The packing list for gorilla trekking : It is important for any one intending to trek mountain gorillas to know what to pack. Gorilla trekking is arguably the most exciting wildlife activity in Africa. Mountain gorillas are fascinating creatures because they behave and resemble humans. There are only about 1,000 mountain gorillas remain on earth and they are different from lowland gorillas that are common in zoos and forests of East, Central and West Africa. However, the mountain gorillas are only fond in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo with Uganda having half of the total number of mountain gorillas found in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park. The primates live in groups led by a dominant silverback who ensures that everyone is safe and in order.
Gorilla trekking is an extremely popular and expensive activity but worth every coin. After booking your gorilla tour and leaving the issue of transport, permits and accommodation to your tour operator (Elephant Whispers Safaris), the next thing that comes to mind is how best to prepare and you might ask yourself this question “What should I pack for gorilla trekking?” Because gorilla trekking is an exciting and adventurous activity, you need to go prepared.
Below are some of the items you keep in mind or pack for your gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla trekking permit
Before heading from your gorilla trekking experience, ensure you have your gorilla trekking permit booked at 5 months before your trekking date because they are highly competitive that is why 5 months advance booking is required and it’s also when you are only guaranteed to see the mountain gorillas after purchasing a gorilla permits. If you are traveling for a Uganda safari under a tour company, your consultant will be responsible to purchase this permit. The permit covers your park entry fees, hiking fees and ranger guide fees. The gorilla permit is only valid for one day and once bought, no refund is provided.
On the day of gorilla trekking, ensure to carry along your valid passport or any other identification. Without the required travel documents, you will not be allowed to track the gorillas.
Hiking Boots/shoes
One of the most common mistakes is tourists who do not prepare well for gorilla trekking. During briefing, some of the tourists are seen in simple sandals, white sneakers and shorts which are not suitable for such a demanding activity. It is very important to include hiking boots among the things to pack for gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest or other national parks. High quality hiking boots will ensure a better grip of the hilly and sometimes muddy terrain. Poor quality boots or plain sneakers could hurt your ankles. Always remember that gorilla trekking involves climbing steep hills in areas with high altitude. The trails can get muddy or slippery during the rainy season thus The packing list for gorilla trekking.
Clothing
While deciding on the clothes to pack for gorilla trekking, ensure you include water proof trousers, jackets, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, long socks and long trousers. The right clothing will help protect you from getting wet, sharp tree branches, the sun and insects/ants. Always tack in your trousers to your boots to prevent safari ants and other insects from entering your body. Other clothing to take into consideration while planning your gorilla tour are a pair of shorts for relaxation while back at the lodge and Pajamas for the cold nights. Also include long socks to cover your feet.
A Rain Jacket and sweater
This is an essential item for packing especially during the wet season. Gorillas live in tropical rain forests and rain should be expected at any time regardless of the period of the year. A rain jacket should therefore be on top of your packing list even if you are planning to come in the so called dry season. The sweater will keep you warm during the cold evenings and mornings. The Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga are located in areas of high altitudes with several volcanoes on the horizon which release cold winds and mist.
Good Gardening Gloves:
Garden gloves will help you hold trees, branches and other vegetation. The gloves will also protect your hands from scratches and insect bites. As we already noted earlier, the forest can get muddy and slippery. The gloves will help you hold tree branches when climbing or the ground in case you slide. Gloves are a must in any packing list for gorilla trekking.
Toiletries:
These are not only important during gorilla trekking but also for general safaris in other national parks. The toiletries include like toilet paper in case you want to ease yourself during a long gorilla trek. Most hotels do not provide toothbrushes and pastes. You need to also come with your own sanitary pads (ladies), favourite shampoos, deodorants, hand sanitizers, shavers, hair conditioners, lip balm, wipes and lotions.
Headband and Hair Ties: Your hair could get caught in the branches if not properly tied.
A hat, Sun glasses and sun screen:
These will protect you from the suns heat especially during the dry season. These items are also important if you are planning to combine gorilla trekking with a visit to the other national parks with hotter weather.
Snacks, Packed lunch and drinking water:
Gorilla trekking is very unpredictable. It all depends on the location of the gorilla family on the day of the trek. The activity can take between 30 minutes to 6 hours. Trekking for long distances could get you tired and hungry. Your lodge should prepare for you packed lunch or you can choose to park your own energy snacks. Energy giving snacks can also be acquired from supermarkets and specific shops in Rwanda and Uganda. Just make sure that you don’t forget them while living your hotel for the briefing. Also keep in mind that tracking mountain gorillas for long can become exhausting and you will need enough water. Your lodge will provide you with water. Avoid littering the park with plastic bottles.
Walking stick:
To help you manoeuvre through the thick vegetation and steep areas. The sticks are given out for free after the briefing. You can get a higher quality one at a cost from your hotel or preferably through the park rangers. Walking sticks are however, provided at the park.
Camera with strong battery and memory:
You cannot go for a gorilla safari in Africa without a good camera. How will your friends know about your encounters during your safaris? How will you remember the events? Be prepared to take photographs of the gorillas, the beautiful park scenery and spots along your journey. The camera may run out of battery – pack extra batteries. Do not use flash photos while with the gorillas. They will get agitated.
Binoculars:
The parks you will be visiting are not all about gorillas. During you trek, you will encounter several species of birds, forest elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees and colobus monkeys among many others. You can get good views of the birds and primates if you have a good binocular.
Porters:
Porters are helpers for visitors while on a hiking experience. They help tourists carry any extra luggage or heavy cameras during gorilla trekking. They can also give you a helping hand when navigating through steep hills and valleys. Porter can help carry the elderly using special pouches when required.
Porters charge a fee of about $15 and are normally residents of the surrounding areas. By paying for their services, you help the community, their families and make them desist from poaching. Some of the porters are students who are looking for fees to go back to school. We advise all our clients to hire a porter if they are not sure of their fitness level or if it has been determined that the gorilla family moves a lot thus The packing list for gorilla trekking.
Tipping and gratitude:
You are also recommended to prepare some money for tipping the ranger guides, porters, driver and hotel staff (Optional). Reward the park ranger guides for protecting and helping you to find the gorillas, the safari driver for making your journey so comfortable. If you choose to give tips, only do it after the service is offered and only in recognition of exceptional and professional service.
Medication
Most of safari vehicles have first aid equipment but we recommend that visitors bring tablets for water purification, painkillers, any personal medications for medical conditions and allergies. You might also need to bring medicine that reduces pain from insect bites, medicine for flue, diarrhoea, other colds and those that re-hydrate the body. Bandages, Scissors, Tweezers and Eye Drops may also be important during the trip.
Other items:
- Travel insurance
- Emergency telephone numbers
- Travel maps
- Directories and the final itinerary from your tour operator.
- Having money in local currency as it’s also important when you want to tip your Guides or buy souvenir in areas with no credit card machines or ATM’s. To keep your money safe, acquire a money belt.
