What to pack for a Gorilla Trekking safari

What to pack for a Gorilla Trekking safari

Gorilla trekking safari are a very much sought after activity in the Eastern African countries that is Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic republic of Congo. The mountain gorillas are among the endangered species and there is an estimated population of about 1,000 individuals left in the entire world and these are the only countries where they are found and can be visited. The mountain gorillas of the Democratic republic of Congo are found and visited in the Virunga national park, in Uganda, you can visit them in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest and the Mgahinga gorilla national park and while in Rwanda, you can visit in the Volcanoes national park.

Are you interested in trekking the mountain gorillas in any of the above mentioned countries or have you already booked yourself a mountain gorilla trekking experience in one of these destinations and you are wondering what should not miss out in your luggage, here are a few pointers. The mountain gorilla trekking activity at all the 4 gorilla destinations is flagged of by a briefing from the ranger guides on what to expect while on the activity and also on what code of conduct should be maintained.

On this briefing, the trekkers are expected to be dressed appropriately for the activity and to avoid last minute confusion, it is important to know the appropriate dressing for the mountain gorilla trekking. A number of times guests have been seen dressed unprepared for the activity in sandals or shorts pack right and enjoy your experience in the forest.

Guests booked for a mountain gorilla trekking will need to have or consider carrying the items below for the ideal experience looking for the mountain gorilla family of the day. Guests should also not worry about luggage as there will be a number of porters at the park willing to carry your extra luggage. Guests should also note the terrain of the gorilla destinations differ and that of Bwindi forest and Mgahinga forest are more demanding and are at a higher altitude.

Items to pack for a mountain gorilla trekking experience

The most important item will be the mountain gorilla trekking permit itself. This will be the first clearance for the activity and you will also need your passport copy especially in the Volcanoes national park as your permit will have to be corresponding with your passport. This means once a permit is purchased in your names, only you can use that permit for the activity.

Dressing appropriately for the activity you are booked for is key so make sure to pack a great pair of hiking boots. Sneakers will not do the job for you majorly because of the terrain will need hiking shoes with a good grip of the ground. The parks are all located in rain forests so expect to make your way through mud and hike some hilly points. The hiking shoes of choice should be ones you have used before to avoid disappointment and they should also be of good quality to avoid slipping or twisting your ankle on the experience.

Being forested land, you will make your way through bushes thus the need for full clothing and this means long sleeved tops and long trousers or socks and these are mainly to protect the skin from rubbing against plants that may irritate your skin.

You will need to also pack some sweaters, rain jackets or a rain coat especially in the rainy season as the rains are expected any time of the day. The mountain gorilla destinations are all located in rain forests so even in the dry seasons; rains are experienced so ensure to not leave them behind. The areas are also usually cold especially in the night so you will need to keep warm.

Gloves would be a great addition to your luggage as they will help you make your way through the forest incase you need to make way through tree branches or hold onto a tree branch for support. They also aid in your constant use of the hiking stick. If you have a hiking stick, you can pack it but the reception where the briefing happens always has hiking sticks for hire.

A hat/cap, sunglasses and sunscreen plus sanitizer are a must have in your go-to bag as they will all serve a purpose when need arises and this is very common in the dry season when the temperatures are high. Also wipes and other sanitary products should not be left behind as you head out for the wilderness.

Snacks will definitely come in handy if the gorilla trek goes longer than anticipated if the gorilla family of the day is far. You will also need some drinking water so don’t forget to carry that water bottle and fill it up before you enter the forest.

A camera with a number of batteries is an essential must carry to capture and keep memories of the experience or to even photos to share with the world. You can take as many photos and videos but these should all be without a flash or even so that you do not agitate the gorillas.

Binoculars can also be carried along if you are interested in birding as you can hit two birds with one stone that is do some birding as you trek in search for the mountain gorillas.

If you have certain medicines, it will be best you do not leave them behind incase you find yourself needing to take a pill while in the forest. You can hire a porter at the briefing point to help you with your luggage if need be. Also other items, you shouldn’t forget are travel maps, insurance, ATMs with some small cash in the local currency.

With the above items, you will be ready to trek the mountain gorillas for this once in a lifetime experience.