Are you planning a trip to the White Continent? Getting ready for an Antarctica cruise can be overwhelming since many unknowns exist. How cold will it be? What clothes are worn in Antarctica? Do not fret – you have come to the right place! I have compiled the ultimate packing list for an Antarctica cruise.
In this guide, I let you know which clothes for Antarctica to pack, so you are fully prepared.
Antarctica cruises start in November and go until March, the warmest months (remember – it’s in the Southern Hemisphere!)
Along the Antarctica coast, temperatures can get as warm as 50° F /(10° C), yet temperatures vary depending on the month you visit.
Month
Average Temperature in Antarctica (on Coast)
November
21°F or -6°C
December
32°F or 0°C
January
43°F or 6°C
Februrary
34°F or 1°C
March
23°F or -1°C
Note: Unpredictable weather conditions like wind, rain, and clouds can drastically change how you feel once there. That’s why this Antarctica clothes list is important for planning purposes.
Now let’s dive in – and see what are the right clothes for Antarctica!
Clothes For Antarctica – Packing List
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Antarctica Clothes List – Quick Summary
Need clothing for Antarctica cruise? For quick recommendations click the link below.
Take Kitchen Gloves for over your ski gloves if you are going to put your hands/camera in the water
Inside the boat it’s warm- you just need light casual clothes
But Always Carry a Jacket and Camera when out of your cabin for when someone shouts ‘whale’
Browse all clothes for Antarctica
How To Dress On Antarctica – For Excursions
Clothes for Antarctica are all about layers! It’s imperative to not only bring insulating base layers but both wind and waterproof layers as well. The goal is to be comfortable while on the continent.
Sweat, wetness, and cold lead to discomfort, and having loose and light layers will help combat these elements:
Packing For Antarctica Cruise – Things To Keep You Dry
Best Waterproof Pants for Antarctica
A suitable pair of fully waterproof pants are needed – so you don’t have a wet butt! Cheap ones can tear when you climb in and out of the zodiac since the front of the zodiac is like sandpaper. Make sure your outer pants are wide enough at the bottom to go over the outside of the boot.
For optimal protection in Antarctica, it is advisable to adopt a double-layered approach for your gloves. The first layer should be a thin, warm inner glove that allows for dexterity, particularly when capturing photographs. On top of this, an outer glove or mitten should be worn to provide additional warmth and keep your hands dry. It is worth noting that finding a glove that remains completely dry throughout your time in Antarctica can be challenging, hence it is recommended to bring two pairs.
Get a SmartWool liner to keep your fingers from freezing. These gloves from REI are tighter-fitting gloves that you can put on your hands and then slip inside warmer snow gloves. They have a touch screen finger, so you can have them on to take photos.
These Ice Fishing Mittens offer great dexterity for on-demand photography while still keeping your hands warm. The ends flip open to give full use of fingers. The outer layer is very durable. These gloves use a magnet that holds both parts back perfectly.
Heat Holders are really warm socks to wear inside your boots on shore landings. They have different styles, lengths, and thicknesses. For wearing with boots, I’d recommend the longest and thickest socks. They have socks for men and women. These socks are highly recommended! Even if your toes tend to get cold, these socks will always keep your feet toasty and warm.
(You can also bring toe warmers for really cold days.)
A regular walking shoe or crocs will do, but this thermoball shoe is the PERFECT onboard footwear! Everyone who bought and added them to their Antarctica cruise packing list has loved them! They’re comfy, warm for sitting outside, and have a waterproof lip to ensure it’s sloshy outside; you’re not getting wet. They are also slip-resistant and have the stability of a shoe. They’re easy to pack and take up less space.
Here is a list of items that aren’t necessarily clothes for Antarctica but should still be added to your Antarctica gear list.
ScrubbaBag:Antarctica cruises offer laundry services but are very expensive. A Scrubba bag is a portable laundry bag. It’s not big enough for heavyweight jackets and pants, but you can use it for the inner layers and underwear.
Travel Scarf: Another option to keep you warm. I love the WayPoint Goods travel scarf because it’s comfortable, has cool designs, and doubles as an inconspicuous purse!
If you have this question, you have made it to the right page. I have compiled the ultimate gorilla trekking packing list for you.
In this “Gorilla Trekking Packing List” guide, I let you know what to pack for gorilla trekking so you don’t make the mistake of showing up in shorts and sandals.
To find gorillas in their natural habitats, you have to trek through thick vegetation in the rainforest. Oftentimes there is no trail, and guides even carry machetes to cut through the terrain. It’s important to be prepared and bring the right items.
I have gone on gorilla tours in both the DRC and Uganda, and it seriously is one of the best activities I’ve ever done.
P.S – I am returning to Uganda to run a group trip in 2022.
personal experience trekking in the DRC and Uganda, &
input of my local friends who organize gorilla tours.
Although the landscape varies slightly depending on the park you visit, this gorilla trekking packing list applies to Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
Note: The hikes in Uganda are more strenuous and tend to take longer.
Gorilla Trekking Packing List
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
WHAT TO WEAR GORILLA TREKKING
Before I go into the detailed list, here’s an infographic of the main items I recommend. You can find a link for each item below.
Infographic: Gorilla Trekking Uganda – What to Wear
It’s possible to go in regular sneakers, but waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended because you never know which terrain you will be in. Trails can get muddy, and it’s possible to hike up to 8 hours. Hiking boots provide ample ankle support.
In Uganda, we had to follow gorillas down a hill filled with vines. I was thrilled to have hiking boots!
This might seem overkill, but remember, you are in a rainforest and not following a trail. Gardening gloves help navigate through thick, tangled vines and allow you to grab onto plants and tree branches for support while hiking. Gloves are helpful and provide protection from nettles and thorns.
