Gorilla Trekking Gear

What to pack for a Gorilla Trek

If a face to face encounter with mountain gorillas is your dream. It is safe to know that nothing can prepare you for the privilege of spending time with these remarkable gentle giants. To meet a habituated gorilla family in their nature habitat involves hiking through the pristine through the misty rainforest on slippery trails.

Because of the mild climate in Rwanda, you will need a raincoat whether you are traveling in one of the wet seasons or not. For an incredible gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, you need to pack right.

One precious hour with mountain gorillas may be the pinnacle of your Rwanda Safari Holiday, this blog offers you everything you need to be prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

On a trek to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, you will be hiking in the rainforest and as the name suggests, it is a rainy up there in the volcanoes, so you will want to be as waterproof as possible, especially if you are carrying a camera and other gadgets. Here is our suggestions for what to bring and why

 

 

Lightweight, neutral colored clothing

Quick dry clothing is the best option for gorilla trekking. We suggest bringing three fast – drying shorts with long sleeves. Humidity coupled with uphill trekking can be a sweaty experience.

Rain Jacket

If you have a tried and tested raincoat that works, carry it along. It can rain at any time in Volcanoes National Park.

Gaiters and socks

Do pack calf length or longer socks to avoid exposing your ankles to insects and plants. It is not practically fashionable but necessary, gaiters help keep sand, grass sends and insects away from your ankles and socks. If you can, please carry along your own, but some lodges and hotels in Volcanoes National Park offer gaiters you can borrow for the trek.

Gloves

In the dense parts of the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park, you need protective gloves to push vegetation aside. Feel free to pack your own comfortable gardening gloves or use the ones provided at the lodge. You will be thankful to have dry hands when it is finally time to get out your camera or phone and start photographing these gentle giants.

Waterproof trousers

The best trousers to put on a gorilla trek are the lightweight kind that can tuck into socks or fit under gaiters purposely for protection against stinging nettles. While some lodges do provide waterproof gear, you can carry own if you feel more comfortable in your own clothes.

Safari sun hat

Regardless of the season, wherever you go in Africa a good coverage hat is essential.

Good closed shoes

As you have to walk through muddy trails, you will want shoes or boots you have tried and walked in before. Think comfortable, non-slip, ankle support and waterproof.

Camera

Though you will need to take amazing pictures of the gorillas and forest, keep in mind that carrying a long zoom lens will be heavy. Opt for a mid-size lens, and bring along a cloth as a fogged –up lens when capturing the gorillas will not do.

Waterproof backpack

While on a gorilla trekking adventure, you will want to keep your valuables like cameras and binoculars dry. We can provide a backpack on request but you may be more comfortable with your own.

Walking stick

To have a good hike, a lightweight, fold – up stick will come in handy when you need a bit of support, and to move vegetation out of the way. Complimentary walks sticks and trekking poles are also available to the starting point of the trek or you can pick one from the lodge.

Sunglasses

For gorilla trekking, you need polarized lens or UV protection sunglasses. The tinted fashion glasses may look good in photos but not good for gorilla trekking.

Eyewear

Chances are glasses may mist up in the humidity or rain. If possible, wear contact lenses.

Cash

Though your gorilla trekking safari package with Active African Vacation Safaris is all-inclusive. Carry some cash for tipping your guides, lodge stuff and purchasing some craft pieces.

Water and snacks

 Most lodges provide bottled water and snacks to keep you going throughout your trek, but if you have any special energy – packed treats you would like to bring along, do.

Hair ties

While in the jungle, you won’t want anything obscuring your view of the magnificent gorillas. Your hair may be frizzy, but your heart will be full.

The Perfect Bag to Bring

For light flights between safari lodges and to stay under baggage restrictions, you will need a study yet soft duffel bag as well as a lightweight tote or backpack for the small things you need while out and about gorilla trekking and other activities.

In conclusion: Gorilla Trekking in Africa has no strict dress code, although ladies are encouraged to dress conservatively, particularly in urban areas. During the day, wear comfortable cotton clothes and layer up with jerseys and closed shoes at night.

Top Recommended  Gorilla Trekking  Packages