Age Requirements for Gorilla Trekking

Age Requirements for Gorilla Trekking

Planning to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda with your children? It’s important to be aware of the age requirements. Under the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s policy, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. Anyone under this age is considered too young for the trek due to the physical and safety challenges involved. However, in some cases, exceptions can be made for children below 15 to participate in the trek.

One of the main reasons for this age restriction is that younger children may struggle with the challenging terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The forest can be slippery and steep, making it tough for children to handle. Additionally, children can be unpredictable, and behaviors such as loud noises or running may provoke gorillas, causing them to become defensive or agitated. Another concern is that children are more prone to communicable diseases like colds and the flu, which could easily be transmitted to the gorillas, who share around 98% of human DNA.

Can Children Under 15 Trek Gorillas?

For children under 15, there are some alternatives. While they won’t be able to trek with the gorillas, they can still join the safari experience with their family and participate in other activities such as nature walks or community visits. During the trek, children can stay behind at the lodge or with a guide while the adults embark on the gorilla adventure. It’s essential to note that even if you’ve secured a gorilla permit for a child under 15, their passport will be reviewed, and if found to be too young, they won’t be allowed to participate in the trek.

What About the Elderly?

There is no maximum age limit for gorilla trekking, as long as one is fit to travel to the park. For older visitors, options are available to ensure they can still enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat. You can hire a porter to assist with carrying your backpack and provide support during the hike. For those who need extra assistance, a sedan chair can be arranged to carry you through the forest to the gorillas. This service costs around $300 per person and ensures that even visitors in their 70s or 80s can enjoy the trek comfortably.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi for Families and Groups

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the two national parks in Uganda where you can trek to see mountain gorillas. It is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places to witness these incredible creatures. The park is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each offering different gorilla families to track.

To join a gorilla trek, you must secure a permit in advance. Only eight people are allowed to trek each gorilla family per day, so it’s important to book your permit early to ensure availability. Once you book your trip with Trek Africa Expeditions, we will handle all the logistics, including securing your permit and providing guidance throughout the process.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When planning your trip, your choice of accommodation will depend on which sector of the park you’ll be trekking in. Each sector has a range of lodges and hotels, from budget options to luxury stays. For example, in the Buhoma sector, you can choose from budget options like Buhoma Community Camp, mid-range accommodations like Buhoma Haven Lodge, or luxury lodges such as Mahogany Springs and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Other sectors, such as Rushaga and Nkuringo, also offer a variety of lodges to suit your preferences and budget.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Us?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing tailor-made gorilla trekking experiences for families, children, and older visitors. We take pride in offering eco-friendly adventures that contribute to wildlife conservation and support local communities. Our team of experienced guides and tour consultants ensures that your trip is well-planned, stress-free, and unforgettable. We also offer a variety of other safaris, including Big 5 game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and cultural encounters in top African safari destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia.

For more information about age restrictions or to start planning your gorilla trekking adventure, feel free to contact us today!