WHAT TO WEAR FOR GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

Gorilla trekking is East Africa’s unique activity that has been of great interest to many primate lovers allover the world. When choosing what to wear for gorilla trekking, many factors come into play like weather, terrain and health. It is important to know the appropriate wear, suitable for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Congo and Rwanda.

The gorilla experience in the gorilla destinations of Uganda and Rwanda, offers a completely different jungle experience. Exceptional from the game drives, boat launches, birding expeditions and more  encountered on various safaris in the different tour destinations.

Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga national park in Uganda and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, are the only gorilla destinations in these countries.

Tips

Gorilla trekking involves a physical walk or a hike through the rugged trials  in the gorilla destinations. The path ways are usually slippery especially in the rainy seasons, coupled with a number of small water stream and thick vegetation cross over and penetrate respectively.

Health Tip

It is important to have a certain level of physical fitness for gorilla trekking. Trekkers exposed to various infections such as Flu, corona virus, malaria, a running stomach or any kind of disease that might be a threat to endangered apes. The category of these people may not be allowed to trek the mountain gorillas.

However, there is  great possibility  for the disabled gorilla trekkers. If they are in good health conditions, with the help of porters and carriers.   This vulnerable group is able to  experience the gorilla life in the jungle.

With the required documentation such as valid gorilla permits, negative Covid-19 test results, all in check.  An appropriate gorilla trek attire would be the last on the check box to begin your jungle trek of the gorillas.

What to wear – tip

With the ever changing  weather conditions of the tropical forest, where the gorillas are found. It is necessary for the gorilla trekkers to prepare for all weather changes while in the forest. Either it rains, or in the scorching sun, the trekking experience should be enhanced and made easy.

The comfort and flexibility of the trekking gear when trekking the gorillas makes the gorilla experience a lot more memorable and fun. As the gorillas are reached with much ease.

What to wear for gorilla trekking is very important. However there are also items to bring along after wearing the appropriate gear. below are a few …

Face masks and sanitizers.

Due to the global pandemic, it is almost impossible to access any destinations without wearing a protective face mask. Additionally frequent use of a hand sanitizer is also deemed important. This applies while trekking the mountain gorillas in the jungle.

The mountain gorillas are contagious to infectious viruses. This makes it important to trek the mountain gorillas while healthy, never the less wearing of  face masks  for the Post COVID-19 travelers. This promotes the conservation of these wild species by protecting them from the contraction of various infectious diseases.

Hiking gloves to wear

The trek through the jungle may be seen as a “bump walk”. The rugged and slippery terrain of the forest require a strong grip to keep balance when trekking. Small fitting gloves help to grasp tree branches as support while trekking the uneven terrains of the forests. These as well help to protect the hands and fingers of a  trekker from sharp plant hook piecing’s, given some vegetation in the forest carry horns, itching and rough surfaces.

Hiking boots to wear

The impenetrable forest is host to a number of unfamiliar species and plants that could hinder a gorilla hiking experience if not well dressed. Comfortable hiking boots help to step onto any rugged ground of the forest. Without worrying about losing balance or stepping onto sharp piecing objects. The boots surface well with the muddy, sticky ground of the forest which makes gorilla trekking faster and easier.  Comfortable and well-fitting boosts are recommended when choosing gear for your gorilla safari.

Water proof jacket to wear

Since the gorilla destinations are mostly found in tropical forests, especially for Bwindi forest. This guarantees higher chances of rain pours even during the trekking sessions. To safe guard and keep warm even with the tropical rain in the  forest,  a water proof jacket  would be of great help while trekking the mountain gorillas.

Hiking trousers

The thorny vegetation, creeping insects and buds will unfortunately make gorilla trekking  not a comfortable experience when wearing light trousers and shirts. Long hiking trousers made of light, and “breathable” material will surely make  all trekkers comfortable and protected from skin stretches, and insects bites while trekking the mountain gorillas.

Insect repellent to bring for gorilla trekking

The gorilla jungle is full of micro insects that are different on the floor and vegetation of the gorilla habitats. A little spy of an insect repellent will help keep insects and buds from crawling onto a trekker’s body.