Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and considering bringing children along? Generally, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) requires that participants be at least 15 years old to trek gorillas. This age limit is set primarily for safety reasons, as younger children may struggle with the physically challenging terrain and could unintentionally disrupt the gorillas’ natural behavior.

However, under certain circumstances, children under 15 years of age may be granted permission to trek. With Trek Africa Expeditions, we can help secure a gorilla permit for children under 15, but it requires a waiver and approval from UWA. This exception ensures young trekkers are well-prepared and able to handle the trek, reducing the risk of disruptions that could lead to gorillas becoming agitated.

One of the reasons for this age policy is to minimize the risk of disease transmission from humans to gorillas, as children are more susceptible to illnesses that can easily spread to these endangered animals, like colds and flu. Additionally, the trek can be physically demanding due to the hilly, sometimes slippery terrain, which younger children might find challenging.

Requirements for Children Under 15 to Trek Gorillas

If you’re planning for a child under 15 to join the gorilla trek, here’s what you need to know:

1. Gorilla Permit: Children under 15 pay the same permit fee as adults. Often, families are grouped together to make it easier to manage the trek.
2. Waiver: A parent or guardian must sign a waiver allowing the child to join, and UWA will review the child’s passport to confirm their eligibility. If the child is found to be underage without permission, they won’t be permitted to trek, even if a permit was issued.
3. Alternative Activities: If a child is not trekking, they can stay at the lodge or enjoy nature walks and cultural activities near Bwindi with a guide.

Gorilla Trekking for All Ages

While there’s no maximum age for gorilla trekking, older visitors or those with mobility concerns have options to make the trek easier. For instance:

• Porters are available to help carry bags and assist with navigation.
• Sedan Chair Service: For approximately $300, visitors can be carried in a sedan chair by trained personnel to ensure they reach the gorillas comfortably. This makes it possible for people in their 70s and 80s to join the experience without physical strain.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: A Unique Experience for Families

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the only places in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to nearly half of the remaining mountain gorillas, and each family group in Bwindi is carefully managed to ensure a safe and enriching experience for both the animals and visitors.

Gorilla trekking permits are limited to eight per family group per day, so securing a permit in advance is essential. This means each group is small, allowing for a more intimate and controlled interaction with the gorillas.

Where to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known for its incredible gorilla trekking experiences, is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. The best place to stay depends on the sector where your gorilla trek is scheduled. When you inquire about permit availability with Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ll inform you which sector has permits and recommend accommodations accordingly. Each sector offers a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly camps to luxurious lodges, with rates that vary between low and high seasons.

In the Buhoma sector, options range from budget to upmarket:

• Budget: Buhoma Community Camp
• Midrange: Buhoma Havens Lodge
• Luxury: Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge
• Upmarket: Gorilla Forest Camp

For those trekking in Rushaga, top accommodation choices include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Four Gorillas Lodge. In Nkuringo, popular options include Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge and the luxurious Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Regardless of your budget, Bwindi offers a variety of stays that ensure comfort and proximity to the starting point of your trek.

Why Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is known for organizing exceptional, eco-friendly gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. Our team is highly rated on TripAdvisor for our expertise and dedication to creating memorable safaris that also support local conservation and community initiatives. We specialize in not only gorilla trekking but also unique adventure add-ons such as chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hikes, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. Whether you’re drawn to the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, or Namibia, we offer tailor-made safaris across Africa’s most iconic destinations.

Get in touch to start planning your unforgettable African adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions today.