What You Should Pack for Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari : What You Should Pack for Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari: Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! But you must be ready in order to fully appreciate the event. Uganda and Rwanda have a warm, tropical environment, but because the mountain gorillas’ dwell at an elevation, the nighttime low temperatures last far into the morning. The majority of the year, mist and rain are frequent, and daytime temperatures are typically cool and muggy.
You journey through a dense tropical rainforest while viewing gorillas. Thus, this is not a leisurely stroll over clearly marked paths. Instead, to provide a path for everyone, the guides and porters frequently slice through the woods with machetes. Furthermore, the paths are steep and slippery. Scramble over logs and rocks, cling onto vines and creepers which can have thorns, and wade through streams at times. There are also stinging nettles and insects like soldier and fire ants.
What You Should Pack for Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari.
The packing list for your gorilla trekking safari is the same as that for a chimpanzee trekking safari. So, whether you are tracking mountain gorillas or chimpanzees in Uganda or Rwanda, this packing list will help you.
You need Long Sleeved Shirts & Long Trousers.
You must wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants (either Khaki zip-up trousers or jeans), preferably waterproof trousers. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts both protect you from branches, nettles, thorns, and other objects that might prick or scratch you.
Cotton undergarments are encouraged, and females should wear comfortable bras because the hike might be strenuous.
Waterproof Hiking Boots.
The trekking routes can be treacherous, especially when it rains, thus waterproof hiking boots are recommended, especially for gorilla safaris. Rangers and trekkers typically wear rubber boots or gumboots, so your shoes should be comfy. As a result, no one is wearing white sneakers, sandals, or any other improper footwear.
Hiking boots will provide you with good stability, balance, traction, and ankle support if you wear them with nice and thick socks. Tucking your pants into your socks may sound and appear unfashionable, but it will protect you against fire ants.
Gardening Gloves.
This appears to be a joke, yet it is correct. These tough gardening gloves will be used for gorilla trekking, not gardening. They will help you balance yourself on branches or vines, and the gloves will prevent you from being scratched by nettles. You can put them off when you meet the gorillas to get beautiful shots.
A lightweight rain Jacket or Poncho
Rain may fall at any moment, whether it’s a dry season or not, since gorillas walk in the jungle and generally in the morning hours, so a rain jacket should come in useful. A poncho can be worn as well; most trackers, rangers, and porters do. If you must carry one, make it a light one that you can simply fold and store in your bag pack until you need it again.
Put on a Hat/Cap
All you need is a nice wide-brimmed hat, such as a Tilley Hat, to protect your head and neck from rain and sun. A baseball cap may be worn, but it will not protect your neck from the searing heat once the mist in the mountains has dissipated.
If you do not bring your own hat, you can purchase one at any local artisan market in the nation where you will be hiking gorillas. You’ll be pleased you donned your hat towards the conclusion of the journey.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
In relation to the previous tip, you should shield your skin from the sun. Around midday, the rays may be quite harsh. If you followed our recommendations, the majority of your body will be protected, but your face will require a smear of sunscreen. Also, include a sunscreen stick in your backpack so you can reapply it as needed.
Because there are numerous insects in the jungle, applying an effective insect repellent such as RID or a citronella-based repellent is a good option to guarantee a comfortable journey. Keep some in your bag for reapplication.
Pack a Sweater
Yes, and it is critical that you have one or a cardigan on hand to wear in the early mornings and on cold nights. It becomes really chilly at night. The temperature at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is 10°C/50°F, whereas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda is 11°C/52°F, and sometimes lower.
Elastic Stocks or Gaiters
If you are planning to track gorillas or chimpanzees in Uganda or Rwanda, you should pack a pair of elastic stockings or preferably gaiters if you can afford. If you are wearing elastic stockings, endeavor to tack your trousers in the stockings; in this way, you will prevent fire ants from climbing under your trousers.
Snacks
When going gorilla or chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, you need to pack a few snacks for your hike. A few energy bars will come in handy during the course of your hiking expedition given that hiking to the gorillas or chimpanzees can take between 4-6 hours or more depending on the location of the gorillas or chimpanzees.
Camera
A phone’s camera is frequently adequate these days, but if you have a really nice camera, we recommend you bring it with you to record these once-in-a-lifetime events. Check that your phone or camera battery has been charged the night before. If your camera is battery-powered, carry a backup battery with you.
Water/Water bottle
Please bring a nice, reusable water bottle that is full with water. Perhaps a tiny bottle of water flavored with a rehydration mix as well. As previously said, you can anticipate to sweat a lot during the walk, and your electrolytes may get depleted. The more water you bring with you, the better. If you’re concerned about the weight, keep in mind that there are porters willing to carry your load and assist you along the way.
Price of Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda.
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs 700 USD per person and 1,500 USD in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while in Rwanda, all gorilla trekking safaris are conducted in Volcanoes National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking tours in Rwanda are mainly conducted in Nyungwe Forest national park and a chimpanzee permit in Rwanda goes for 150 USD. In Uganda, there are quite a number of chimpanzee trekking destinations but the main chimpanzee trekking destination is Kibale Forest National Park and a chimpanzee permit costs $200 per person.
If you are looking to book a gorilla safari or chimpanzee tour in Uganda or Rwanda, feel free to get in touch with our team of expert tour consultants at Explore Rwanda Tours.
