PACKING LIST FOR GORILLA TREKKING

When it comes to gorilla trekking, what you pack matters a lot. This primate adventure itself is a unique experience and it isn’t any ordinary nature walks that you have had in savanna grassland protected areas. While packing for this particular adventure, make sure that you start with essential items first whether you plan to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park or Volcanoes National Park. For memorable gorilla experiences, the following items should be a must on your packing list.

Waterproof hiking boots

Gorilla trekking in Uganda, DR Congo or Rwanda is all about hiking through the thick tropical rainforests of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park as well as the steep slopes. Given the kind of this adventure, ordinary shoes won’t work but waterproof hiking boots that are light weight are the best choice. Depending on season that you wish to trek gorillas, it can turn muddy when it rains and one way to get protected from slippery steep slopes and thick rainforest is for you to have waterproof hiking boots. Note, rains can be experienced at any time of the day given the kind of habitat where these creatures thrive from.

Garden gloves

The fact that the trek to see these magnificent primates takes you through the dense vegetation, at one point, you will need to have support especially when you fall off and the only option is the nearby plants of which these can be thorny or very itchy. The best way to get protected from such cases, gardening gloves should be a must on your packing list.

Rain jacket/poncho

Given the nature of gorilla habitat, visitors have to expect to rain at any time of the day whether it is a dry or wet season. This requires you to have a rain jacket or poncho to help protect you from heavy down pour while in the jungles searching for these beautiful creatures. For any plans to visit Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking, a rain jacket should be a must.

Long sleeved shirts

Gorilla treks in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo take you through hiking dense vegetation and while here, you will encounter stinging insects especially ants or perhaps falling tree branches. To safeguard yourself from such situations, you need long sleeved shirts/trousers that you tuck into socks/blouses and others.

Water and snacks

Gorilla treks may last you about 1 to 8 hours and this requires you to physically well. To help boost energy to make a complete hike, you need energy giving snacks and bottled water. Prior leaving the lodge that you will have an overnight stay ensure that you have packed lunch and enough drinking water.

First aid kit

This is significant to have as it will contain your prescribed medicines especially anti-malarial drugs, anti-diarrhea, cold medication, allergy remedies, painkillers, bandages and liniment, antiseptic cream and many more.

Besides, you need insect repellent to help protect yourself from stinging insects-mosquitoes, tsetse flies and others. For this case, you need RID or DEET.

Camera plus additional batteries

With only an hour of magical encounter that you will have, your camera should set and ready for action. However, not any camera is required here but that with no flash light and you need extra batteries to help replace the one that runs short of power and remember that you won’t find electricity and even you won’t find time to charge your camera while inside the forest.

Hat and sun glasses

At times, it can be very hot and a hat can do you some good job and sun glasses for strong sun rays. They may look optional but they significant while you are on gorilla safari.

Gorilla permit

While at the park headquarters, you will be required to present your permit for clearance and this means that you shouldn’t even forget it. Besides, you also need a valid passport and visa at least valid for six months or more.

Others include toiletries, waterproof daypack for your camera, binoculars, documents, packed lunch, long socks, sweaters, long pants and others.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is ideally a lifetime experience and a lot is need of you to make it memorable of which what you pack matters a lot. With the above packing list, we believe that you will have enjoyable and unforgettable primate adventure while you are on safari in Africa.