Is gorilla trekking your dream adventure in Africa and do you know which items to carry and not to carry? Well, unlike the usual nature walks, to trek mountain gorillas in the wild visitors need to be well prepared. Usually before you think of what items to pack, it is advisable that you consider essentials first the fact that this adventure isn’t like other safaris that may you have conducted before in savanna grassland protected areas. You do not need to carry all that is in your house for this lifetime adventure but what you need to be pack wisely. When it comes to gorilla trekking, it is important to ask or know where it is conducted and after that, you get to understand which environment you will be for your adventure. A trek to see these majestic creatures is all about hiking through the thick forests and steep slopes of Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo although this is temporary closed up to 2019. To help you have a memorable gorilla trip in Africa, the following items should be a must to include in your packing list;

Long sleeved shirts or T-shirts

A fact that this lifetime adventure takes you through Africa’s thick tropical rainforests of and kicks off very early in the morning, long sleeved shirts or T-shirts ideally a must. Not only will this help protect your hands from the falling tree branches, vines or stinging insects but also from the cold breeze that welcomes you as you join the rest of the visitors in your respective trailhead for briefing before embarking for your actual trek.

Rain jackets or poncho

Given the nature of gorilla habitat whether in Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes National Park, visitors have to expect rain at anytime of the day whether it is a dry season or wet season and once you hit the trail, perhaps no one will want to return because the expectations will be very high. To be on safer side, do not forget a rain jacket or poncho as this will help safe guard you from the heavy down pour.

Long pants/trousers plus socks

Unlike a game drive where you spend much of your time inside a safari vehicle, with gorilla trekking, it is all about being on the ground. It is actually the most unique adventures that offer visitors opportunity to come close to wildlife while on foot. Much as the big game are the most sought after, you can’t get down your vehicle to see a lion. Due to this, you need good long trousers, pants or long skirts plus socks are ideal. This will help protect your legs from scratchy brush, insects the fact that your guide will advise you to tack in your trousers inside the socks.

Hiking boots

When it comes to gorilla trekking your walking shoes that you go for nature walks in savanna protected areas may not help you that well. But you need strong, waterproof hiking boots to help you hike through the jungles and steep slopes which at times can be slippery. Your boots should be waterproof and light to ease your hike otherwise the trek is strenuous, challenging and if you come with heavy boots that means you will tired very fast and yet the journey still need more strength. Never fall part of those who will be carried while in the forest back to your lodge. Simple get your light waterproof hiking boots or shoes and you will be good to go.

Gorilla permit

Perhaps this should be the first to consider because once you get to the park headquarters without it, high chances are that you may not be allowed to engage in your long awaited adventure. So what should you do, make sure you have arranged with your tour operator on ground before you to come for your actual trek and everything is set. You will be required to present your permit at the park for clearance before joining others for briefing early in the morning. Never be disappointed at the last moment even when you have reach at the door. You need only $600 to secure your permit in Uganda and $1500 if you are to track gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Gardening gloves

Imagine you are in the jungles and you have no gloves and unfortunately you get hold of thorny or itching plants. This experience shouldn’t be part of you that is why we advise you not to miss to include gardening gloves in your packing list for gorilla trekking as you plan for your vacation this coming season. They are of great value especially that time when you fall down and you are struggling to get support from the nearby plants most of which can be itching or harmful to the body.

Toiletries and medicine

Change of environment always comes with some effects and that is why you need some anti malarial pills. Usually, there is no other person that you expect to understand yourself better than you yourself. You can seek advice from your doctor on which pills or which medicine to carry for the entire vacation otherwise avoid subscribing medicine on your own in form of guess work.

Insect repellent

While on your trek, you realize that insects especially mosquitoes don’t wait to welcome you and you can avoid this only using insect repellent. You therefore need DEET during your trek.

Toilet paper

Nature is a difficult thing to avoid and toilet paper becomes critical especially while you are inside the forest looking for your gorilla family and you feel like helping yourself. Note that, there are no toilets inside the forest where you will be conducting your treks but your guide will advise you accordingly. Remember no waste products are allowed to be scattered anyhow. So you will need some plastic bag to carry such small items and while helping yourself, you will advised to dig a hole and burry your waste products.

Bottle of water and energy giving snacks

Gorilla trekking is entirely strenuous and breathtaking that is why you need bottled water and energy giving snacks to keep boosting energy so that you complete your trek.

Camera and additional batteries

In safari, a camera is very significant. Imagine you come across a group of mountain gorillas and you do not have a camera! Everyone deserves something for memories and you need to take photos of these magnificent creatures while in the wild. The one hour is a period you have to strike your imaginations with these Great apes, take as many pictures as you can. Don’t forget to come with other batteries in case the one in the camera runs short of power.

Besides, there are also several other key items that shouldn’t miss out in your packing list and they include waterproof day pack, first aid kit, sunglasses, hat, walking stick which you will get at the park headquarters or lodge, binoculars a fact that there are some bird species that come your way while on gorilla trek.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is requires adequate planning if you are to have the most enjoyable and memorable experience. To prepare for this lifetime adventure, you need to plan for which items to carry and which ones are not to include in your packing list. With the above listed items, we believe you will have the most unforgettable experience in your life.

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