Are you planning a gorilla safari soon? Is your travel bag ready? Well you ought to know what to include in your gorilla trekking packing list if you want to have a successful, enjoyable, less challenging and stress free gorilla trek. During gorilla tour bookings, travelers often ask what to pack for gorilla trekking.
We bring you details of what to pack for your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure you have a memorable gorilla encounter.
Hiking boots/shoes.
Closed, light and waterproof hiking shoes or boots should be number one on your gorilla trekking packing list. These shoes ease your movements in the muddy slippery and at times wet forest grounds of Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks.
Also, your hiking shoes should be of dark color and not new. Avoid bring new shoes foe gorilla trekking since there is a high possibility of them wearing off from the jungle. Alternatively, there are plastic hiking boots for hire at all gorilla parks. The closed shoes protect your feet from getting dirty and against sharp stones, which can harm you.
Garden Gloves.
Ensure to pack garden gloves to protect your hands. Gorilla trekking involves holding onto the tree branches for support, and at times touching the ground when it becomes too steep / slippery. You therefore need garden gloves to keep your hands safe from thorny, itching bushes, and dirty grounds with germs hence keeping you clean.
Rain jackets/gears.
A rain jacket is a not miss on your gorilla trekking packing list. This helps you to deal with the unpredictable forest rains, which can fall anytime regardless of the season. Mountain gorillas live in forested areas, which receive rainfall all times of the year. However, your rain jacket should be light and easy to carry. Fortunately, Africa has good climate where sunshine sets in immediately after rain. You can never miss your gorilla trek due to rainfall.
Long sleeved shirts/blouse.
Long sleeved shirts/blouse protect your rams from scratches by thorny bushes and rough vegetation. Also, long sleeves keep your warm throughout the trek. Mountain gorillas live in deep forest, which are cold most times. Avoid armless blouses when going for a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bottled drinking water.
You need enough drinking water when going for a gorilla trekking safari. The experience involves use of energy associated with panting and sweating which makes you lose waters. Therefore ensure to carry enou8gh drinking water to keep you hydrated.
Energy giving snacks.
Also, remember to carry energy-giving snacks to keep you strong throughput the gorilla trekking session. At times, gorilla trekking takes longer than expected which require more energy to keep moving.
Examples of energy giving snacks to pack for gorilla trekking include Bananas, apples and an egg. Your lodge must give you packed lunch when going for a gorilla trek.
Insect repellents.
You need an insect repellants to protect yourself from insect bites, which can be poisonous. Apply the repellent at the start of the trek and you will be safe to go. Mountain gorillas live in forests, which shelter many insects such as mosquitoes that can transit diseases to you if you preventive measures are taken before the trek.
Hat and sunglasses.
Endeavor to carry a hat to protect your head from direct sun and also protect your hair from falling tree leaves and droppings. Similarly sunglasses protect your eyes from direct sun and also moving insects, which can enter your eyes
Toiletries.
Carry toiletries for safety and comfort on your gorilla trekking safari. For ladies carry some sanitary pads for emergencies. Other examples of toiletries to pack for gorilla trekking include Toothpaste, Toothbrush, hairbrush, soap, Dental floss, conditioner, razor blades, and nail clippers among others.
Binoculars.
If possible include binoculars in your list. Binoculars help you zoom animals and birds from a far distance.
Cameras and extra batteries.
A camera is a must have for anyone goring for gorilla trekking tour. Yes, you need a camera to take as many pictures as possible to take home for remembrance. More so, remember to carry extra batteries incase your camera blacks out in the jungle.
Other things to include
- First aid kit
- Long pants which you will tuck into the stockings
- Hand sanitizers
- Long stockings tucked
- Scarf
- Warm jackets and sweaters
A full-filled list is a first step to having a less challenging and enjoyable gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Make sure your travel bag has it all before you embark on a gorilla adventure.
