Gorilla trekking equipment, or gorilla trekking essentials, are the various things that any traveler planning on embarking on the thrilling gorilla trekking safari should have to make their trek a success. Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves hiking through the dense rainforests in search for mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. While gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, travelers get to spend up to 1 hour only with the gorillas, getting to witness the giant primates in their natural habitat going about their life. Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought tourist activities in Uganda, Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas can only be found in 3 countries including Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park as well as Virunga National Park in the Congo. It is in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that there are more gorillas; up to more than half the total population of gorillas can be found in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park therefore is one of the most thrilling, fascinating and travelers are guaranteed of seeing the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
After booking your gorilla trekking safari, or booking your gorilla permit, knowing what to pack for your gorilla trekking safari is important. The different essentials of gorilla trekking, or gorilla trekking equipment that travelers ought to consider carrying include;
Hiking Boots
The quality of your hiking boots shall play a great role in the success of your gorilla trekking safari. Hiking boots are an essential gorilla trekking equipment that should be highly prioritized while packing for your gorilla trekking trip. It is important to note that mountain gorillas are in dense rainforests and in high altitude areas which have rugged and uneven ground as well as muddy and slippery ground that good comfortable and good fitting hiking shoes or boots need to be packed for your gorilla trekking activity. Your hiking boots or shoes should also be high enough to cover your ankles so as to give you stability.
Cotton Thick Socks
Cotton thick socks are an important gorilla trekking equipment to carry as you pack for your gorilla trekking safari as they shall be able to get tucked into the long trousers to protect your legs from the insects which can easily enter one’s trousers including among others Uganda safari ants.
Long Sleeved Shirts
Travelers are encouraged to pack long sleeved shirts to protect their hands from prickly plants and also keep one warm especially in the morning as they start their gorilla trekking adventure.
Long Sleeved Trousers
Long sleeved trousers are encouraged for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda so as to be able to protect you from thorns, tree branches and nettles especially in Rwanda. Waterproof khaki trousers are best advised, free that you can easily trek in. dull colors of green, brown should be preferred over bright colors like white and yellow.
Waterproof Rain Jacket
Given that mountain gorillas are in mountainous areas and rainforests, rains are expected almost at any time of the day irrespective of the season. Having a waterproof rain jacket with you, or a poncho is important to protect you from the rains in case they fall any time of the day during your gorilla trekking adventure. Apart from a waterproof rain jacket, having a waterproof bag to keep your gadgets is important. Gadgets like phones, cameras, and camera equipment, binoculars should be kept from the rains safely in the waterproof bag.
Garden Gloves
Another of the gorilla trekking equipment to pack includes garden gloves; water proof garden gloves. Waterproof gardens shall help you have a strong grip on your hiking stick during your gorilla trekking adventure. Garden gloves also help you protect your hands from insects and prickly plants, as well as protect you from getting scratched.
Apart from the above elaborated gorilla trekking equipment, other essentials of gorilla trekking include cameras to take good photos during gorilla trekking, insect repellent creams, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, as well as energy giving snacks. You can hire a porter and get a walking stick to help you while on your gorilla trekking adventure.
A gorilla trekking safari is an amazing safari experience that you can enjoy in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo anytime of the year. Get in touch with a knowledgeable safari operator like Focus east Africa Tours to help you pitch an amazing gorilla trekking safari experience. You can combine your gorilla trekking safari with a Tanzania safari tour, Kenya safari tour or even with Zanzibar for a relaxing beach holiday.
