Gorilla trekking Safari in Uganda or Rwanda is absolutely an unmatched wildlife encounter among the must do things in East Africa and so is getting ready or prepared for the Ultimate encounter. Gorillas live in the forested areas of Africa while endangered mountain Gorillas call Bwindi Impenetrable national parks in Uganda and Volcanoes National parks in Uganda/Rwanda home.
While there are slightly above 1000 mountain Gorillas still left in the world, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is proud home of half of the worlds mountain Gorillas while the rest are rationally distributed in Parc de volcanoes in Rwanda and the Virungas in Democratic republic of Congo.
Gorilla trekking safaris is an experience that requires your energy involved in finding the great apes. Both Gorilla Trekking and habituation Experiences, One being a one hour experience while the other being a 4 hours stay with the Endangered Gorillas of Bwindi and Virunga mountain mischief.
Finding the Gorillas needs both physical and mental fitness. While you have been prepared for a long time from day you have your gorilla permit purchased, there is good need for physical fitness preparation including what to pack for the Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda or Rwanda.
Remember to double check with your local Tour operator handling part of your gorilla trekking safari excursion for how much you need for both the gorilla trekking experience and for the Domestic flights (if you intend to have some in your full itinerary). There are limitations in luggage size for domestic flights. Irrespective of which choice of country you opt for Gorilla trekking trip, The Packing List is always the same while some of the Packing list comes in handy for other destinations when you opt to extend your Trip beyond Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Trekking packing List For Uganda Or Rwanda
Light weight Back pack: Carry an extra bag for gorilla trekking that would come in handy for your packed lunch box, water, cameras and bartries or any extra clothes like ponchos/rain jackets.
For your Health Packing: Not only while gorilla trekking, Carry along your sunscreen and insect reperant for some bugs encountered in the jungles. You can also carry an eye drop (if you will need some). Carry along sunglasses with UV Filters from the sun just in case gorillas are found in open places.
Foods And Snacks: While you can’t tell what time you shall be back from the Gorilla trekking experience. You are required to carry a packed lunch box for the day. Carry along your favourite long lasting snacks and nuts like Dried Pineapple, mangoes or any of such that would keep you energized through the Gorilla trekking safari. You will also require enough drinking water along with you. Endeavor to carry along a full stainless water bottle with you or you can have one provided by your Destination Management Company with a conservation and Sustainability drive initiative.
Clothing: We recommend light long pants and long-sleeved shirts while on Gorilla trekking. This is to protect you from the thorny bushes as you penetrate through the forest. Good walking shoes and long socks are required on the Gorilla trekking experience. The long pants should always be tucked inside the socks to avoid Red/safari ants hitching into the legs (they have a very bad painful bite). You can always carry gloves with you but not a necessity. You may need to use gaters if you rilly need too so not have socks and lower pant areas getting messy with the jungle dirt mud.
Extras for Gorilla Trekking: Carry along your favourite walking or hiking sticks to help you on the trek or you could find some natural walking sticks at the briefing point before you head for the gorilla trekking experience. Carry your passport with you to the gorilla information centre for double verification. You also require to carry along some cash for tips to the rangers or porters that you will have on the gorilla trekking experience. Facemasks are a big requirement when you go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda due to the Ongoing Corona virus pandemic that hit the world.
Some Tricks for Safari packing and Gorilla trekking.
Buy or hire stuff at the Gorilla Trekking Destinations. In any cases for gorilla trekking Experiences, Many of the things you may need for gorilla trekking can be bought or hired at the gorilla trekking destinations. From Gloves, walking shoes, Walking sticks, Gaiters ponchos/rain gears can be bought or hired at the gorilla trekking briefing points. By buying or hiring, You will have created space in your luggage for more essential items like clothing you don’t want to leave behind. More so, Buying or Hiring also contributes to the locals daily income hence contributing to the livelihoods of the persons leaving around Bwindi impenetrable national park or volcanoes national Park.
Pack more into your Luggage. Do you want try rolling up shirts, panties or any other clothes? This is the best way to creating more space in your luggage for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda or Rwanda.
Avoid Bulky heavy clothing: Preferably carry or wear heavy clothes while transiting and pack the lighter ones. You may want to pack lighter clothes and with lighter luggage to meet the required weight of both international and domestic flights (If any). You can also opt to leave behind some of these heavy clothes or give them out (if you want to) and this way you will pack well and light on the return trip.
Focus on Travel days: Packing on a focused travel like Gorilla trekking and number of days for the whole journey will do you wonders on the magic of Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Choosing a main travel focus like destination Gorilla Trekking or wildlife safaris will enable you pack only necessities for your trip.
How To Book Gorilla Trekking Safaris.
Gorilla trekking safaris can be booked by a local tour company or through a travel agency in your home country. Sustainable international and travel agencies. Gorilla permits with a full dose of insider travel trips can be arranged with your local travel agency.
Most times Gorilla permits are booked way in advance. You can always book and pay for the gorilla permits directly at Uganda wildlife authority or make use of your local travel agency in Uganda or Rwanda secure that for you. This can be a combination with Wildlife safaris in other destinations in Uganda or East Africa.
