Gorilla Trekking Uganda what to wear

Gorilla Trekking Uganda what to wear ?

Gorilla Trekking Uganda what to wear  : Gorilla trekking is the most popular wildlife activity in East Africa region and Africa at large, Uganda is one of the only three countries where this adventurous activity is possibly done and the rest are Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

 In Uganda mountain gorilla trekking is done in two protected areas that are Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park is one of the most important national park in Uganda due to its natural beauty and enthralling biodiversity and the magnificent great apes – the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking is the main activity to do in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and it is a guarantee that you will see mountain gorillas during your visit, gorilla trekking in Bwindi is done on one of the four trailheads that is Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija.

Mgahinga Gorilla National park is the smallest park in Uganda and it hosts only one gorilla family that is Nyakagezi gorilla family which is open for gorilla trekking.

As a visitor visiting Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park to get contact with these gentle apes, you should know that the trek is challenging as you have to hike on a steep terrain with ridges and valleys. You need to prepared mentally, physically and have the right gears for the activity to be more amazing.

Packing the right clothing to wear during gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda will protect you from coldness, thorn pricks, nettles or insect bites such as flies and solider ants. Below are our gorilla expert recommendations on “What to wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda”.

 Wear Long Sleeved Shirts and Long Trousers

When going for gorilla trekking you need to war a long sleeved shirt and long trousers (either Khaki zip – up trousers or jeans or water proof trousers). Both long trousers and long sleeved shirts protect you from thorny leaves, branches, nettles that can prick or scratch you.

Wear cotton undergarments and since the hike can be tough ladies should ensure that they wear comfortable bras.

Note: wearing shorts and t-shirts can expose your skin and end up getting scratched.

 Wear Waterproof Hiking Sturdy Boots

Hiking trails used during gorilla trekking can be slippery especially when it rains therefore you require a pair of waterproof hiking boots, the shoes should be comfortable for you and well fitted. Rubber boots or gumboots are recommended, sneakers and sandals are not appropriate for gorilla trekking.

Wearing comfortable boots will give you good stability, balance, traction and support to your ankles and with these also wear good and thick socks, tuck your trousers into your socks, though this looks so unfashionable it will protect you against fire ants.

Sturdy Gardening Gloves

Sturdy gloves are very important for gorilla trekking experience as they will help you support yourself on branches and vine, these will also protect you against nettles such that you don’t get scratched.

A Rain Jacket

Mountain gorillas live in thick rainforest and that is where they are trekked, also the trekking happens in morning hours therefore chances of rain falling at any time are high even during the dry season. Therefore you should come with a rain jacket, a poncho can also be worm, most trackers, rangers and porters wear it.

If you are carrying a rain jacket, carry a light one which you can easily fold and kip it in your bag pack until you need it during the trekking.

Wear A Hat

 You need a good wide – brimmed hat that will protect your head and neck from rain or the sun, you might choose to wear a baseball cap but it will not protect your neck from the scotching sun after the mist in the mountains has disappeared.

If you do not come with your hat from home, there are many shops you can buy a hat from.

Wear enough Insect Repellent

On gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park you will come across different biting insects therefore wear a lot of insect repellent which will protect you from the insect bites.

Also wear sunscreen to your exposed body parts.

A Warm Sweater

Most travelers assume Africa is hot and wonder if they will need a sweater, yes you need a sweater to be worn in the early mornings and cool nights. It really gets so cold at night in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi impenetrable National park.

In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the temperatures at  10°C/50°F and in Bwindi Impenetrable national park it is at11°C/52°F and sometimes gets lower than this.  Fortunately, most lodges in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park give visitors hot water bottles for comfort throughout the cold night.

In conclusion, having the right times to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda, you will have the most memorable experience meeting mountain gorillas.