What to pack for a gorilla trekking experience

What to pack for a gorilla trekking experience

In order to find wild gorillas, gorilla trekking is a wildlife activity that entails traveling through impenetrable forests. The experience entails traversing high hills, deep forests, rivers, and streams of water before coming across a family of gorillas. It takes a certain amount of fitness and willpower, which older travelers are more likely to have. Generally speaking, adults are better equipped to deal with obstacles like muddy pathways, insects, dense forests, and steep inclines. Whenever your planning a trek adventure here is the list for what to pack for a gorilla trekking experience.

Trekking conditions in Rwanda are often a little easier than those in Uganda. Yet, this is not a given. Depending on where the gorillas are, the conditions vary every day. Every guerrilla troop has its own territory, and some are typically more accessible than others.

General regulations set for gorilla trekking

The minimum age to obtain a gorilla tracking permit is fifteen years of age. Gorilla trekking has a 15-year-old age limit since youngsters are more likely to carry illnesses like the flu, colds, chickenpox, and mumps that could infect the gorillas. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo require vaccination against yellow fever.

The gorillas don’t need to be surrounded; you only need to stay close to them. You should keep at least five meters between you and the gorillas. The use of flash photography is absolutely prohibited. Smoking and eating are prohibited within 200 meters of the gorillas.

How much is a Gorilla tracking permit?

US$800 for each foreign non-resident. US$700 per person for foreign residents. African nationals (not from East Africa): $500 each. Residents of East Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi): UGX 300,000 (about US$80) per person.

On a first-come, first-served basis, permits for gorilla treks sell out quickly, so you will need to reserve and buy your permit in advance. It is advised that you purchase your permits two to three months before to your gorilla safari journey to Uganda

What to park for a gorilla trekking experience

Hiking boots

These boots are footwear designed specifically to protect the ankles and feet during outdoor walking activities, such as hiking.

Hiking boots will keep your feet dry, protect you from sharp things, and support your ankles when you hike up steep slopes. This is because gorilla trekking takes place in tropical jungles, where rain can fall at any time of year.

Long sleeved Shirt

You can shield your forearms from some stinging and biting insects by wearing a long-sleeved shirt or blouse. Additionally, the long sleeve will prevent you from scratching as you come into contact with the different flora you will encounter on your hike.

Rain coat

A raincoat is a waterproof or water-resistant upper body garment worn to shield the wearer from precipitation. Since gorilla trekking is done in rain-forested areas, it is likely to rain at any time of day, unlike other savanna parks.

Gloves

During gorilla trekking, these gloves are especially crucial for shielding your hands from thorns, stinging nettles, and other hazards. In certain situations, particularly when climbing or descending the mountainside, you will wish to grasp onto vines and branches.

Camera

An adventure that comes once in a lifetime is gorilla trekking. Make sure you bring your camera along. Remember to pack an additional battery.

Binoculars

In order to view distant things with both eyes, binoculars, also known as field glasses, are two refracting telescopes positioned side by side and oriented to point in the same direction. You can see the mountain gorillas and other animals, including many bird species, more clearly if you have a set of binoculars.

Long trousers

Long pants are one of the most important things to have for gorilla trekking in Uganda, and having a waterproof pair is strongly advised.

Hat and sunglasses

Sun glasses with a hat. Please wear a hat in hot weather to shield yourself from the intense sun’s beams. Additionally, you might need to bring some sunglasses.

Water Bottle

Please make sure you have a reusable water bottle with water in it. Maybe even a little bottle of water with a rehydration mix flavor.  While walking, you should anticipate sweating a lot and possibly depleting your electrolytes.

Best time to do Gorilla trekking in Uganda

The months of June through August and December through February are the ideal times to visit Uganda and see the mountain gorillas. These woodlands’ verdant surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for gorilla trekking. The area has a lengthy dry season throughout these months, which reduces slick paths and enhances trekking conditions.

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