Category: Experiences

Namibia stands out as an exceptional destination for a self-drive safari, characterized by its awe-inspiring landscapes, distinctive wildlife, and expansive open roads. The country boasts well-maintained highways, remarkable desert vistas, and extraordinary national parks, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking to explore at their leisure. Whether your aspirations include traversing the immense dunes of the Namib Desert, observing wildlife in Etosha National Park, or uncovering the history of the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a self-drive safari with 4X4 Africa promises an unforgettable adventurere.

Why Choose a Self-Drive Safari in Namibia?

A self-guided safari in Namibia offers the opportunity to discover this expansive and picturesque nation at your own pace. The country boasts a well-established road infrastructure, making it one of the most accessible destinations in Africa for self-driving adventures. By utilizing a dependable 4×4 vehicle from Self Drive East Africa, you can access the most secluded and breathtaking sites while enjoying the advantages of independent travel.

Engaging in self-driving also enables you to appreciate Namibia’s stunning landscapes intimately. From majestic red sand dunes and rugged mountain ranges to vast salt flats and verdant river valleys, each region of Namibia presents a unique narrative. With numerous clearly marked routes and secure campsites available, travelers can fully engage with nature without the burden of logistical concerns.

The Best Places to Visit on a Namibia Self-Drive Safari

Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert

One of the most renowned destinations in Namibia, Sossusvlei, boasts some of the tallest sand dunes globally. The striking red dunes, particularly Dune 45, offer stunning views at sunrise, and the ascent to the summit provides sweeping panoramas of the surrounding desert. Dead Vlei, a clay pan encircled by skeletal acacia trees, presents one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet.

Embarking on a self-drive journey through the Namib-Naukluft National Park is an unforgettable adventure, allowing visitors to encounter unique wildlife such as oryx, springboks, and even elephants adapted to desert life. While the roads leading to Sossusvlei are well-maintained, a robust 4×4 vehicle is necessary for the final segment to the dunes.

Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast

Swakopmund serves as the adventure capital of Namibia, situated along the Atlantic coastline. This coastal town features a unique combination of German colonial architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal location to unwind following desert excursions. Visitors can engage in various activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and taking scenic flights over the desert.

From Swakopmund, one can head north to discover the Skeleton Coast, a breathtaking yet barren landscape adorned with shipwrecks, persistent fog, and colonies of seals. Cape Cross is notable for hosting one of the largest populations of Cape fur seals in the world, making it an essential stop on your self-drive journey.

Etosha National Park (Namibia’s Wildlife Haven)

A self-guided safari in Etosha National Park is an ideal experience for enthusiasts of wildlife. The expansive Etosha Pan, characterized by its vast salt flat, provides a stunning backdrop for observing animals. With well-maintained roads and strategically located waterholes, those driving themselves can easily encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and cheetahs.

The optimal period for wildlife observation occurs during the dry season, from May to October, when animals congregate around waterholes, presenting remarkable photographic opportunities. The park offers a range of campsites and lodges, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of an African night beneath the stars.

Damaraland (Home to Desert Elephants and Ancient Rock Art)

Damaraland stands out as one of the most rugged and picturesque regions in Namibia, characterized by its towering mountains, deep valleys, and distinctive wildlife adapted to desert conditions. It is among the rare locations where one can observe desert elephants, which have evolved to thrive in arid environments. The Twyfelfontein rock engravings, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a glimpse into thousands of years of San Bushman heritage through their ancient petroglyphs.

To navigate Damaraland effectively, a 4×4 vehicle is indispensable, given the rough and isolated nature of many roads. The effort, however, culminates in a genuine safari experience away from the usual tourist paths, allowing visitors to camp beneath the expansive, star-filled skies of Namibia.

Fish River Canyon (Africa’s Grand Canyon)

Fish River Canyon ranks as the second-largest canyon globally, extending more than 160 kilometers in length. The viewpoints within the canyon present stunning panoramic vistas, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Opting for a self-drive journey to Fish River Canyon enables one to appreciate the immense scale and splendor of this natural marvel.

For those seeking adventure, the Fish River Canyon Hike offers a multi-day expedition through the canyon’s challenging terrain, allowing for an intimate experience of Namibia’s striking landscapes.

