Ultimate guide of what to pack for gorilla trekking

Ultimate guide of what to pack for gorilla trekking : Gorilla trekking is the major safari activity to do in Uganda while on an African safari, this rewarding and life time adventure offers a face to face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and allows tourists / visitors to learn and observe the behaviors of these gentle giants.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is offered in two beautiful Uganda safari destinations (national parks) that is Bwindi impenetrable national park – a home to half of the world’s gorilla population and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. These two destinations (national parks) are found in the south western region of Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is a very rewarding experience and offer memories to last a lifetime, however to fully enjoy the experience. You need to be prepared for the activity and in so doing, you need to have a proper packing list for gorilla trekking.

Uganda as a country has a warm tropical climate, however mountain gorillas live at high altitudes of South Western Uganda where temperatures drop quite a lot at a night and remains cold into the early morning. Day time hours are generally humid, chilly and mist, also the rain is common throughout the year regardless of the season (whether dry season or rain season).

Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park are dominated by thick tropical rainforest and they have a hilly rugged landscape making the hiking not to be a gentle one. There are no well defined pathways amidst the jungle that is why the guides and porters regularly use machetes to hack through the jungle to clear a pathway for the trekkers. Trails in the jungle used for gorilla trekking are steep and slippery, during the hike expect to scramble over logs, rocks and grabbing onto the vines and creepers which could have thorns. You will also come across streams, stinging nettles and insects such as soldier and fire ants among others.

To fully enjoy mountain gorilla trekking experience, you need proper clothing and right items which should not miss in your packing list, here is list to right clothing to guide you when packing for gorilla trekking experience.

Long trousers

A pair of water – resistant long trousers are a must have for a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla national park, a long trouser will save you from insect crawling up your legs and biting you, scratches form thorny, getting wet and mud. Your trousers should ideally be tucked into your socks or boots

 Along – sleeved shirt

Long sleeved shirts are ideal for gorilla trekking experience to help protect you from the cold during the colder hours of trekking, protecting you from insect bites and scratches from vines.

The ideal color of shorts should be a neutral color such as Khaki, green or light colors, you should avoid bright colors such as neon pink parka, blue and black as they can attract insects such as tsetse flies.

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots

A good fitting pair of hiking boots is the most important item not to miss in your packing list for a gorilla trekking experience, sneakers and sandals are not ideal for a gorilla trek since paths used for the trek are muddy, slippery and as a trek you need to have a good traction while hiking.

Well fitting hiking boots provide trekkers with proper support for your ankles, balance, stability and protection against thorns and insects.

Thick socks

A good pair off thick socks are a must have as they provide warmth during the coldness of early morning at the start of the trek, as a trekker you should tuck your trouser ends into your socks.

Thick socks provide trekkers with protection from insect crawling up your legs and stinging nettles during the trekking.

Hardy gloves

Gardening gloves should not miss in your packing list, these gardening gloves are designed to protect your hands against thorns. During the experience you often have to grab hold of branches and vines as a way of helping yourself up or down the mountainside.

A lightweight rain jacket or poncho

Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national park found in the South west region of Uganda receive rain throughout the year most especially in the morning, because of the rain you need to carry a light weight rain jacket or poccho to keep you and comfortable while trekking.

A wide – brim hat

During the trekking, a wide brim hat will protect you from the intense hat most especially in the afternoon when the morning mist clears. The hat will also offer you protection from rain and flicking branches.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen offers protection for your skin from the sun, in South western Uganda sun rays can be fairly brutal around midday and though your whole body is covered, you need to apply sunscreen on your face. Even during the trekking, carry sunscreen into your backpack for reapplying when necessary.

Insect repellent

The jungles of Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national park host array of biting insects that is why you need to carry good insect repellent such as RID or a citronella based. Also carry the repellent during the trek for reapplying.

Water bottle

 A good, reusable water bottle is very important during gorilla trekking experience, during the trekking expect to sweat a lot and your electrolytes could get low. Remember the more water you take the better, a smaller sized water bottle is perfect for the trekking experience.

Camera

Like it is said, memories are better kept in photos. Though a phone is good enough for taking pictures, having a really good camera is ideal for capturing the life time moments with the gorillas. During the trekking ensure that your phone and camera battery are fully changed (you can charge them a night before). If your camera is battery – operated, you should bring a spare battery.

For photographers, pack all necessary charging cables and international adapter before coming to Uganda for a gorilla trekking experience.

  Malaria prevention medication

Uganda as a country is a high – risk area for malaria, as a traveler, before coming to Uganda you are advised to visit a travel clinic or local doctor about the right prophylaxis for you.

The most common medication for Malaria includes Malarone and Doxycycline.