PHYSICAL CONDITION
Trekking & Hiking
The fact is gorilla tracking can be strenuous. Being physically fit may be a pre-requisite to take part in this activity. Â A singular trek may take two hours, but it may also take six hours! Gorillas are wandering animals, each day they will move from place to place. In a day they move about 500m to 1 km. Of course, these movements are subjective to the existence of water and food. In drought or periods of fights between silverbacks, the gorillas may move even longer distances.
Safari
For most of other safari activities however, there’s no gauge on the necessary physical condition since for most part, you’re in a safari car.
Clothing
For terms of clothing, most safari goers choose to wear light, easy clothing. However, comfort is the general rule, and anything goes; T-shirts, Jeans, Khaki name it. In most cases however; eco-friendly & earth-tone colors are recommended hence the greys, greens and creams.
For game viewing safaris, it is advisable to ‘layer-up’ because it is usually cooler in the mornings and as the day goes by, the temperatures may rise. In which case, throwing off some clothes will boost comfort. The temperatures may drop in the evenings as well, therefore please take note.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are appropriate for all safaris however, for hiking activities like gorilla trekking (and the like), you need a good and solid (mountain) shoes. Your feet and ankles need adequate support, while the soles need a good grip on the ground.
Rainwear
Trekking & Hiking; the chances of rain in a rain-forest are ever present. It may be a short shower or it may be a long term downpour. Being prepared for any eventually is key, since the odds of drenching your gadgets are high if you’re not prepared. Consider carrying a poncho instead of a rain jacket. It is very practical and easy to throw on incase it starts raining.
Other Essentials
Gaiters & Gloves – In order to rise or descend, one may have to grasp branches, trunks or rocks and in this case gloves may prove handy. Gaiters on the other hand are protecting the legs.  Protection may be from safari ants, thorns and other vegetation.
Mosquito repellent that would also double as insect repellent, simply because in a forest are numerous insects to count. A covering of insect repellent may go a long way.
Anti-malaria pills – A bigger part of Africa is considered a malaria-zone, Uganda Kenya and Rwanda being part of this. Therefore we encourage our guests to keep this in mind and take the necessary precaution.
Binoculars – almost all safari activities in Africa may require one to use a binocular. But these are not a must and besides, chances are your guide will have them and sharing is caring.