Kolmanskop (Namibia’s Ghost Town)

Kolmanskop, once a bustling diamond mining settlement, has transformed into a haunting ghost town gradually engulfed by the encroaching desert sands. The deserted structures, blanketed in dunes, present a captivating and eerie spectacle. Situated in proximity to Lüderitz, Kolmanskop serves as an excellent destination for photographers and history aficionados delving into the southern region of Namibia.

Caprivi Strip (A Hidden Gem for Wildlife Lovers)

In contrast to the dry terrains found throughout much of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip is characterized by its verdant environment and abundant wildlife. This slender expanse of land, which shares borders with Angola, Zambia, and Botswana, is graced by the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kwando Rivers, drawing in hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Bwabwata National Park in the region provides exceptional opportunities for game drives and boat safaris, all while avoiding the large crowds typical of other national parks.

Tips for a Successful Namibia Self-Drive Safari

Rent a 4×4 vehicle: Numerous prime destinations in Namibia necessitate the use of a 4×4 vehicle, particularly for traversing sandy and gravel roads.

Carry extra fuel and supplies: It is advisable to refuel whenever feasible, as the distances between gas stations can be considerable. Additionally, it is prudent to carry extra water and snacks.

Book accommodations in advance: Namibia’s campsites and lodges tend to reach full capacity rapidly, particularly during the peak season.

Check the road conditions: Certain routes, particularly those in isolated regions, may necessitate thorough preparation. It is advisable to seek the latest information prior to departure.

Respect wildlife: It is essential to maintain a safe distance from animals and adhere to park regulations to guarantee a secure and responsible safari experience.

Conclusion

A self-drive safari in Namibia presents a unique adventure, granting travelers the liberty to discover breathtaking deserts, remarkable wildlife, and distinctive cultural landmarks at their own rhythm. From ascending the majestic dunes of Sossusvlei to observing lions in Etosha National Park and delving into the secluded splendor of Damaraland, Namibia guarantees an extraordinary experience. With Self Drive East Africa, you can traverse this stunning nation in a secure and comfortable 4×4 vehicle, making for an ideal African road trip.

Africa offers a range of safe safari activities that allow travellers to experience the country’s wildlife and natural beauty up close and safe adrenaline adventures such as mountain climbing and Wild water activities on the Nile. Here are some safe safari activities to consider while on Safari in Africa.

Game Drives:

Game drives are a safe way to see wildlife from the comfort of a safari vehicle. Your driver-guide will take you through designated areas where you can see various animals it is usually done in 4 × 4 game viewing vehicles designed to allow a safer trip for tourists on farms and lodges however, a game drive is an adventure that entails viewing wildlife in an off-road car, always accompanied by safari guides or the farmer himself, who will explain the animal’s behavior and interpret the bush. It is as safe and fun activity to give a try while in the wilderness. They usually take place in the early morning, late afternoon or in the evening, because most animals are more active during cooler times of the day.

Gorilla Trekking: 

Gorilla trekking is a popular activity done in Africa, and it is a safe way to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will be accompanied by a guide who will ensure your safety throughout the trek. It is one of the top things to do in Africa. The gorilla trekking adventure gives you a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the gorillas in the jungles, and coming face to face with a giant gorilla is one of the most fulfilling wildlife experiences!

The gorilla trekking adventure involves tracking down a family of habituated gorillas in the mountains and after finding them you are allowed to spend one hour with them.  The gorillas live in families which may have from 6 to 20 members, and a family is led by a dominant male called the Silverback. The gorillas you are tracking have gone through a process called habituation which is the process of getting the gorillas to tolerate human presence without fleeing from the humans or attacking the humans meaning it is a safe activity worth doing.

The two most popular destinations for this amazing wildlife encounter are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.

Bird Watching:

Africa is home to over 2,000 bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. You can go on a guided bird-watching tour to see various birds in their natural habitat. Looking for a fun hobby you can do anywhere, anytime, without spending much cash up front? You can’t go wrong with birding, commonly known as bird watching. The best way to bird watch is to look and listen, because many birds have unique songs and calls. You’ll be surprised by how many species you already recognize, even if you’ve never gone bird watching before.

Boat Safaris: 

Boat safaris are a safe way to see wildlife from the water. You can take a boat safari on the Nile River to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Boat Safaris occur on the rivers and lakes located in both protected and non protected areas in Uganda making them popular because of the relaxation they offer combined with sightings of amazing wildlife, panoramic views and bird watching which is rewarding while on a boat cruise near the banks of the rivers or lakes.

