What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
One of the questions that someone travelling to Uganda for their gorilla trekking safari will ask is – what can I pack for my gorilla trekking trip? This is a great question because as a traveler you not only want to always be prepared but you also want to have an amazing trip and knowing what to pack for your trip makes your trip seamless.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an adventure that brings you face to face with the gentle giants of Bwindi as you walk through the deep jungle of Bwindi Forest in search of these incredible primates. Uganda is one of the best places in the world to track the mountain gorillas and as of 2018, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone was home to 459 mountain gorillas. Habituated gorilla families that live in Bwindi Forest are available for a select number of visitors per day.
Below are the items that you should pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda so as to have a great trip;
Hiking shoes
Hiking shoes are the most important thing that you should pack for your gorilla trekking safari. The hiking shoes should be of good quality and comfortable as gorilla trekking in Bwindi involves walking for hours in the thick forest so you expect muddy and slippery trails. A pair of good hiking shoes will make it easy on your feet and will make navigating the terrain in the forest much easier.
Insect repellent
Insect repellent is a must have for your gorilla trekking safari. Bwindi Forest is a tropical rainforest which means that insects and invertebrates are part of its ecosystem so having insect repellent comes in handy while in the forest. You can apply some insect repellent at the park headquarters on the morning of your gorilla trek and also pack it in case you need to apply more while in the forest.
A backpack
One of the most important items to have on your gorilla trek is a backpack. This will be used to pack your things like a camera, camera batteries and other essentials that you will have on you. The backpack is also needed for your packed lunch, usually for gorilla trekking since you don’t know how long you will spend in the forest, a packed lunch is always arranged by the lodge staff. The packed lunch is needed because your activity might take half day or a full day depending on the location of the gorillas that day so it’s important to be prepared in case it takes a full day.
Sunscreen
Uganda is a country with a tropical climate and the Equator line crosses through Uganda so temperatures are warm year round hence the need for sunscreen. Sunscreen is needed on your gorilla trek and also needed throughout the time that you will have spent on safari so it’s important to pack a good sunscreen for your safari in Uganda.
Rain Coat
A rain jacket is a must have while in Bwindi. The forest usually receives rains almost all year round, so it’s advisable to always pack a rain jacket. The rain jacket should be of good quality and water proof to protect you from the rain.
Camera and extra batteries
What is a gorilla trekking safari without a camera? This should probably be the first thing you pack, to capture great shots of the mountain gorillas and capture the beauty of Uganda as you transfer to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the day of your gorilla trek, once you locate the mountain gorillas, you are allowed to spend 1 hour with them and also take photos. Remember to keep your camera flashlight off when taking photos of the gorillas. Packing extra camera batteries is also important in case your battery dies down while on the trek.
Clothing
Having the right clothing is essential for gorilla tracking in Uganda. You should pack long trousers and a long sleeved shirt. The clothing helps as you walk through the forest as protection from insects and also plants that would cause irritation if they come in contact with your skin. Remember to consider neutral colors for clothing that can blend with the natural environment, colors like brown,dark green, beige and khaki are good options.
Snacks
Packing snacks depends on your preference as some visitors usually prefer not to pack them since they usually get a packed lunch from the lodge the morning of their gorilla trek. You can choose to pack some snacks like peanuts, nutrition bars and other salty snacks. These can work as an energy boost or if you need anything salty to munch on while on the trek.
Gaiters
Gaiters can be a good addition to your case however for visitors spending their nights at high-end (luxury) lodges usually do not need to pack gaiters as most of the high-end lodges provide their guests with gaiters. You can check with your ground handler or reservation manager if the lodge you are staying at provides gaiters so that you can make know whether to pack them or not.
Water bottle
Hydration is important while on a gorilla trek so a water bottle is a must have. You will need water while in the forest as it can get hot and you will then find yourself thirsty. Packing a full water bottle will ensure that you have water throughout the trek to quench your thirst.
A hat and sunglasses
The sun shines in Uganda and on some days, it can shine brighter than usual so it’s important to pack a hat and sunglasses for the sunny days. They will protect you from the sun while on safari, especially on days of your itinerary where you are transferring to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Socks
Socks can also be added to your things to pack for your gorilla trekking safari. Long socks are the best type to pack as you can pull them over your trousers on the day of tracking so that you can avoid the ground insects from moving up your legs while on the forest trails.
Gardening gloves
Gardening gloves are a good addition to your packing. Gardening gloves might seem an unnecessary item to pack but they come in handy while on your trek. Bwindi Forest consists of thorny plants, trees and herbaceous climbers so the gardening gloves protect your hands as you hold on to branches and plants while on the forest trails.
Now that you know what you need to pack, you are more than ready for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda! An amazing encounter that will leave you with great memories of the mountain gorillas and Uganda, “the pearl of Africa”.