When I trekked the DRC, gardening gloves weren’t needed because the vegetation was manageable, but gloves are recommended for Uganda and Rwanda.
Wear clothes that blend in with nature, like greys, browns, and greens. DO NOT wear bright colors, camouflage, or animal prints. You don’t want a silverback to mistake you for a leopard.
Long Pants: Long trousers will protect you from things like scratches and ants. If the pants are water-resistant, that’s even better.
I highly recommend Athleta’s Trekking North Jogger pants! Both times I went gorilla trekking, I hiked in these, and they were great. I love these pants since they are versatile. They are practical to hike in, yet also stylish enough to wear every day.
Long-Sleeved Shirt or Jacket: Even if you get hot, it’s wise to protect your arms from insects and plants with thorns.
If you are looking for breathable and sustainable clothing, I recommend the brandKoup. I love their shirts, and honestly, if you purchase the long-sleeve shirt, you don’t have to stress about getting too hot. The fabric is very light! They have shirts for both men and women.
Optional:Short-Sleeved Shirt: If you want to wear layers, you can also get a short-sleeved shirt. Note: exposed skin will get scratched, but there are parts of the hike where you don’t have to worry about spiky thorns and insect bites. I also recommend Koup.
Leg Gaiters– Don’t know what a gaiter is? Neither did I, until I went gorilla trekking! Leg gaiters are recommended for Uganda and Rwanda treks. Gaiters help keep all the critters away from getting underneath your socks or pants.
Tall Socks – Tuck your trousers in your socks. My favorite sock brand is Bombas. Seriously, these socks are amazing and keep your feet dry if there is rain.
Rain Jacket or Poncho: No matter if you trek in the dry or rainy season, you are in a rainforest, so rain is unpredictable and can fall at any time. A rain jacket is handy.
Headband and Hair Ties: I recommend getting a bandeau since it has multiple uses (headband, scarf, mask). For hair ties, you must purchase from Soulvation Society. These hair ties are comfortable and versatile – they double as bracelets, so more bang for your buck! Plus, the company is owned by a bad-ass female #SupportSmallBusinesses
Camera: This is a once in a lifetime experience! Bring a good camera to capture this once in a lifetime experience. I recommend the Sony Alpha A6000. It’s a mirrorless camera that is great for beginner photographers.
Water Bottle or Camel Pouch: I always travel with a filtered water bottle since it allows me to drink tap water from all over the world. I have used both LifeStraw and GRAYL. I recommend the GRAYL bottle, and you can read my full review here.
Selfie Stick: Who doesn’t want a gorilla selfie?! Smartphone cameras are a great way to catch a selfie. When I was in the DRC I used the Pixel 2 phone and captured photos like this:
Binoculars: Although not necessary for gorilla trekking, it’s wise to have binoculars if you are going on other safaris throughout Uganda. The binoculars linked below also have a universal phone adaptor, so you can easily take pictures through the binoculars.
Lunch or Snacks – Gorilla trekking is unpredictable, it can take 30 minutes or 8 hours to find a family. You can purchase some energy-producing snacks once in Rwanda or Uganda.
Sunglasses
Documents and Money
Passport (with 6 months validity)
Local Currency: to tip your guide ($10 for each guide)
Money Belt
Yellow Fever Vaccine Card
Gorilla Permit (Your tour company will provide)
PRE/POST TREKKING ESSENTIALS
Here is a list of items that will be useful to have before and after the gorilla trek.
Sweater:Yes, even in Africa, you need a sweater. It can get cold in the mornings and evenings in the parks.
Travel Scarf: Another option to keep you warm. I love the WayPoint Goods travel scarf because it’s comfortable, has cool designs, and doubles as an inconspicuous purse!
Sandals: Chacos are my go-to travel sandal. They are extremely practical and long-lasting. I wear mine almost every day.
Swimwear: Many of the hotels have pools to enjoy after a day of trekking.
FAQ
Q: What To Wear Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?
If you are looking for an Uganda packing list, tall socks are among the most essential things to pack. There are many creepy crawlers in Bwindi, so you want to make sure no ants climb into your shoes. I also recommend gardening gloves and hiking boots since the trek takes longer in Uganda. Mgahinga National Park is at a higher altitude, so it can be colder than other parks. Be sure to bring a sweater for chilly evenings.
Also, Gorilla trekking is not the only attraction in Uganda. I recommend spending at least one week in Uganda to explore the beauty of this underrated country. I am hosting a 8-Day tour throughout Uganda; click here for more details.
Q: What To Wear Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park is at a higher altitude so that it can get colder. Bring a sweater for chilly evenings. Also, gaiters are recommended to protect from stinging nettles.
Q: What To wear Gorilla Trekking in DRC?
My trek in the DRC was pretty easy and only took an hour. Gardening gloves are not necessary.
Q: Do I need to bring anything extra due to COVID?
A Negative covid test ( taken 72 hours prior to arrival in Uganda)
A mask (preferably a surgical or N95 type). The DRC always required a mask even before COVID, to protect the gorillas against human viruses.
Q: What travel insurance to buy for gorilla trekking?
RoamRight is a great, affordable insurance option with excellent customer service. RoamRight annual plans start at ~$200 per year, which is wise if you go on more than one trip per year. It’s $135 for an annual plan.
I hope this gorilla trekking packing list was useful! In the comments, let me know if you have any questions.
Also, congrats! You have made the best decision to see silverback gorillas and their families in Africa!
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Kesi is an Ivy League grad who quit her NYC, finance job in 2015 to travel the world. She left behind her Soho apartment, and started a life of unknown adventure. The mission of this blog is to teach nomads how to sustain long term travel, inspire people to travel to less frequented destinations, and to connect travelers with local people and experiences. Come along for the ride and #FollowTheFro