Cultural Experiences: 

Africa is home to various ethnic groups with unique cultures and traditions. You can take a cultural tour to learn about the local customs, music, and dance, this opportunity to learn about and participate in the customs, beliefs, and traditions of another culture. It can be a way to expand your horizons, gain new perspectives, and appreciate the diversity of the world. There are many different ways to have a cultural experience, that is through engaging with the locals of the country, meet new people, volunteer with the community, speaking their languages marrying and others.

Nature Walks and Hikes:

Nature walks are a safe way to explore the park on foot. You can go on a guided nature walk with a ranger who will ensure your safety and provide information about the flora and fauna of the park.

Conclusion:

Africa has many safe and fun activities for anyone who wants to explore its amazing wildlife and beautiful nature. You can go on exciting game drives to see animals, trek to see mountain gorillas with a guide, and enjoy bird watching. Boat safaris on the Nile let you see hippos and crocodiles from the water. Nature walks are a great way to learn about plants and animals while staying safe. Plus, you can experience Africa’s rich culture through tours that show your local traditions. Whether you love adventure or just want to enjoy nature, Africa has something special for everyone.

Driving towards the northern side of Uganda via the Luweero triangle is Murchison falls, Uganda’s largest national park covering an area of about 3840 square kilometers and the home to almost all the big cats, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes among other animals. Located in the Albertine rift valley where the beautiful Bunyoro escarpment meets the doted savanna. Its Uganda’s oldest conservation area since it was first gazetted as a game reserve and later to a national park. Its home of over 76 species of mammals and over 451 bird species.

Areas of interest with in the park.

Murchison Falls

These falls are comprised of a war between the rocks and water. The waters violently penetrate through a very narrow gorge spraying their droplets of about a 50metre radius. This creates a very nice looking rainbow over the battlefield. From the baker point on the southern side, you can also get glance at the Nile splitting into the small Uhuru falls that was created in 1962 when the river burst its banks. At this point you just appreciate that nature is the only thing should not even be tampered with.

Paraa

The word Paraa means “home of the hippo” in the Luo language and this is the parks hub. All the access roads of the park just converge here. Several accommodations are located here, a small museum and a gift shop is also located here and most game drives, nature walks and launch trips start or commence here. All along if you have been wondering where you can view all the hippos behavior, Paraa is just the place to be at the Murchison Falls National Park.

Karuma falls

Located in Chobe the north eastern side of the park, these charming water falls of the Victoria Nile are made up of a series of rocks which cause the waters to ripple making them look in a foamy white appearance. It is really an ideal spot for sport fishing. For the honey mooners, oh my God, guess what awaits you, it is one of Africa’s most beautiful and spectacular lodges, The chobe lodge. This is just a magnificent experience and you just can’t miss it.

Kaniyo pabidi forest

In the southern side of the park, is this small amazing forest that harbors the colobus type of monkeys, olive baboons and a habituated chimp group which can be tracked. The great elephants and the leopards are also very frequent visitors to the forest including the beautiful birds like the chocolate backed kingfisher, white thorned horn bill and the puvel’silladopis that is found nowhere else in the whole of east Africa. The forest also has a campsite for camping, forest walks and good bird watching.

Rabongo forest

Surrounded by grasslands, the forest is a good place where most birders have their paradise, with the endangered species of birds. The visitors can also enjoy camp fires and relaxation on the banks of the waringo river.

Buligi game tracks

Lying between the Albert and the Victoria Nile, it’s one of the Murchison’s popular safari destinations covering an area of about 120 to 170 km in length. The tracks try to pass though the savanna grassland, acacia and the river rine vegetation. Most of the parks wildlife can be viewed here most especially in the early morning and the early evening hours

River Nile

The meaning stills comes out that it’s the longest river on the planet because you can view its source in jinja but still find on its way to the Mediterranean at Murchison falls. The boat cruise along the river is the greatest experience for the nature lovers when they have a great view of the mammal, birds, reptiles and the guided nature walks.

