Essential tools for Gorilla Trekking
The main needs that are absolutely essential for a good gorilla trekking expedition are those related to travel. The activity itself is an exciting experience whereby one hikes across a hilly dense forest since the height in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can reach 2607m above sea level while the Volcanoes National Park boasts an elevation more than 3000m above sea level. The forests are rich in flora, thus Bwindi Impenetrable Forest most certain has no moniker for nothing. Therefore, it is rather crucial for you to have the following things if you want to have a great adventurous gorilla trekking experience;
To be let into most countries, one must have a valid visa and passport allowing one to be in a certain nation for a designated length of time. One can receive a VISA straight from the airport or online. You can decide to have an East African visa allowing you to visit three distinct countries—say Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda—or a tourist visa for a given nation.
A gorilla trekking permit is a card given to someone planning to track gorillas in any nation. Although the Uganda Wildlife Authority issues these permits in Uganda, one can obtain them by a reputable travel agent. One cannot track the gorillas without a gorilla tracking permit, hence it is quite crucial to buy them ideally three months in advance.
The next crucial thing to do is to prepare properly for your gorilla safari now that you have the most crucial paperwork with you or know you will have upon arrival from your reputable tour operator. Usually the same for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, you must ensure you bring the correct trekking equipment for your gorilla safari. The list below is for gorilla trekking only; if you have your gorilla safari mixed with a wildlife safari, you will need to pack other items, usually lightweight clothing.
Here is a list of basics you should pack for your gorilla safari:
Long safari-style pants: You should be aware that the vegetation is thick, rich, high and full of bushes and tree branches wherever you are following gorillas from. Long safari pants will enable you to get back from your trip free from rashes, scratches, and bruising from reactive plants like nettles. Choose colors abundant in the fauna to limit their impact on it by means of camouflage. White is a mistake since green from the vegetation will be black from the muck. When selecting a trouser, keep in mind that they fit perfectly into socks and allow you to climb and descend mountains without restriction of mobility.
Long safari-style shirts or t-shirts: The weather patterns vary greatly in these areas, hence carrying a shirt or t-shirt that will keep you warm when it is vital but should not also cause you to suffocate should the temperature rise. Choose a long sleeved shirt to guard against the plants and bushes while selecting one.
Given that rains fall at any time of day, even during the dry season, a rain jacket or a waterproof jacket is arguably the most important gear for the mountain gorillas living in these rich, verdant forests! Make sure your gorilla trekking safari’s waterproof jacket fits you.
That your waterproof jacket is light more so if you are traveling during the dry months of the year as it might get really warm. But avoid purchasing those extremely light-weight, paper-thin coats since the many braches and plants you will be going through will just cut through them.
That the jacket features a hoodie will help to keep your head and body dry should it rain.
Walking shoes waterproof with a grip: Among the most valuable Essentials for Gorilla Trekking is this one. Your hiking experience much depends on the kind of shoes you carry. Say the waterproof Gore-Tex hiking boots; choose comfy, waterproof shoes. They should be ankle high so that, should you step in dirt, puddles, rivers, or if it really rains, you keep dry. Please give open shoes or hiking sandals no thought.
All of your vital items—including the camera, passport copies, and like—will be kept in here in a waterproof bag. Taking a waterproof bag will keep them dry.
Particularly if you are tracking gorillas from Bwindi, very high and thick socks are quite useful. Even just standing motionless for a minute will have all kinds of crawlies crawling your legs, some of which are dangerous and can cause reactions like red fire ants. These socks ought to fit over your pants rather effortlessly.
Gardening gloves: Particularly in Rwanda, these gloves help you to have leverage when picking bits of wild vegetation.
You might have to pack a safari hat or cap to cover from the sun. If it so wants, it can be blazing.
Extra water and snacks: Your lodge will prepare lunch for you before you head off for your gorilla trekking adventure. On the trail, you can, however, pack some extra goodies to chew on and water. Remember, though, that foods are forbidden near the gorillas; should the rangers come across the gorillas, you will have to leave behind all of your food supplies with the porters.
Trekkers in the forest seeking for gorillas
Apart from the foregoing, you may pack binoculars, mosquito/insect repellent creams, towels, toiletries, and so much more—all those additional yet personal items that are really vital.
Although a gorilla trekking safari is an unforgettable experience, it is crucial to pack the correct basics so that you only bring the greatest memories with you. Following the above advice will help you to have the finest gorilla treking experience.
