Gorilla trekking age limit
Gorilla trekking age limit; Gorilla trekking is an exceptional activity that involves travelers moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their environment. Gorilla trekking in Africa is done in three countries Uganda where it’s carried out in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, Rwanda where it’s carried out in Volcanoes national park and Democratic Republic of Congo where it’s carried out in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park. Gorilla trekking age limit is a question that most tourists ask when they want to travel with their children and this article will guide you on the age limit for gorilla trekking.
Minimum age for gorilla trekking
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park is 15 years. Gorilla trekking age limit is set by the government authorities in charge of tourism for example Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and Virunga Park Authorities.
Gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years due to the fact that travelers under the age of 15 years are considered children and they might not follow instructions for example not making noise while in the presence of the gorillas, keeping a distance of 7 meters feet during trekking, not littering the park and wearing a face mask while in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
Another reason is that children below the age of 15 years might not be fit enough to trek in steep areas and also they are playful and might not walk at the pace of other travelers for about 6 hours in search of the mountain gorillas hence slowing down other visitors.
Children below the age of 15 years can easily be infected by communicable diseases like flu and cough and the mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases.
Another reason for gorilla trekking age limit is that children below the age of 15 years may not stay calm, crunch down, look down or follow instructions form the park guide incase the mountain gorillas charge or become aggressive.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo is 15 years, however an exception can be made for travelers who are 14 years old. The exception of 14 year old children is only possible in Bwindi impenetrable national park because it’s less steep but the child should be mature, tall and physically fit. In order for the children aged 14 years to qualify for gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, they will be accompanied by their parents during trekking and also parents will be required to present a current photo of the child, copy of the passport and also sign a consent or indemnity form to protect the organization incase anything happens during trekking but they will be allocated a gorilla family that is nearby to locate.
Activities to engage in for children below the age of 15 years.
There are other interesting activities that children below the age of 15 years can engage in during the safari as the parents are visiting the mountain gorillas for example nature walks in the forest, biking and cultural tour where they will be able to interact with the local people in the neighboring villages. Travelers who travel with children below the age of 5 years can hire a lodge staff or care taker to stay with the child and keep them engaged at the lodge as the parents take part in gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking experience
Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be subdivided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek, a park guide and allocation of gorilla families is done according to age, physical fitness and personal preferences. Trekking of mountain gorillas takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view different bird species, plants, view other primates among others and once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to watch them carry out their daily activities, learn more about their behaviors, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits
Cost of gorilla trekking permits vary depending on the destination you wish to visit for example a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda cost 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities, a gorilla trekking permit in Congo costs 400 USD per person for foreign non residents and a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 700 USD per permit for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
For more information about the gorilla trekking age limit, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking packages.
