The endangered mountain gorillas are special creatures on earth which can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aforementioned countries have one mountain gorilla refuge, each, with the exception of Uganda which has two mountain gorilla refuges; Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Rwanda’s gorilla refuge is Volcanoes National Park well as the mountain gorilla refuge in DR Congo is Virunga National Park. These lovely apes share almost 98% of human DNA and they are so friendly to humans. Trekking them is a very unique experience you shouldn’t miss on your safari to Africa.
With the two mountain gorilla refuges, of course Uganda inhabits the largest number of mountain gorillas on earth with Bwindi itself residing almost half of the world’s total population of these endangered and beautiful apes. Like humans, the gorillas live in families ranging from 10 to over 30 gorilla individuals in each family.
Meanwhile, to trek the mountain gorillas tourists will need to pack some things that you might highly need while in the jungle. On your packing list, while going for a gorilla trekking excursion, should include some of the following items:
A gorilla trekking permit
A gorilla permit is the most crucial item you should possess whenever you’re going for any gorilla expedition in Uganda. Uganda has an affordable gorilla permit, costing US$ 600 – though the permit will from July 2020 start costing US$ 700. However unlike the other items, a gorilla permit will be booked [purchased] for you by your trusted tour operator prior to your arrival in Uganda.
Garden Gloves
It is also a great idea to include the garden gloves on your packing list. This is because the gloves will help protect your hands (palms) from being dirtied up during the gorilla trek, especially in the rainy/wet season. During the gorilla trekking session, you should know that it can get slippery and somehow you need to hold on something – which is safer when you have worn the gloves. This will prevent your hands from being harmed, such as; itching plants, trees or even climbing trees, germs and others that may scratch your hands.
Rain Coat
Also don’t forget to pack the rain coat or poncho, especially in the rainy season. Due to the unpredictable weather conditions, whereby it can even rain in the dry/sunny season, it’s better you pack the rain coat for emergency, regardless of the season you travel in.
Most trekkers prefer traveling in the dry season (June to September, and December to February) such that they avoid the rainy season (March to May, and November) but since Bwindi is a tropical rain forest, it can rain any time.
Comfortable Lightweight Hiking Boots
One of the most undermined yet crucial items is the type of the hiking boots. It is better to pack comfortable lightweight hiking boots such that you get a lot of comfort while trekking the gorillas. Because of the nature of the forest plus the altitude and terrain, you need light weight hiking boots for this activity.
Energy giving snacks and enough drinking water
Gorilla trekking can take from 30 minutes to 5 hours and that’s why a certain level of fitness and determination is required, it is not an activity for the pigeon-hearted people. Furthermore, it is advisable to move with some energy giving snacks as supplements.
Before departing from your lodge, you need to carry the snacks along with enough drinking water, or even packed lunch – as you never know when you will return to the lodge. Energy giving foods can be purchased in Uganda; always ask your guide to take you to a nearby super market.
Good HD Cameras and extra batteries
Photography is arguably the most important component of your safari as it is the best way to preserve your safari memories, improve your art and impress your friends and relatives back home.
For that reason, you have to make sure that you move with a better camera, charge your batteries very well and if necessary, carry extra batteries because you will need to take as many gorilla photos as possible in the one authorized hour you will spend with the gorillas. Cameras with flash lights are not necessary while taking the gorilla photos; hence you should always switch off the flash lights if your camera has them.
Long Sleeved Shirts/Blouse
It is also essential to pack long sleeved trousers/shirts/blouses for your gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda. Whenever you’re going for the gorilla trekking activity, make sure you wear your trousers in your hiking boots to avoid insects such as safari ants entering your trousers.
Porters for your gorilla trek
A porter is not compulsory to hire but very, very crucial in the success of your gorilla trekking excursion. Trekking the gorillas in their natural habitats is a very strenuous activity, which needs a lot of effort and power, and so hiring a porter is really very useful.
This is because a porter will carry your entire luggage, which will free you. He/she will also give you a push or a pull on the way to the gorillas. These porters go for a little fee and remember porters are needy people; school going students either in their vacation or have been chased out of school due to school fees. By paying some money to have a porter with you, you will have contributed to the community development indirectly.
Hat and Sun Glasses
You should always move with a hat whenever you are going for any trip in Uganda as a hat will protect you from the strong sun rays. If possible, you may also need to carry some sun glasses too.
Pair of Binoculars
Don’t forget that you are on safari and you want to have clear views of everything. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National park are homes to very many amazing creatures besides the endangered mountain gorillas, hence during your gorilla trek you will have a chance to spot some of them, such as; forest elephants, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, various bird species, black and white Colobus and very many other primate species.