What to pack and wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda? Gorilla trekking experience is one of the most adventurous activities on African safaris. Gorilla trekking experience is among the best wildlife activities that has pulled magnitudes of travelers from different parts of the world. Gorilla trekking takes place in only 3 East African countries that is Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park and these parks are both located in Southwestern Uganda, Rwanda in Volcanoes national park and in Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga national park and in Kahuzi-Biega national park. Gorilla trekking experience involves movement of people on foot in thick tropical rainforests with a help of a ranger guide. You have to be briefed about gorilla trekking etiquettes, be assigned a gorilla family to track and then hit the jungle with a anger guide who will help you to locate the mountain gorillas. Once you meet the mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to spend 1hour in their presence unlike gorilla habituation in Bwindi where you will be allowed 4hours interacting with mountain gorillas.
Here is a list of what to pack and wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Face mask and Sanitizer: As you know that mountain gorillas share 98% DNA with humans, meaning you can transmit some diseases for example flue, cough among others, that is why you are advised to carry your mask and the sanitizer as well.
Garden Gloves: These are very important as the movement involves hiking steep slopes and sometimes they can be slippery, so you need garden gloves because you might touch on thorns or some plants that are itchy.
Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers: The long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep you warm and also protect you from the scratches and insects during the trekking time.
Hiking Boots: We encourage you to have hiking boots as they will protect you from sharp objects and also to keep your feet dry. The hiking boots will protect you and support you during the trekking period.
Waterproof Jacket: Since gorilla trekking takes place in tropical rainforest, you expect rainfall anytime, so it is better to equip yourself with waterproof jacket.
Warm Sweater: We also advise and encourage you to have a warm sweater which will help to keep you warm especially in the morning hours and evening hours.
Insect Repellent: This will protect your from insect bites for example mosquitoes, tsetse flies and red ants.
Snacks: You also need to have snacks as you go for gorilla trekking experience. This is because the entire experience can take up to 6 hours, therefore you need something to keep your tummy comfortable.
Sunscreen/Sun blocker: This is to protect your skin and the face from strong sunlight. So you really need it.
Hat and Sun Glasses: These are to protect you from sun rays and direct sunlight as well.
Camera and Extra Batteries: This is one of the most important items to help you on gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. The camera will be used to capture moments, record memorable videos and you should be able to have extra batteries for the camera because one battery might be used up while still capturing beautiful moments.
A Pair of binoculars: The binoculars will help you to zoom in and see wildlife clearly including mountain gorillas, birds, and monkeys among other wildlife in the jungle.
Backpack: This is very essential as it will help you to carry and protect your items for example gorilla trekking permit, water for drinking, snacks, camera among others.
A Walking Stick: This is normally gotten from the park headquarters or from the lodge on the day on trekking. You do not have to worry about the walking stick.
Uganda, Rwanda and Congo Gorilla Trekking Experience
The gorilla trekking experiences in all the 3 countries is the same. You start with a briefing in the early morning at the park headquarters, this is where you are taken through the dos and don’ts while tracking these forest giants. You have to be assigned to a gorilla family to track where by a gorilla family is visited by 8 people and you have to spend 1hour with mountain gorillas. On the same note, you are allocated an experienced ranger guide who knows all the corners of the park and he will guide you up to the mountain gorillas. The forest is a home to other wildlife for example colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, birds and plant life.
What is the Best Time to go For Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking in all the 3 countries can be done all the year around, however at the moment, tourism is closed in Democratic Republic of Congo due to political insurgencies or wars. You can engage in Uganda gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park and in Mgahinga gorilla national park or Rwanda in Volcanoes national park all the year through, however the best time to go gorilla trekking is between June and September and December to February. This is when the trekking trails are dry in the park and this makes navigation easy.
