Gorilla trekking experience is one of the top ten activities to do when you visit Uganda. The activity is adventurous and will require you to pack the right gorilla trekking gear. This is regardless of if you are doing it in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Mgahinga national park or you are visiting the great Volcanoes National park in Rwanda.
Here is a comprehensive list of items we suggest you move with for your gorilla trekking safety.
Hiking Boots
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Volcanoes National Park involves trekking in search for the endangered mountain gorillas. The nature of the forest plus the altitude and terrain, you need light weight gorilla trekking boots for this activity.
Hiking boots are a must as you decide on what to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s volcanoes National Park.
Garden Gloves
Gloves are needed to protect your hands from insect bites, thorns from trees. At times, it gets slippery and you will need to hold onto a branch. If you happen to touch some itching plants, trees or even climbing trees, you may be harmed.
These gorilla trekking gloves will therefore protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands. Consider including garden gloves in your gorilla trekking packing list.
Rain Jacket
Bwindi Impenetrable forest is a tropical rainforest so it rains throughout the whole year. Whether it is gorilla trekking best time of year or not, you will never tell when it is going to rain so you need a rain jacket or a poncho in order to be protected from rain. Many clients prefer traveling in June, July, and August till the start of September during the dry season.
Most people try to avoid the rainy season (March, April and May). When deciding on what to pack for your gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park, a Rain jacket or Poncho should be included.
Long Sleeved Shirt or a Blouse
Always pack a long sleeved trouser, shirt or a blouse for your gorilla trekking. Please ensure that you tack in your trousers in your hiking boots to avoid insects such as safari ants entering your trousers. The best ones are Jeans and Khaki trousers.
Cameras and extra batteries
Photography is a key component of your safari. Carry a camera with your batteries well charged. Turn off your flash when you are taking photos of the gorillas.
Supplements and energy snacks
Energy snacks are a must. Gorilla trekking is really tiresome and will require you to be in perfect physical shape. These snacks can include energy bars, candy. Please note you are not allowed to dump rubbish in the park. Carry drinking water and lunch just in case you get hungry.
Pair of Binoculars
Bwindi Impenetrable National park is home to over 350 birds, chimpanzees, black and white Columbus monkeys among other primates, forest elephants and buffaloes. Carry a pair of binoculars so you can see the rare ones.
Sun Glasses and a hat
The sun glasses and a hat are essential for your trip because the sun can get really hot at times. As an addition to our safaris, we always give our clients safari huts, you should book a safari with us sometime.
Porters for your gorilla trek
This is not among items to pack. (Haha) The trek may be long and tiresome when you are trekking. You don’t want to get to see the gorillas when you are tired. You may miss all the fun. You will need a porter to help you carry your backpacks for a small fee. (Between $5 and $10) This an extra optional item and we advise all our clients to take a porter for their gorilla trekking. Once you get to the trekking point you will find many gorilla trekking porters waiting to be hired.
Insect Repellant
This is Africa. Mosquitoes and other insects may want a bite off you. Carry some sunscreen and insect repellent to keep them away.
In conclusion, Twende Expeditions offers many gorilla trekking packages and basically this sums up everything you will need to do a gorilla trek successfully. Feel free to leave a comment if we have left out any item.
