Sturdy/light rainproof hiking boots with ample ankle support. When tracking the
mountain gorillas, you go through a jungle with no clear paths. At times (especially in the
rainy seasons), the trails become muddy, slippery and impassable which will require
tourists to use strong hiking boots. Avoid sneakers unless you are going to use them for
outings within towns.
A pair of cotton socks (long enough) is handy for your gorilla trek. These socks prevent the safari ants from entering into your trousers. Before the gorilla trek, the ranger will ask you to tuck your trousers into the socks.
Light rain jacket/poncho. The mountain gorillas are found in equatorial forests where
the probability of raining is higher than it not raining, whether it is a rainy or dry season.
A sweater. You will definitely need this in the mornings and evenings. The coldness you will experience in Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi National park will make you look for your sweater or any cloth (especially scarf) to keep you warm. This is indescribable during the rainy seasons where even the blanket and bedcover may not be enough.
Long sleeved shirt/blouse (at least 1-2). This is important during the actual gorilla trek.
Avoid short sleeved shirts or sleeveless tops (for women).The jungle has a lot of insects,
stinging nettles, and plants with thorns. The long sleeved shirts will protect your arms
from the effect of those plants. Long sleeved shirts are also important to keep you warm
because it is always chilly in the morning.
Long trousers preferably light ones (avoid shorts). The long trousers will protect your
legs from the effect of the stinging nettles, thorns which are very common in the jungles.
Avoid jean trousers because they can become heavy and uncomfortable when they get
wet (resulting from the dew in the grass).
A pair of shorts. These are important when you are relaxing within your lodge.
Pajamas are very helpful in places like Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes National Park
where it can get really cold at night.
A money belt is also helpful for carrying money in case you need to buy souvenirs and
tipping tour guides.
Garden gloves. This is also an important requirement for gorilla trekking because as
you will be hiking/trekking, you might need to support yourself using tree branches or
grasses. These might have thorns, therefore the gloves protect your hands from getting
hurt.
Sunglasses with neck trap and hats with a brim are important to protect you from the
effect of the scorching sunshine. Similarly, sun cream is also an important element in
your packing list.
A pair of sandals preferably Teva sandals are necessary for relaxing in the evening or
when participating in other activities such as community walks.
Energy giving snacks and bottled water. Gorilla trekking is challenging and involves
hiking to areas of higher altitude hence requires a lot of energy and physically fitness.
The energy giving snacks will revitalize your lost energy. These can be obtained from
nearby supermarkets within towns (for example Kigali in Rwanda, Kampala and Entebbe
in Uganda).You will also need bottled water which can be got from the lodges.
Swimsuit for those interesting in swimming at the lodge.
Underwear. This is an obvious thing for someone to pack. You will be required to wash
your own underwear because most of the lodges in the National Parks do not use
washing machines and it would be inappropriate and uncourteous to give someone
(housekeeper) to wash them.
Toiletries like toilet paper (may be necessary during the gorilla trek, but the lodges
provide them), toothpaste (most lodges do not provide toothpaste), toothbrush,
detergents, sanitary pads (for women), lotions, shampoo, shavers, hair conditioner,
towels for tourists who prefer to use their personal towels (though you will find some at
the lodges, lightweight trek towels are recommended), lip balm, Hand sanitizers, wipes
and deodorants among others.
First aid kit containing your prescription medicines like anti-malarial drugs and anti-
diarrhea drugs, antiseptic cream, cold medication, allergy remedy, painkillers, bandages
and liniment for muscle strains that you might get due to hiking.
Also carry insect repellants to get rid of the safari ants, tsetse flies and mosquitoes.
The recommended repellants include “RID”. Also the insect repellants with DEET for
example Repel 100 are also good.
Safari Gadgets like a pair of binoculars that will be important during birding, cameras
with enough memory and extra lenses for capturing all the interesting and breathtaking
moments during your safari, rechargeable batteries with a charger (for the camera),
smart phones because Wi-Fi is available in most lodges, torches (LED torches have a
good battery life and are of lightweight).
Porters for your gorilla trek (Optional). An important but often ignored element is hiring
a porter to help carry your backpack and offer support during hiking. You may ignore this
but it is very handy. Besides that, hiring a porter is a way of supporting a family around
the National Park. By paying some money to have a porter with you, you will have
contributed to community development indirectly.
In conclusion, participating in gorilla trekking is a great achievement in the life of a tourist. In order to have the best of your time in the gorilla trekking safari, make sure you pack the right items to have a memorable experience of a lifetime.
Lucky Agaba
One with nature. Mother. Land surveyor.
