Packing the right gorilla trekking gear / equipment / tools for your gorilla tour helps ease your adventure and makes it more manageable and enjoyable for the breathtaking experience. Gorilla trekking takes place in rough high-altitude jungle forests and requires the tourists to be ready mentally, physically and above all have the right equipment to aid you for this unforgettable adventure.
Below we have compiled a list of essential gear you need to prepare and have a successful gorilla trek in Africa.
Trekking pole
The hiking pole is very essential for trekkers to have for the gorilla trek and poles are provided at the briefing post in all sectors of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks available for all tourists taking the hike. The forest gets very rough as you hike and the pole helps you balance as you hike though the rough terrain
Waterproof hiking boots
Hiking boots are essential gears and equipment for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trekkers on Uganda gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park require good waterproof hiking boots that are comfortable and offer support while you are hiking in the wild to search for your gorilla family. Mountain gorillas thrive in high elevation mostly in montane areas and given the nature of their habitat, you need hiking boots that are lightweight. They will help protect you from water, piercings and also keep you on the ground.
Long sleeved shirt/t-shirt
You need long sleeved shirts/t-shirt for you to make your gorilla trekking adventure memorable. Long sleeved shirts/t-shirts, trousers are essential since they will help protect you from biting insects or scratches from tree branches, thorns among others. When choosing the attire to put on during gorilla trek, make sure you get environmentally friendly clothing and avoid shouting colors.
Gardening gloves
Gardening gloves are some of the key gears and equipment trekkers on gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park should have. The fact that a search to see mountain gorillas involves hiking and given the kind of habitat where these creatures live, higher chances are you may need some support and gardening gloves are essential in safeguarding you from itching plants.
Sweater/warm clothes
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in most cases can be very cold and that is why you need a sweater, warm clothing, rain jacket or poncho to protect you from rains and sweater to offer you warmth during cold.
Sun screen
In case your skin is very sensitive then sunscreen should be a must to include on your packing list for gorilla trekking. Sunscreen lotion can help safeguard your skin from the hot sun heat.
Sunglasses and sun hat
During the dry season, the sun can be hot and the best way for you to protect yourself is to have sunglasses for your eyes from the sun rays or sun hat for your head.
Gears and equipment for gorilla trekking during the dry and wet season
Bottled water
Since a trek to see mountain gorillas lasts for about 2-6 hours making it a strenuous adventure, a bottled water becomes one essential item you need to have in case you have any plans to embark on gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Make sure that you have plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Good camera with no flashlight
What makes gorilla trekking safari experience memorable is when you have pictures. A camera should be a must-have gear and equipment for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Make sure you have a good camera with no flashlight since flashlight can easily scare or irritate the mountain gorillas. To be on safer side, you need additional batteries too in case your battery runs out of power.
Insect repellents
Insect repellents play a significant role when it comes to gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They help protect yourself from insect bites.
Energy giving snacks
Energy giving snacks and some packed lunch are essential especially in keeping you strong and you make a complete hike. Gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lasts for about 2-6 hours and it involves hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slopes while in search for mountain gorillas.
Other essential items to carry on gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include hiking stick which you can find at the park headquarters or lodge, binoculars, socks, pants, toiletries, daypack that is waterproof and many more.
In conclusion, for any plans to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the above gears and equipment should be a must to include on your packing list.