It requires adequate time and preparation to have a successful gorilla trip in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. This involves knowing what to shop and pack for your gorilla safari. Yes, you must be smart enough when shopping for your trip and what is important is not everything is needed when it comes to gorilla trekking in Bwindi or any destination in Africa.
Here, we bring you complete list for what to shop and pack for gorilla trekking, practical tips, and everything you need to know.
What to pack or carry for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is best described as an adventure of a lifetime. But first, you must be fully prepared to enjoy it to the fullest. When choosing what to pack, several factors must be considered and include nature of the trek, altitude, gorilla habitat and others.
Gorilla trekking is all about hiking via the dense tropical rainforest not the ordinary low altitude but higher elevation. No well-defined pathways here, but assistance from your park guide, machetes can be used to create way for you as you search for mountain gorillas. What is needed of you?
Long trousers –yes, consider it a must-have to carry long trousers for your gorilla trekking adventure. The trousers will be tucked into socks or safari boots to prevent any crawling insects from entering up your legs.
Long-sleeved shirts –these are essential to safeguard you from cold and also from biting insects, falling branches, and nettles. When choosing long-sleeved shirts for gorilla trekking, consider neutral colors to avoid scaring gorillas.
Strong and waterproof hiking boots –never make a mistake of carrying your usual sneakers or sandals. This is entirely a trek through the jungle and at times, you can bump into slippery, muddy and steep slopes. Therefore, leave the sneakers for city dwellers.
Socks –a pair of goo socks must be carried because you must tuck in your trousers into them to prevent crawling insects from entering.
Gardening gloves –you need good gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorns once you have grab hold tree or plant branches and vines.
Rain jacket –Bwindi is made of an impenetrable rainforest and lies on the hillside of the country. By nature, you can’t predict when it can rain and the only safer side is to have your rain jacket ready.
Insect repellents –even if you are on a city tours, biting insects such as mosquitoes exist and Bwindi NP being a natural rainforest, probably multiple of them could be encountered. This is why insect repellents come to play and preferably, get RID/a citronella.
Camera –photography is the best thing you wouldn’t want to get back home on a safari without doing it. This is what leaves long lasting memories and a camera should be a must-have. In the first, what will you be doing during the one hour of face-to-face encounter and photography with a family of mountain gorillas. This is the moment every trekker becomes active and you wouldn’t want to be left out.
Amazing shopping tips
With knowledge of what to carry or pack, you can walk into the shop knowing what you. To avoid purchasing just anything for your gorilla trip, here are some essential tips;
- Go shopping with a list- not only will this save you from overspending but also purchasing thing not needed.
- Set a budget –shopping for a trip is costly but you should keep with your budget size.
- Pay cash- depending on the destination, using credit cards often attracts card fees but this is avoidable if you paid for your items by cash.
- Pick the best time –gorilla trekking is done at any time of the day or year. You can travel during the wet or dry season, but the dry spell is the best being a period when there is less or no rain.
- Inquire from your tour operator what pack for your safari –is it gorilla tour or wildlife trip or cultural safaris?
- Never go shopping when you are tired or hungry.
- Avoid buying anything just –consider securing essentials first.
- Don’t forget to book for your gorilla permits early –last minute booking often come with their challenges.