What to carry for your Gorilla Trekking adventure- Book a Gorilla trekking trip to Uganda and Rwanda
What to carry for your Gorilla Trekking adventure. Preparing for gorilla trekking is a crucial part of your safari to Uganda and Rwanda. This is so because Gorilla trekking is one of the major and most exciting activities that shouldn’t be missed by any traveler on a safari through Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking activity involves tourists moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. In Uganda gorilla trekking is done in two destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park while in Rwanda gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes national park.
What to carry for your Gorilla Trekking adventure
The Gorilla trekking experience.
In all the gorilla trekking destinations, the gorilla trekking adventure starts very early in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing about the rules and regulations on gorilla trekking. After the briefing is done, tourists are divided into groups of 8 people, and each group is then allocated a gorilla family to trek and this is based on the booked sector for your gorilla trekking. After all, is done, experienced park guides well conversant with gorilla trekking trails are then allocated to your group. Gorilla trekking in both destinations can take any time between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas were last seen the previous day in search of food. While on the trekking journey in search of the gorillas, you will be able to view different bird species, other primates, and plant and tree species. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you are allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which allows you to learn about their behaviors, and habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos, and record videos.
Below is a list of things you must carry for your gorilla trekking safari.
Light waterproof jacket.
Gorilla trekking in all destinations that’s volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable national park, and Mgahinga gorilla national park is done in tropical rainforests which means it can rain any time of the day regardless of the season therefore the light waterproof jacket is very key. It will protect you from rainfall during the trekking adventure.
Hiking boots
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is done in tropical rainforests following trails that are usually steep and muddy. Hiking boots will protect your ankles and also keep your feet dry they will help you walk in the forest for long hours without getting stuck or slipping.
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts
Long sleeved shirt and trousers will keep you warm especially during morning hours as it’s always cold and also protects you from biting insects, thorny plants, and stinging nettles that can damage your skin during trekking.
A sweater or Jumper
Gorilla destinations that are Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, and Volcanoes national park usually get cold at night while at the lodge and early morning hours during trekking therefore a warm sweater will keep you warm.
Garden gloves
The garden gloves will protect you from germs, stinging nettles, and thorny plants during gorilla trekking in that the gorilla trails are usually wet, muddy, and slippery, especially during the wet season hence you might hold onto plants for support.
A hat
This will help to prevent your hair from getting stuck in tree branches, especially the women’s, and also protect you from the sun and rain.
Sunglasses
These will help to protect you from direct sunshine during trekking in the dry season.
Light waterproof backpack
Carry and keep your gorilla trekking items dry during gorilla trekking such as insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and energy snacks among others.
Insect repellent
To protect you from biting insects during gorilla trekking and also while at the lodge such as mosquitos and tsetse flies.
Other things to pack when going gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda include
Camera and extra batteries to take photos during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. However, when taking photos, the flashlight should be turned off to avoid making the mountain gorillas agitated.
A pair of binoculars
A pair of binoculars will help you to have a clear view of the mountain gorillas at a distance and other wildlife species such as birds, mammals, and butterflies among others which will be encountered during your gorilla trekking activity.
Energy snacks
Energy snacks like packed lunch from the lodge and drinking water will keep you hydrated during trekking because gorilla trekking takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located.
Contact us with any inquiries about gorilla trekking safaris through Uganda and Rwanda.
