Minimum age for gorilla trekking: What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo? Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the best safari experiences or trips to do in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The activity involves tourists spending at least one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas. Did you know that there is an age limit or minimum age required for gorilla trekking? The minimum age for gorilla trekking safaris is 15 years old.
However, this does not mean that you must cancel your trip if you were planning to visit these destinations with your children (below the minimum gorilla trekking age). Parents with children aged 15 years and below can take part in a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. While parents go to track mountain gorillas, children can stay at the lodges and take part in other amazing safari activities. Hotels and lodges in the gorilla parks have experienced staff who can engage children in other activities.
Are children below the age of 15 allowed to track mountain gorillas?
Do you have to cancel your family safari simply because one or two of your children are below the required minimum age for gorilla trekking (15 years)? No, there are incidents when children below the minimum gorilla trekking age are allowed to participate in mountain gorilla trekking adventures. For example, children who are about to reach their 15th birthday can be allowed to participate in mountain gorilla trekking expeditions. Is this your child? Let us know now and we make the necessary bookings for your children.
More so, if your child is energetic enough to manage walking through the difficult trails of the parks and they are below the minimum age for gorilla trekking, authorities may sympathize with them. Generally, authorities are not here to prevent you from enjoying an unforgettable safari experience, they rather want to your children be safe.
Why is the minimum age for gorilla trekking at 15 years?
Mountain gorillas are critically endangered species. They have been listed as one of the species on the UNESCO World Heritage Red List. Mountain gorillas can only be found in three countries in the world. These include; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Authorities in charge of managing the parks are mandated to do their best to preserve these species for future generations. This is why the relevant authorities have put regulatory measures on activities like mountain gorilla trekking.
Mountain gorillas are wild animals. They are not animals in a zoo or captivity. Although they are close relatives of human beings, mountain gorillas are still wild animals. Children are also children! They may mimic mountain gorillas and provoke violence during a gorilla trekking session. This can be harmful to both children and mountain gorillas. To ensure harmony between humans and mountain gorillas, authorities like the Uganda Wildlife Authority felt the need to establish a minimum age for mountain gorilla trekking in all the parks. Additionally, gorillas live in forested areas. Some of these areas have steep slopes, rugged landscapes, and slippery slopes. These might not be the best areas for children below the age of 15 years.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit for children?
Since the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, there is no price for gorilla trekking permits for children in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. However, prices for gorilla trekking are in place. For example, in Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda costs USD 800 and USD 1,500 per person per trek respectively. This price is only for a gorilla trekking permit. It does not include other safari expenses like accommodation and transportation. Our safari experts can help you plan a combined Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. Book your Uganda gorilla trekking permit with us and create a signature of memories.
Where can I do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two safari destinations. These are; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu. The park is divided into three major sectors. These include; the Buhoma sector, the Nkuringo sector, the Ruhija sector, and the Rushaga Sector. These gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi are home to about 26 mountain gorilla groups or families. All these families are habituated and they are available for trekking.
Each gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be tracked by at most 8 people per day. Once you meet gorillas in Bwindi National Park, you will be allowed to spend one hour in their presence. This is one of the most iconic moments for tourists on a Uganda gorilla trekking safari.
On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located closer to the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The park is also known as the place where silver meets gold. This is because Mgahinga National Park is home to both mountain gorillas (silverbacks) and golden monkeys. If you are passionate about mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park could be your next safari destination. Unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to only one gorilla group (Nyakagezi gorilla family). This is one of the most fascinating gorilla groups in Africa.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the northern province of Rwanda. It is also part of the Virunga Conservation Area which covers some parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to about 10 habituated mountain gorilla families available for trekking. One of these families is the popular Susa A group. This group is famous for having been tracked by the great primatologist – Dian Fossey. When you visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, you get a chance to visit the grave of Fossey.
