Gorilla Trekking Packing List: What to Pack for your Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla Trekking Packing list guidelines: Knowing about the essential Gorilla trekking packing list requirements or checklist for a Uganda Gorilla Safari or Rwanda Gorilla Tour is paramount when planning for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda. You have paid for your gorilla tour, gorilla permits, transport and accommodation and you need to be sure of what to wear or put on your gorilla trekking safari in terms of shoes and clothes and to make sure that you have packed the right gorilla trekking gear for the gorilla safari.
Gorilla trekking clothes and what to wear cut across for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. The advice we have provided below is for gorilla trekking and one might need more if they have wildlife safaris as an additional.
What to Pack For Gorilla Trekking
Trekking Boots
Among the most important items that should be included in one’s gorilla trekking gear are hiking boots. Gorilla trekking involves trekking/hiking in search for the endangered mountain gorillas and due to the nature of the forest plus the altitude and terrain, they need light weight hiking boots for this activity.
Gloves
While trekking the gorillas in the forest which can get slippery and somehow you need to hold on something just in case of sliding and given that there are high chances of touching some itching plants, trees or even climbing trees which may get you harmed, you need these gloves to protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands.
Rain Jacket
A rain jacket in your gorilla trekking packing list is a must. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rain forest which means that you can never tell when it is going to rain so you need a rain jacket in order to be protected from rain. Visitors prefer traveling in drier months of June, July, August and beginning of September and try to avoid rainy seasons of March, April and May but being a tropical rain forest, it can rain any time. Therefore a rain jacket must be included for a gorilla trekking tour.
Long Trousers and long Sleeved Shirts/Blouse
You must have a long trouser and long sleeved shirt/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. Kakhi and Jean trousers are highly preferred.
Hand Sanitizers and Face Masks
Masks and hand sanitizers are essential for a successful gorilla trekking safari tour in Uganda and Rwanda given the current Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. This is to ensure maximum safety for your self,those around you and the animals.
Drinks and Snacks
To succeed in your gorilla trek which lasts for over 30 minutes to eight hours, you need a certain level of fitness. It’s for this reason that we advise that you carry some energy giving drinks/ snacks such as supplements. This can come in form of packed lunch and lots of drinking water which can be packed at your lodge or bought from supermarkets both in Uganda and Rwanda.
Camera and extra batteries
Taking a photo of these wonderful creatures is a must and is an important component of your safari. This means that you make sure that you have your camera ready with charged batteries and for precaution you should carry extra batteries as you will need to take as many photographs in the one hour you will have with the gorillas. Please ensure that your flash is switched off while taking gorilla photographs.
Hat and Sun Glasses
To care of the hot season and some abrupt hot days, please carry a hat to protect you from the strong sun rays. Sun glasses too should be carried as extra options.
Binoculars
A safari is all about you having a clear view of everything and having in mind that Bwindi Impenetrable National park is home to over 350 birds, chimpanzees, black and white colubus monkeys among other primates, forest elephants and buffaloes, you will need a binocular during your trek so that you can have a chance to spot some of the above.
Porters for your Gorilla Trekking
As earlier noted Gorilla Trekking can be tiring and thus you will need an extra hand to push you a little bit. This is why we advise all our clients to take a porter for their gorilla trekking. These porters go for a fee but it is worth it and optional. Remember that by paying some money to hire a porter, you will have contributed to developing a community indirectly.
For a detailed Uganda healthy travel packing list,read through the CDC recommended healthy travel packing list
Contact us for information, inspiration and price quotation for a gorilla trekking safari tour to Rwanda or Uganda