What to Pack for Your Kahuzi Biega Gorilla Vacation
You are headed to Kahuzi biega National Park where you will find the eastern lowland gorilals and more wildlife than anywhere else in the world as democratic republic of congo is known for special species like the eastern lowland gorillas, peacock and other primates. From high mountain peaks to green valleys and various rivers in the jungle of kahuzi biega, there are hundreds of places to explore with special things to do in the wilderness of Congo. But how do you pack for Kahuzi biega gorilla trekking? Here are the top 8 items to put in your backpack.
1. Binoculars or a Spotting Scope to See Birds and smaller primates.
Don’t miss seeing that birding in the kahuzi biega across mountain kahuzi and mount biega that are forming the park that is known for spotting the gorillas . Bring along a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope to see all the wildlife Kahuzi Biega has to offer. It’s worth talking to your local safari company about the different types of binoculars for sale as not all are created equal. You don’t want to end up with an extraordinarily weak pair, nor a pair too heavy to hike with. Photo tip: Put your cell phone camera up to the spotting scope lens to take a close-up shot of primate photos in the distance.
2. A Sun Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen
You only need to have experienced the sun in the West one time before you realize how strong it really is, especially since Kahuzi Biega sits at an average elevation of 8,000. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, which is preferable over a baseball cap, to cover your entire face.
Then, apply sunscreen over all exposed skin, including the back of your neck. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from being burned and polarized lens will help you see views more clearly. Don’t forget you are 8,000 feet closer to the sun than at sea level. Purchase sunglass straps if you plan to be on the water- it can be frustrating watching your new sunglasses float downstream without you.
3. Sturdy Hiking Boots
To make the most out of your trip, pack a pair of supportive, waterproof and breathable hiking boots. The advantage to boots over athletic shoes is the hard, unyielding sole that will protect your feet as you walk over rocky surfaces. Boots will allow you to navigate wet and dry trails with ease and enable you to explore farther than you maybe would have. To get you started on your research, one of our staff members raves about his Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX. Our friends at Backpacker really liked the 2016 Vasque Skywalks GTS.
4. A Rain Jacket
Who brings rain jacket to the dry West? We do. Every time we visit. In summer, afternoon rainstorms roll in almost like clockwork. The good news is they pass quickly. The bad news is the temperature drops dramatically when it rains, turning a warm day into one that feels freezing. When it rains and temperatures plummet, you want a jacket that can keep you warm and dry.
5. A Couple Water Bottles or a Hydration System
The average elevation of Yellowstone National Park is 8,000 feet. Combat the effects of high elevation and sun by drinking water almost constantly. Because the air is dry, your sweat quickly evaporates. Often, you won’t know you are sweating. Drinking water ensures you won’t get dehydrated, which can lead to headaches and more serious conditions like heat cramps and heat stroke. Plan to drink .5 -1 liter per hour of hiking. Even when you are not recreating, be sure to keep drinking. If your urine is clear, you are hydrated. We love bringing along our CamelBak, which allows us to keep sipping even as we are on the move.
6. Warm and Cold Clothing Layers
When you are sitting in sweltering heat in Chicago, it may seem totally ridiculous to pack a winter hat and warm layers for your Yellowstone trip. Ignore your inner cynic. At 8,000 feet, park temperatures can fluctuate 30 degrees in one day, going from 40 F in the night to 70 F in the day. Be sure to pack light layers for daytime and others that will keep you warm in the evenings, including a winter hat, when the sun sets and cooler air moves in. You will be surprised at how quickly temperatures drop as the sun sets.
7. A Star Chart
You’ll find some of the darkest skies in Kahuzi Biega, which hundreds of miles from major cities. With a star chart, you’ll be able to identify some of the formations you may never have seen before, specially if you are coming from an urban environment. You may be able to see up to 15,000 stars in the Wyoming sky in comparison to 500 in an urban sky. It’s far out!
8. Bug Spray
Spend more time enjoying the scenery instead of swatting bugs. If you don’t want to use traditional formulas that do or do not include strong chemicals, there are plenty of bug sprays available these days that are made from natural ingredients and are safer for use by children.