Packing For Gorillas

Packing for gorilla trekking is one essential part of planning a Uganda or Rwanda gorilla safari. What you pack matters a lot in making your gorilla trekking experience unforgettable. Trekking mountain gorillas in the wild is the most captivating experience any visitor on Uganda or Rwanda safari shouldn’t miss. Mountain gorillas share about 95 percent of their DNA with humans making them our closest relatives in the wild. Currently, they are listed among the most endangered species on planet earth and they exist only in the Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, the Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Packing list for gorilla trekking

Hiking boots

Hiking boots are essential tool any trekker on Uganda or Rwanda gorilla safari should put into consideration when packing for gorilla trekking. Not all boots should be put on gorilla trek but preferably, you need waterproof and lightweight hiking boots that are also very comfortable when you are hiking through the jungles and steep slopes while in search for mountain gorilla family assigned to you in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Choosing good hiking boots is a useful thing you can since they can help protect your legs while trekking through the slippery steep slopes, rainforest and making sure your legs don’t get wet.

Valid gorilla permit plus passport

To be allowed to trek a gorilla family in Uganda, Rwanda or the DRC, a valid gorilla permit and passport. On gorilla trek, you will be required to present your gorilla permit and passport to be verified prior embarking on a search for mountain gorillas. Make sure that your passport is valid and never carry a passport that is almost to expire.

Rain jacket

A rain jacket is another important tool visitor on gorilla safari should consider when packing for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or the DRC. The advantage with rain jackets or ponchos is that they help safeguard you in case it rains. Gorilla treks in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC are conducted in the rainforest and given the nature of gorilla habitat, you have to expect rains at any time of the day.

Gardening gloves

You need good gardening gloves to help protect your hands from thorns or itching plants in case you need to grab some plants for support. They will also help safeguard you from biting insects, scratches.

Long sleeved shirts

Long sleeved shirts are must-have items in the packing list for gorilla trekking. They play essential role when you are trekking mountain gorillas the fact that they protect your hands from falling tree branches, insect bites, sun heat and many others. In the category of clothing, you also need good sweater for cold, trousers which you can tack into socks to protect your legs from biting insects.

Toiletries

Toiletries are very essential for trekkers on Uganda or Rwanda gorilla trekking tour. In your packing list ensure you have included toilet paper, wipes, lotions, sanitary pads, hand sanitizers, shavers, lip balm and many others.

First aid kit

First aid kit is very useful for visitors on a trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park or the Virunga National Park. Your first aid kit should contain bandages, safety pins, pain killers, plasters, distilled water and many others.

Bottled water plus energy giving snacks

Trekking mountain gorillas can be strenuous and requires some physical wellness in you. The length of gorilla trek differs significantly depending on the number of factors including the level of trekkers physical wellness, location of gorillas and nature of the habitat. It can take you about 2-6 hours and this also includes an hour of magical encounter. To be on a safer side, make sure that you have some bottled drinking water with you. In addition, you need some energy giving snacks. This is to help you keep energized.

Camera and additional batteries

To make your gorilla trekking experience memorable, don’t forget a camera. Your camera should have no flashlight. Flashlight cameras are not good as they can scare away mountain gorillas or even irritate them something that may cause harm to you. Because it is lengthy experience, you require extra batteries in case the one in the camera runs out of power.

Hat and sun glasses

Depending on the season you plan to travel to Uganda, Rwanda or the DRC for gorilla trekking, you need a hat to protect you from sun heat and sun glasses to safe guard you from the sun rays.

The other items you should consider when packing for gorilla trekking include insect repellents, waterproof daypack, anti-malarial tablets, walking stick-this can be found at the park headquarters to mention but a few.