- Seguku Katale. Kampala
Gorilla Trekking Permit & Packing List
Gorilla Trekking Permit and Packing List for Uganda, Rwanda, and DRCongo
When planning for a life-changing safari to Africa, gorilla trekking, a packing list is essential and will surely make your gorilla trekking experience more magical. Here we provide all the necessary information on what you should pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Permit and Passport – For one to be able to trek these beautiful primates, you will need a gorilla trekking permit and passport at the hotel and park offices just before beginning your trek. Valid travel documents and a Visa are very important for any safari. Don’t travel with a passport that is about to expire. Without the required travel documents, you will not be allowed in the country to track the gorillas. Also, ensure that you take the yellow fever shots and have the card.
Clothing – When deciding on the clothes to pack for gorilla trekking, ensure you include waterproof trousers, jackets, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, long socks, and long trousers. The right clothing will help protect you from getting wet, sharp tree branches, the sun, and insects/ants. Always tack in your trousers to your boots to prevent safari ants and other insects from reaching your body. Other clothing to take into consideration while planning your gorilla safaris is a pair of shorts for relaxation while back at the lodge and Pajamas for the cold nights. Also include long socks to cover your feet.
Hiking Boots – hiking boots are among the essential things to pack for gorilla trekking in Bwindi or other national parks. High-quality hiking boots will ensure a better grip of the hilly and sometimes muddy terrain. Poor quality boots or plain sneakers could hurt your ankles.
Gloves – Gloves will help you hold trees, branches, and other vegetation. The gloves will also protect your hands from scratches and insect bites. As we already noted earlier, the forest can get muddy and slippery. The gloves will help you hold tree branches when climbing or the ground in case you slide. Gloves are a must in any packing list for gorilla trekking.
A Rain Jacket and sweater – Gorillas live in tropical rain forests and rain should be expected at any time regardless of the period of the year. A rain jacket should therefore be on top of your packing list even if you are planning to come in the so-called dry season. The sweater will keep you warm during the cold evenings and mornings
Headband and Hair Ties – Your hair could get caught in the branches if not properly tied.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen – These will protect you from the sun’s heat especially during the dry season. These items are also important if you are planning to combine gorilla trekking with a visit to the other national parks in hotter weather.
Toiletries – These are not only important during gorilla trekking but also for general safaris in other national parks. The toiletries include toilet paper in case you want to ease yourself during a long gorilla trek. Most hotels do not provide toothbrushes and pastes. You need to also come with your own sanitary pads (ladies), favorite shampoos, deodorants, hand sanitizers, shavers, hair conditioners, lip balm, wipes, and lotions.
Packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda Snacks, Packed lunch, and drinking water: Gorilla trekking is very unpredictable. It all depends on the location of the gorilla family on the day of the trek. The activity can take between 30 minutes to 6 hours. Trekking for long distances could get you tired and hungry. Your lodge should prepare for your packed lunch or you can choose to park your own energy snacks. Energy-giving snacks can also be acquired from supermarkets and specific shops in Rwanda and Uganda. Just make sure that you don’t forget them while living your hotel for the briefing. Also, keep in mind that tracking mountain gorillas for long can become exhausting and you will need enough water. Your lodge will provide you with water. Avoid littering the park with plastic bottles.
Binoculars – Alongside gorillas, during your trek, you will encounter several species of birds, forest elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees, and colobus monkeys among many others. You can get good views of the birds and primates if you have a good binocular.
Walking stick – The sticks are given out for free after the briefing. You can get a higher quality one at a cost from your hotel or preferably through the park rangers.
Camera with strong battery and memory – To record your iconic moments in the jungle, you need a camera. How will your friends know about your encounters during your safaris? How will you remember the events? Be prepared to take photographs of the gorillas, the beautiful park scenery, and spots along your journey.
Phone Simcard – An international sim card can be of great importance since you will be able to can calls to your family back home.
Tip – For your guides, porters, Rangers, and hotel staff (Optional). Reward them for protecting the gorillas and making your journey so comfortable
Other items: Other general items to consider are travel insurance, emergency telephone numbers, travel maps, directories, and the final itinerary from your tour operator. Having money in local currency is also important when you want to tip your Guides or buy souvenirs in areas with no credit card machines or ATMs. To keep your money safe, acquire a money belt.
