If you are planning for a gorilla tour to Africa, there are a number of things you need to consider a must to pack to make your safari very comfortable. Mountain gorilla tracking is a vigorous breathtaking wildlife experience and yet a rewarding magical encounter. The routine treks are normally conducted in all gorilla homes in Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in eastern DRC. While packing for this charming adventure, you must make sure that you start with necessities and the following items shouldn’t miss in your packing list;
Basics for the Gorilla Trek
Rain jacket/poncho
Gorilla trekking mainly happens within tropical rain forest where it can rain at any time of day and because of this, visitors are encouraged to carry a rain jacket or poncho to protect themselves from rain water while tracking gorillas.
Long sleeved shirts/blouses/t-shirt/sweater
Gorilla tracking begins early in the morning and can be cold most times. And this requires you to have a long sleeved shirt or T-shirt/sweater to warm you and to protect your hands from the itching plants, thorns and stinging insects. However, you must have short sleeved shirt for relaxation during warm hours of the day especially at your lodge.
Long pants or trousers and socks
While tracking gorillas, there are high chances that you encounter thick vines, itchy bushes and long pants with long stockings are the best to protect you from injuring your legs. You simply tack in your trousers into socks and then proceed to look out for your habituated gorilla family in the forest.
Hiking boots(Waterproof)
Unlike game drives in savanna areas, gorilla tracking is a vigorous adventure and mainly involves hiking through the thick forest and steep slopes in search for a gorilla family. It is a challenging experience and depending on the season, you can even encounter muddy areas mainly when it rains. You therefore need good light weight and waterproof hiking boots to help you hike with comfort.
Gloves
While in the jungles, you may need to have support requiring you to hold on the forest vegetation. You will need gardening gloves in order to avoid the itching/harmful plants or thorns.
Camera and extra batteries
A good camera is a must to have in your packing list for a gorilla tour, as it will be an opportunity of taking good photos of gorillas for memories of this magical encounter. You need extra battery just in case you run out during the tracking.
Insect repellents
You will be in a new destination and there are higher chances that you will encounter biting insects in the wild. One way to keep them away is having insect repellent.
Malaria tablets
A new destination usually comes with its own challenges especially for new visitors and for one to be on a safer side is to be well prepared. Malaria pills should be a must on your list of the essentials for your gorilla.
Gorilla permit
You will not be allowed to see the Gorillas unless you have this document/card, confirm with your travel agent to make sure the card has been secured for the particular date.
Bottled water and snacks
You need to be well-prepared to hike through the thick rainforest for long hours in search for a gorilla family. You must have enough drinking water and some energy giving snacks.
A Pair of binoculars
While tracking the Gorillas you may encounter several birds along the way making a pair of binoculars helpful to spot some forest bird species.
Local currency
You will need some local currency to enable you purchase some of your personal things like crafts to take back home, tip your porters, waiters and guides.
Sun Glasses
Sometimes it can be hot so it’s good to carry a pair of sun glasses to protect your eyes from the strong sun.
CONCLUSION
Getting prepared for a gorilla tracking safari makes your whole experience more comfortable and easy. There are more items you could add on your list but these are the key essential for you to have a very enjoyable gorilla trip.