How To Dress For Gorilla Trekking Safari
How To Dress For Gorilla Trekking Safari : When travelers are preparing to go gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda, one of the most common issues they have is what to wear or how they should prepare for the stroll. Finding appropriate outdoor attire is not too difficult for seasoned hikers, but for many for whom the gorilla trek offers an exceptional opportunity to travel into the jungle, choosing the appropriate clothes requires careful consideration. Continue reading this article to know more on how to dress for gorilla trekking safari.
I go over what to wear in the gorilla highlands of Rwanda and Uganda below to ensure a pleasant and safe trekking safari.
Sleeved shirt – lightweight breathable.
To prevent insect bites and pricks from rough or prickly plants, you must wear a shirt with long sleeves. The real threat in the rainforest is stinging nettles; just a small brush with one of their leaves will cause your skin to flare up. When a stinging nettle is spotted, guides will make an effort to identify it for you.
For your body to stay cool and fresh during the trek’s heat, you should also think about wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.
Long pants/trousers.
Long sleeves and trousers will shield your legs from abrasions and insects that are always attempting to get up your leg. Depending on the weather, the long pants can offer protection from mud and dust.
Neutral colors (khaki) – nature blending colors.
Select colours that merge naturally or are neutral. Vibrant hues like red are readily detected by wildlife, particularly birds, which will take flight. In the meantime, as insects are drawn to dark hues, you may find yourself having to constantly fend off insects that are hanging around, which will be very inconvenient.
Hiking shoes.
Many people who have tried to hike with gorillas while wearing office shoes, heels, Crocs or slippers have had a terrible time. Hiking or trekking boots with strong traction are essential if you plan on navigating uneven terrain, which can become quite slippery after rain. For the inexperienced, a mid- to high-cut would be best to safeguard your ankles.
If you are accustomed to wearing your trainers for trekking, they might be perfectly fine.
Rain jacket.
This is very vital if you will be trekking during the rainy season (March to May & Oct to Dec), but it is also not unusual to experience irregular rains even during the dry season. You are gorilla trekking in a rainforest on a highland so expect rain any time and have a rain jacket on you.
Gaiters or long socks.
Pants guards will shield your pants from dirt and prevent insects from hiding beneath them. Carry long socks so you can tuck your pants in if you can’t find gaiters.
Hat/cap or hood.
It is imperative to wear a helmet or cap to shield your head from small particles. Additionally, it gives your face shade. Should a cap be unavailable, a hood would also be helpful.
Garden gloves.
You will eventually need to use your hands to push bushes and tree branches out of the way, so protecting them is helpful but not absolutely necessary. In the frigid forest of the mountains, they also keep you warm.
