Gorilla trekking gears are the essential items and tools as well as the complete attire needed before embarking into the jungles to search for the Giant Apes. These Gears are crucial for the overall protection from scratching vegetation or any other unpleasant things while in the forest.
When choosing the appropriate gorilla trekking Gear, it is important to put into consideration the mountainous terrain and dense vegetation of the Mountain gorilla natural habitats. The Parks include Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike ordinary leisure walks where you dress casually, searching for the mountain gorillas requires a specific kind of dressing and carrying the right items. Therefore, we bring you the must-have gorilla trekking gear. But before you even think of the trekking gear, make sure to have already booked the gorilla permit, packed your passport and other travel documents.
Important gorilla trekking gear for the rainy season.
Mountain gorilla natural habitats have similar vegetation and experience similar climate with the rainy season extending from March to May as well as October to November. These months are characterized by occasional heavy showers, light showers, thicker vegetation, wet forest floors, slippery and muddy hiking trails. However, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, given the high rate of Climatic Change. All in all, make sure to pack;
Rain jacket
Gorilla habitats are marked by heavily forested mountain slopes that received remarkably heavy rainfall. It is very rare for the day to end without experiencing rainfall during the wet season, hence don’t be caught off guard without your rain jacket.
Gloves
Gloves are other Gorilla Trekking Gears because when it rains heavily, forest floor/ground becomes muddy and slippery, thus you might need to hold onto vegetation to descend areas of higher elevations. Garden gloves should therefore come in handy to protect your hands from thorny bushes and scratches.
Warm sweater
Given their thick fur, mountain gorillas thrive in extremely cold temperatures that sometimes drop to freezing point, which is not the case with humans. You will therefore need a thick sweater to offer you warmth during the cold mornings and evenings during your gorilla safari.
Essential Gorilla Trekking Gears for the Dry season
The dry season is from June to September as well as December to January; hence the must-have gorilla trekking gears for these months are;
Wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
You will need a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect you from the scotching sun rays.
Sunscreen
Travellers with sensitive skin are advised to pack sunscreen if planning to trek gorillas in the dry season.
GORILLA TREKKING GEAR FOR BOTH RAINY AND DRY SEASON.
Sturdy hiking boots with enough ankle support
Sturdy hiking boots with enough ankle support are one of the must-have gorilla trekking gears for both wet and dry seasons. Trekking mountain gorillas is a challenging activity and your boots have to be comfortable with enough grip on the ground while you hike areas of high elevations as well as slippery grounds.
Long sleeved shirts/blouses and pants
Long sleeved shirts/blouses and long pants are recommended for both dry and rainy season to cover and protect your arms and legs from stinging insects and scratching vegetation. Also, make sure to choose colors that blend so well into the natural environment such as brown, green, black and other dull colors.
Enough drinking water
Trekking mountain gorillas without drinking water is the biggest mistake anyone would ever make. You will hike for long hour and high altitudes, become tired and sweat profusely hence thirsty. Therefore don’t forget to carry at least two liters of water for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Pair of binoculars
Bwindi Forest, Virunga, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks are not only known for their mountain gorilla populations but also other residents especially birds (including Albertine Rift endemics) that can be spotted clearly with the help of binoculars.
First aid kit
Whether you are trekking gorillas in the dry or wet season, don’t forget to pack first aid kit with essential items being plasters, elastic wrap bandages, disposable sterile gloves, skin rash cream, alcohol-free cleansing wipes, distilled water, re-hydration sachets, antiseptic cream, pain killers (such as paracetamol), scissors, liniment and many others.
Toiletries
Toiletries such as deodorant, hair brush/comb, body wash, toothbrush, shampoo, toothpaste, face wash, wet wipes and many others should not be left out during gorilla trekking safaris.
Cameras with extra batteries and enough memory space
It is more exciting and unforgettable to capture every wonderful moment during your gorilla trekking safari. You will need a good camera (non-flash to avoid scaring gorillas) with enough memory space and don’t forget to pack extra batteries as you make good use of the allotted one hour of observation and interaction.
Daypack
A daypack is essential for carrying items you need during trekking such as gorilla permits, snacks, lunch box, water bottle, rain jacket and sunglasses. Make sure that it is waterproof for extra protection during rainy days.
Other essentials for gorilla trekking include energy – giving snacks, insect repellants and cotton socks. All in all, the weather within mountain gorilla habitats has gradually become unpredictable because rains have sometimes been experienced during the traditional rainy season and vice versa. Travellers are therefore advised to pack all the essential gorilla trekking gears regardless of the season.
