzee trek.
Color is Key
We highly recommend packing quick–drying, lightweight clothing in dark green, khaki, or brown colors. Remember that black, navy blue, and other dark colors may attract tsetse flies. Also, avoid wearing bright colors like red and white while on a primate safari adventure.
Climate
Rwanda, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo experience similar climatic conditions as they are situated close to the Equator. Therefore, they have a pleasant year-round climate. However, you should prepare yourself for inclement weather and muddy conditions while trekking with primates.
Days are pleasant, 75 to 85°F, and nights are moderate, 50 to 60°F. Higher altitudes can be cooler, so carry layers. And when in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Virunga National Park, remember that it can rain any time of year.
Luggage Weight Restrictions on Flights
Charter flights within the region limit passengers to a total of 15 kgs (33 lbs) of luggage per person in soft-sided bags. This includes hand baggage and camera equipment.
Therefore, we recommend soft-sided luggage because of the limited space in the aircraft hull (no hard suitcases). Consider bringing just one medium or large strong, water – resident duffle bag and one small daypack.
Personal Weight Information
For safety reasons, local charter companies ask us to take note of all travelers’ weight in advance. The weight limit per light aircraft seat is 85 kg (187) body weight per person.
This can be a sensitive topic, but the safety of our travelers is a top priority. Should
Plastic in Rwanda
In Rwanda plastic bags are illegal, therefore you should pack eco-friendly bags when gorilla trekking in Rwanda. For liquids in hand luggage, use transparent toiletry bags. This ban on plastic also includes other single – use products, such as water bottles. Please leave any such products on the plane.
When visiting Rwanda, we suggest you carry a reusable water bottle. Most hotels and lodges will provide filtered drinking water.
Primate Trekking Packing List – Essentials for Trekking
Pants and Shirts
- 3 quick – drying shirts with long sleeves
- 3 pairs of quick – drying long pants
Outerwear
- A fleece or sweater for evenings and early mornings
- Lightweight rain jacket and rain pants
Shoes
- 1 pair of comfortable, closed – toe walking shoes or hiking boots, ideally lightweight and quick-drying (not sandals or heavy boots)
- 1 pair comfortable shoes for relaxing after trekking
- 1 pair flip flops
- 1 pair of water shoes, booties, or old running shoes to leave behind, if going on river activities in the Republic of Congo.
Accessories
- 2 pairs of socks per trekking day, preferably lightweight and quick drying
- 5 pairs of underwear and 3 bras for women (lightweight sport bras recommended)
- Casual clothes for relaxing at the lodges after the trekking
- Sun hat (baseball caps are fine)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Swimsuit
- Pajamas
Trekking Gear
- Masks for wearing when visiting mountain gorillas or chimpanzees
- Gaiters to cover your ankles when trekking to see primate species
- Light gardening gloves for protection against thorns and nettles when trekking
- Walking stick (collapsible is best)
- Day pack for carrying packed lunches, water bottles, and cameras
- Waterproof dry bags to keep your camera equipment and extra clothing dry while in the rainforest
Please note: Some properties provide gear such as gaiters and walking sticks. Refer to your final documents or inquire with your Tour Consultant regarding the specific amenities at your property.
Personal Items
- Passports, visas, tickets, credit cards, your final travel documents, cash, phone, etc.
- Refillable water bottle
- If you wear contact lenses, were recommend that you also bring a pair of glasses
- Camera with plenty of memory cards and at least one spare battery with its charger
- Travel adapter
- Pair of binoculars.
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, preferred lotions among others. Please note that most properties will provide essentials like shampoo, conditioner and soap.
- Basic medical kit (Aspirin, bandages, anti-diarrheal, antiseptic cream, eye drops, and antihistamine cream among others)
- Bring enough of any prescribed medication that you are currently taking to last your whole trip. Keep it in its original packaging with the label clearing showcasing your name and the prescription information
- Facial tissues and waterless had sanitizer
- Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from hay fever
- Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from travel/air sickness
- Moisturizing face cream and sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher recommended.
- Insect repellent for protection from biting and stinging insects
Planning Your 2027 Safari
For an unforgettable experience, consider a safari, making Uganda one of the most exciting safari destinations in East Africa for 2027.
