A Complete Packing List for Gorilla Trekking and Habituation
What to carry during gorilla trekking and habituation?
Gorilla trekking and Habituation are Uganda’s top exciting and must-do activities during a visit to the country. These take place within the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the southern part of Uganda. Bwindi is the most prominent park offering both encounters of gorillas during a normal trekking and habituation experience. Half of the world’s remaining population of the gorilla species lives within the conservation area in its 4 sectors of Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma. What to carry during gorilla trekking and Habituation is important to get it right, as this can easily break or make your journey! Here is what to pack.
Hiking boots: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tough terrain with a rugged mountain growing a thick forest, under which is a moist and muddy ground. The activity involves long walks of 2-8 hours or sometimes the whole day. When packing, consider waterproof hiking boots that rise up to the ankles; this will be of great help when walking up and down the trails, protecting your legs from the walking insects and crawling ants beneath the ground.
Pack proper clothing for the jungle, all clothes are fine to bring but not all will give you the comfort in an African jungle, the clothes to consider should be of a lighter material and waterproof, these should cover most if the body parts protecting you from the growing thickets, and thorns along the path of the gorilla trails it is a must to wear long sleeved shirts and trousers, a poncho and rain jacket on a rainy day. Consider wilderness colors like cream, brown, beige, dark green, or even grey.
Warm clothes like Sweaters and Jackets are recommended as you begin the day to hike; it may seem fine, but it is a tropical rainforest, rain is expected anytime, the park is located in a high-altitude zone and can get very cold in both the dry and wet season, a warm cloth will help keep you safe during the tracking.
Carry an insect repellent; the rainforest is a breeding ground for several insects, including mosquitoes and bugs that bite sometimes. For ease and comfort in the forest, bringing an insect repellent would be of much help.
Hiking/garden gloves are recommended. When getting through paths, you may occasionally need to hold yourself on anything as the slope gets tougher; if you happen to touch slippery plants, itchy trees, or even climbing plants, you will not be harmed in the process.
A pair of gaiters may be needed for tracking and habituation; it prevents your feet from scratches and insects crawling inside trousers. Some of the ant species are itchy upon getting to wet surfaces. In case you do not have them, the guide will ask you to tuck your pants inside your socks.
Gorilla trekking is a strenuous activity that will require a fill-up and something to eat. It takes 2-8 hours or sometimes the whole day doing the activity; hence, when planning, please carry some snacks and a packed lunch. Lots of drinking water will be required as well.
Hiring a porter is recommended for both gorilla trekking and habituation, the forest terrain is steep muddy and slippery which makes the walk tense, even a light camera can seen so heavy along the walk, having a porter who will assist you with carrying your backpack, cameras and packed lunch will help you navigate the park better, porters are charged $20 per person standard price these can be paid directly or through a tour operator.
In conclusion, what to carry during a gorilla trek and habituation experience needs to be as light as possible to have an enjoyable moment with the gentle giants.