Gorilla Trekking Tips in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla tourism has become a key attraction in Virunga massif that straddles Congo, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The gorilla parks are Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda respectively. Trekking these amazing primates is every adventurer’s ultimate dream.

You can rely on asking us information about tour operator you can trust for year-round mountain gorilla trekking. However, it is important to note that seasonal changes occur in these parks where gorillas stay.

From December to February and June to September attract most of the tourists who come for gorilla safaris. Some also prefer coming during low seasons when there are discounted permits.

It’s important to usually have a budget in mind before choosing a desirable accommodation near these gorilla parks.

The gorilla trekking permits cost $1500 in Rwanda, $600 in Uganda during high seasons with no discount provided

Note that only 8 people are permitted to see a gorilla family during the day. We advise that you book the necessary permits plus accommodations in advance so that you may avoid potential disappointments.

Several enthusiastic trekkers have discovered that this is a tiring process. They instead decide to reserve their permits via local safari operators and companies who assist them to buy the gorilla permits and reserve accommodations much faster depending on the date of the adventure.

What to wear during trekking

Mulling over what to put on for a gorilla trekking adventure may be quite a challenge. But when you follow these guidelines, you are going to discover that this can be an exciting and memorable trip.

First, you should try getting yourself the right gorilla trekking gears. They include quality hiking or walking boots and warm layers of attires with long sleeves for wet weather and cold evenings.

Packing List for gorilla trekking

• Gorilla Permit and Passport:
• Hiking Boots
• Raincoat and sweater
• Insect Repellents:
• Snacks, packed lunch and drinking water
• Camera with a great focus, strong battery and memory

. Long safari style trousers

No matter where you go gorilla trekking, the vegetation will be thick, lush, high and filled with plants, bushes and tree branches. Wearing long trousers is critical to ensure you do not return covered in bruises, scratches and rashes from reactions to plants like nettles which are particularly nasty in Rwanda.

You should always wear clothes in colors which abound in the wild to camouflage and minimise the impact on wildlife. It is therefore recommended that you wear shades of green or brown. White trousers would be a real mistake as they will return black from the mud.

Other things to consider when choosing the right trousers for gorilla trekking:

Your gorilla trekking trousers should be easy to tuck into socks and give you the ability to trek up and down mountains and have freedom of movement so it is best to avoid really tight clothes.

Pockets are useful but it is likely you will have a backpack and enlist the help of a porter to help you carry your stuff.

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What you should consider when picking your gorilla trekking shirt

 

Again, your top should ideally be of the same safari type of colours, khaki, green or brown, but it can probably be any other colour if you are going to wear a rain jacket on top, which you should always bring on gorilla trekking. Long sleeves to protect you from the plants and bushes.

Ideally, one of those t-shirts that have a thumb hole will also protect the back of your hands

 

The full gorilla trekking outfit with waterproof jacket and garden gloves

This is probably the most essential of the gorilla trekking gear items to bring. Why? Because the tropical areas mountain gorillas inhabit are lush and green for a reason and rains can occur anytime, even in the dry season. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the jungle and for it start pouring down without sufficient covering.

 

Things to consider when choosing a waterproof jacket for gorilla trekking:

 

Make sure that your waterproof jacket is light, especially if you are going to see the gorillas in the drier summer months when it can get pretty warm..

It should also be breathable and not trap your body heat inside or you will be wearing a lot as you exert yourself walking around the mountains.

Opt for safari colours. Khaki, green, brown and avoid bright neon colours that cannot be found easily in the wild.

Hair bandana or hat

If you have long hair, an easy way to ensure your hair doesn’t get stuck in the branches or end up filled with stuff falling from trees is to wear a hat or bandana. I found bandanas to be quite useful because they are light and you can pull them down as soon as you get out of the park if it is hot.