What To Pack During Gorilla Trekking Safari | Gear

Items To Pack During Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla tracking safari parks in Uganda are situated in the cold South Western Corner of the Uganda and Rwanda in the North eastern part of Rwanda. This is a volcanic dominated area with mountain ranges like Muhabura Mountain, Karisimbi Mountain, Bisoke Mountain, Gahinga Mountain and Sabyinyo Mountain that form a dense mountain network. This area is extremely cold and misty almost through out the day so you need to be advised on what to carry s your wear to prevent getting cold. At times the temperatures drop as low as 9 degrees centigrade and rain is received unexpectedly so all this calls for prior notice of what to pack for your gorilla trekking safari. Below is a list of what to pack on a gorilla trip

Long sleeved shirt and trouser

This area is known for experiencing cold temperatures almost through out the year therefore a few long sleeved shirts and trousers would be a better option. While in the forest, there are piercing objects and biting nestles that may get onto your skin so you need to wear long trousers and sleeved shirts to protect your skin from any damage in the wilderness. Even the way is quite boggy so you need to pack dull coloured clothes that can be easily washed.

Water proof simple and soft bag, rain coat or poncho

During gorilla trekking, it may rain suddenly and remember in the wilderness there is no shelter or you need to catch up with time since you do not know when you are to find the gorillas and where they are. You need to park any of the above to protect your self and other items like the cameras from getting so wet and cold. The soft bag can be used to carry all your items

Hiking water resistant boots

Mountain gorillas live in a volcanic dominated area and majority live on the slopes of the mountain t making the way quite steep. This forested area is a catchment for a net work of rivers that support the community and besides the geology is impermeable causing a wet ground always. You are required to wear boots that can try helping you not to slip off the ground. You also need to be slightly physically fit to complete the trek.

Insect repellent

This being a wild forest, there are sever biting nettles that may injure your skin so to feel confirmable, you need to carry an insect repellent.

Camera

Gorilla trekking is a memorable adventure but you only carry memories of it and leaves the gorillas in the wilderness therefore as a souvenir, you need to carry a camera to take photographs. The best souvenir that will remind you of this great encounter with the huge jungle apes. The camera must be sound proof and flash less because these animals easily get agitated and freighted by light and unusual sounds.

Garden Gloves

On the way to see the mountain gorillas, there are over bent tree branches and other plants that may be thorny or slipper so you need garden gloves to assist you in getting hold of these branches.

Sun glasses.

These protect your eyes from the penetrating sun rays, drops of water from the tree leaves and flying insects that may fall into them.

Energy bites

These help you to carry on since you are not sure at what time you expect to see the gorillas. They also keep you busy and not hungry.

A wide brimmed hat would also be of importance to protect your head and hair

A walking stick can be hired before the start of the trek.

Hard Cash

It is wise to have some hard cash on you to be changed into the local currency to pay and purchase some items that you wish to buy while on your tour. Although credit cards are used by some entities in Uganda or Rwanda, they are not commonly accepted and used. Transfer of funds takes long to be confirmed and money also delays to get to the account of the purchasing entity yet it has to be used immediately. This hassle makes it hard to use credit cards.