What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking | Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
What to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda , Rwanda and Congo : One of the most important aspects of gorilla trekking experience is the packing list, this topic covers what to consider when packing for this once-in a life time experience on the African continent.
Mountain gorillas are one of the most exciting wildlife species in Africa, these primates are very rare and declared endangered, however due to tremendous conservation efforts. The population of mountain gorillas has increased with approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the world, mountain gorillas are found in two populations. One is found in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda and the second population is found in Virunga Conservation Area comprising of Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in DR.Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla national park in Uganda.
Generally, the endangered mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo with Uganda hosting half of the world’s largest gorilla population in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national park.
Visiting the endangered mountain gorillas is one of the most sought for experiences in the world and is only offered in Africa on what is referred to as gorilla trekking, gorillas live in groups and the groups visiting on this experience have undergone the habituation experience which has made then familiar to human presence.
Gorilla trekking is a very popular activity, those it rendered expensive due to the high price of the gorilla permits. The experience is worth every penny, after booking you gorilla experience. So as to be ready for the experience, the next question which pops up in the mind of tourists is what I should pack for gorilla trekking?
This article lists things to pack during gorilla trekking experience, note that gorilla experience trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo share the same gorilla trekking rules and regulations.
Also note that , the landscape in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Virunga national park are different from that of Mgahinga Gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park, Mgahinga and the Volcanoes national park lie in higher altitudes which makes them colder than Bwindi.
Packing list for Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo
- Gorilla permits and Passport
To participate in gorilla trekking experience, you are required to present your gorilla permit and valid passport and the park’s offices before the trek starts, also valid travel documents and a visa are required. It is not safe to travel with a passport that is about to expire, your passport should be valid for at least 3 months from the dates of your gorilla trekking.
A yellow fever card showing that you took the yellow fever shots is required.
- Hiking Boots
A pair of comfortable and fitting hiking books is very important item on your packing list to Uganda, Rwanda DR.Congo, gorilla trekking destinations have a hilly landscape with steep and slippery trails used during the hike which calls for a need for a high quality hiking boots.
Poor quality boots or plain sneakers could hurt your sneakers during the hike.
- Clothing
Clothing is a vital aspect in your packing list for gorilla trekking, when decided the clothes to pack, ensure that you include water proof trousers, jackets, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, long socks and long trousers.
The right clothing will offer you protection from sharp tree branches, biting insects, scotching sun and getting mud during the hike.
During the hike, always tack in your trousers to your boots, this way you will prevent safari ants and other insects from entering your body, other clothing to consider include a pair of shoes for relaxation at the lodge, pajama for the cold nights and long socks to cover your feet.
- A rain Jacket and sweater
Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are dominated by tropical rain forests, rain can be received any time any day regardless of the season, which is why a rain jacket and a sweater should be on top of your packing list.
The sweater will keep you warm during the cold mornings and evenings and the rain jacket will save you from getting wet.
Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park are also located in high altitude areas with several volcanoes on the horizon which release cold winds and mist.
Gloves
Garden gloves are very essential item on your packing list, the gloves will help you get hold of trees, branches and other vegetation and also save you from scratches and insect bites.
Trails in the forest can get muddy and slippery so in case of a slide, the gloves will help you hold tree branches when climbing or while on the ground during the trek.
Toiletries
Toiletries are important not just for gorilla trekking but also for general safaris in other safari destinations, toiletries not to miss in your packing list include toothbrushes and paste (though some hotel and lodges offer it), sanitary pads for ladies, favorite shampoo, deodorants, hand sanitizers, shavers, hair conditioners, lip balm, wipes and lotions.
Headband and Hair Ties
Headband and Hair ties are really important most especially for ladies and tourists with long hair, these will save your hair from being caught in the branches during the trek.
A hat, Sun glasses and sun screen
These will protect you from the sun’s heat most especially during the dry season and day time, these 3 items are more crucial if you are planning to combine gorilla trekking with a safari visit to other national parks in Uganda such as Kidepo Valley national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison Falls national park which have hotter weather conditions.
Snacks, packed lunch and drinking water
Gorilla trekking as a tiresome activity due to the fact that gorillas are so unpredictable, the time taken while looking for mountain gorillas depends on the location of the gorilla family on that day you are trekking. The trek takes between 30 minutes to 6 hours, this trek is long and trekkers end up getting hungry and tired that is why they need snack, packed lunch and bottled mineral water.
Your lodge will prepare for you packed lunch and you pack your own energy snacks which you can buy from supermarkets and specific shops in Uganda, gorilla trekking can become so exhausting and you will need enough water.
Caution: Avoid littering the park with plastic water bottles.
Walking sticks
Walking sticks will help you (trekkers) maneuver through the thick vegetation and steep areas of the parks, walking sticks are offered for free after briefing at the park’s headquarters. However you can get a higher quality walking sticks at a cost from your hotel or through the park rangers.
Camera with strong battery and memory
Memories are best kept in pictures and videos, you cannot go to Africa for a safari without a good camera to capture the amazing sceneries and creatures including the gentle giants “mountain gorillas”.
A good camera will help you remember the event and let your friends known about your encounter during the African safari, while on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. Be prepared to take as many photographs as possible along your journey and the gorillas. Remember to carry extra betters and while in the presence of the mountain gorillas, do not use as your camera with a flash on as the gorillas will get agitated.
Binoculars
Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park have more to see other than mountain gorillas which is why you need to carry binoculars, while on gorilla trekking in the forests you will encounter several species of birds, forest elephants, bush forests, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys among others. With a good binoculars, you will get good views of birds and primates.
Phone Simcard
To stay in contact with your family and friends while on a gorilla safari in Bwindi and Mgahinga, you need to acquire an international Simcard. (Most lodges and hotels in Uganda have free Wi-Fi).
Porters
Porters are very necessary during the gorilla trekking experience as they help tourists carry extra luggage and equipments such as heavy camera, they can also help navigate through the steep hills and valleys.
Porters also help carry the elderly using special pouches when required, porters are normally local residents and they charge approximately 15$. Paying for the porters contributes to help the community.
Tip
Tips for guides, porters, rangers, hotel staff is important, tips are a reward to these people for protecting the gorillas and also makes your journey so comfortable. Most of the people come from poor backgrounds and have families counting on them, if you give them the tips as recognition for exceptional and professional service offered.
Other items (general items) to consider when traveling to Uganda for a gorilla safari include
- Travel insurance
- Emergency telephone numbers
- Travel map s
- Directories
- The final itinerary for your safari/trip from the tour operator
- Some cash in local currencies and in Uganda it is Uganda shillings.
Though, you will be in the jungles of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. Most hotels and lodges have swimming pool with spectacular views of the jungle and African wilderness, so do not forget to carry swimming wear.
