What To Pack For A Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda : Gorilla trekking safari is done from the volcanoes national park which is found in the far northwest of Rwanda and covers an area of 160 square kilometers. The volcanoes national park is considered to be a home to the endangered mountain gorillas this is because of its vegetation cover plus the flora and fauna within the national park. Before the trekking takes place gorilla habituation first has to take place and it takes 2 to 4 years. Then after the tourists are okay to trek the already habituated endangered mountain gorillas. The process of habituation was started in 1970s by a primatologist Dian Fossey who was a researcher and had positioned herself in the Virunga mountains.
Besides the mountain gorilla trekking in volcanoes, tourists can also take part in nature walks, hiking, golden monkey trekking, and bird watching. This is so because of its generosity in diversity which includes a number of mammals, primates such as golden monkeys and monkeys among others, 200 bird species among others
Within the volcanoes national park, there are over 10 habituated mountain gorillas that are ready for trekking every day. The gorilla families include sabyinyo family, amahoro, umubano,kwitonda, hirwa, agasha, bwenge, ugyenda, karisimbi and Susa family which is taken to be the largest family before it was split and it became popular because of the birth of twins impano and byishimo. The trekking takes about 2 to 6 hours depending on the movements of gorillas. Therefore, what to pack for gorilla trekking include;
CLOTHES
Tourist are advice to dress in nature colours in that they can blend with the surroundings. Colours such as green, greys and brown with a light material that wicks moisture. Tourists should avoid camouflaging because its not allowed for civilians to wear many colours such as animal print clothes where a gorilla may think it’s a leopard.
Though it may be hot tourists should wear long sleeved shirts and trousers because the vegetation is pricky and thus it requires one to cover up the arms and legs to avoid scratches.
Some tourists wear gardening gloves in order to grab onto plants and branches for support. This protects them from hurting their hands.
Tourists also tend to carry supportive waterproof boots because trekking takes about 6 to 8 hours while in mud plus also making ankle support and grip imperative.
Tourists also need to carry along thin moisture-wicking socks with thicker cotton which helps to prevent blisters.
Tourists also require to have a microfiber towel for rinsing the face and hands during the trekking process.
A broad-brimmed hat is also a necessity but also optional.
GEARS
Tourists need to carry a camelbak water pouch which allows sipping water as the hands are free. Because one has to keep hydrated especially at altitude.
A trekking pole is also required. The pole is amazing as it keeps the tourist in balance and support. Its also advisable to do some practice of hiking while at home.
A tourist also requires a pair of gaiters to keep water, stones, mud and sand out of the boots . the knee-high ones keep the bottoms of the trousers dry.
A mini first aid kit with antiseptic, plasters and moist towelelettes incase of any danger while trekking.
A universal charger with a camera phone though optional. This helps tourists to take photos while on a trek.
Therefore for an amazing mountain gorilla trekking safari, tourists should come well prepared for the trekking experience with the above requirements or necessities.