However, unlike other parks, Murchison falls also has got some areas of attraction outside the park and they are also worthy to pay a visit to for example the Budongo forest that harbors almost 800 chimpanzees and a variety of beautiful birds. Forest walks are very possible at Busingiro eco-tourism site on the Masindi- Bugungu route to Murchison falls national park. The olive baboon is also another attraction that are common along the road routes. Please make sure that your car windows are closed if you don’t want to loose your spicy lunch to these funny creatures. You will not also miss the savanna dwelling patas monkey is also found here.

Activities with in the park

Launch trips

The launch trip that starts at Paara gives you an astonished and wonderful experience where you have to have a frontal view of the falls. The launch mainly departs at 9am and 2pm daily and takes three hours. And for the birders, the morning cruise downstream the Nile delta provides the best chance to view the African shoe bill and the return gives you a fantastic view of the hippos, elephants and the birds.

Sport fishing

On the banks of the Nile below the Murchison falls, a memorable experience of sport fishing is also awaiting you and you will get a chance to see the Nile perch that go as heavy as even 100kilogrammes. The fishing is permitted in the designated places and your required to book before and come with your own equipment and also secure a permit from the Uganda wildlife authority.

Chimpanzee tracking and habituation

At the Kaniyo Pabidi, you will also get chance to track theses close relatives of man. The track takes about 3 to 4 hours and it is limited to a group of visitors and takes about a period of one hour watching these chimps play, eat and interact. This is just also a memorable experience at the park.

Game drives

Along the buligi tracks, you will also be able to view all the animals on your way like the lions, reedbuck, bushbuck, buffaloes, giraffes, duikers. With the help of the guides, you will even be able to spot the leopards at dusk. They mainly start in the morning and the afternoons.

Birding

Both the game drives and the launch trips can make you able to view the various species of the birds in the park. The commonest species found in the Albertine region include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, black bellied bastards,open billed storks, widow birds among others, closer to the river, you can also be able to have a glance at the malachite king fishers, francolins, hornbills, woodpeckers, cuckoos. However the park’s main birding attraction is the shoebill that is best sighted in the dry season from January to march.

Other activities include the nature walks and hiking in the Budongo forest outside the park and the Rabongo forest, bush camping and the Mubako cultural campfire performances among other activities

The accommodation is also a memorable and astonishing experience at one of Africa’s most beautiful lodges known as the Chobe lodge, the Paraa safari lodge is also another place that is a must to be

Everybody wishes to experience these amazing and rarest mammals in the world but where you watch them from matters, Uganda is indeed gifted by nature because of the privileges she has in terms of inhabiting the endangered golden monkey and the mountain gorillas. These are majorly found in the gazetted areas of Bwindi National Park and the Mount Mgahinga national park all located in south western Uganda in the districts of Kabale and Kisoro.

Mount Mgahinga national park is found to be in a well-established land for these monkeys and the gorillas because of its thick forest. This has ensured the persistent food supply to all the gorillas and the golden monkeys since they are said to be vegetarians and fulgurous.

This has resulted into a multiplicity of the gorillas hence accumulating in the two parks. Bwindi impenetrable national park is also recognized for its fourteen groups of gorillas and half of the world’s rest or remaining gorillas hence making Uganda a prominent destination for gorilla tours in the whole world. Golden monkeys which are not found elsewhere in the world are also seen here.

On reaching these two game parks, one can witness the beautifulness of these wise mammals, the way how the monkeys move from one tree to another up while displaying their glittering golden color all over the park is really so interesting. Silver back gorillas are widely spread in Mgahinga national park, the way they lead their families becomes a surprise to everybody who visit the park because of their characteristics that relates closely to those of a human being.

The male silver back gorillas plays a great role of protecting its entire family, lead them in all the areas where they search food from and also looking for food for the group. So wonderful to note is that after getting food the male ones enjoy most of the privileges of feeding first. The care female gorillas and female golden monkeys show to the young ones has no difference with that of the female human beings show to their babies including breast feeding and also back leaning their kids.

For Mgahinga national park, this is where gold meets silver as a result of the golden monkeys and the silver back gorillas. These are the only true residents for this park and other animals can also be seen on a small scale. Visiting these places can make every person enjoy what is missing in their homeland and also to appreciate the weather conditions within the park which is misty.

