Gorilla trekking packing list in all gorilla trekking countries
What to pack for gorilla trekking experience, For many visitors, trekking the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and because the dense vegetation, cold temperatures, rugged terrains as well as hilly slopes aren’t like anywhere else, knowing what to pack for the gorilla trekking safaris sometimes becomes challenging for first-time travelers.
However, knowing what to pack for the gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo is important to avoid over packing unneeded things in your suitcase in addition to helping at your most enjoyable time in the Tropical Conditions.
Although Gorilla Trekking tours in the different gorilla destinations have slightly varying experiences, most of these excursions are the same thus require the same packing list. Given our many years’ experience in organizing gorilla trekking tours, we have come up with the ultimate packing list for gorilla trekking experience in the jungles of East-Central Africa, including what to wear during the adventure, the equipment and toiletries to carry and most importantly what to avoid during the gorilla trekking tours.
-
clothing and footwear for gorilla trekking experience
For the clothing to be worn during Gorilla trekking Experience, it has to be lightweight, dry-fit to properly conquer the jungles of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks.
Lightweight safari pants and long-sleeved shirts. Regardless of the weather in the forest, it is advisable to always wear long sleeved shirt and long safari pants for protection against the insect bites and scratches of the jungles.
Sturdy hiking boots and cotton socks. For gorilla trekking experience, the best footwear is hiking boots to safeguard you from insects as well as properly maneuver through the muddy and slippery trails during the wet season.
Lightweight rain jacket. A waterproof, lightweight and hooded rain jacket is handy for the unpredictable rains in the jungles of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park , Virunga national park and Volcanoes National Parks. Also known as a rain poncho, this will offer protection from the rain forest downpours and given the strenuous hikes, the rain jacket has to be lightweight and comfortable.
Warm sweater for the cold mornings and evenings. Never leave out clean and warm sweater for the extremely chilly mornings and evenings in the jungles of Bwindi, Virunga, Volcanoes and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Wide-brimmed Safari hat is fundamental for protection against the Tropical sunshine as well as insects and applies to both seasons. It is advisable to carry a hat with a black flap that will shield your neck from sunburns although you can instead carry a bandana.
-
Toiletries for Gorilla Trekking Experience
A number of toiletries are important for gorilla trekking experience and they include;
Insect repellant, especially DEET Bug Spray is handy for preventing insect bites within the jungles while trekking the mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Before venturing into the forest to search for the endangered mountain gorillas, it is advisable to first spray with the insect repellant.
Also don’t forget to pack medication as well as a copy of your prescription, as it is hard to find drug shops or pharmacies in the remote areas of the forests. For this reason, have your medical supplies but also recommend some antibiotics.
Sunscreen, given the fact that sunshine is part of the Mountain Gorilla habitat and tend to be really hot during the dry season and therefore make sure that the sunscreen is waterproof.
Other must-have toiletries are hand sanitizer, anti-malarial tablets, biodegradable shampoo, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, bathing soap, lotion, dental floss, hand towels, hair conditioner, toilet paper, lip stick, nail clipper, shaver, cotton swab, hair brush/comb, shower gel, shaving gel and so much more.
-
Important accessories and gadgets for Gorilla Trekking
The important accessories and gadgets for gorilla trekking include;
Binoculars. In the Mountain gorilla natural habitat, there are also wonderful chances of seeing phenomenal diversity of other wildlife, butterflies as well as bird species that can be best spotted with binoculars, hence it is important to carry one.
Carry a digital camera with extra batteries as well as memory space, because the Jungles of East-Central Africa where mountain gorillas are found also offer jaw-dropping opportunities of seeing stunning sceneries, jungle sunsets as well as exceptional flora and fauna.
Have a waterproof and comfortable day pack for carrying items needed for the gorilla trekking experience. Besides that, pack sunglasses for protection against the sun’s UV rays, flashlight because not all Safari Lodges provide them for moving after dark and also don’t forget cash for shopping, souvenirs and cash.
Of the things that you shouldn’t pack for gorilla trekking experience, they are tight clothing, clothing with bright colors, makeup, sweets and candies, your work laptop because it is time for adventure not work, high-heel shoes, shorts, to mention but a few.
