Gorilla Trekking Uganda What to Wear
Gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear is an article that looks at addressing the question of what should I pack for my Uganda gorilla safari, or what to gear to pack for a Uganda gorilla safari. Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves travellers hiking through the jungle rainforests of Uganda in search of the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is one of the three countries blessed to inhabit the endangered mountain gorillas, with the other countries being the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done in any of the two gorilla destinations say Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southern region of Uganda.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an active activity that involves hiking up mountainous areas of either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which have high altitudes and receive rainfall most parts of the year, irrespective of the prevailing season. Gorilla trekking generally requires some levels of fitness, and travellers shall have themselves hiking through sometimes muddy, mountainous tracks in humid conditions, therefore making it important to consider the gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear aspect during your gorilla planning process, which is raised often by your tour consultant along the way.
It is however also a good practice to have some information for yourself, that’s why this gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear article is here to do, to give you a list of essential gorilla trekking gear or what to wear to a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Below are the best options of what to wear to a gorilla trekking in Uganda safari;
Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers
Long sleeved shirts and long sleeved trousers, preferably waterproof, are the right and recommended type of clothes to wear for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. The long sleeved shirts and trousers protect travellers from branches, nettles, thorns and all things that could prick or scratch you during the hike.
A Rain Jacket
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which are rainforests that can have rain falling at any time. Having a rain jacket therefore is a great item to include on your gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear list. A rain jacket with a hood is advised if you shall not carry a hat, or even a poncho that you can easily pack in your backpack is okay.
Waterproof Hiking Sturdy Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are a good fit and comfortable with a strong grip are one of the top most recommended to pack for your gorilla trekking in Uganda safari. Hiking boots shall give you the much needed ankle support, traction and balance given the length of the gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Having your hiking sturdy boots waterproof is advised as the rains do fall at any time of the day in the rainforest areas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. An alternative to waterproof hiking boots are the rubber boots, which are commonly worn in the parks especially by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Though the rubber boots that are also called Wellies give you protection almost to the knees as well as traction, they do not give ankle support. Waterproof hiking shoes are therefore much advised.
Hiking socks
Hiking socks do accompany the hiking boots that you shall have, for the good performance of your boots is accelerated by the socks that you do put on. Hiking socks worn inside hiking shoes during a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda helps prevent blisters, overheating and pain discomfort during the hike through the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
When choosing gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear items, travellers are advised to always choose nature friendly colours that shall perfectly blend in with the nature around during your gorilla trekking in Uganda safari. Colours like green, grey, brown, khaki, and in lightweight material is preferred. Do not at any time wear camouflage for it is illegal in Uganda, and also do not wear animal print as the gorillas and other animals may be alarmed at the sight, say of a leopard print and act instinctively.
Sturdy Gardening gloves
Looking for your gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear items, then sturdy gardening gloves should be make it to the list. Gloves shall help travellers protect their hands from scratches and pricks when they do hold on to shoots and branches during a gorilla trekking in Uganda safari. Once you do meet the gorillas, you can then remove them and be able to take great pictures, but put them right back on when trekking back. Gloves also give you a strong grip on the hiking stick or rod.
A Hat
Include a hat, preferably wide-brimmed, on your gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear list for it protects your head and rain from both the sun and rain if it is waterproof.
Insect Repellent
Travellers are advised to wear enough insect repellent on their bodies especially on the neck, hands, to keep the many insects in the parks at bay.
A sweater is also advised to be included on your gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear list, for it shall keep you warm during your evenings in the high altitude and cold Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks of Uganda.
Other items that you should consider packing for your gorilla safari that do not fall under the gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear list include a waterproof backpack to protect your gadgets like cameras and other important documents, walking rod (though can be provided by your lodge of stay or at the start of the gorilla trek), among others like toiletries.
Clad with the above gorilla trekking Uganda what to wear list, you are usually ready for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Reach out to a reputable gorilla safari planner and have yourself a great gorilla safari put together for you.
