Gorilla Trekking Gears
Is finding a family of groups, foraging, playing in pristine natural habitat on your bucket list. Nothing prepares you for the privilege of spending time with these gentle giants. Gorilla trekking may be the pinnacle of your Africa trip. One precious hour is all you have and you need to be prepared for this moment.
In this blog, we provide details on the kind of gears you will need on your gorilla trek in Uganda and Rwanda.
On a trek to see the gorillas, you will be hiking into the rainforest. As the name suggests, it is rainy in there so you will want to be as waterproof as possible, especially if you are carrying a camera.
Here are some suggestions of the gorilla trekking gears to bring and why
Clothing – Lightweight, neutral colored clothing and quick dry clothing is best for gorilla trekking. We suggest you carry three fast – drying shirts with long sleeves. High humidity coupled uphill can result into being sweaty.
Rain Jacket: If you have a tried and tested rain coat, include it in your packing list for gorilla trekking.
Gaiters and Socks: Do pack calf length or longer socks to avoid exposing your ankles to insects and plants. Not particularly fashionable but necessary as gaiters help keep grass, sand, seeds and insects away from your ankles and socks. Though some lodges in Rwanda offer gaiters, you are welcome to bring your own.
Gloves: In the dense parts of the rainy forest, you need to protective gloves to push aside vegetation and protect you from thorny plant. Feel free to pack your own comfortable garden gloves or use the ones provided at the lodge. You will be very thankful for the dry hands when it is time to take out your camera and start photographing the gorillas.
Waterproof Trousers: It is best to wear lightweight trousers that can tuck into socks or fit under gaiters for protection against stinging nettles. While some lodges provide waterproof gears, you may feel more comfortable in your own clothes.
Safari sun hat: Whether it is a rainy season or not, it is vital to carry safari sun hut, after all it is Africa.
Camera: Keep in mind that carrying a long zoom lens will be heavy, so opt for a mid-size lens, and bring along a cloth as a fogged-up lens when capturing a gorilla’s portrait will not do.
Well-fitting closed shoes: You will want shoes or boots you have tried on before. Think comfortable, non-sip, ankle support.
Waterproof backpack: You will want to keep your valuable like camera and binoculars dry.
Walking stick: It is a good idea to have a lightweight, fold-up stick on any hike for support and to move vegetation out of the way. Complimentary walking sticks and trekking poles are also available at the beginning of your hike.
Sunglasses: Tinted fashion glasses may look good in your photos and videos, but eyes will thank you for polarized lenses or UV protection.
Eyewear: While in the forest, glasses may mist up in the humidity or rain. Plan to wear contact lens if possible, all the better to see the gorillas with
Cash: After your incredible time with mountain gorillas, you may want to tip your guide and rangers.
Water and snacks: Your lodge will provide water and snacks to keep you going throughout your trek, but if you have any special energy-packed treats you would like to bring along, please do.
Hair ties: You won’t want anything obscuring your view of the magnificent gorillas, your hair may be frizzy but your heart will be full.
The Perfect Bag for Gorilla Trekking – Gorilla Trekking Gears
You will need a sturdy yet soft duffel bag for flights between camps and regions as well as lightweight tote or backpack for all the smaller things you need while out and about gorilla trekking and other activities.
Pack for a Purpose
We support several local programmes including an educational programme aimed at bridging the divide between communities and wildlife Consider leaving a little room in your bag to pack some things for the children of Rwanda and Uganda.
Most urgently, they need book bags, coloured pencils, HB pencils, sharpeners, and solar lantern lights, though any stationery, educational tools or personal hygiene products are welcome. Hand over the supplies at the tour manager and free up a little room for safari souvenirs.
What You Need to Know About Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda and Uganda have no strict dress code, although ladies are encouraged to dress conservatively, particularly in urban areas. Wear comfortable cotton clothes during the day and layer up with jerseys and closed shoes at night.
You will notice the streets of Rwanda’s cities are litter free. Leave your packets behind, Rwanda is a plastic-free country and heft fines are handed out to those who carry plastic contraband.