When planning to travel for a gorilla trekking safari to Africa, it is important to make good research on the best and most appropriate list of staff to pack for your trip. Whether your looking to tracking the lowland gorillas of the Kahuzi Biega or the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), its very important to take time and make the right packing so your comfortable on your gorilla tour to Africa.
Quick Checklist for What to Pack on a Gorilla Safari
- Long sleeved shirt for the hike
- Short sleeved t-shirts for a relaxing evening
- Light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (for treks)
- Long Skirt ( for women)
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself
- Kleenex tissues
- Small notebook
Recommended Dress Code my Gorilla Excursion
Read more on the best clothes to pack for a gorilla trek in the Virunga.
What to carry on my trek?
Make sure to have a day backpack to carry all your valuables, camera, waterproof clothes and day snack. Very advisable to carry a bad that is water proof mostly to protect your camera in case it happens to rain during the trek. Carry in your pack as little as possible to cut on weight of your pack so that your comfortable and can easily hike up to the mountain gorillas. In the rainy seasons, a raincoat might be a worthy addition to your day pack. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a good idea at any time of year. Carry a snack or lunch usually provided at your overnight lodge, early morning before setting off to assemble at the park head office for briefing. Water too is very important to pack.
Camera should be put in a water proof pack for protection in case it rains. Binoculars are not necessary to see the gorillas. You may need to show your passport or some other form of identification when you check-in.