You may be asking yourself which kind of boots to carry on your primate trekking safari, or wildlife safari.
However, going on a gorilla trekking safari here can usually cause a bit of confusion about the need for trekking/ hiking boots, especially as a first-time hiker here. Nevertheless, we can assure you that this article will answer your questions about what’s the best trekking foot wear on a primate trekking safari adventure.
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through rough terrain in the thick tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park or Volcanoes National Park, where the mountain gorillas are found. The altitude generally differs depending on where the particular mountain gorilla family you have been assigned to track stays. There are no specific gorilla trekking boots required; you can use any type of boots or hiking shoes that you have provided that are comfortable on your feet. However, we just guide you, on choosing the right footwear so as to make your gorilla trekking adventure comfortable as you have wished it to be.
A good gorilla trekking boot, will make your primate trekking adventure very smooth and comfortable as you would wise and offers the best hiking experience on the entire trail. And why this is our obvious pick as “the best” is because of the “unreal” and majestic natural formation around this hiking site.
A successful gorilla trekking safari with wearing the right footwear, just like football games. You will need the right good trekking shoes for your gorilla trekking safari adventure. Remember, you’re in a jungle where you will be footing across hills and valleys, mud and rocks, that’s why it is called gorilla trekking. Therefore, you will need good trekking shoes that shoot the adventure that you will be undertaking.
At One More Adventure Safaris, we recommend looking out at the following qualities!
Ankle-high shoes should be your first pick – as they provide added support to your ankles during the trek up and down to the gorillas.
Waterproof shoes: these keep your feet dry all through your trek to and from the gorillas. Making the trek a lot more interesting than if you finished with completely wet feet.
Brown/ black leather material: Since you will be trekking on soggy & muddy grounds, your shoes will pick up chunks of mud that is often red in colour. It is easier to clean the red dirt off a Leather shoe than if it were made of cloth material. Keep the colour brown don’t bring white shoes – keep those for your classy events when you return. Also, the natural colors, are advised for the primate trekking, as the bright colors, tend to not be recommended for the primate trekking
To add to the above qualities, we recommend that you refrain from bringing new (unworn) shoes. These can turn out to be uncomfortable during the trek. Consider buying them well in advance of your travel and wear them on your pre-gorilla trekking training at home – this will get your feet used to them and thus provide a much more comfortable trekking experience. Try out your shoes several times, to see if they are the right size and if your legs are much comfortable with them.
For additional comfort, we recommend you to bring a thick pair of socks, and the trekking gaiters. For additional comfort, we also recommend bringing a thick pair of long socks.
Long socks allow for trekkers to tuck in their pants for extra protection against nettles and insects including safari ants that are a common occurrence on most treks.
The shoe gaiters will as well provide the same importance, in addition to protect you from the muddy trails.
The best shoes for gorilla trekking have got to be comfortable, waterproof, and sturdy with good grip soles. Don’t bring white shoes, tennis or golf shoes – you are going gorilla trekking not merry making.
Travellers Practical tip: We perfectly understand that the best shoes for gorilla trekking might be of a significant weight that may impact on your acceptable (airline) baggage limit. We recommend wearing the trekking boots on your flight other than packing them away in your checked-in luggage. This is also good in the event that your luggage either delays or gets lost during your flight – you will at least have a pair of good gorilla trekking shoes to start with.
Speak to our team at One More Adventure Safaris, for a safari advice on the trekking boots, as part of your primate trekking preparation guideline, and be advised on the right gears to bring on your gorilla safari.
