Packing List of Gorilla Trekking, Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most fascinating wildlife safari experiences that is conducted only in Uganda, Rwanda and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Tracking mountain gorilla is everyone’s dream because it is one of the adventures that get visitors value for their money and it is worth a safari to Africa.
To have the best of this life changing wildlife experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the eastern side of DRC, one essential question many intending trekkers ask is what should I pack for gorilla trekking? What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
While gorilla trekking is such exciting experience, it requires trekkers on Uganda gorilla safari to be well-prepared. Usually, the mistake most visitors make is to look at this primate adventure like it is the usual game drives in savanna safari park. Trekking mountain gorilla isn’t an ordinary adventure and what you pack matters a lot if you have any plans to visit Uganda or Rwanda to engage in this exhilarating experience after covid-19 pandemic.
Some of the essential items to consider on your packing list for gorilla trekking
A valid gorilla permit and passport
Gorilla trekking permits are a must-have on gorilla safari. Trekkers shall present a valid gorilla permit and passport on actual date of tracking mountain gorillas to a respective gorilla safari park official for verification purposes. Make sure you have not carried a passport which is due to expire. A visa is also very important to have if you have plans to go for any tour.
Waterproof hiking boots
The actual trek to see mountain gorillas involves you trekking/hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slopes. Considering the nature of this adventure, you need good waterproof hiking boots and they should be light weight and offer support to your ankles as you hike. They are essential in protecting you in case the ground is muddy or slippery and sneakers won’t be of great help here.
Gardening/hand gloves
These play a valuable part when you hold trees, branches and other plants during a trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park. Gardening gloves help safeguard your hands from scratches or even insect bites.
Rain jacket or poncho
The rain jacket or poncho is one essential item not to miss out in your packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo. This gear is crucial in protecting you when it rains while you are in the jungles to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla safari parks usually receive heavy rainfall during the wet or rainy season although you have to expect rains at any time of the time considering the nature of habitat where these apes live.
Clothing
Packing the right for your gorilla trekking safari to Uganda, Rwanda or DRC lets you have enjoyable experience. You need long sleeved shirts at least 2 to 3 pairs, trousers, sweater for cold, blouses for ladies on gorilla safari and preferably, ensure you have environmentally friendly clothing.
Camera with better battery and memory
Photography is by far the best way to summarize your time with the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Not to be disappointed, ensure you have a better camera with no flashlight, carry additional batteries and memories.
First aid kit
The first aid kit is one of the valuable items to include on packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This should include bandages, anti-malaria drugs, anti-diarrhea and others.
Bottled drinking water & energy giving snacks
The length of time you take trekking to see mountain gorillas can’t be predicted. It can take you from 2 to 6 hours and this depends on various factors like your speed of hiking, nature of the habitat and location of these primates. You need plenty of bottled drinking water and energy giving snacks to keep you fit so that you complete your search for these rare apes.
Sun hat, sun screen and sun glasses
These help safeguard you from sun heat mostly during the dry season. They may not play a major role during gorilla trek but because your gorilla safari might cover a visit to other safari parks with harsh weather conditions, you will have your head protected from sun heat or your eyes safeguarded by sun glasses.
Insect repellents
The tropical rain-forests where mountain gorillas live also harbor other species like insects and to protect you from insect bites ensure you carry an insect repellent. It is one essential item not to miss out of your packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Walking stick
A walking stick is good to have on a trek to view mountain gorillas. It helps trekkers navigate through the dense vegetation and steep slopes. You can access one at a respective gorilla safari park and no need to carry one from your home country.
Toiletries
Toiletries are essential not only for gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda, Rwanda or DRC, but for any safari to other protected areas. Therefore, ensure you have toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, shavers, lip balm, hand sanitizers, wipes, lotions and others.