What to pack for your Gorilla Trekking Trip
Booking your gorilla trekking adventure with an experienced travel agent means that every aspect is taken care of – from the moment you enquire to the time you go gorilla trekking. With your gorilla permits, transportation, and accommodation all pre-arranged, the only thing left to do before your trip with the mountain gorillas is to pack.
Here are some of the items you need to pack on your gorilla trekking trip
Long-sleeved shirt or blouse
The vegetation in the all gorilla trekking national parks is thick, with wild and spiky plants. Long-sleeved clothing not only keeps you cool in the sun but also keeps insects out of your garments and off your skin.
Walking boots
The Virunga Mountain is a chain of volcanoes in East Africa, along the northern border of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is made up of numerous extinct and active volcanoes. Although the environment varies across the Virungas, bamboo and montane forest predominate, making trekking through this dense and thick flora difficult at times. Lightweight walking boots are required, and they will undoubtedly make the trek easier and more comfortable for you on your trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It is essential to wear comfortable walking shoes, why? Each trek varies in length depending on where the gorilla family is, but you could potentially walk for hours before finding them.
Long safari trousers
Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is another hustle, we recommend our visitors to wear long safari trousers, because of the thick vegetation, wild tree branches, and bushes which they may encounter on their way to see the gentle giants.
Camera
During your time with the gorillas, photography is mandated and encouraged. You will be briefed on the safety of capturing images prior to your trek, such as the distance you should keep and factors to keep in mind while attempting to acquire the perfect photo. While attempting to capture a memorable shot with the giant mountain Gorilla or a silverback.
Garden glove
Trekking through the dense forests can be difficult at times, due to the slick ground and dense flora. Wearing gloves protects your hands from any sharp vegetation or stinging plants that may scratch your hands, as well as supporting you if you fall during your trek in search of the gentle giants.
Raincoat or a Jacket
As a tropical forest, the weather in all gorilla trekking national parks can be unpredictable, so bring a rain jacket or a light raincoat. Waterproof pants, jackets, and backpacks are recommended during the rainy season (April and May), while a lightweight waterproof jacket should be throughout the dry season (June to October).
Hat and sunglasses
The hat and sunglasses will protect you from direct strong sun rays, find a good hat, hats with a 2-3-inch brim are best for protecting areas often exposed to the intense sun such as your nose, forehead, and ears.
Insect Repellent
It is important to pack insect repellent which is strong; Africa is home to all kinds of bugs – you will need to pack strong insect repellent like RID or Deet to enjoy a scratch-free trip to Africa.
Two Face masks
We share 95% DNA with the gentle giants, it is highly recommended to conserve these primates for future generations, a face mask is mandatory during the presence of mountain gorillas.
