What you pack for gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) does matter a lot. Given the nature of gorilla habitat, every trekker needs to pack appropriately starting with essential items first if you are to have a memorable gorilla trekking safari in the Congo! Whether you are traveling to the Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega National Park, these are the right essentials to pack for a gorilla trek. In your packing list, the following items should be a must-to include;

Waterproof hiking boots

Hiking boots you choose to carry for gorilla trekking tour in the DR Congo should be waterproof, strong and offer support to your ankle when walking. The trails in the Virunga National Park can be slippery especially during the wet or rainy season and to help you have good stability, traction, balance when hiking, the best is for you to have waterproof hiking boots. You will be required to tuck into the socks before setting to search for mountain gorillas so as to protect you from biting insects. Please sandals or sneakers don’t work for this primate adventure.

Rain jackets

Visitors on Congo gorilla safari should have rain jackets or poncho. Given the kind of gorilla habitat, expect rains at any time of the day regardless of the season-dry or wet. To protect you from the down pour, you need rain jacket or poncho. Find one that is light and easy to fold.

Gardening gloves

Gardening gloves are some of the essential items that shouldn’t miss out from your packing list for gorilla trekking in the DR Congo. They play a significant role more so when you need to grab some plants for support in case you fall down. Gardening gloves help safe guard your hands from itchy plants or even thorns.

Camera

A camera should be a must-have item on every trekker’s packing list. Cameras are good for photography and most importantly, you need extra batteries in case the one in the camera runs out of power. Non flashlight camera is recommended and in case your camera has a flashlight, please turn it off before you begin taking pictures of mountain gorillas. This is to avoid irritating mountain gorillas a behavior that may make them cause harm to you or other trekkers.

Insect repellent

Insect repellents are essential items to include on your packing list for gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Your insect repellent will help protect you from the biting insects while you are on trek to see mountain gorillas.

Bottled drinking water and energy giving snacks

Gorilla trekking is a breathtaking primate experience and it requires some physical wellness. To be on a safer side, you need some packed energy giving snacks, bottled drinking water to help keep you strong so that you make a complete hike.

Long sleeved shirt or t-shirt

Long sleeved shirts or t-shirts should be a must to pack items if you have any plans to visit the Congo Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking. They are the best for this adventure since they help protect your hands from scratches, insect bites.

Trousers

Before you begin a trek to see mountain gorillas, you will be advised to tack your trousers into the socks to avoid insects from biting you. Note, gorilla trekking is done in the rain forest and there are many insects and also itchy plants.

First aid kit

First aid kit is essential when it comes to gorilla trekking. Just in case you get injured you can start with what you have in your kit before you get to the medical center. Your first aid kit should comprise of bandages, plaster, pain killers, sprays, wipes, cough medicines, scissors and many others.

Waterproof Day Pack

You need a good but waterproof daypack to help you keep small items. You can keep items like passport or any travel documents in a day pack.

Hat and sun glasses

Trekking mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park during the dry season comes with sun heat. The hat and sun glasses are important in that the sun hat helps protect your head from the sun heat and your eyes from the sun rays.

Other essential items to pack for gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo include pair of binoculars, sweater, toiletries, extra camera batteries, flash light, walking stick  but the stick can be got at the park headquarters or at the lodge to mention but a few. When packing for gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of the Congo, please pack lightly.