Gorilla trekking equipment

Gorilla trekking equipment : Gorilla trekking is one of the top tourist activities anyone can have on earth. This calls for anyone planning to participate in a gorilla trekking trip to plan carefully and carry the right equipment to enhance their adventure. Here below take a look at some of the equipment you need during a gorilla trekking adventure.

Hiking Boots.

Mountain gorilla trekking takes place in the heart of dense tropical rain forests cuddling the slopes of rugged mountains. This has tricky terrain and muddy trails lead to the gorillas. Having a good sturdy though lightweight and waterproof hiking boot will greatly be handy as you maneuver with the thickets and bushes through unmarked trails.

Waterproof Jacket.

A waterproof jacket is a must to carry even when you are planning to trek in the dry season. This is because mountain gorillas dwell in the tropical rainforests, and rain cannot be ruled out in the dry season, though there are lower chances here. Most trekkers opt to travel in the dry season of June through August. This is to avert the rainy months of March to May.

When choosing what to pack for gorilla trekking in any gorilla safari destination a rain jacket should be one of the first things to pack.

Long-Sleeved shirts / tops.

Tropical rain forests are greatly different from savannah plains as they will make you march through thick bush and thickets. To protect your skin from scratches and insect bites, a long-sleeved outdoor shirt should not miss on any gorilla trekking packing list.

Hiking Pants / Trousers.

The next thing on your gorilla trekking packing list is good hiking pants preferably made of polyesters. These are breathable and allow your sweat to evaporate faster keeping you comfortable and clean. It’s not advisable to trek gorillas in shorts or skirts. This is due to thorny thickets that can scratch your skin and crawling bugs that could crawl up in your shorts. Trousers guarantee that your skin is at least more protected on the trek.

Energy giving snacks.

A gorilla trekking expedition can run from 30 minutes to over eight or more hours depending on the movement of a gorilla group being trekked. This is the reason why a little degree of fitness is required before setting off on this adventure.

In addition, it’s recommended to carry some energy-providing snacks as add-ons to help you along the trek.

You can always plan to add your energy-giving snacks as you pack your lunch before leaving your lodge. Don’t forget to carry lots of drinking water as you can never be certain at what time your adventure will end.

Cameras and extra batteries.

Photography is an important element of any gorilla adventure. This helps travelers to capture everlasting moments and memories you will look back to even after leaving the gorilla destinations. Therefore endeavor to have your camera ready to capture any memorable event while on this trek.

Even if you have fully charged your batteries, it’s advisable to have some extra batteries as you will be taking countless snapshots on your way through the jungle and when you finally meet the gorillas

Light waterproof backpack.

You will automatically require something to hold all your gorilla trekking equipment. A light backpack will come in handy by holding all your gear in the trek while also keeping them safe from any water in case it rains when trekking.

Insect Repellent.

The park is also a conducive habitat for different bugs and insects that can inflict serious discomfort when trekking. To avert the bugs away on exposed parts of your body it’s recommended you use insect repellent and enjoy a bug-free adventure.

Pair of Binoculars.

A gorilla trekking adventure at least doesn’t differ so much from wildlife safaris when it comes to game viewing. Visitors would love to have clear views of the action when on the trek. In addition, most gorilla destinations are home to other wildlife including over 300 bird species, baboons, monkeys, forest elephants and buffaloes among other species. On your gorilla trekking expedition, you might be lucky to encounter some of these creatures roaming the forests.

All these equipment and more are some of what you need to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure. Plan in advance by carrying the right equipment and ensure a smooth experience while trekking the much sought after mountain gorillas.