rwanda

  • What to pack for a gorilla trek

    Vika
    February 1, 2023

    The complete guide to packing for your gorilla trek to make sure you get the most out of this incredible experience.

    A gorilla trek is a uniquely special adventure. Trekking through the African rainforest, you will witness the fascinating life of gorillas in their natural habitat. 🦍

    However, to properly enjoy the experience, you need to be prepared. What you pack will make all the difference on your trek.

    Protect yourself: In the wilderness, there are many risks and dangers, but with the right preparation, you can easily minimize these risks and they won’t ruin your experience.

    Pack only what is necessary: Trekking through the jungle can be tiring, so make sure you’re not carrying excess weight and your pack won’t become a burden.

    Enjoy your trek: Ultimately, all the preparations you make are to ensure you have a good time (which is the main aim of this article!) 😄

    Here is a list of important items to pack for your next gorilla trek!

    Proper clothing
    👒

    Your choice in clothing goes a long way to making your trek safer and more comfortable.

    • Long trousers
    • Long-sleeved shirt
    • Warm, moisture-wicking clothes (if you expect cold weather)
    • Hiking boots: sturdy, waterproof, and worn-in
    • Thick socks
    • Gaiters to protect your feet from insects (alternatively, tuck your trousers into your socks on the trail)
    • Sturdy gardening gloves to protect your hands
    • Hooded rain jacket or poncho
    • Wide-brimmed hat for protection from the rain and sun
    • UV-filtering sunglasses

    Cover as much skin as possible and protect yourself from branches, thorns, insects, and anything else that could scratch you on the trail. Always aim to wear neutral-colored clothing (like light brown, green, or khaki) which is better at keeping insects away and will be less startling for local wildlife.

    It may seem obvious, but it is also important to consider how comfortable your clothes are. Remember, you will be in these clothes for long periods of time, doing strenuous activity. Make sure your clothing doesn’t make the trek uncomfortable!

    Take care of yourself ⛑️

    Apart from clothing, there are several other practical things you will need to consider to protect yourself from the elements.

    • Light pack: the lighter your pack, the more you will be able to carry in it!
    • High SPF sunscreen
    • Insect repellant
    • Personal medications
    • Water bottle
    • Snacks
    • First-aid kit
    • Trekking poles for balance on uneven ground
    • Personal documents: passport, vaccinations, insurance, emergency contact details

    Enhance the experience 📸

    When you have your trekking needs covered, then you can use the space you have left in your pack for optional extra gear that will allow you to get the most out of your trip.

    • Phone and/or camera
    • Chargers or batteries for your devices
    • Binoculars
    • Headlamp for better sight in darker areas

    Ready for your gorilla trek? 🦍

    It is important to do this right - you do not want anything to take away from an experience of a lifetime. Make a checklist for yourself and make sure you have everything you need.

    We at Shadows Of Africa want you to have the best possible experience when you’re out on the trail with us. Reach out to us to book your gorilla trek and we will make sure you’re prepared before we head out together on our adventure!

  • Your Guide to Visit East Africa This Summer

    Vika
    May 27, 2021

    Travelling to East Africa this summer - a great idea and a wise conclusion!

    To realize your great idea support your wise conclusion with updated information on pros, cons, and of course the latest Covid regulations. Daily updated and thoroughly checked information will surely help you to get an informed decision.
    Pros surely include fewer visitors, curious animals, a higher standard of service for a lower price, easily maintained social distancing, and more profound contact with nature.
    Cons may be different Covid protocols when entering each country.

    1. Tanzania


    The undisputed queen of African safaris, Tanzania, is home to the Wildebeest Migration for ten months of the year, it is where the World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater shows off the unique wildlife, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain protrudes from the average, and the gorgeous island paradise of Zanzibar is being caressed by the sea.
    One of the advantages is "front row seats" for the great migration spectacle - dare to fight the croc for its bite? Pre-covid times witnessed rows and rows of cars waiting to catch a glimpse of nature's wonders, now great views are on display.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    All travellers are now required to show a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate not older than 72 hours. Upon arrival, all travellers will be subjected to rapid Covid-19 testing. The cost of this test is 25 USD and will be paid by the traveller on location. You are required to fill in the health form, available online, before travelling.

    2. Rwanda


    This green heaven in the heart of Africa invites with its unparalleled treasures. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekkings are always on the top, you can spot all of the big five here, and don't forget the amazing birdlife as well.
    Volcanoes national park, Akagera, Nyungwe, or the newest Gishwati Mukura national park all have lots to offer, Lake Kivu shares a different perspective, just as a visit to the sombre Rwanda Genocide Museum in Kigali.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    All arriving travellers are required to have a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure. Before arrival, you are required to fill in the Public Health Passenger Locator Form online and attach the PCR certificate. All passengers are required to stay 24 hours in quarantine, while passengers from India are required to complete 7 days in mandatory quarantine upon arrival at a designated quarantine hotel at their own cost.
    All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for Covid-19. A PCR test must be performed within 72 hours before departure. The Covid-19 test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.

    3. Uganda


    No country in Africa can offer quite what Uganda does: world-class gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, terrific game drives, all big five, bustling birdlife, and the majesty of the mighty Nile.
    Winston Churchill fondly called Uganda The Pearl of Africa, and we certainly agree with that sentiment, adding our cognition - Uganda's wild charm and variety of activities make it a great place to plan a safari.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    Arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks and will be screened for infectious diseases by the Port Health Authorities. If a passenger shows signs or symptoms of any infectious disease they will be taken by ambulance to a local isolation center to undergo a COVID-19 test at their own cost. Test results will be returned within 24 to 48 hours; passengers will be expected to remain at the isolation center until the test results are returned. Passengers coming from India or being there less than 14 days ago, are not permitted to enter Uganda. Passengers from certain countries will have to undergo PCR testing on the border /airport at their own costs.
    Departing passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, issued no more than 120 hours before travel. The 120 hours begin on the day the sample is collected for testing.

    4. Kenya


    Often referred to as "Africa's safari capital", home to the world-famous Maasai Mara and hosting the famed Wildebeest Migration in August and September as well as boasting the best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya is also an affordable and well-developed tourism market that is great for families or people traveling on a budget. Many different options to choose from in every rank, for every taste.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    All arriving passengers must take the PCR test 96 hours before departure from the first embarkation point and present the negative test. You must complete the “Travelers Health Surveillance Form” online before departure.
    Currently, flights from the UK and India to Kenya are suspended until June 2021.
    Passengers who have been to or transited through India in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Kenya.

  • Remembering Dian Fossey

    AdminSoa
    January 16, 2014

    Dian Fossey would have turned 82 years old today! Thanks to Dian, the mountain gorillas are still alive and protected.Dian's legacy lives on through international conservancy and gorilla foundation.

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