What to bring on your excursion to Trek Gorillas.

What to bring on your gorilla trekking tour: As you prepare for your gorilla safari, here is a list of things to think about bringing so you can have the greatest gorilla trekking experience.What to bring on your tour to see gorillas

Gloves
In order to protect your hands while hiking through the forests of the National Parks, you must also have garden gloves or gloves that resemble garden gloves. Since the ground is occasionally wet, it may be slippery for you as you climb the steep slopes, or, more accurately, the muddy, gentle slopes. You may need to hold onto some branches and plants for support—some of which may be prickly—or you may happen to touch some plants that itch, in which case these gloves will be able to protect your hands.

Shirts and blouses with long sleeves for women.
In order to protect themselves from the sun, insects, itchy plants, and scratches from tree branches, tourists should pack long sleeve shirts.

Rain Jacket:

Travelers should make sure they have wind- and water-resistant rain jackets with hoods. You may carry a jacket without a hood if that’s your preference, but it’s better to have one. This is due to the fact that national park forests affect rainfall regardless of the season. For example, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has tropical rainforest-like forests, and because the climate of the region affects it, there is no guarantee that it won’t rain. And even when it doesn’t rain, the humidity in the air keeps the ground and vegetation damp, especially in the morning.

Two magnifying glasses
Even if you are going gorilla trekking, don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars because you will be able to view other different plant and animal species within the National Parks thanks to your tour. For instance, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park serves as a home to over 350 different species of birds and several other animals, including chimpanzees, buffaloes, black and white colobus monkeys, elephants, and many more. Thus, in addition to seeing the diverse species, you will be able to take in the breathtaking scenery while on your trip in quest of the gorillas.

Long Pants
To protect yourself from insects and other small flying creatures, you must bring a minimum of two to three pairs of long pants. Additionally, wearing long pants can keep you safe from scratches because you might slip and fall on certain steep slopes or prickles. Because you will want to snap clear pictures of the gorillas, you may occasionally need to kneel on the damp grass to get the perfect shot. For this reason, your pants should also be waterproof. To keep insects out of your hiking boots and pants, you’ll also need to tack the bottoms of your pants into them.

Energizing snacks
Remember to include some energy-boosting snacks because trekking can appear to take a long time at times, and you can get exhausted. You’ll need the energy from these foods. There will be time for you to relax and eat your refreshments. These snacks can be prepared for you and are available at hotels in Rwanda and Uganda.

Shades and a broad-brimmed hat
Remember to always carry necktraps and sunglasses with UV filters. Your eyes will be shielded from potentially harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sun glasses with a UV filter. We recommend carrying at least two pairs of sunglasses in case one gets lost, but a neck trap on your sunglasses will keep them from falling in the forest as you hike or from being lost anywhere.

You can also avoid direct sunlight damage to your eyes, face, and neck by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Headlamp/flashlight combination

Depending on when you left for your trek, you might return late in the evening. Trekking can take two to eight hours because you have to cover large distances within the forest to find gorillas who move around. You can never be sure how long the trek will take because it depends on where the gorillas are. For that reason, in order to light up the paths through the woodlands, you will require a head lamp or flash light. Additionally, the flash light is for safety in case you find yourself somewhere late at night, particularly at your lodging.

Thick cotton stockings and gaiters

In addition to keeping dirt and insects out of your boots and off your feet, gaiters and thick cotton stockings will shield your legs from thorns and tree branch scrapes. Additionally, the Gaiters will shield your legs and ankles from the opposing foot’s spikes.

Remember to bring extra pairs of thin wool socks.

Boots for hiking.

Make sure you pack sturdy, lightweight hiking footwear with ankle support and waterproof construction so you can support your walk on the modest inclines within the woodlands as well as ascend the steeper parts. Travelers should be aware of how crucial it is to pack walking boots because they will allow you to explore the national parks—whether it be Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—while on foot in search of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. As an additional option, heavy-soled rain boots are useful to have on hand.

Trekking sticks

These will help you maintain your balance while you hike up the steep hills inside the trees. Occasionally, while you are in the camp, they might give them to you, or the guides might chop some bamboo sticks so you can use them as poles. However, carrying one or more of your own makes things much easier.

Sleep or nightwear

Don’t forget to pack your sleep or nightwear, a light wool sweater, a pair of shorts, a skirt for the ladies, about three short-sleeved shirts and blouses for the ladies, buffs, and undergarments.

Sunscreen, bug repellent

Remember to bring sunscreen, bug repellent, a hip flask, small daypack with a camelback to free up your hands, sports sandals or light shoes for camping. You also need to take a water bottle to stay hydrated.

A microfiber towel

Together with your personal hygiene products, you also really need a microfiber towel to rinse your face and hands, a first aid kit filled with prescription medications such as asprine and antidiarrhea medicine, hydration sachets, motion sickness medication, cold medicine, antiseptic cream, band-aids, eye drops, plasters, and moist towels.

Notepad

Remember to bring along a notepad, official passport copies, travel insurance, vaccination records, and contact information for your next of kin.

Extra batteries, lenses, and cameras.
Make sure you bring your camera along for the gorilla walk; taking pictures during the experience will make it an unforgettable one. We think you wouldn’t want to miss getting stunning pictures of the gorillas or any other plant, animal, or bird species in the forests, so make sure you have extra completely charged batteries to avoid disappointments. Don’t forget to bring film, too. We suggest turning down your camera’s flash while taking pictures, as it will frighten the gorillas away.

Porters are available at the parks to assist you with carrying your bags during your hike, so you might not have to worry about them. You have the option to compensate them for transporting your bags, or your gorilla trekking package may cover their fee.