The gorilla trekking gears needed for a trekking encounter are the same for all mountain gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. These destinations include Virunga National Park in Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Mountain gorillas move in families dominated by a silverback, an alpha-male that leads the way for all the other group members. You should bot leave put an essential gorilla trekking gear when visiting gorillas. This article informs you about the essential gorilla trekking equipment.
The silverback makes sure the family is safe and can risk his life for the others in case of any danger. These apes are so unique and interesting. They share over 98% DNA with humans. However, for one to meet mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, they ought to park then necessities. So much stuff is needed as you stride your way to locate the gorillas.
So after buying your gorilla permit, booking a flight ticket and getting set for your gorilla trekking adventure, park some of the items before to prepare best. The gorilla trekking gears vary according to the season but to be on a safe side, you have to park for all weather. You could get in the forest in the dry season and rain falls. East Africa’s climate is so unpredictable.
Trekking Gears for the Wet Season
Rain jacket. Gorillas inhabit tropical rainforests that receive a lot of rain. If you’re traveling during the wet season, there are higher chances of rain falling while trekking gorillas. Make sure to include a rain jacket in your list of what you need.
Good hiking boots. Hiking boots are a number one item you should pack for both dry and wet weather. Gorillas live in higher altitudes of volcanoes so you will do some hiking for hours before finding a gorilla family. This is why it’s called gorilla trekking. You have to trek the family and find it. You will need good hiking boots to maintain a grip on the ground and keep you safe from piercings.
Garden gloves. Garden gloves are one of the essential requirements you should include in your gorilla trekking packing list. Sometimes the hiking gets tough and you might need to hold the ground or unto plants to get through. The garden gloves will keep you away from harm and germs.
Long sleeved clothes. It’s advisable to pack your long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for your gorilla trekking experience. There are a lot of insects that might get in your trousers or shirts and sting you. To avoid all the drama, pack clothes that can cover most parts of your body.
Warm clothes. Gorillas have adapted to cold temperatures in rain forest with long and thick fur in their bodies. Mountain gorillas can only survive in mountainous areas hence, you should pack a couple of warm clothes as it sometimes gets really cold in the mountains.
Gorilla Trekking Gears for the Dry Season
Sunglasses and hats. Sometimes it gets very hot and sunny that you might need a hat to protect you from sun rays. You have to pack sunglasses to get ready for this.
Sun screen. If you have sensitive skin, endeavor to pack some sunscreen lotion to protect your skin just in case it gets too sunny and hot.
Gorilla trekking equipment for the wet and dry season
Drinking water. Drinking water should be one of your most essential items for gorilla trekking. You will hike and sweat then become very thirsty. There is no drinking water in the forest so ensure to carry your own and just enough of it.
Binoculars. Binoculars can be used both in the rainy and dry seasons. All the gorilla trekking parks have various species of birds, some of which are endemic to the Albertine region. Bird enthusiasts will be glad to spot various birds during gorilla trekking.
Cameras and batteries. It is very important to capture lifetime pictures of trekking mountain gorillas. You can take as many photos as you want but ensure to pack extra batteries for this. Also, take note that gorillas don’t like flash from cameras so you should turn off the flash when photographing them. Otherwise, you might scare them and they charge at you.
Energy snacks and packed lunch. Gorilla trekking sometimes takes long hours; up to 8 hours on a bad day. Not all clients like this. Prepare yourself with enough snacks to much as you trek. Some of these snacks give you the energy to push on. Lunch can be packed from your respective lodges. Do not litter anything in the forest or give food to gorillas. What you bring to the forest must go back with you. This reduces the risk of transmitting diseases to gorillas.
Insect repellents. There are many insects in the forests and sometimes you can’t avoid getting stung by any. The best thing is to carry insect repellents to avoid irritating insect bites. The repellents keep insects away.
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