How Best to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking?

How Best to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking? The main routes in Uganda and Rwanda for ‘Gorilla Tracking’ are typically in better shape/condition, but a touch sluggish. Now, some/most of these roads are quite sluggish and rough, particularly as they approach Uganda’s gorilla areas. As a result, 4×4-wheel drive vehicles are always suggested for certain roads, especially during rainy seasons.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about an 8-hour journey from Kampala/Entebbe. This journey provides you a broad glimpse of African life in the areas/places you travel through, proceeds through the lovely green Pearl of Africa, crosses the Equator (where you may pause and snap photos if time permits)

Another option is to travel from Entebbe to Bwindi, for which a round-trip ticket is available. The Aerolink Uganda flight costs $450 and takes roughly 1½ hours. You will fly across the Lake Victoria Islands in Uganda’s southwest. Transfer time from Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi is around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on where you want to hike gorillas from.

If you are short on time and dislike long road trips, a flight to Rwanda (Kigali) and a short road trip are the best options to consider. The travel to Ruhengeri (Virunga) Volcanoes National Park, where Rwanda’s mountain gorillas live, takes 2 hours on decent roads from Kigali (Rwanda’s capital). It is feasible to fly to Kigali and then drive over the border to Uganda to view mountain gorillas. This option will make you take less time on road than travelling from Kampala.

Choose a Gorilla Trekking Destination.

When preparing for gorilla trekking, you will need to take into consideration where or which destination you want to track gorillas from. There are four gorilla trekking destinations that you can consider; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda.

Each gorilla national park offers you a unique gorilla trekking experience and you will be able to create wonderful lifelong memories during your gorilla safari. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda holds the record for having the highest number of mountain gorillas than any other gorilla national park in Rwanda and Congo which makes it the best destination for gorilla trekking safaris in the world.

When you get to track mountain gorillas in all three counties i.e Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you will get to have a different experience of each gorilla park and gorilla families in the parks; hence giving you the ultimate unique gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla trekking is a renowned and pricey pastime, but it is well worth it. After booking your gorilla trip and leaving transportation, permits, and housing to your tour operator, the next question that arises is how to best prepare.

What to pack for Gorilla Trekking?

You may be wondering, “What should I pack for gorilla trekking?”  Even though gorilla trekking is a fascinating and adventurous activity, you must be well equipped. Tourists who have not adequately prepared for gorilla trekking are one of the most prevalent blunders we see in our experience operating safaris. During the briefing, we notice several people wearing basic sandals, white trainers and shorts, which are inappropriate for such a strenuous sport.

Sturdy Hiking Boots.

Hiking boots are essential items to bring while going gorilla trekking in Bwindi or other national parks. Hiking boots of high quality will provide a greater grip on the rough and often muddy terrain. Poor quality boots or basic trainers may cause ankle pain. Always keep in mind that gorilla trekking entails ascending steep slopes in high-altitude settings. During the wet season, the trails may become muddy or treacherous.

Wear Appropriate Clothing.

When packing for gorilla trekking, be sure to bring water-resistant pants, jackets, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, long socks, and long trousers. The proper attire will prevent you from being wet, as well as against sharp tree branches, the sun, and insects/ants.

Always tack your pants to your boots to keep safari ants and other insects off of your body. Other things to consider while preparing your gorilla trip are a pair of shorts for relaxing at the lodge and pajamas for the cold nights. Include long socks to keep your feet warm.

Raincoat/ Jacket.

This is a must-pack item, especially during the rainy season. Rainfall should be expected at any time of year since gorillas live in tropical rain forests. Even if you are visiting during the so-called dry season, a rain jacket should be at the top of your packing list.

During the cold evenings and mornings, the jumper will keep you warm. The Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga are high-altitude places with multiple volcanoes on the horizon that emit chilly winds and mist.

Other items to carry with you on your gorilla trekking safari include; toiletries, binoculars, gloves, sunscreen, camera and extra batteries, a hat and sun glasses among others.

In Summary; Always remember that having Porters to help you carry any additional luggage is highly suggested. For further information on how porters might be used, please see our page on gorilla trekking for the elderly.