Are you ready for your gorilla trekking safari? The next thing you should do is to look for the best gorilla trekking packing list if you want to have a less challenging and memorable gorilla safari. What to pack for gorilla trekking is one of the frequently asked questions by most travelers booking gorilla tours to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trek through jungle forests of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks is not a walk through but rather a strenuous adventure. The right attire for the jungle is therefore necessary for each tr5aveler visiting the endangered gorilla. Dressing right for the jungle is a first assurance for a successful and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. African Apes Tours & Travel, your ultimate gorilla safari guide in East Africa offers you the best gorilla trekking packing list on your primate safaris to Africa. 
Hiking boots/Shoes: YES, closed, waterproof and light hiking boots/shoes should be number one on your gorilla trekking packing list. These shoes ease your movement through the jungle forest, which can be muddy and slippery especially in the rainy season. More so, your trekking boots should be dark colored and resistant to mud. Alternatively, you can hire trekking boots from respective park head quarters of Bwindi Forest, Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga Gorilla National Parks. Your guide from African Apes Holidays will help you hire hiking boots at the park headquarters on the day of gorilla trekking at a small rate. If you are bringing your own gorilla trekking boots/shoes, avoid bringing new shoes into the jungle.
Rain Coat/jacket: You cannot leave out a raincoat or jacket when going for a gorilla trekking experience. Regardless of the season, gorilla habitats are forested and can receive any time of the year. Carry your rain jacket to deal with the unpredictable forest weather incase it rains. Rains are normally heavy in March, April, May, October and November. The raincoat should be light and waterproof.
Gardening gloves: You need gardening gloves to protect your hands in the gorilla trekking experience. The trek to see gorillas involve touching the grounds for support especially when the grounds are so slippery. More so, there are high possibilities of grabbing bushes and tree trunks when climbing up and down hill in search for the endangered gorillas. Hand gloves will protect your hands from getting dirty and being hurt by thorny bushes.
Long sleeved shirt/blouse: You need to carry long sleeved shirt/blouse to protect your soft arms. The long sleeves prevent you from poisonous bites from forest insects especially mosquitoes. Long sleeves also keep you warm through the jungle
Scarf and Poncho: Remember to carry a light scarf and poncho on your gorilla trekking experience to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga Gorilla National Parks.
Long Pants: Long pants are highly recommended for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Avoid wearing shot pants when going to trek gorillas. Long pants also protect your legs from scratches by thorny bushes and poisonous insect bites.
Sun glasses/Hat: ensure to carry sung glasses to protect your eyes from direct sun and any harm. Also, the hat protects your head and hair from getting dirty by leave droppings in the jungle.
Energy giving snacks: The fact that the actual time to spend in the jungle is unpredictable, remember to carry some energy giving snacks to keep you strong throughout the trek. More so, gorilla trekking entails hiking up and down hill, which require the use of energy. You therefore need energy giving snacks to keep you strong to the end of the trek.
Bottled drinking water: You need drinking water to keep you hydrated on your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Park. The search for the endangered gorillas entails panting and sweating, which can cause dehydration. You therefore need more drinking water to keep you fresh and hydrated.
Cameras & Extra batteries: Your gorilla trekking packing list MUST include a camera to take pictures and videos. Remember its only the photos that you take with your after the trekking experience. More so, carry extra batteries for your camera to avoid low battery and shut down.
Insect repellents: You need an insect repellent to prevent insect bites, which can be poisonous. Apply the repellent at the start of your gorilla trek and you will be safe in the jungle.
Other things you need for your gorilla trek
A porter: Whereas hiring a porter is not a mandate, you surely need a porter for your gorilla trekking experience. Porters are local people some of which are former poachers who transformed into conservationists. Porters help you carry your baggage to and from the gorilla trek. This eases your hiking up and down hill in the jungle forest. Fortunately porters are hired at a very low cost between $15 to $20 but the service they offer is vital. Besides carrying your bags, porters can give helping hand to hold your hands through the jungle forest in the steep slopes. More so, hiring a porter is an indirect support of local livelihood. Through pottering, these local people earn a living to support their families and improve their standards of living.
Hiking stick: You also need a hiking stick for your gorilla trek. The stick offers you support easing your hiking up and down hill in the jungle forests. You can get hiking sticks at each gorilla Park head quarters in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How to Book a gorilla trekking safari
African Apes Tours & Travel is at your service to book and organize a customized gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We help you book and pick gorilla permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board saving you time and energy. Also, we help you reschedule gorilla permits in case there is a change in travel dates. Upon your confirmation, we require a 40% deposit to reserve your permits and pay lodges. The remaining balance is required at least a week before the travel date.
When coming for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, ensure to carry the above listed trekking list to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla tour experience.