What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari; Gorilla trekking is an interesting and adventurous activity which involves moving on foot deep into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend time with them in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking is carried out in various destinations such as Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park is Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda is the most visited gorilla destination in Africa due to the fact that it harbors half of the world’s mountain gorilla population which are found in Bwindi impenetrable national park. After booking your gorilla trekking safari the next thing you need to know is what to pack for your gorilla trekking safari so that you carry the right gorilla trekking essentials.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari
Hiking boots
This is one of the most important items to pack for your gorilla trekking safari. Hiking boots should be light and comfortable so as to give you good stability, balance and protect your ankles and keep your feet dry when trekking in muddy and slippery areas.
Long sleeved shirt and trouser
When going for gorilla trekking activity you should wear long sleeved shirt and tack in your trousers into your socks and hiking boots to prevent biting insects from entering your trousers. The long sleeved shirt and trousers will keep you warm during morning hours or during the wet season.
Garden gloves
Gorilla trekking is carried out in tropical rainforests which can be slippery therefore the garden gloves will protect you from germs and plants that may scratch your hands such as nettles in case you slide or touch the ground with itching plants, thorny trees.
Waterproof rain jacket
Gorillas in Africa live in tropical rainforests which means that it can rain any time of the day regardless of the season therefore the waterproof rain jacket will protect you from rainfall.
Camera and extra batteries
When going for your gorilla trekking safari you need to pack your camera with charged batteries and also carry extra batteries so as to take as many photographs as you can during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas, landscape, beautiful scenery and record breathtaking memories to show people back home after the safari. You should however ensure that your cameras flash is switched off while taking photos so as not to irritate the gorillas.
Hat and sun glasses
It is very important to pack a hat and sun glasses when going for your gorilla trekking safari so as to protect you from strong sun rays especially during the dry season.
A pair of binoculars
A pair of binoculars will help you to have a clear view of other wildlife species because gorilla trekking destinations like Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park harbor different wildlife species including birds, animals like forest elephants, buffaloes, other primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons among others.
Drinking water and packed lunch
Gorilla trekking takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located therefore you could get tired and hungry hence the reason to pack drinking water and packed lunch to keep you hydrated during trekking.
Waterproof backpack
A waterproof backpack will be used to carry your gorilla trekking essentials such as insect repellent, camera and extra batteries, packed lunch and drinking water, rain jacket, a pair of batteries, hand sanitizer among others.
Walking stick
A walking stick will give you support while trekking through the thick vegetation and steep areas. Walking sticks are given out for free after the briefing or you can get a higher quality stick from your hotel at a cost.
Insect repellent
You should wear an insect repellent when going for your gorilla trekking activity to protect you from biting insects such as tsetse flies or mosquitoes.
Hand sanitizer and Face masks
Hand sanitizer and face mask is also another essential item to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic republic of Congo. Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic the hand sanitizer and face mask is for your safety, for the people around you and safety of the mountain gorillas.
Hiring a porter
Gorilla trekking is tiring and needs you to be physically fit therefore it’s advisable to hire a porter at small fee during trekking so as to give you a push or a pull and also carry your back. Porters can also help to carry the elderly or the disabled and paying for their services helps the community, the families of porters among others.
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity that shouldn’t be missed during your safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. For more information about what to pack for your gorilla trekking safari you can contact us on Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for different gorilla trekking packages.
