Gorilla trekking packing list
On acquisition of gorilla permits that usually go for $600 for Uganda and $1500 for Rwanda, plus securing transport means and accommodation for your fully paid gorilla safari, packing the right gorilla trekking gear and clothing for your gorilla safari is a prerequisite. Despite the fact that you may need more if your tour is a wildlife safari.
Abacus African Vacations is here to guide through on what to equip yourself with before you set off for your gorilla trekking safari into Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks plus Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
HIKING BOOTS
These are a MUST and one of the most important items to include in your pack as you decide on trekking for the endangered mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Due to the forest cover and the area’s high altitude and terrain, you may need light-weighted hiking boots since you may move longer distances in search for the mountain gorillas.
RAIN JACKET
Within the southwestern parks of Uganda is the Bwindi Impenetrable tropical rain forest. This being a tropical rain forest, this automatically means high chances of rain at any time throughout the year. With all that given, this shows that a rain jacket is one of the paramount items to include on your pack list to safeguard yourself from the heavy rains for better gorilla safari experience.
LONG SLEEVED AND THICK SHIRTS AND BLOUSES
Long sleeved shirts plus jeans and kachi trousers will protect you from the scratching tree braches and leaves. Don’t forget to tack in your trousers in the hiking boots to safe guard you from insects like the safari ants.
GARDEN GLOVES
Just incase it gets rough and tough while on the trek that you may need to hold on to some itchy trees, plants or climbing branches, such gloves will help protect your hands while on your gorilla safari.
CAMERAS AND EXTRA BATTERIES
For proof and creating astonishing memories, photography is an overriding integral in your gorilla trekking safari. Photos with the endangered mountain gorillas are one of the exhilarating photos from your trek. Extra batteries should always be available for your camera.
NOTE: Remember to switch off your flashlights while taking pictures with mountain gorillas.
PAIR OF BINOCULARS
For instances where some breathtaking sceneries can’t be accessed directly and closely, a pair of binoculars will come to your rescue for clear views of everything. While on your gorilla trek, you get chance to view a sundry of other wildlife species that you cannot reach like the vibrant birds, the buffaloes, leopards and many others.
ENERGY GIVING SUPPLEMENTS
Since gorilla treks may take to 2 hours or more, a certain level of fitness may intervene. We advise you carry along with some energy giving supplements as you leave your lodge. These can be bought in Uganda or Rwanda so you have to contact your tour guide incase of anything.
Note that littering within the parks is highly prohibited.
PORTERS FOR YOUR GORILLA TREK
As gorilla treks may sometimes be strenuous and you may need an extra push, we advise you move along with a porter for your gorilla trek. Porters may go for a fee but it is really worth, as this will also contribute directly to development of the community. Nevertheless, this is optional.
SUNGLASSES AND HATS
These too may be option, as it may sometimes get hotter. Hats will protect you from the direct sunlight.