Gorilla permits in Uganda only cost $800 in other periods but at times, there are promotional rates during the promotion periods of April, May and November. The gorilla habituation experience cost $1500 all for Foreign Non Residents. For Foreign Residents $500, $500 and the later $1000. For the local or those from the east African community only pay UGX250000 for gorilla tracking during non-promotion period, UGX150000 during promotion periods and for gorilla habituation experience only UGX750000 is paid. Golden monkeys tracking cost $50 for all foreigners and east African community members only pay $UGX20000, These are all favorable charges compared to other countries charges.

All these make Uganda a true destination for both gorilla tracking and the golden monkeys tracking and experience. To entertain all these, one needs to make prior preparations before travelling and several tour operators can be entrusted with planning your valuable trip into the tropical rain forests of south western Uganda.

Most tourists planning to visit any African country always worry about not meeting their expectations and most of them perceive Africa as an insecure tourism destination. That is very wrong because Rwanda is today one of the safest country to be in for a tour or wildlife safari. Though Rwanda was affected by the 1994 Rwandese genocide, the country has greatly recovered over the decades and today its one of the most developed countries in east and central Africa. The country has various tourism attractions evenly distributed all over the country. Of the many attraction are mountain gorillas located in volcanoes national park.

Mountain gorilla encounters in Volcanoes Park Rwanda are some of the mind blowing and astonishing experiences that one can have ever have on a safari in Rwanda. They were most made popular to the western world by Dian Fossey an American zoologist who spent years in the forests studying these untamed animals.

Mountain gorillas are the largest of the Apes family and are close to humans having over 95%DNA similar to humans. They are strong and their enormous size makes them a little dangerous. Mountain gorillas are a little shy and spend most of their time hiding in the wild feeding, females looking after their young mountain gorillas and the males-silverbacks always looking for new feeding grounds and very determined to protect their territories.

Mountain gorilla permits are the first things to think about in Rwanda because mountain gorilla trekking is an activity preferred by many tourists and only 80 gorilla permits are available for tourists a day. Only 8 tourists are allowed to track one of the 10 mountain gorilla families in the national park. The permits are sold at $750.

Volcanoes National Park can be easily accessed from Kigali international airport just after a 2-3 hours drive on a well-developed tarmac road. You do not need to worry about accommodation because volcanoes national park has a number of well developed lodges where one can have a good night sleep while preparing for the greatly anticipated mountain gorilla day. The standard accommodation facilities where one can relax include gorilla Mountain View lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge and Virunga lodge among others.

After having a good sleep and waking up early morning to the sounds of the birds and great views of the beautiful the gently sloping hills covered with evergreen forests, tourists head to the Kinigi park headquarters where they are served with locally made hot coffee and tea as the a local group of entertainers bring lots of smiles to your faces jumping and dancing. You are then divided into groups of 8 and allocated to the 10 gorilla families. After being briefed, you then head to the jungles in search for the allocated gorilla group, which takes from 30 minutes to 5 or 6 hours.

Just a step in the forest introduces you the true African wilderness and sounds of nature. The guides in volcanoes national park are always willing to explain to the tourists the jungle and some of its inhabitants. As the journey proceeds, your guide is informed by the trackers who usually go ahead of the tourists tracking where exactly the gorillas are.

In just few minutes after having given proper direction by the trackers, a look through the vegetation introduces you to the mountain gorilla. The gorillas just relax eating the leaves in the reach of their hands as they stare at the very curious tourists taking their photographs.

While here, tourists are advised tourists are advised to keep a reasonable distance to avoid being attacked by the gorillas. An allowance of just an hour is given to the tourists and when it elapses, they are directed back to the headquarters, given certificates of participation for having gone for the great adventure. In addition to the remarkable gorilla experience, being in Rwanda feels like being home away from home and this explains why tourists are always forced to visit the country again.

Within Africa, there only three options regarding mountain gorilla treks, and that is Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda. These great apes that are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are endemic to the Virunga Mountains that spread over Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo and a separate population lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of South Western Uganda.

Within Uganda, gorilla trekking is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in the southern part of Uganda.

Within the Democratic Republic of Congo, the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park which is a UNESCO Heritage site. And within Rwanda, mountain gorillas are trekked in Volcanoes National Park. The country is also blessed with the eastern low land gorillas (another sub species of the Eastern gorilla) which are found in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Park. The Virunga National Park is located in the eastern side of DR Congo and borders both Uganda and Rwanda.

