Uganda Safari with a 13-Year-Old

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Are you planning a family safari with your 13-year-old child to see the magnificent mountain gorillas in Uganda? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are world-renowned for gorilla trekking but there are some important things to know about traveling with children.

Can a 13-Year-Old Trek Gorillas in Uganda?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has set the minimum age for gorilla trekking at 15 years. However, children under 15, including 13-year-olds, may still be able to experience this incredible adventure under special circumstances.

The reason for the age restriction is primarily to ensure safety—both for the children and the gorillas. Young trekkers may have difficulty staying quiet and controlled during the trek, which could provoke the gorillas, who may react aggressively. Additionally, since humans and mountain gorillas share a significant portion of their DNA, there’s a risk of transmitting communicable diseases like colds or flu, which could affect the gorillas.

Requirements for a 13-Year-Old to Trek Gorillas

While the UWA rules state that children under 15 generally cannot trek gorillas, you can still take your 13-year-old on a gorilla trek but a few conditions apply. You will need to sign a waiver accepting responsibility, acknowledging that you’re fully aware of the risks involved.

The cost for a 13-year-old’s gorilla trekking permit is the same as for adults and most children are grouped with their families during the trek. Their passports will be reviewed to verify their age and if they’re under 15, they won’t be allowed to join the trek even with a valid permit. However, your child can still join in on the trip and participate in other activities, such as nature walks and community visits, while you enjoy the gorilla trek.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi for Families with Children

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the only places in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Bwindi is divided into several trekking sectors, including Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Each sector is home to different gorilla families, which are carefully monitored and habituated for trekking. The gorilla families are led by a dominant male known as a silverback.

How to Book Your Uganda Safari with a 13-Year-Old

To trek with a 13-year-old in Uganda, you will need to secure a gorilla trekking permit. Gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Bwindi and the park offers a high chance of seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat—about 98% of visitors have a successful encounter.

Permits are limited, as only eight people are allowed to trek with each gorilla family per day. Therefore, it’s essential to book your gorilla trekking permits well in advance. If you’re planning a safari to Bwindi, we recommend checking availability and securing your permits months ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling with a child.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we can help you plan an all-inclusive gorilla safari from Entebbe to Bwindi. Once you provide us with your travel dates, we’ll check permit availability, reserve them for you and send you payment details. After payment, we’ll finalize your permit booking and provide you with receipts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Where to Stay During Your Uganda Safari

Bwindi has four trekking sectors and accommodations vary depending on the sector you choose. For each sector, there are different levels of lodging, from budget-friendly to luxury options. When we confirm permit availability, we’ll suggest accommodation options based on the sector you’ll be trekking in.

For example:

Buhoma Sector: Options include Buhoma Community Camp (budget), Buhoma Havens Lodge (mid-range), Bwindi Lodge (luxury) and Gorilla Forest Camp (up-market).
Rushaga Sector: Options include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (mid-range) and Four Gorillas Lodge (mid-range).
Nkuringo Sector: Consider Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge (mid-range) or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury).

Why Book Your Uganda Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on platforms like TripAdvisor and offer customized, eco-friendly safaris. Our safaris focus on preserving wildlife and supporting local communities through responsible tourism.

In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer other thrilling activities, including chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters. Our tours are designed to give you a well-rounded African safari experience in destinations like Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia.