Primate Trekking Preparation Guidelines

What to wear on a Primate Trekking Safaris.
At One More Adventure Safaris, we do share with you, a primate preparation guideline, to aid you with your shopping’s and preparations, for your upcoming primate trekking safari, so as to shop the right outfits, for your gorilla, golden monkey and chimpanzee trekking safari. This might differ from other wildlife safari outfits, or similar.

Primate trekking adventures are very adventurous, and challenging.

The right Clothing and Footwear on a Primate Trek protects you from Nettles, Thorns, Branches, pesky flies, soldier ants, spiders, and more. Going Gorilla trekking is not a trip to a park for a picnic – it takes some forethought and planning, especially when it comes as to what to wear and bring while going on a gorilla trek.

You are not hiking on comfortable paths, but small trails or “no trails at all”, some of them freshly blazed by the Rangers – you have to wear the right clothing for your protection against thorns, nettles, underbrush, insects including soldier ants, flies and at rare times even wasps.

It doesn’t really matter which activity you will choose, it will be steamy, it may be warm and raining or hot and sunny. There might be big ants trying to get to your ankles. There probably will be mud and steep hills. You will get dirty. All you need is to always make sure your pants are tucked in! Wear long trousers.

Sounds like adventure, doesn’t it? Yes of course it is!!

So, wear something from natural fabrics, like linen or thin cotton, ideally have 3 layers – a t-shirt, long sleeve fleece and a rain jacket, which you can pack away if you’re too hot.

Have a hat, not only because of the sun, but because sometimes ants can fall on your head or a hat can save you from hitting your head against a low branch.

Wear leggings or long trousers, they are ideal and put your socks over them to avoid ants getting into your shoes – their bites really hurt! And probably you already know that, but just to remind you, wear shoes that you know are comfy – don’t try to pull it off in your new trekkers or gumboots. Trekkers must wear waterproof pants on top of their normal trousers.

Choose the right colors for your clothing’s that are nature friendly, shouting colors is not recommended for primate trekking as they tend to irritate the gorillas and lead them to charge. Go with greens, greys and browns in lightweight material that wicks moisture. Avoid camouflage – it is illegal for civilians to wear in many areas. Do not wear animal print as the gorillas may become alarmed at seeing a ‘leopard’, for example.

High ankle shoes are best, but it’s not a big deal if you have normal walking shoes – some of our clients’ did strenuous treks in their low ankle shoes and they were fine.

Garden gloves are also important, as you may tend to fall, then your hand lands on a rough surface trying to seek support, or touch a thorny tree.

Carry a rain gear, jacket or raincoat, for just in case of a downpour, as you’re trekking in a tropical zone area, regardless whether it is a dry season or not.

Bring along with you a waterproof back bag, to store your phones, cameras, gadgets and equipment, intact and safe, in case of rain.

Sun glasses. You will need one, as on chimpanzee trekking, it involves a lot of looking up the tree canopy, of which there is a lot off fallings that means, and your eyes have to be protected

A pair of shorts. These are important when you are relaxing within your lodge, especially after trekking.

Thin moisture-wicking socks covered by thicker cotton socks will help prevent blisters.

Great hiking shoes, covering the ankles are highly recommended. They should be waterproof. Good quality waterproof walking shoes with great arch support and strides, can as well be used.

Carry a camera, with an extra battery, you will need to capture those epic moments.

Pack as lightly as you can. You may have to take a light aircraft to get to your lodge or camp, which will have strict baggage size and weight limits. If you are going elsewhere after your gorilla trek, ask your African Safari Expert to make arrangements to have your extra luggage stored safely.

We wish you a wonderful and successful life time gorilla trekking adventure. Share the experience with your loved ones and be a good ambassador for us!

Keep Exploring!!