Gorilla trekking in Africa is of no doubt the most thrilling wildlife experience you shouldn’t miss to participate on African safari this coming holiday. Despite this fact, to ensure your gorilla tracking safari is memorable you must put together some essential requirements.

• A valid gorilla permit is a must have among the many essential requirements for gorilla trekking in Africa. Gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are obtainable at $700 (foreign non-residents specifically), $600 (for foreign residents) and Uganda shillings 250000 for the East African Community citizens. In Rwanda, you need $1500 to secure a gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park.
• Visa and passport-a valid passport and visa not only allow you have access to Uganda or Rwanda but they are also essential requirements for gorilla trekking in Africa since you will be required to present your passport before the park official for clearance on actual date of tracking mountain gorillas.
• Waterproof hiking boots-considering the nature of gorilla habitat, it is essential to have good, light and waterproof hiking boots or shoes to help you hike via steep slopes, rain-forest while in search for a gorilla family.
• Rain jacket-gorilla trekking in Africa is carried out not in the savanna parks but in tropical rain-forest parks and given the kind of habitat, expect rains at any time of the day. The rain jacket or poncho is essential in protecting you in case of heavy down pour while in the jungles searching for gorillas.
• Long sleeved shirts/blouse-these are a must-have if you are to have the best of your gorilla trekking experience in Africa. The advantage of wearing the long sleeved shirt is that it helps protect your skin from irritations, cuts, insect bites and a lot more while in the forest trekking to see gorillas.
• First aid kit-this is essential for your safety and it should come with a pack of anti-diarrhea drugs, antiseptic cream, wipes, anti-malarial drugs and many more.
• Bottled drinking water and energy giving snacks-these play a significant role especially boosting your energy since you will have a long day trek to see mountain gorillas. Normally, the trek takes about 2 to 6 hours and involves you trekking through steep slopes and dense vegetation which all requires you to be physically fit.
• Gardening gloves are highly needed on gorilla trekking adventure in Africa. They play valuable role in safeguarding your hands from thorns, itching plants when you try grabbing the nearby plants for support in case you fall especially during the wet season when the habitat is usually slippery.
• Walking stick is important to have to help when hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slopes. Walking sticks can be accessed at the park headquarters or you can request one at gorilla safari lodge you spent the night.
• Camera is another most essential requirement for gorilla trekking in Africa for photography. However, a non-flashlight camera is recommended to avoid irritating these creatures in their habitat.
• Visitors should be above 15 years to track gorillas in Africa. This age limit is one significant requirement any trekker on gorilla trekking tour in Africa should put in mind before visiting Uganda, Rwanda or DRC to trek mountain gorillas in the wild.