The park is found in the west direction of Goma which is capital of north Kivu province. Transport from Goma to the park can be arranged by the management of Virunga National Park. Tourists travelling from Rwanda have the best option of reaching Goma and it takes 3 hours to drive from Kigali to Goma. Goma can also be accessed from south western side of Uganda at the border crossing Bunagana border where you are able to purchase a local visa for crossing. If you’re planning to track mountain gorillas in Virunga national park, you are advised to book with one of the best local tour operators and the Congo gorilla permit costing $400, Uganda $800 and Rwanda $1500.

And within Rwanda, mountain gorillas are trekked in Volcanoes National Park.

Today the endangered mountain gorilla is confined to the Virunga Massif, a cluster of forested volcanoes that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic of Congo. Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in the Mikeno area, close to the Park headquarters; about two hours’ drive from the gateway town of Goma.  Compared with chimps, gorillas are very relaxed animals, but this is like no other encounter and nothing prepares you for its thrilling experience. You cannot explain the encounter mountain gorillas, there is no denying that being in the company of these great apes, meeting those searching intelligent, eyes in face that seems reflect your own, is an out of this world experience their behavioral trend just leaves you in great awe.

Mountain gorilla trekking experience is all the same in both countries which involves hiking deep into the mountain jungles to observe a gorilla family in the wild. Tourists are led by armed park rangers with machetes to battle with the big vegetation. The park rangers help to locate a gorilla family where it slept the previous night. Both adventures in Uganda and Congo begin with morning breakfast and then transfer to park headquarters for short briefing about the gorilla rules and the forest. From there you are driven to the starting point of your gorilla trekking. In Congo, Bukima patrol post is the starting of your gorilla trekking.

In both countries, the length of the trek entirely depends on the gorilla movements which can take from 2 to 8 hours, for some people it can take short time to find them and other much longer. Trekking to see mountain gorilla may be tiresome but when you first set your eyes on a silver back gorilla for the first time, all the fatigue is taken away, seeing mothers holding their babies, Juvenile gorillas playing, as you keep an eye out on the gorilla family as the one hour passes by, don’t forget to take pictures and videos for your life time memory. It is government law that you can only spend 1hr with a family at a time. This may seem unreasonable, as the price of the permit isn’t that cheap, but if putting a time limit on visits means that it protects the gorillas from catching any human disease and basically from being too accustomed to us. You cannot eat, drink, smoke or go to the toilet near the gorillas. Talking should be kept to a minimum also so as not to disturb them.

The mountain gorillas of both Uganda and Congo can be visited anytime during the year. However some paths are hard to navigate during the wet season of April, May and November. Other months are better for gorilla trekking since it is dry season. When planning for your trekking excursion to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Virunga National Parks, we advise you to come with a few things that are useful for you to attain your lifetime ultimate experience that involves trekking/hiking visit mountain gorillas in Uganda and Congo.

• You need light weight hiking boots for this activity/strong waterproof walking boots due to nature and altitude of the forest. So get shoes that have good ankle support.
• Take a light jumper and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers as temperature is variable and weather conditions can change
• Lightweight long wool socks which are comfortable for a mountain tropical forest
• A few long-sleeved shirts/trousers. Please ensure that you trek in your long sleeved trousers/shirts to avoid insects such as safari ants entering your trousers.
• Sweater for cool evenings and chilly mornings due to nature and altitude of the place
• Please carry a hat to protect you from the strong sun rays if it is hot.
• You may also need to carry some Sunglasses too with neck strap
• Sun cream is also necessary
• Video/photo camera, extra lenses and Reserve batteries. Photography is an important component of your safari and make sure that you have your camera ready, charge your batteries very well and if necessary, carry extra batteries as you will need to take many photographs in the one hour you will have with the gorillas.
• Insect repellents to protect you from Mosquito bites as Bwindi and Virunga Park is a tropical forest so many insects are accommodated there in.
• Garden gloves that will protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands.
• A glove to grip vegetation and it’s also best to have different layers of clothes since the temperatures tend to change.
• Energy Giving snacks. Gorilla trekking can take from 30 minutes to eight or so hours and that’s why a certain level of fitness is required. To add on that, we advise that you carry some energy giving snacks as supplements and lots of drinking water as you never know when you will return.