What To Pack For Gorilla Trek
The packing list for gorilla trekking is an important topic to discuss because everyone hoping to encounter primates must eventually think about what to bring. The gorilla trekking safari is arguably the most exciting wildlife activity in Africa, and hundreds of people travel there each year just to enjoy the gorilla tourism safari.
They are fascinating creatures because of their behavior and similarities to humans. If you read more about mountain gorillas, you will find that they are among the most peaceful and kind primates.
There are only 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world. They are not to be confused with lowland gorillas, which are commonly seen in Central and West African forests and zoos. Only the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are home to mountain gorillas. Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park in Uganda are home to primates. You must visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park; in the Congo, you can see mountain gorillas at the Virunga National Park. The dominating silverbacks that oversee the primate groups ensure that everyone is safe and that everything goes according to plan.
The popular and expensive activity of gorilla trekking safari is well worth the money. The best method to prepare is the next thing that comes to mind after booking your gorilla excursion and entrusting your tour operator with transportation, permits, and accommodations. You might be asking yourself, “What should I pack for gorilla trekking?”
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and courageous pastime, but it also takes preparedness. Being unprepared for gorilla trekking is one of the most common mistakes we observe when doing safaris. We observe that some of the visitors at the briefing are dressed inappropriately for such a demanding sport—casual sandals, white sneakers, and shorts.
We’ve compiled a list of gorilla trekking safari necessities that will improve the whole experience. Remember that if you need help lugging any more luggage, it’s a wonderful idea to hire porters. Read our post on gorilla trekking for the elderly to find out more about the advantages of employing porters. Volcanoes in Rwanda, Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Virunga are among the national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that are covered by this set of rules.
Visitors who have chosen to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to get used to spending time with gorillas are likewise subject to the rules. It’s also important to keep in mind that the terrain of Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks differs from that of Bwindi and Virunga National Parks.
Because of their higher elevations, Mgahinga and the Volcanoes National Park are colder than Bwindi. Since most tourists combine game drives with gorilla visits, we have also included a list for a general wildlife safari in the earlier chapters. You might be interested in the rules for gorilla trekking or the packing list for an African safari.
Packing List for Gorilla Trek: Passport and Gorilla Permits.
You must show your passport and gorilla permit at the park and hotel offices just before your safari begins. Any safari requires a valid visa and travel documentation. Avoid using your passport to travel when it is about to expire.
Without the required travel documents, you won’t be allowed to enter the nation or follow the gorillas. Verify that you have received the yellow fever vaccinations and that you have the card.
Boots for hiking.
When embarking on a gorilla trekking safari excursion in Bwindi or other national parks, hiking boots are a requirement. Better traction on the sometimes muddy and steep terrain is ensured by high-quality hiking shoes.
Simple sneakers or inexpensive footwear could cause injury to your ankles. Remember that going on a gorilla trekking excursion involves climbing challenging alpine terrain. The trails may get muddy or slippery after heavy rain.
Clothing is one item to bring on a gorilla trek.
When packing for a gorilla hike, don’t forget to take items like long sleeves, sweaters, jackets, long pants, long socks, and water-resistant pants. You can protect yourself from the sun, insects, sharp tree branches, and rain by dressing appropriately.
Always tack your pants to your boots to keep insects like safari ants off your body. Remember to include shorts for relaxing around the resort and pajamas for the cold nights while planning your gorilla trip. Remember to wear long socks over your feet.
A sweater and rain jacket.
It’s important to include this item, particularly during the rainy season. In the tropical rain woods where gorillas live, rainfall is anticipated throughout the year. Even if you plan to travel during the dry season, it is still a good idea to have a rain jacket.
On cold mornings and evenings, the jumper will keep you warm. The Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga are located in high-altitude areas and are encircled by numerous volcanoes that produce icy winds and fog.
Gloves are something to bring on a gorilla trek.
Wearing gardening gloves makes handling trees, branches, and other plants simpler. Additionally, the gloves will protect your hands from scratches and insect bites. The forest can become muddy and treacherous, as we have already discussed. When climbing, your gloves will assist you keep your grip on the ground in case you slip or run into tree branches. Gloves must be included in any gorilla trekking packing list.
toiletries.
These are essential for both gorilla trekking and normal safaris in other national parks. The supplies include items like toilet paper in case you need to relieve yourself after a demanding gorilla walk. Generally speaking, hotels do not supply toothbrushes or toothpaste. You should carry your own sanitary pads (for the women) in addition to your favorite shampoos, deodorants, hand sanitizers, shavers, hair conditioners, lip balm, wipes, and lotions.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are essential items for the Gorilla Trek.
These will protect you from the sun’s heat, especially during the dry season. These items are especially essential if you plan to combine your gorilla trekking safari with a trip to another national park with milder temperatures.
Water, snacks, and a packed lunch.
Safaris for gorilla trekking are incredibly unpredictable. The location of the gorilla family on the day of the excursion determines everything. You have between thirty minutes and six hours to finish this challenge. Trekking long distances might lead to hunger and exhaustion. Your lodge should provide a packed supper for you, or you can bring your own energy snacks.
Energy-boosting snacks are also available at supermarkets and specialist shops in Rwanda and Uganda. Just keep these in mind when you’re getting ready for the briefing in your hotel room. Keep in mind that spending a lot of time watching mountain gorillas can be exhausting, and you will need to stay hydrated. You will be given water at your accommodation. Avoid littering the park with plastic bottles.
A walking staff is something to bring on a gorilla trek.
to assist you in navigating the steep parts and thickets. The sticks are given out for free after the briefing. You may buy a better one from your hotel, or even better, from the park rangers.
camera with a powerful memory and battery.
An African safari is impossible without a good camera. How will you describe what you seen on safari to your friends? How are you going to remember it? As you travel, be prepared to take pictures of the gorillas, the breathtaking park environs, and other spots. In case the camera’s batteries run out, keep backup batteries on hand. It is not advised to take flash photos of the gorillas. They’ll become restless.
Binoculars are one item to bring on a gorilla trek.
The places you will be visiting are home to more than just gorillas. Along the way, you may encounter a range of animals, such as birds, chimpanzees, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and forest elephants. You can see the birds and monkeys clearly if you have a decent pair of binoculars.
Other basic considerations include emergency phone numbers, travel insurance, travel guides, directories, and the final itinerary provided by your tour operator. Having local currency on hand is also essential for tipping your guides and buying souvenirs in areas without ATMs or credit card machines. To keep your cash safe, get a money belt.
