Having a proper packing list should always be at the back of your mind. Since gorilla trekking is done in the jungle it involves passing through muddy and thick forest with a lot of stinging plants. From getting the appropriate dressing to getting all the essentials you need for a gorilla trek, there are several things that you not overlook.
Before encountering a gorilla trek, you must know that African weather is subjected to change at any time. Whether you are looking for a trek to Bwindi Forest or Volcanoes National Park, you should know that you will be hiking at a high attitude. The weather within both parks is hard to predict though there are two seasons; wet season and dry season! Please not that it is always cold in the morning and in the evening. Remember it can rain at any time.
Many travelers when you talk of packing list they don’t understand, but if you’re planning your gorilla trekking safari you must dress appropriately. Suitable clothing will give you a fantastic gorilla safari experience! Please avoid packing sandals, short trousers or blouses if you know that you’re going to track gorillas as those may ruin your safari. Hiking through the thick vegetation is exhausting and so don’t expect a smooth road, the terrain is rough so a sturdy pair of shoes is recommended. Meeting gorillas may go to up half or full day in the jungle so appropriate closing is highly recommended. in. gorilla tracking is most thrilling activity done in Rwanda (volcanoes national park) so you are advised to do it in the best way possible . The following are the packing list for your gorilla safari in either Rwanda or Uganda.
Hiking shoes/ Boots;
This is a must pack on any gorilla safari, good pair of shoes or boots will enable you hike the forest with a lot of ease while on your search of these giants gorillas. When it rains the forest become muddy, the ground is tough with very many stinging plants hence making it very difficult to pass through. You will see it from the ranger guides when putting on rubber boots or gumboots and not sandals, meaning that they know what it means being in the jungle. You are also advised to have a good pair of socks to give you more comfortable.
Bag;
The bag is also among the packing list when planning a gorilla safari; the bag is suitable to pack your accessories such as camera, not book, rain jacket, bottled water and sometimes packed lunch if provided by the lodge. Even if it rains your accessories will be safe in a bag and it is a recommended to carry a water proof day bag since it can rain at any time.
Jeans, Long-sleeved shirt and Trousers
These are a must pack for a tour in Africa since tracking is in the jungle and on foot. Long sleeved shirts or blouses are very essential as they will protect you from insect bites, stinging plants, thorns you may meet on your way while in the forest. Remember to maintain these in natural colors, a long sleeved shirt will be good if it’s in cotton; this will give you warmth and still protect your skin. If this is observed well your gorilla tracking safari will be magnificent.
Safari Hat and Rain Jacket;
African weather is very unpredictable so a rain jacket is a must park, as it can rain at any time, in case it gets you in the forest the rain jacket is there to protect you. In case you forget it can ruin your safari yet it always good to go on a safari and come back when satisfied. A hat is also crucial since it’s the only way you will avoid the boiling sun of Africa and it will also make a smart traveler.
Bottled water, Pack lunch and tracking stick,
Since meeting the gorillas is unpredictable bottled water and sometimes packed lunch are very important these are sometimes provided by the lodge, they help you to give you more energy while in the jungle and also to cool your throats after the tough walk. Walking stick is given to you at the park headquarters or at the lodge to support you and also to create a clear way as you hike through the thick vegetation.
Sunglasses and Insect repellent:
Don’t forget to pack sunglasses as they can help to protect you from the sun and also these small insect that can fly into your eyes and hence end up ruining your gorilla safari. Insect repellent is also recommended to be packed as there are a lot of mosquitoes in Africa which may cause fever and in case you’ve found sick your are not allowed to track gorillas however much you own a gorilla permits. When it gets in the evening, you can spray your clothes or body to avoid them malaria.
Garden Gloves
Garden gloves are also reminded to be packed when preparing a gorilla safari, since tracking is done in the forest, these gloves will help to protect your hands during gorilla trekking, as in the forest it can get slippery and even you can tough or hold some plants, trees. These gloves will therefore protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands.
Ounce all these are packed well your gorilla safari you won’t find any hardship during the trek and your gorilla safari will b e a success.