What to pack for gorilla trekking /what should I pack for gorilla trekking? / essentials for gorilla trekking/gorilla trekking gear. Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought after Africa safari experiences that travelers look to include in their much anticipated Africa safari tour any time of the year. Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves hiking through the sense rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo which make up the Virunga massifs. Mountain gorillas are a rare and endangered primate species that can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas up until 2018 were critically endangered. With now about over 1000 mountain gorillas traversing these 3 counties, mountain gorillas are now only listed as endangered thanks to the conservation efforts of the different government bodies responsible for the conservation of the countries’ national parks like Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), as well as the different stakeholders of tourism including Gorilla Doctors among others.
Mountain gorillas can only be found in Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda. Of all the mountain gorilla population, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda hosts over half the population.
As you look to embark on your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo, below are the different essential gorilla trekking gear to pack;
Comfortable Sturdy Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Comfortable hiking shoes, well-fitting and with a good grip are recommended to pack for your gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and The Congo. It is advised that the shoes reach your ankles so that they give you stability and good balance whilst trekking through the rainforest in the rugged terrain. The grounds can also be slippery and wet, and with stinging insects and thorny plants these shoes should be able to protect you.
Cotton Socks
Be sure to carry long cotton socks that you can tuck into the long trousers such that you prevent the biting safari ants, and fire ants from crawling up into your body.
Garden Gloves
Garden gloves should be packed for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo; and especially in Uganda given the dense forest cover of the Bwindi Impenetrable national Park. The garden gloves shall be able to protect your hands not only from germs but also thorny plants that you may hold onto whilst hiking through the rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas.
Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers
Another of the essential things to pack for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and The Congo are long sleeved shirts and trousers. For the fact that the mountain gorillas live in high altitude areas, the gorilla trekking destinations are usually cold in the morning and at night and thus long sleeved shirts and trousers are advised to pack for your gorilla trekking safari. The long sleeved shirts and trousers also protect you from the thorny plants in the rainforest as you trek through the rainforests.
Lightweight Rain Jacket/Poncho
A rain jacket/poncho helps to protect you for when the rains fall while on your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These gorilla destinations are rainforests that can receive rains at any point in time despite the season.
Warm Sweater
Carry a warm sweater or shawl to keep you warm during the cold times whilst in the park; not only while gorilla trekking but also at the lodge.
Waterproof Back Pack
A waterproof backpack is advised to carry that it can store your important documents and gadgets like phones, camera and the like, that even if it rains while you are on the trek they are protected.
Gaiters
For especially travelers doing gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, packing leg gaiters is recommended. Gaiters help keep the critters away from getting underneath your socks and trousers.
Wide brim hat and sunscreen should also be carried for use whilst on a gorilla trekking safari. Waterproof hat would be more ideal.
Insect Repellent
Be sure to carry repellent creams or spray that you can use to protect oneself while in the park, and generally while on your safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and The Congo and beyond.
Camera and Extra Batteries
For your keepsake, be sure to carry a good camera with extra batteries that you are able to take as many pictures and videos of the gorillas and the whole experience that you can look back to and be amazed. Remember not to use a flash camera while in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
First Aid Kit
Have a first aid kit that contains a number of your necessary medical stuff including prescribed anti-diarrhoea medicines, allergies, painkillers, liniment, bandages, and so much more; that should you get any kind of injury say a cut you can easily work on it fast and quick.
A walking Stick
A walking stick is highly recommended to help support you when trekking up and down the steep and slippery slopes of the rainforests. These walking sticks can be got at the briefing points free of charge [you need not pack it from all the way!].
Porters
Gorilla trekking can be a strenuous and with the muddy, slippery grounds and varying altitude, hiring a porter to help you with the pull and push as you hike throughout the rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas. Porters can also carry your backpack that you have less baggage dragging you.
Gorilla trekking is an amazing and unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime Africa safari experience that has had so many past travelers blown away by the whole experience, and encountering the giant and yet gentle mountain gorillas that are a rare and endangered, and can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda and The Congo. b has organised numerous gorilla trekking safaris over the years to satisfied clients. Do not hesitate to reach out for your ultimate gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda or the Congo.
