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Gorilla Trekking for Families with Children: A Complete Guide to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Trekking for Families with Children — Are you dreaming of a family gorilla trek with kids in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? While Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has set the minimum age for gorilla trekking at 15, children under 15 may still have the chance to experience this incredible adventure with some special arrangements. Excursia Adventures can guide you through the process of making this a reality, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Gorilla Trekking Restrictions for Children Under 15
In general, children under 15 are not allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda for safety and conservation reasons. This policy exists because young children may have difficulty remaining quiet during the trek, which could potentially agitate the gorillas. In addition, the risk of transmitting human diseases, such as colds and flu, is a concern since humans and gorillas share similar genetics. Trekking can also be physically demanding due to Bwindi’s hilly, slippery terrain, which may not be suitable for younger children.
However, there are alternatives for families traveling with younger children. While children under 15 cannot participate in gorilla trekking, they can still enjoy a safari experience in Uganda by visiting other attractions like nature walks or community tours, while parents enjoy the trek.
Gorilla Trekking Permit for Minors and Family Treks
Children who are 15 years old are required to pay the same permit price as adults to trek gorillas, and most often, they are included in the same trekking group as their family members. It’s important to note that UWA will review the child’s passport to verify their age. If a minor is found to be underage, they will not be permitted to trek, even if you’ve already secured a permit.
Gorilla Trekking with Seniors: Options for the Elderly
While there’s no maximum age for gorilla trekking, elderly visitors can benefit from additional support during their trek. Options like hiring a porter to assist with carrying bags and offering physical support, as well as using a sedan chair ($300) to transport elderly guests through the forest, are available to ensure everyone can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the only places in the world where you can trek and see the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Located in southern Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each offering different trekking experiences.
With 98% chances of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat, Bwindi is one of the best places to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure. However, due to the limited number of permits (only 8 per gorilla family per day), it’s essential to book your permit well in advance to ensure availability for your travel dates.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: How to Secure Your Permit
To secure your gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, simply contact Excursia Adventures. We’ll check the availability of permits and reserve them for you. Once your permit is secured, we’ll send you the necessary confirmation details, including receipts from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Where to Stay During Your Family Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Bwindi National Park has accommodations ranging from budget to luxury, with options available in each of the four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. For example:
- Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Community Camp (budget), Buhoma Haven Lodge (midrange), Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge (luxury), Gorilla Forest Camp (upmarket)
- Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge (midrange)
- Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury)
When you book with Excursia Adventures, we’ll ensure you’re placed in the sector closest to your trekking destination for maximum convenience.
Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Family Gorilla Trekking Experience?
Excursia Adventures is an expert in organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor for providing memorable, eco-friendly safaris that not only prioritize wildlife conservation but also contribute to the well-being of local communities. Our safaris include a range of activities, from chimpanzee trekking to game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with your family? Contact Excursia Adventures today to book your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda!
