What to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; Gorilla trekking is one of the major and most exciting activities that’s shouldn’t be missed during your Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking activity involves tourists moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat.  In Uganda gorilla trekking is done in two destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park while in Rwanda gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes national park. Gorilla trekking is also done in Democratic republic of Congo in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park.

What to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Hiking boots

Hiking books will protect your ankles and also keep your feet dry as gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is done in tropical rainforests following trails which are usually steep and muddy therefore the hiking boots will help you to walk in the forest for long hours without getting stuck or slipping.

Long sleeved shirt and trouser

Long sleeved shirt and trousers will keep you warm especially during morning hours as it’s always cold and also protects you from biting insects, thorny plants and stinging nettles that can damage your skin during trekking.

Light waterproof jacket/ poncho

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and volcanoes national park is done in tropical rainforests which means that it can rain anytime of the day regardless of the season therefore the light waterproof jacket/ poncho will protect you from rainfall during trekking.

Garden gloves

The garden gloves will protect you from germs, stinging nettles and thorny plants during gorilla trekking in that the gorilla trails are usually wet, muddy and slippery especially during the wet season hence you might hold onto plants for support.

A warm sweater

Gorilla destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park usually get cold at night while at the lodge and early morning hours during trekking therefore a warm sweater will keep you warm.

A hat to prevent your hair from getting stuck in tree branches especially the women and also protect you from the sun and rain.

Sunglasses to protect you from direct sunshine during trekking in the dry season.

Insect repellent to protect you from biting insects during gorilla trekking and also while at the lodge such as mosquitos and tsetse flies.

Light waterproof backpack to carry and keep your gorilla trekking items dry during gorilla trekking such as insect repellent, camera, binoculars, energy snacks among others.

When going for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, there are a number of items that you can pack including,

Camera and extra batteries to take photos during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. However when taking photos the flashlight should be turned off so as to avoid making the mountain gorillas agitated.

Energy snacks

Energy snacks like packed lunch from the lodge and drinking water will keep you hydrated during trekking because gorilla trekking takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located.

A pair of binoculars

A pair of binoculars will help you to have clear view the mountain gorillas at a distance and other wildlife species such as birds, mammals, butterflies among others which will be encountered during your gorilla trekking activity.

Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will be divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with trails in the jungle. Trekking of the mountain gorillas takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species, plant and tree species, birds among others and once the gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home after the safari.