8 Things You Must Carry on Your Visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Are you planning to travel to Bwindi impenetrable Forest national park and wondering what items you should NOT leave behind?  Well, we got you sorted with a list of 8 must-haves on this trip.

1. Hiking boots

First on your checklist should be hiking boots. The Bwindi forest has a hilly terrain and therefore you will need strong good hiking boots especially if you plan to do Gorilla tracking or hiking on this trip. Sandals and open shoes are not recommended for these activities because they cannot handle the steep hills and muddy trails in this forest.

2. Long-sleeved shirts and Long trousers

This being a thick forest, short pants and short-sleeved shirts are not recommended. You are greatly advised to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts if you plan on doing activities within the forest. This is to protect you from scratches from the shrubs, and tree branches in the forest. You will also need long socks in which you will tuck your trousers to avoid any insects like ants from creeping into your trousers.

3. Rain Jacket or Umbrella

Rain falls throughout the year in Bwindi, and even in the dry seasons, they can witness some light downpours. This, therefore, requires you to have a raincoat while on this tour and an umbrella can be quite useful on community walks and hikes especially those outside the forest.

4. Camera

Remember to carry your camera because you wouldn’t want to miss out on keeping memories from the activities you will engage in on this adventure i.e. capturing moments with the gorillas, elephants, birds, and other animals you will find in the forest, the scenery itself is so beautiful and breathtaking, not forgetting the amazing cultural dances from the locals.

5. Hut or cap

A hut or a cap not only protects you from direct sun rays but also from rainfall which might disturb your vision during the Gorilla trek. The Locals sell many of these and if you forget to carry one you can buy from them and support their income.

6. Water bottle

The hills in Bwindi are a bit tiresome to climb so you definitely need to hydrate in order to keep up the pace. Gorilla tracking can take from 30 minutes to 8 hours. You will need a water bottle to store up water for you. You also need it for the community walk and other activities like birding and nature walk.

7. A backpack

For Gorilla tracking and hiking, you will need a backpack where you will put some of your personal items you will use like the camera, binoculars, notebooks water bottles, and packed lunch. There are porters you can hire in the forest to help you with your luggage and also give you a push or lift whenever you feel tired. (hiring a porter is very important because you do not know how long it will take to find the Gorillas)

8. Warm jacket or sweater

Bwindi is generally cold throughout the year with temperatures that can drop from 23°C in the day to 11°C at the the night depending on the altitude you are on. You will therefore need a jacket or something that can keep you warm especially in the early mornings, evenings and of course on rainy days because it can rain anytime in this area.

With the above items well packed, the other items that can be of use are gardening gloves, a notebook, binoculars, insect repellant, and sunglasses.

Pack some extra money for hiring a porter because as I earlier told you, you might need one. Walking sticks are needed for support on the hike and these you will find at the briefing point. In some cases, some lodges also provide to their guests.