When planning for a perfect gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, some of the essential questions any trekker needs to address are; how best should I prepare for a gorilla trek? What should I pack for a gorilla trek? Adequate preparation plays a significant role when it comes gorilla safaris and most importantly what you consider on your packing list for gorilla trekking does matter a lot.
Essential items to consider on your packing for gorilla trekking
Gorilla permit
Gorilla permits are must-pack for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda or DR Congo and trekkers on Rwanda safaris or Uganda safaris should ensure they secure one at least 2-4 months before the actual gorilla trek. In Rwanda, it is possible to book a gorilla permit at $1500 and you do so through our reservation team or directly with the reservation team at Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
In Uganda, each gorilla permit costs $700 if you are a foreign non-resident, $600 in case you are a foreign resident and the East African citizens pay shs.250000. In the DR Congo, to trek mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park, you require $450 to book a gorilla permit.
Light rain jacket/poncho
Considering the nature of habitat where mountain gorillas live, expect it to rain at any time and that why a rain jacket or poncho is one important item worth including on your packing list for gorilla trekking. This is to help protect you in case it rains while you on a search for these humble apes.
Long sleeved shirt
Long sleeved shirts should be a must-pack for a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt helps safeguard your hands in case of any biting insects or scratches and a lot more.
A sweater
Generally, places where gorilla treks are carried tend to be cold which why a sweater shouldn’t miss on your packing list for gorilla trekking. Mountain gorilla trekking adventure is carried out in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park.
A valid passport and visas
On actual gorilla trek, every trekker on Rwanda gorilla tour will be required to present a valid passports and visa to help in the verification exercise.
Long trousers
Trousers are the best to wear on a trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Prior hitting the jungles to look for these great apes, the park ranger guide/official will advise everyone to tuck your trousers into long socks. This is to help safeguard you from biting insects or prevent ants from entering through your trouser.
A pair of cotton socks
Your packing list for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda or Congo should include a pair of cotton socks and they should be long enough. They play a significant role in protecting you from biting insects or moving ants.
Camera
Photography usually sums up your magical experience on a gorilla trek and that is why carrying a good camera is a must. Taking pictures of massive silverbacks with their families in the wild leaves one with lots of memories.
Daypack
A daypack is one valuable item any trekker should consider on packing list for gorilla trekking. You need a good and waterproof daypack to carry and protect your documents plus other valuable travel items.
Hiking boots
Hiking boots should be considered on your packing list for gorilla trekking and make sure, you have waterproof ones. They help protect your legs from getting wet when it rains.
First aid kit
While on a trek to view mountain gorillas, there is possibility for one to get minor injuries or in case of any first aid and that is why first aid kit should be a must-pack item. The first aid kit should include painkillers, allergy remedies, cold medication, malarial drugs, anti-diarrhea drugs, antiseptic cream, bandages and liniment.
Energy giving snacks/bottled water.
Trekking to see mountain gorillas takes longer hours-ideally unpredictable experience and requires you to be physically fit. To help boost energy, don’t forget to pack energy giving snacks plus plenty of bottled drinking water.
Gardening gloves
Gardening gloves play essential role in safeguarding your hands in case you touch itching plants or thorny trees while on a trek to see mountain gorillas. This is why they a must-pack on your Rwanda gorilla safari.
Insect repellants
Insect repellents are good to protect you from biting insects. For this case, please consider “RID” or DEET a must-pack on a trek to see gorillas.