Kahuzi-Biega is one of the top gorilla tracking destinations in Africa-mainly for the Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking. Actually, this Park is literally the only Place in the whole world where tourists can track the Eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri). This magnificent Park is situated in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo near Bukavu town where conflicts have in the past been part of the people’s lives, but the situation is now changing because the Kahuzi-Biega Park Authority and Institut Congolais Pour La Conservation De La Nature (ICCN) have put more effort to ensure security and Conservation of these Endangered gorilla species. However after all is said, tourists often get confused on what things to carry or pack for the lowland gorilla trekking safari in order to attain a maximum satisfaction. Here is the list of vital things you should miss to pack for this safari;
A Valid Passport and Visa
Before you even think of visiting DRC, make sure you obtain a passport, valid Visa and an inoculation certificate against yellow fever. Passports are even needed when acquiring gorilla tracking permits.
A Gorilla Permit
This is another vital requirement for a tourist to be allowed to track the lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega national Park. There is only two habituated gorilla group for tourism in this Park, and only 16 gorilla permits are sold per day hence tourists have to book for these permits at least 6 months in advance in order to avoid disappointment.
The Right Attire
Carry long sleeved shirts and not short sleeved shirts or sleeveless tops (for women). The Jungles of Kahuzi-Biega has dense s dense forest with tree branches that are likely to injure tourists, hence it is advisable to wear long sleeved trousers.
Also pack long trousers that will protect your legs from being scratched by tree branches and sharp grasses.
Carry a rain jacket/poncho because Kahuzi-Biega is mainly a tropical rainforest that receives rain throughout the year regardless of it being a rainy or dry season.
You also need to carry a daypack that you will need to pack your cameras, binoculars and packed lunch/drinking water during the gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla trekkers are also advised to carry hats and sunglasses to protect their eyes from the scorching sunshine likely to be encountered.
You also need to carry a sweater to keep you warm through the cold mornings and evenings/nights because the coldness within this park especially during the rainy season will make you wish to be near fire for all times.
The Appropriate Footwear
The right foot wear is strong light-waterproof hiking boots with enough ankle support that will allow you hike through the different terrains. These hiking boots are also ideal for the rainy season when hiking trails are slippery and muddy.
Long socks are also recommended for hiking through the jungles of Kahuzi-Biega national Park. Before hiking, trekkers have to tuck in their trousers into the socks to prevent insects such as the Safari ants from entering their trousers.
Some of the gadgets you need include binoculars in case you will be interested in some bird species, primate species and colorful butterfly species and cameras with enough batteries to be able to capture every moment with the gorillas. This enables you to keep the memories of your gorilla trekking safari.
First Aid Kit and Medications
You need to carry a first Aid Kit that contains bandages, liniments and painkillers because you might get injured or suffer from muscle strains during or after gorilla trekking.
In conclusion, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the only place where you can visit for the Eastern lowland gorilla tracking safari and in order to achieve a memorable experience, trekkers have carry a valid passport and visa, Gorilla permits, pack the right attire such as long trousers, long sleeved shirts, right foot wear such as rainproof hiking boots and long socks among others.