What to pack on safari to Africa?
What to pack on safari to Africa? Gorilla trekking packing list helps travelers to carry useful items needed for your gorilla–tracking–trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda Destination. More so, adventuring gorillas in the wild is one of the most interesting wildlife experiences that can be had only on the African continent. Over years the number of tourists is increasing to come and see these unique gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda hence the experience is worth it.
Though planning to visit Africa for mountain gorillas might seem overwhelming because you may have many questions.
The commonly asked question is about what you will need to carry with you;
Essential Gorilla Trekking Packing List;
Gorilla Permits
A gorilla permit is an important thing in Uganda’s Tourism Hub, this is because gorilla trekking is the main high-lighting activity on Uganda Safaris. Have we thousands of tourists flocking to the country yearly and the number of tourists are increasing year by year. However, one holding a gorilla permit is the only way to access or allowed to enter the natural habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas. There is a limited number of gorilla permits issued each day and these permits must be purchased in advance.
Therefore, the permits are sold out for several months. These gorilla permits can be bought directly from the government body – Uganda gorilla permits can be purchased directly at ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices. In Rwanda gorilla permits can be bought at ‘’RDB’’ Rwanda Development Board or you can purchase a gorilla permit with help of a reliable tour operator who can reserve for you these permits on your behalf such that when you come for your gorilla trekking safari and everything is set ready.
Rain Jacket
Gorilla trekking experience is done in a rainforest meaning rain can fall any time of day in the month of the year on Safari. Remember the year boost with two seasonal months; Starting from June to September and December to March. For those visiting the park in the middle of a dry season, you’re required to carry a light jacket or poncho or warm clothes.
More so, rain can be torrential and would completely soak you in less than 10 minutes. Carrying your rain jacket or poncho helps to protect you and your items from getting soaked by the rain.
Hiking Boots
Alongside your gorilla trekking safaris, we recommend you carry a comfortable pair of hiking boots which is the most useful essential when it comes to hiking – especially on the steep slopes of thick rainforests. Well, your hiking shoes should be well worn which makes them an excellent fit.
Warm sweater
Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude areas where night and morning temperatures are closer to freezing.
Gorilla trekking experiences start early in the morning when it is still cold before the sun rises out. Remember where mountain gorillas live is a rainforest meaning rain is unpredictable it can fall at any time thus leading to coldness in the area. You carrying your warm sweater is very helpful in managing the conditions.
Long Sleeve Shirts
Gorilla trekking is done in thickly forested trails full of dangerous insects and all sorts of plants. You carrying your long sleeve shirts or blouses help to protect you from those scratches and insect bites to a minimum.
Trousers /long pants
This is a great idea, one to put on a trouser, long pants or long sleeve shirts for gorilla trekking activity. Trousers can be advised to be tucked into cotton long stockings to keep you from ant bites crawling into your legs.
Tuckable Socks
These are good items that keep you from red ant bites and other crawling creatures from entering your pants. It’s a good idea to pack a pair of long tuckable socks, What to pack on safari to Africa?
Garden /Outdoor Gloves
During your gorilla trek, it’s good to wear hand gloves to protect you from a broken branch, dangerous plants and roots as well as injuries.
More on that, those with skin allergies or sensitivities. It is advised not directly touch thousands of rare plants in a short period.
Drinking –Water
Gorilla trekking involves a lot of energy, and body fitness and soon enough you will be thirsty because of the energy used in hiking. So you need to carry enough bottled water to help you to hydrate and rehydrate to bring life to you.
Sun Hat
A wide-brimmed hat is also ideal for protecting your head and neck from the scorching African sun. Whereby a baseball cap work, it does leave the neck wide open.
Many travelers choose to buy safari hats from the local shops near the parks as souvenirs and as the best way of supporting the locals directly.
Sunscreen
If you want to protect your skin along the safari from the sun’s radiation, carry some sunscreen with you. The sun can be unrelenting thus leading to sunburn. Note, in the small towns near the gorilla parks, you will not easily find sunscreen so we advise that you carry it along your way.
Light Back Pack
On the visit, you will be carrying important personnel items or documents, so it is advisable to carry a light backpack to keep your items safe.
When it comes to gorilla trekking; Recommended Gorilla Trekking Packing Lists include; Camera, Insect repellant, Binoculars, Sunglasses, Toiletries, Snacks, Gaiters, Porter fees, and packed lunch from the lodge because gorilla trekking is unpredictable, it can take 3 to 7 hours’ drive depending on gorilla movements.
