What is The Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo?
What is The Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo? Gorilla trekking is quite an unforgettable life experience that can only be done in Africa. However, mountain gorilla trekking is a popular activity only possible in three countries in the entire world; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore, we see several tourists flocking to those above-mentioned countries wanting to meet up with these unique species, and we see the number of tourists increasing yearly to each country. Although, gorilla trekking permits may seem to be difficult to get during certain months of the year, especially during the peak season of the year which happens from June to Mid- September, and December to February. Those planning for gorilla safari often wonder if there is an age limit for gorilla trekking especially if a traveler tends to travel with minors.
Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking Safari;
However, the age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years in all three countries but there is some exception in Uganda as you continue to read through the article. The age limit for gorilla trekking is set by the different government authorities which are responsible for managing the national parks.
In Uganda, all the gorilla rules and regulations are updated by the ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority which is located a few kilometers away from Kampala capital city of Uganda. In Rwanda, gorilla rules are set up by ‘’RDB’’ Rwanda Development Board.
Why is it gorilla trekking age limit set at 15?
The reason why the gorilla trekking age limit is set at 15 is that younger travelers are considered to be children who may not be able to endure negative reactions from gorillas and also walking through the thick bush. Take note, gorillas are very calm and gentle creatures but they can become aggressive when being threatened. To that extent, children might not stay calm or quiet when a mighty silverback reacts aggressively. Just know, screaming or running away could force the gorilla to run after the youngster.
The only way to contain the charging of gorillas is to act submissive and lay low. This is not in mature travelers for they know how to control their emotions if a gorilla charges.
More then, mature travelers are less likely to get carried away but are more likely to follow the Gorilla Trekking Rules –instructions of the park ranges than younger trekkers.
What are the gorilla trekking rules?
Keep a distance of about 5 to 7 meters away from gorillas.
Do not eat or drink in the park
Always respect the time given by the park ranger – an hour
Wash your hands before you head out for gorilla trekking
Always stay in a tight group
Do not use flash discs because they scare away gorillas.
When you fill you want a long hole while in the natural inhabitant of gorillas ask your park ranger guide to dig you a hall of about 30 meters and fill it up.
Additionally, youngsters may not be mentally ready for the activity, by the time mature travelers decide to go for gorilla trekking because for them they know what they are getting into. By that time, children tend to go on safaris and only need to be accompanied by their parents, and this shows that cannot be excited about the trip as their parents. Note, achieving gorilla trekking requires her determination mostly if it involves following a gorilla group that is far away from the main starting point.
Moreover, young children may not be fit enough to complete gorilla trekking because they could slow down the tracking party since they can be tired or bored.
Note, Mgahinga Gorilla National park Uganda and Volcanoes National park Rwanda are found in areas of the high altitude of Virunga areas. Finding mountain gorillas may involve hiking up mountainous and steep areas that are exposed to sunlight. Meaning children may not contend with these kinds of conditions and fail to complete the activity. Those experience before or older hikers tend to be fitter and can contend with the kind of endurance and determination required to complete the activity.
In most cases, children tend to suffer from flu and cough which can easily affect the mountain gorillas since we share 98% of their DNA thus making gorillas to be very prone to human diseases.
It is because of the above reason that the national parks should be kept under the guidance of primate researchers set aside for the minimum age for gorilla trekking to 15 years.
Another way out under which children may be allowed to track gorillas in their respective destinations;
As we early explained about the prone age limit for gorilla trekking, for this you shouldn’t get disappointed that you cannot go trek gorillas with children whom you believe are mature enough but not yet 15 years. Anyway, do not despair because an exception is only made for a 14-year-old child who is making 15 years.
The exception for gorilla trekking ‘’14years old’’ can only be possible in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Note, the child must be physically fit and mature enough to hike into the thick forest. More to that, Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park is less steep compared to Mgahinga National Park and the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Except for the qualified child, ’’UWA’’ requires parents to provide pictures of the child to the Uganda Wildlife Authority with correct information about their physical fitness and maturity.
The only allowed children must be 14 years of age or approaching 15. For the reason to verify their age, parents have to present their valid passport copies and current photos.
Children below 15 years of age may also be allowed to gorilla trekking if they are accompanied by parents. The ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority will require a parent to sign an indemnity form to protect the organization from responsibility in case of any problem during gorilla trekking. Then the park warden will ensure that the child is allocated to a gorilla family which is near the starting point. As parents, you can decide to make everything smooth for the child by hiring extra porters to carry them in Sedan chairs whenever they get tired. However, porters and sedan chairs are also recommended for elderly trekkers who would want to be part of the activity.
More then, a traveler planning to do gorilla trekking with a child who is mature and physically fit but is less than 15 years of age.
But when your visit a gorilla trekking destination, you can still travel with a child 13-year-old, they may not take part in gorilla trekking activity but take part in children’s activities within the parks as their parents have gone out to search for gorillas in their natural inhabitants. The hotel staff can stay with children and be able to engage in games and children’s movies, take part in a nature walk, cultural visit, or tour around the local schools. You can choose to reschedule your trip so that you come when the children are of the right age.
Eligibility of gorilla trekking in all three countries Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda considered;
Note, travelers above 15 years can trek–track mountain gorillas. For that reason, the age limit, the wildlife authority in the three countries will require you to send a copy of your passport before issuing the gorilla permit. Just know you cannot do a gorilla trekking adventure without a valid permit and you can’t get it without presenting your valid passport. The gorilla permit will be required to be present at the briefing point for gorilla trekking.
In Uganda gorilla trekking costs USD700 per person per trek – track, and in Rwanda doubles Uganda’s –Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD1,500 per person per day and Congo’s permits cost USD450 per person per day.
