Gorilla Packing List & What to Wear
When planning a gorilla safari to Africa, one of the must consider is a Gorilla Packing list & What to Wear during your safari. Just like when you are traveling anywhere in the world, you need to be prepared. Here is an essential Gorilla Packing List & what to wear for your gorilla trekking safari to Africa. Unlike other wildlife safari tours in Africa, mountain gorilla trekking is done in the impenetrable African jungles with thick vegetation and uneven terrain that is difficult to navigate. Since the experience happened in the forest, the packing list for gorilla trekking is somehow different from the normal safari packing list, however not entirely different.
In this article we discuss all the necessary things to include in your gorilla trekking packing list, and what to wear for a gorilla trekking adventure in the forest. Having the best backpack for gorilla trekking with all the gorilla trekking tour essentials will make your experience in the jungles a safe and hassle-free. So, if you are still wondering What should I wear and bring for gorilla trekking? this article is written to you.
Clothes, Gear, and Accessories to take on a gorilla safari – Gorilla Packing List
Uganda and Rwanda generally have a conducive tropical climate that is good for safaris, however, mountain gorillas live in areas with high altitudes and temperatures usually drop drastically. Having the right gorilla trekking gear and gorilla trekking packing list will make your journey more comfortable and easier. Trekking Mountain Gorilla involves hiking through impenetrable forests with thick vegetation, rugged terrains, and slippery ground.
The forest is also a habitat to a number of insects including mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and several others. In order to protect yourself during the trek, you need the right clothing for gorilla trekking, the best backpack, and all other essential gear.
Clothes to wear for gorilla trekking & Pack for a gorilla safari
Long sleeved Shirts and Long trousers
Since you’ll be trekking in the jungle, we recommend travelling and wearing both Long sleeved Shirts and Long trousers. The long sleeved shirts and long trousers will cover most parts of your body, protecting you from scratches and insect bites. Mountain gorilla trekking is done in thick forests with vegetation that is prickly. The long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will keep you protected from getting bruises or rashes from direct contact with different plants in the forest. The best colors for both shirts and trousers is neutral colors.
If you are still wondering, are there specific clothing items I should wear during the trek? Neutral color clothes are considered the best for gorilla trekking.
A lightweight rain jacket or Poncho
When packing your gorilla trekking gear and clothes, consider including a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. All gorilla trekking National Parks are known for receiving rainfall all year. To be safe, you need to carry a lightweight rain jacket. The rain jacket is also important as it will help you stay warm and to maintain your body temperature both during the trek and at the lodge after the trek, especially in the evening hours.
Hat and thick stockings
The hat will protect you from the sun, and rain, and also provide warmth. Just like all other African safaris, a hat is surely a must have when packing for a gorilla trekking safari. We recommend the one that has a brim.
The other must include in your essential packing list for gorilla trekking is the thick stockings. These will provide you with comfort, warmth and protection in areas where the terrain is rough.
Accessories (Sunscreen, insect repellant, Camera, and Binoculars)
Your gorilla packing list must also include some accessories. Some of the top items to carry along include sunscreen, a camera, and binoculars. The sunscreen will protect you from the sun burns during your gorilla trekking adventure. The other important and must carry is a camera especially for capturing the iconic moments during the trek. You’ll also need to carry binoculars as they will help you view gorillas and other species at a far range.
Most travelers however ask ‘‘Should I bring a camera, and if so, what type is recommended?’’ Yes, it is recommended to bring your own camera for a gorilla trekking safari.
Insect Repellant
You must always have an insect repellant with your when going for an African safari. Mountain gorillas live in dense forests that also inhabit insects and other organisms. It is recommended to pack an insect repellant that is strong enough to protect yourself from insect bites. The insect repellant must be strong enough with at least 30% DEET.
Foot and hand protection ware (Sturdy hiking boots, Gardening gloves)
Sturdy hiking boots
The gorilla trekking destinations are known for being slippery and therefore one of the things you should consider carrying is a pair of study hiking boots with strong grip.
Gardening gloves
Since you’ll be trekking in the forest, with gardening gloves you can protect your hands from injuries as you grab branches for support during the trek. You can carry a pair of gardening gloves when going for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Gear (Small backpack, water bottle, energy snacks, personal medication, first aid kit)
Small Backpack
A small backpack is an essential for carrying your essentials like water bottles, snacks, camera gear, rain jacket sunscreen, insect repellant, and any other personal items. The best backpack to carry for gorilla trekking must not be too large but just enough to carry your essentials. It should also be water resistant, and light for the trekker to carry.
Personal medication
Whenever you are traveling to Africa, we recommended to first meet your medical personnel and discuss your medical conditions. Always carry some personal medication along during the gorilla trekking tour. This will help you to cub any medical emergencies that may arise during the trek.