When we talk of a packing list for a gorilla safari to Uganda or Rwanda many travelers don’t understand that it is very important to have the right essentials that are needed to make a trek a success.
First travelers should know that the mountain gorillas are found in the high slopes of mountains or thick tropical rain forest in the volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park in Uganda. Therefore meeting these close relatives of ours involves a lot of walking in the jungle. You must also understand that the trails in the forest are sometimes muddy. There are also lots of stinging insects and itchy plants. The African weather is also very difficult to predict and it can rain anytime most especially the rainy season.
The Volcanoes National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are on a very high attitude so it’s always cold in the morning and in the evening and it can rain at any time, so a rain jacket is highly recommended when in the forest. Therefore before taking a gorilla safari to Africa, you must pack the appropriate clothing that will enable you dress appropriately for a fantastic trek through the jungles of Africa. Avoid packing clothes that will ruin your gorilla safari experience, avoid packing sandals given hat they can’t be used on a trek, put away your short blouses/trouser if you’re going on a gorilla safari in Africa. The following below are a must park for any gorilla safari expedition either in Uganda or Rwanda.
Sturdy pair of shoes/ Boots;
For any gorilla safari either in Uganda or Rwanda a sturdy pair of walking shoes/boots are a must pack, as they will give you a comfort move through the forest. As hiking through the forest is not easy you will meet many difficulties like mud-covered, stinging plants/ leaves during the search of our cousins, so good hiking shoes will make you comfortable to pass through all these difficulties. Even ranger guides put on hiking shoes/ boots not sandals meaning that you must dress the same way like them. Don’t forget also to come with a good pair of socks to give you more comfortable
Bag;
The bag is very essential during gorilla tracking as they are used to pack your accessories like a camera you use to take photos, not book in case you want to note important information, rain jacket in case you feel like you’re tired of wearing it, bottled water and sometimes packed lunch if it’s provided to you by the lodge. In case it rains your accessories won’t be affected and it is advised to carry a water proof day bag since it can rain at any time.
Jeans, Long-sleeved shirt and blouses
It is also advised to pack jean trousers and long sleeved shirts or blouses; this is due to the fact that gorilla tracking is done in the forest not zoos so expect a lot of stinging plants or grass, thorns in the forest together with biting insects. But when in strong jeans you may avoid all these, and hence enjoy your gorilla tracking experience. And this would be more fantastic if you maintain it in natural colors, and a long sleeved shirt will be good if it’s in cotton; this will give you warmth and still protect your skin. For sure if this is observed well your tracking safari in Uganda or Rwanda will be a memorable experience
A Rain Jacket and a Safari Hat
Since an African weather is very hard to predict it’s recommended to come with a rain jacket to avoid raining direct on you. Even if it’s not raining you are advised to pack it in the bag, you never know it can get you in the forest. A hat is also vital since it’s the only way you will avoid the boiling sun of Africa and it will also make you a smart traveler.
Bottled water, Pack lunch and tracking stick,
Bottled water and packed lunch is sometimes provided by the lodge and tracking stick is given to you free of charge at the park headquarters if requested. Bottled water helps you to cool your throats during the search of gorillas and sometimes lunch is provided to you because tracking in some groups may go up to eight hours. So lunch help you to give you more energy until when you meet these giant apes in their natural environment. A Walking stick is also important as they help to support you and also to create a clear way as you hike through the jungle.
Sunglasses and Insect repellent:
Sunglasses are a must pack if you’re coming on a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda, because they help to protect you from the boiling sun of Africa and these small insect that may fly into your eyes when on a safari and hence end up ruining your gorilla safari. Insect repellent is good as they protect you from the biting mosquitos that may cause you malaria and no one is allowed to track gorillas when sick as this may affect the life of gorillas. So prevention is better than cure. When it gets in the evening, you can spray your clothes or body to avoid mosquito bites.
Garden Gloves
Gloves are also very important as they help to protect your hands during gorilla trekking in the forest. They can also help you from touching or holding some plants, tress that may cause scratching on your body; they may also protect you from germ and any item that may be dangerous to your body.
If all these are well observed, your gorilla tracking expedition will be a life time moment you won’t forget.