What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda : Gorilla trekking is among the most popular tourist activities in Uganda the pearl of Africa, the country is recognized as the best place in the world to do gorilla trekking as it is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda are protected in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park all found in the South Western region of the country.

Mountain gorilla trekking is the most rewarding wildlife safari experience one should add on his bucket list, to enjoy this amazing experience you need to have the right items and equipments to enjoy your face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas.

One of the common done mistakes by most visitors on a gorilla trekking experience is dressing inappropriately, some wear shorts, colored clothing and sandals which are not suitable for this adventure.

Mountain gorillas lived in the forested areas of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park whose landscape is hilly and lie on the higher altitudes, the area receives rainfall throughout the year and it gets cold especially in the night. Also, the trails in the forest gets muddy and slippery most especially during the wet season.

There are no permanent or well-defined trails in the parks, so during gorilla trekking you will be falling small trails made by the machetes. To enjoy the experience, you need to have the right clothing to protect you from coldness, thorny pricks and bites from flies and soldier ants.

This article takes lists and details the recommended what to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

gorilla trekking things to pack

Long Trousers

Long trousers are ideal most especially if you find water – resistant, while trekking the pants should be tucked into your socks or boots to prevent insects such as fire ants and mosquitos your legs and biting.

A long – sleeved shirt

Long sleeved shirts will help protect you from coldness of the early hours of the trek, protect you from insect bites and scratches from thorny leaves and tree branches.

When choosing a shirt, neutral colors such as Khaki, green or light brown are recommended. Bright colors are not advisable as they tend to attract the attention of the gorillas. Also blue and black are not advisable as they attract insects like tsetse flies among others.

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots

A good pair of hiking boots is one of the most important items to have for a gorilla trekking excursion in Uganda, you should not try to go gorilla trekking in a sandal or sneaker as the paths are muddy and slippery.

Hiking boots should provide proper support for your ankles, offer balance and stability, also protect you against thorns and insects. Before you come for the trek, you should try wearing them so you do not get a risk of sore or blisters on your feet on the trek.

Thick Socks

You need a good pair of thick socks to provide you with warmth during the cold early mornings at the start of the trek, during the trek your trouser ends should be tucked into your socks to prevent insects from crawling up your legs while trekking and also protect you from stinging nettles.

Hardy gloves

Gardening gloves are one of the most important pieces of your gorilla trekking packing list, gardening gloves are designed to protect your hands against thorns. During gorilla trekking you often have to grab hold of branches and vines to help yourself up or down the hills, the plants might be thorny and the gloves will protect you from being scratched.

A lightweight rain jacket or Poncho

Rain pours are expected at any time of the year in Uganda’s bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park with showers mostly likely to occur in the morning. You need to have a light weight rain jacket, warm clothing which helps to keep you dry and warm while trekking.

A wide – brim hat

During the trek, you are not always walking under trees, when the morning mist clears you need a hat to protect your face from the sun. Remember the treks are done at high altitudes were the sun is more intense.

The hat will also protect you from the rain and wayward and flicking branches also protect your hair from leaves and twigs.

Sunscreen

The sun can be very brutal during the trek most especially around midday that is why you need sunscreen to protect your screen, yes most of the your body will be covered up already during the trek, you still need sunscreen for your face.

Insect Repellent

In the jungle of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park, there are many insects in the jungle which is a reason to why you need to wear a good insect repellent such as RID or Citronella – based to keep you comfortable and away from insect bites during the trek.

Insect repellent should not miss in your backpack for reapplications, remember insect bites can cause illnesses such as Malaria from mosquito bites.

Water Bottle

Gorilla trekking is a strenuous activity so expect to get thirsty, you need to pack a good, reusable water bottle to carry water for hydration. Your bottle should have a drinking hose, for trekkers who are not fun of water you can bring a smaller bottle with flavors.

During the trek, the more water you take the better. If you are worried about the weight of carrying lots of drinking water, there are porters who are hired to carry your backpack along the way. The porters will also give you a helping hand when needed during the trek.

Camera

You need a good camera to capture these moments of a life – time, these days phones also have good cameras. make sure the phone and camera’s battery is charged the night before the trek. You can also carry a spare battery for the camera and a powerbank for a phone.

Note: Make sure to pack all necessary charging cables before heading to Uganda. You should have an international adaptor.

Malaria Prevention medication

Uganda is high – risk country for malaria, so before traveling it is advised you talk to your doctor or medical personal about the right prophylaxis for you, the most common ones are Malarone and doxycycline.