I was in a lot of deep doo-doo and mud when I was trekking gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda. Trekking in the rainy season might not have been the best planning on my part, but wearing the proper boots went a long way. My LOWA boots were the ultimate in comfort and protection for my feet in a forest of elephant, chimpanzee, and gorilla droppings, army ants, sharp branches and rocks, vines, snakes, mud, and contaminated water. I wasn’t the only one in the forest that thought LOWA would be the best fit. Four of six trekkers had LOWAs on their feet. LOWA quality is known worldwide.
I chose LOWA Mauria GTX Flex boots for my gorilla trekking trip to Uganda. They use ball-bearing lace loops set on free-moving tabs to reduce overall pressure against the foot. The rubber tow and heel caps offer extra protection against rocks and scree. Both waterproof and breathable, they work great in wet conditions. I knew I’d be doing hours of trekking in wet and muddy conditions. I might have been ill-prepared physically but I was prepared with the right gear.
From the first day in Uganda, my boots took a beating. The mud was accumulating in the streets and the forest was more like a swamp. The stabilizer heel helped in the mud and the GORE-TEX lining kept me dry in the forest. They might have been dirty but my feet were dry and clean.
During the gorilla trek, ants were a major problem. I laced my boots all the way up and tucked my pants into them. Thankfully, nothing got inside. Elephant and gorilla droppings were everywhere as well. I wasn’t always luckily enough to miss the landmines left by animals, but at least it never got on my feet. About three hours into the trek, I became increasingly grateful for my LOWA boots. I was exhausted and my legs were weak; my feet were carrying me back. I looked around at the boots others were wearing and I noticed that almost everyone had LOWAs. I asked the others how their feet were doing and the response was unanimous – we were all thanking the people of LOWA.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda was the most wild travel adventure of my life. I could never have prepared myself for coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla or standing among a community of chimpanzees but I was prepared with the right gear to get me through the journey. When I head back to Africa, my LOWA boots will still have a place in my pack. LOWA knows how to design boots to last the conditions of Uganda even in the rainy season.
What a timely post! I’m in the market for the right pair of hiking boots! I think I’ll have to check those LOWA’s, even though I’m not going anywhere as exotic as Uganda.
Great to hear that the timing worked out! Although I can safely say that my LOWAs held up in Uganda, I can also say that I use them regularly in California as well. We love to hike in the mountains around home and I don’t go without my LOWA boots. Admittedly, the rest of the time I can be found in flip flops, but that’s part of the reason we moved to SoCal. Hiking in the mountains in the morning then swimming and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon; it’s a dream.
Where are you from? Do you get to hike a lot?
Lesley:
Did you experience trouble with the army ants? I would be pleased if you could share any insights and tips re your experience, snakes, spiders, etc.; the best insect repellant, and such info as you think would be of help on my gorilla trek. I will be at Trekker’s Tavern in late June, and plan a gorilla trek at the lower level.
Thanks.
I really had no trouble with any insects or bugs in Uganda.
There are army ants but just wear higher hiking boots and high socks.
I never saw any snakes while I was there and the spiders aren’t a dangerous issue, although large in size.
Check with your doctor regarding vaccinations and you should be good to go.
What a timely post! I’m in the market for the right pair of hiking boots! I think I’ll have to check those LOWA’s, even though I’m not going anywhere as exotic as Uganda.
Great to hear that the timing worked out! Although I can safely say that my LOWAs held up in Uganda, I can also say that I use them regularly in California as well. We love to hike in the mountains around home and I don’t go without my LOWA boots. Admittedly, the rest of the time I can be found in flip flops, but that’s part of the reason we moved to SoCal. Hiking in the mountains in the morning then swimming and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon; it’s a dream.
Where are you from? Do you get to hike a lot?
Lesley:
Did you experience trouble with the army ants? I would be pleased if you could share any insights and tips re your experience, snakes, spiders, etc.; the best insect repellant, and such info as you think would be of help on my gorilla trek. I will be at Trekker’s Tavern in late June, and plan a gorilla trek at the lower level.
Thanks.
I really had no trouble with any insects or bugs in Uganda.
There are army ants but just wear higher hiking boots and high socks.
I never saw any snakes while I was there and the spiders aren’t a dangerous issue, although large in size.
Check with your doctor regarding vaccinations and you should be good to go.