Complete list of What to pack for gorilla trekking

Complete list of What to pack for gorilla trekking  :  Gorilla Trekking is a life time adventure, however to enjoy this fascinating experience, you need to come prepared.

Gorilla trekking destinations that is Uganda, rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo have a warm tropical climate, however mountain gorillas live at high altitude and the temperatures there drop tremendously at night and remains cold in the early morning. During the daytime hours, it is generally humid and chilly, mist and rain are common throughout the year.

A gorilla trek is not easy as the hike takes you through thick tropical rainforests, so this is not a gentle amble long well-defined pathway. Instead, the guides and porters regularly use machetes to hack through the jungle to clear a pathway for everyone

Moreover, the trails are steep and slippery. During the hike, you have to scramble over logs and rocks. Grab onto vines and creepers “which can have thorns” and wade across streams. Also, you will encounter stinging nettles and insects such as soldier and fire ants among others.

  For a memorable gorilla trekking adventure, you will need to be properly ready and carry the right items in your packing list.

Here is a complete list for gorilla trekking packing list, if you can – carry a pair that is water – resistant. These should ideally be tucked into your socks or boots to help prevent insects such as fire ants crawling up your legs and biting you.

A long – Sleeved Shirt

Long sleeved shirts are a good idea to help protect you from the cold during the early colder hours of your trek on a gorilla adventure, long sleeved shirts also offer you protection from insects, nettles and branches and vine that would scratch you.

When choosing a shirt, chose one that is neutral in color such as khaki, green or light brown. Bright colors aren’t advisable as it is hard to be an unobtrusive gorilla spectator in a neon pink attire, also blue and black are not advisable.

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots

A good pair of hiking books is one of the most important pieces of gorilla trekking packing list, gorilla trek is something you wouldn’t want to try and attempt in sneakers or sandals as they paths are muddy, slippery and you need to have good traction while trekking.

Also, hiking boots provide proper support for your ankles and offer balance and stability and protect you against thorns and insects.  You should buy your boots in advance and wear them so you don’t run the risk of sore or blistered feet while on the trek.

Thick socks

You need a good pair of thick socks which will provide warmth during the cold early morning start of the trek, you should tuck your trouser ends into your socks as it helps prevent insects from crawling up your legs while trekking and us additional protection against the stinging nettles.

Hardy gloves

You should bring gardening gloves as they are one of the most important pieces of your gorilla trekking clothing, the gardening gloves are generally designed to protect your hands against thorns and that is the kind of protection you need on a gorilla trek.

Often, you will have to grab hold of branches and vines to help yourself up or down the mountainside.

A lightweight rain jacket or poncho

Normally, rain occurs throughout the year in the southwest Uganda with showers most likely to occur in the morning. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho helps to keep you dry and comfortable while trekking.

A wide-brim hat

While on gorilla trek you are not always walking under the trees and when the morning mist clears, you need a hat to protect you from the sunrays.

Remember that at a high altitude, the sun is more intense and a hat is the only protection you have from the sun. it also offers some degree of protection from rain and wayward or flicking branches.

Sunscreen

While on gorilla trek, you need to protect your skin form the sun. The rays can be fairly brutal around midday mostly at the higher altitude where you find the gorillas, most of your body will be covered up already if you have carried a sunscreen lotion with you.

We recommend you carry a sunscreen into your backpack so you can apply it when necessary, gorilla treks are sweaty and the rainforest experiences high humidity.

Insect repellent

The jungle is filled with many insects and wearing a good insect repellent such as RID or a citronella – based lion is a good idea to ensure your trek is comfortable.

Carry some insect repellant lotion with you in your backpack for reapplications while on gorilla trek.

Water bottle

The gorilla trek is tiresome so you will be needing water for refreshment and hydration, pack a good, reusable water bottle that is filled with water or use a hydration pack with a drinking hose. Also, carry a smaller bottle too which has water flavored with a rehydration mix.

 You can expect to sweat a lot during the trek and your electrolytes could get low. The more water you take, the better.

If you are worried about the weight of lots of drinking water, remember that there are porters who are keen to be hired to carry pack and help you along the route. The porters will also help you if you get nervous on steep or slippery sections as they will literally hold your hand when needed.

Camera

These days smart phone have a great camera but if you have a really good camera, we suggest you take it with you to capture these moments of a lifetime.

Ensure that your phone or camera battery is charged the night before, if your camera is battery – operated. We suggest you bring along a spare battery. Also, ensure to pack all necessary charging cables and an international adapter if relevant before heading to Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

You don’t want be standing and upset in your hotel room while on a trip over a dead camera.

Malaria prevention medication

Uganda and Rwanda are high risk area for malaria, as you are planning your gorilla trekking safari. Speak to your local GP or a travel clinic about the right prophylaxis for you, the most common ones are Malarone and doxycycline.