What To Pack For Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking is an interesting and fun activity and one needs to prepare in order to get the best experience. After paying for your gorilla permit, the following items should not miss on your packing list.
Comfortable hiking shoes
Mountain Gorillas are found in steep muddy slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Volcanoes National Park; it involves hiking through the thick forest. You will need comfortable and light hiking shoes for this activity. This is one of the main necessities that should not miss on your list. They will help you to ease this wonderful adventure.
Rain Jacket
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where gorilla trekking takes place in a tropical rain forest, therefore, it receives rainfall throughout the whole year. The rain in the park is unpredictable so you are advised to carry a rain jacket be it in the dry or wet season for Uganda. This should also be the same for Congo and Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.
Garden Gloves
Trekking through the forest involves touching some trees for support. You will be required to wear gloves to protect your hands from scratches, touching poisonous plants or touching the ground in case you slide.
Packed lunch and enough drinking water.
The takes about 2-4 hours depending as you search for the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You will be required to carry packed lunch and enough drinking water to quench the thirst. This is usually provided by the accommodation facility where u spend the previous night before the activity. Not forgetting some energy giving snacks as supplements. They can be bought in Uganda or Rwanda ask your guide to take you to a nearby supermarket on your way to the park.
Long-Sleeved Shirts/Blouse/trousers
In the forest there are a number of harmful insects which can bite you and shrubs which can scratch your body to avoid these, you are required to wear long-sleeved clothes. They will also help you keep warm throughout the trek.
Cameras and extra batteries
Carry a camera that takes quality photos and extra rechargeable batteries to avoid any inconveniences. One should not miss taking photos of a gorilla during the trekking. However, the flashlight is prohibited when taking photographs.
Pair of Binoculars
For clear and exceptional views of Bwindi Impenetrable National park, you will need binoculars especially the birds. The park is endowed with a variety of flora and fauna, there are 350 birds, chimpanzees, black and white Colobus monkeys among other primates and buffaloes. You can have an opportunity to see some of those during the trek.
Sunscreen lotion, hat, sunglasses, and Insect repellant
In case it is hot, to protect yourself from the sun you will be required to carry sunscreen lotion, hat, and sunglasses.
Optional
Porters
In case you cannot manage to trek the gorillas on foot because it can be sometimes tiresome. There are porters available to help you soothe your trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The porters are able-bodied people from the local communities and they charge a fee which helps them to pay their school fees. Through using a porter you will also be indirectly contributing to community development.
Engagi Safaris is a reliable tour operator, with professional staff. Our tour consultants are well trained with a passion, to help you understand all the details about the safaris you wish to inquire about.We have the best drivers and guides who are very highly skilled and knowledgeable about all aspects of tourism, and you can be rest assured that you will have a wonderful experience.
