When preparing for a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is important to prepare what to wear. Since the gorilla trekking adventure takes place outdoors, specific clothing that matches the weather is required to have a seamless adventure. The park is located close to the equator, thus it experiences an equatorial type of climate. This climate is characterized by two wet and dry seasons per year. Although this period is well elaborated for the entire year, Uganda has unpredictable weather changes. This means it can rain heavily during the dry season or shine strongly in the wet. This is why visitors are advised always to pack enough essential items like clothing that can handle either weather condition. Visitors should also keep in mind the terrain of the gorilla destination, as it can hinder navigation, especially when they do not have adequate clothing gear to handle it. Some of the required clothing to wear for a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include the following.
Long-sleeved shirts
Wearing a long-sleeved shirt on a gorilla trekking experience in the jungles of Bwindi is very crucial. This is because it saves the visitor from the small thorns and insects that can irritate the skin.
Trousers
The long trousers also have similar benefits, and since Bwindi is a dense jungle of different species of vegetation. Thus, it causes force to navigate through this dense forest, and the trousers help to protect the visitor from scratches. These trousers also help keep visitors warm in cold weather.
Waterproof jungle boots
During a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, waterproof jungle boots are perfect for helping the visitor navigate through the rough and steep terrain. These jungle boots are fit for both wet and dry seasons.
Rain jacket and sweater
Packing and wearing a rain jacket or sweater is suitable for the wet season, as it keeps the visitor moving even in the challenging weather to encounter the primates in their natural environment.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is also an important accessory, as it helps to protect the visitor from the direct sun rays are seemingly strong during the dry season and cause dry skin.
A hat or cap
A hat or cap on a gorilla trekking experience is also good to protect the visitor from the direct sunshine, which is often strong in the peak dry season.
Gloves
Garden gloves help during this adventure of trekking gorillas in Bwindi by safeguarding the visitor as they navigate through the jungle, as they get support from the trees and branches. These gloves protect the client’s hands as they move through thorny vines and trees.
Insect repellent
This is a must-have for most of the visitors because the insect repellent protects them from the bites of the various flying insects, like mosquitoes, whose bites are irritating.
Other than what is required for wear when embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, other essential items are important for this activity, as highlighted below.
- Energy-giving snacks
- First aid box
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Toiletries, etc.
How is gorilla trekking done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
This gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi is one of the highly anticipated tourist activities in the country. It involves clients walking through the dense jungles of Bwindi, looking for mountain gorillas. This activity begins with a pre-trekking briefing that highlights the important tips of this activity, such as the rules and regulations, and also the expected code of conduct. This briefing prepares the visitors for this important activity to encounter mountain gorillas. During this briefing, visitors are assigned gorilla families to encounter in groups of 8 people. Each group of 8 is given a ranger guide to help them move through the jungles of the forest in search of these primates. Upon encountering the assigned gorilla family, the visitors are then awarded an hour in the presence of the primates as they take pictures and record videos as the gorillas go about their day. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi requires one to have a gorilla trekking permit, as it is this document that grants access to the visitors. These permits are checked before the pre-trekking briefing to confirm them.
What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit’s cost varies from the country and region of origin of the visitors. This is where they rely on categorizing each client, and they know how much each is supposed to pay. Foreign non-resident clients pay up to USD 800 for a gorilla trekking permit, foreign residents pay USD 700, and East African citizens, including Ugandans, pay UGX 300,000. The sold gorilla permits are the lifeline of the park, as the money collected helps in running the conservation and protection projects of the gorillas. The maintenance of the park is also facilitated by money, and also development of the surrounding communities to help them benefit from the park. Obtaining a gorilla permit to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a locally registered tour company like Standard Safaris. After your gorilla permit is purchased, the company sends the visitor a scanned copy of the permit as confirmation of the purchase. This is why a reputable company is good, as it is transparent and accountable.
