Gorilla Trekking Essentials
Gorilla Trekking Essentials: The essentials for gorilla trekking are the things that travelers should always have with them when they embark on a journey. Both Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking treks are amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are worth sharing. When it comes to packing basics for your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda, this guide may be very helpful to most guests who are hiking gorillas for the first time.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda‘s Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are options for tourists who wish to see mountain gorillas.
Make sure you have the following Gorilla Trekking Essentials before you go out on your “gorillas in the mist” trekking adventure;
A gorilla trekking permit: Make sure you have a gorilla trekking permit before you start packing and boarding the next trip to Rwanda or Uganda. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking licenses cost USD 1500, while in Uganda, they cost USD 600 per person. Nonetheless, it is typically recommended that tourists use the services of a reputable and authorized tour operator. These businesses typically assist travelers in obtaining hassle-free and speedy gorilla trekking permits. One such business that tourists can utilize to arrange and reserve a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda or Uganda is Budget Gorilla Trekking.
A lightweight raincoat: Since mountain gorillas are forest dwellers, as you are all aware, you can be sure that you will be trekking through the tropical rain forests of Rwanda and Uganda and slicing through branches and twigs. Because you will be trekking gorillas in a jungle, you should anticipate rain at any time. Be sure to bring a long, lightweight raincoat.
Long sleeves and pants: You will need to wear long sleeves and pants because you will be trekking gorillas in the middle of tropical jungles. The spooky insects that live in the woodlands and tree branches would not want to cut you. Additionally, visitors should wear clothes with muted colors because the gorillas might easily become agitated by bright ones.
Long elastic stockings: Wear long elastic stockings because you want to cover as much skin as you can. Since you will need to tuck your pants in your socks for further protection, the elasticity of the stockings is heavily emphasized.
Gloves: On the day of your mountain gorilla hike, a decent pair of gloves would be quite helpful. Trekkers will need to get their hands dirty just as much as the park guards and guides will do to clean the trail for you. Therefore, to prevent getting poked or cut by branches while in the forest, it is advised that visitors wear sturdy garden gloves.
An excellent hiking boot: Hiking through deep forests, muddy routes, and some steep, slick slopes are all part of gorilla trekking activities in Rwanda and Uganda. As a result, you will want to make sure that you literally present your best self. Additionally, you should wear a decent pair of waterproof hiking boots that will support your ankles well so that you can put your best foot forward.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: Make sure you have both of these items on hand before embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda or Uganda. Especially if you have sensitive skin, the insect repellent will effectively shield you from bug and pest bites. To protect yourself from the intense heat of the sun, you will need to bring sunscreen.
Gorilla climbing in Rwanda or Uganda is an unforgettable experience, so while you’re there, make sure your camera is in top shape and bring extra batteries. If you intend to use your phone’s camera, make sure the battery is completely charged. If you have a professional camera, bring additional batteries so you may use them for the full day. Mountain gorillas are extremely agitated by lighting, so visitors should make sure to turn off the flash on their phones and cameras. If it won’t bother you, clients who want to bring monopods to shoot amazing still photos are welcome to do so.
Binoculars: Travelers who decide to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda should be aware that they will be in the jungle for the entire day. While searching for mountain gorillas in the forest, you may also want to observe the diverse range of birds that inhabit the area. In order to improve your vision throughout your quick bird viewing session, make sure you bring binoculars.
Hat or Cap: It’s not a terrible idea to wear a hat or cap when hiking gorillas. An African hat or cap will be a great way to provide additional protection from the sun’s rays if you are gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda during the dry seasons. Additionally, visitors are free to bring shades if they so like.
Mineral water: Tracking gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda can take two to five hours, so you should stay hydrated during your gorilla trekking adventure. When tracking gorillas in the wild, bring two to four liters of mineral water to avoid any problems.
Packed Lunch: Before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure, make sure your lunch is ready. Porters carry the meal and drink that most guides pack for their customers. Depending on how long it takes to locate a gorilla group, trekkers can eat lunch either before or after trekking gorillas.
Light snacks: You never know how long you will be walking gorillas in the bush, as was previously indicated. Therefore, if you are one of those hikers who has a voracious hunger, you should bring a few snacks for the journey. Don’t leave bottles, tins, and food wrappers lying around the park.
Biodegradable Tissue: You may feel compelled to respond to nature’s call because gorilla trekking is done in a forest. Ask your guide for a machete so you can dig a hole and relieve yourself, and bring biodegradable tissue to use in the jungle. Once you have relaxed yourself, don’t forget to cover the hole. Additionally, bring hand sanitizer with you so you may use it after using it on yourself.
Malaria medications: It is important for clients who intend to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda to bring along any prescription malaria medications. Forests are also home to mosquitoes, and if you are bitten by one, you could acquire an infection. You can avoid contracting malaria by using certain medications.
First Aid Kit: In the event that a visitor is hurt when trekking gorillas in the jungle, the national park typically gives guides a first aid kit. Additionally, it is recommended that clients bring tiny first aid kits with them in case of mishaps during gorilla trekking.
The greatest gorilla trekking experiences in Africa are provided to customers by gorilla trekking trips in Rwanda and Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is an educational experience in addition to being an exciting and daring pastime.
Travelers booking their first gorilla trekking excursion in Rwanda or Uganda may find these few tips very helpful. For the best deals on gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda from Kigali City, Rwanda, please contact us.