TRAVEL TIPS
Gorilla Safari & Trekking Packing List
When packing for a safari or gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, you need to know which items to bring and not bring. To have a memorable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or Rwanda, you need to pack appropriately considering essential items first. Note, packing for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda does not require you to pack all that you have in the house but simply pack lightly. In your packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), please do not miss to include the following:
Day Pack & Water
Get a good waterproof day pack which can help carry your other essential items including rain jacket, camera and others.
Mountain gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda can last you about 2-6 hours and takes you through steep slopes and dense vegetation. Because it is a strenuous adventure, you need to be physically well and to be on safer side or to keep yourself energized, do not forget bottled water and energy giving snacks.
First Aid Kit
First aid kit is essential for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Your first aid kit or medical kit will comprise of liniment, bandages, plasters and many other essentials.
Gorilla Trekking Permit
To trek mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, you need gorilla permit and to obtain one, you need $600-if you are foreign non-resident, $500-for foreign residents and Ug.shs.250000-East African residents. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits can be secured at $1500 per person.
Valid visa and passport
Waterproof hiking boots
Waterproof hiking boots are very essential items to consider in your packing list for gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas thrive in montane areas of Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park. Given the nature habitat where these creatures thrive, visitors are advised to have waterproof hiking boots but they should be light weight and also offer support to your ankles as you hike. Waterproof hiking boots will help protect your legs from water.
Camera
A camera should not be something you can leave behind because during the one hour of magical encounter, you need to take photos of these massive creatures for memories. All trekkers are advised to come with cameras with no flashlight and if your camera has one, you are advised to turn it off before you begin taking pictures of mountain gorillas.
Rain Jacket
Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda are done in the rainforest of Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park or Volcanoes National Park and at any time of the day, you need to expect it to rain. To be on safer side, you need rain jacket or poncho to help protect you from down pour while on gorilla trek.
Gardening Gloves
Gardening gloves are very crucial and should be a must to pack or have while on gorilla trek. They help protect your hands from thorny or very itchy plants as you try to get support.
Long Sleeved Shirts
When considering which clothes to put on or pack, make sure that they are of neutral colors. You need long sleeved shirt or t-shirt to help protect your hands from the falling branches or biting insects. Trousers are also good in that you will be required to tuck into your socks to protect you from the biting insects while you hike.
Hat & Sun Glasses
The sun can be hot and the best way for you to protect your head or eyes is when you have a hat or sun glasses.
In order to get to Uganda or Rwanda, you need a valid visa and passport. Your visa and passport should be valid for at least 3 months. Uganda and Rwanda can be obtained at the embassy in your home country or upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.
Other items to pack for your gorilla trekking safari include
- Long socks
- Sweaters
- Long pants
- Chargers and extra batteries
- Binoculars