What To Pack For Gorilla Trek
What To Pack For Gorilla Trek : The Packing List for Gorilla Trekking is a vital subject to address because anyone aiming to see the primates has to consider what to pack at some point. Every year, hundreds of tourists come to Africa specifically for the gorilla tourism safari experience, and gorilla trekking safari is perhaps the most thrilling wildlife activity on the continent. Their behaviour and resemblance to humans make them interesting creatures. You will discover that mountain gorillas are among the most placid and kind of all primates if you read more facts about them.
On Earth, there are just 1,000 mountain gorillas left. They are not the same as lowland gorillas, which are frequently found in zoos and in forests of Central and West Africa. There are only mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Half of all mountain gorillas are found in Uganda. Primates can be found in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park. In Rwanda, you must go to the Volcanoes National Park; in the Congo, the Virunga National Park is where you can observe mountain gorillas. The dominant silverbacks in charge of the groups of primates make sure that everything runs smoothly and that everyone is protected.
Gorilla trekking safari is a very costly and well-liked pastime that is well worth it. The next thing that comes to mind after reserving your gorilla trip and giving your tour operator the responsibility for transportation, permits, and lodging is the optimal way to get ready. Perhaps you’re wondering, “What should I pack for gorilla trekking?” Despite being a thrilling and daring activity, gorilla trekking requires preparation. In our experience operating safaris, one of the most frequent errors we see is travelers who are ill-prepared for gorilla trekking. We notice certain guests at the briefing wearing casual sandals, white trainers and shorts all inappropriate attire for such a strenuous sport.
We’ve put together a list of essentials for gorilla trekking safari that will enhance the entire experience. Never forget that hiring porters is a great idea if you need assistance carrying any more bags. To learn more about the benefits of using porters, you can read our post about gorilla trekking for the elderly. This set of guidelines pertains to all national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Volcanoes in Rwanda, Volcanoes in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Virunga. The guidelines also apply to visitors who have opted to spend time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in order to become accustomed to going with gorillas. It’s also critical to remember that Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks have a distinct terrain from Bwindi and Virunga National Parks. Compared to Bwindi, Mgahinga and the Volcanoes National Park are colder due to their higher elevations. In the previous chapters, we have also provided a list for a general wildlife safari, as most visitors combine game drives with gorilla visits. The packing list for an African safari or the regulations for gorilla trekking may be of interest to you.
What To Pack For Gorilla Trek : Gorilla Permits and Passport.
Just before starting your safari, you will need to present your passport and gorilla permit at the park and hotel offices. A valid visa and travel documents are essential for any safari. When your passport is close to expire, don’t use it to travel. You won’t be able to track the gorillas or enter the country without the necessary travel documents. Make sure you have the card and that you have taken the yellow fever vaccines.
Hiking Boots.
Bringing hiking boots is a must while going on a gorilla trekking safari expedition in Bwindi or other national parks. A superior quality hiking footwear will guarantee improved traction on the occasionally muddy and mountainous terrain. Your ankles could get damaged by cheap boots or simple trainers. Never forget that going on a gorilla trekking expedition requires ascending difficult hills in alpine regions. When it rains a lot, the trails may become muddy or slick.
What To Pack For Gorilla Trek : Clothing.
Make sure to include water-resistant pants, jackets, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, long socks and long trousers in your gorilla trekking packing list. Wearing appropriate attire can help shield you from the sun, insects, sharp tree branches, and rain. To keep insects like safari ants off of your body, always tack in your trousers to your boots. When organising your gorilla tour, don’t forget to pack pyjamas for the chilly nights and a pair of shorts for lounging around the lodge. Don’t forget to cover your feet with long socks.
A Rain Jacket and sweater.
Packing this item is crucial, especially in the rainy season. Rainfall is expected at all times of the year in the tropical rain forests where gorillas reside. It is advisable to prioritize packing a rain jacket even if you intend to visit during the dry season. You’ll stay toasty in the jumper on chilly mornings and evenings. Situated in high-altitude regions, the Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga are surrounded by many volcanoes that emit frigid winds and mist.
What To Pack For Gorilla Trek : Gloves.
Trees, branches, and other vegetation are easier to handle with garden gloves on. Your hands will be shielded from scrapes and insect bites by the gloves as well. As we’ve already mentioned, it can get muddy and slippery in the forest. Your gloves will help you grip ground in case of a slip or tree branches when climbing. Any packing list for gorilla trekking must include gloves.
Toiletries.
These are crucial for general safaris in other national parks as well as for gorilla trekking. In case you need to relieve yourself after a strenuous gorilla trek, the supplies contain things like toilet paper. Toothbrushes and pastes are typically not provided by hotels. Along with your preferred shampoos, deodorants, hand sanitizers, shavers, hair conditioners, lip balm, wipes, and lotions, you should also bring your own sanitary pads (for the ladies).
What To Pack For Gorilla Trek : A hat, Sun glasses and sun screen.
These will shield you from the heat of the sun, particularly in the dry season. If you intend to combine gorilla trekking safari with a visit to one of the other national parks with warmer weather, these supplies are also crucial.
Snacks, Packed lunch and drinking water.
Gorilla trekking safari is very unpredictable. Everything is dependent on where the gorilla family is on the day of the excursion. This task can be completed in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Long-distance trekking may cause fatigue and hunger. You can bring your own energy snacks or your lodge should arrange a packed meal for you. In Rwanda and Uganda, supermarkets and specialty stores provide energy-boosting snacks as well. Just be sure to remember them when you’re living your hotel room in preparation for the briefing. Remember that monitoring mountain gorillas for an extended period of time can be tiring and that you will need to drink plenty of water. Water will be provided for you at your lodging. Refrain from leaving plastic bottle litter in the park.
What To Pack For Gorilla Trek : Walking stick.
With aid in your navigation of the steep sections and dense foliage. When the briefing is over, the sticks are distributed at no cost. A better one is available for purchase from your hotel, or better yet, the park rangers.
Camera with strong battery and memory.
Without a decent camera, an African safari is not possible. How are you going to tell your friends about the things you saw on safari? How will you recall what happened? Be ready to snap pictures of the gorillas, the stunning surroundings of the park, and other locations as you travel. Carry extra batteries in case the camera’s batteries run out. Taking flash shots with the gorillas is not recommended. They will get agitated.
What To Pack For Gorilla Trek : Binoculars.
It’s not just gorillas that inhabit the parks you will be visiting. You will see a variety of wildlife on your journey, including chimpanzees, buffalo, colobus monkeys, forest elephants, and birds. If you have a good binocular, you can get good views of the monkeys and birds.
Other things: Travel insurance, emergency phone numbers, travel guides, directories, and the final itinerary from your tour operator are other general things to think about. It’s also crucial to have cash in local currency for purchases of souvenirs and tips to your guides in places without ATMs or credit card machines. Invest in a money belt to protect your cash.
