Age limit for trekking gorillas

With only about 1,064 mountain gorillas left on earth, trekking into their native forests is the only way to see these critically endangered gorillas, as they cannot survive in captivity. Gorilla trekking in the emerald rainforests of Africa and observing the everyday interactions of mountain gorillas is arguably one of greatest privileges of life.

Follow a habituated gorilla family as they go about their daily lives. Observe how gorilla groom, how a mother tenderly feeds her young while being cognizant of the cautious star from a 200kg silverback as he keeps a protective eye over his troop.

Looking eyes of with our closest relative is a profound experience that makes spending time with gorillas in Africa an unsurpassable wildlife encounter. Gorilla trekking is only possible in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo, currently this mind-blowing experience is possible in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla trekking is a very critical experience government by a set of rules and regulations and one of them is the age limit for individuals. The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years as set by Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda.

The age limit for trekking gorillas was set at 15 years protection for gorillas as well as visitors below the age of 15 who considered as children who may not be able to deal with any negative reactions from the mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are very calm and gentle in nature, however they can become aggressive when they feel threatened or misinterpret the action of the young trackers. In this occasion, children may not stay calm or lay low as required when a might silverback approaches them or appears aggressive. Actions like screaming and running away could attempt the silverback to run after the youngsters thus putting them in danger. The only way to contain an aggressive or charging gorilla is to act submissive by crunching low.

In the event of a gorilla charging, the mature travelers are better at controlling their emotions as well as actions. They are also less likely to get carried away and can follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations without fail than the younger trekkers.

“The gorilla trekking rules and regulations include no littering in the forest, keeping a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas and avoid any abrupt action and noises.”

To add on, youngsters may not be mentally ready of the adventure physically. The time an adult decides to go for gorilla trekking, they know what they are getting into. Children ten to go for safaris only to accompany their parents and in some cases, they might not be as excited about gorilla trekking as their parents. Completing a gorilla trek requires determination especially if it involves following a habituated gorilla group that is far away from the starting point.

Also, children tend to get easily infested with communicable diseases like cough and flu which gorillas are prone to. If they get infected with flu or cough, it can be a great danger to the gorilla population.

The above reasons together with the guidance of primate searchers where based on to set the age limit for trekking gorillas at 15 years.

Circumstances under which children may be allowed to track gorillas

Yes, the age limit for trekking gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda is set at 15 years, however there are changes for a child below the age of 15 years to be allowed access to the gorilla destination and trek mountain gorillas, this exception can be made for a 14 year old child who is about to make 15 years in the year of trekking.

This exception is only possible in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, also the child must be physically fit and mature enough to follow gorilla trekking rules and regulations.

In terms of landscape, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is less steep and has more forest cover which help shield trekkers from direct sunlight. This is not the same case to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

In order to qualify for this exception, parents of the child in question may be required to provide pictures to Uganda Wildlife Authority with information about their physical fitness and maturity. The child must be about to make 15 years and to prove this, a valid passport cop must be provides together with current photos.

As already noted, a child below the age of 15 years may be allowed to do gorilla trekking that if they are accompanied by parents. The Uganda Wildlife Authority will require that the parent signs a consent/indemnity form to protect the organization from the responsibility in case of any form accident happens during a gorilla trekking. The park warden will ensure that the child is allocated a gorilla group which is closest to the starting point.

As a parent, you can make the whole process smooth for the child by hiring extra porters to carry them in a sedan chair whenever they get tired.

What to do if your child is too young for gorilla trekking

In case you are traveling with children who are too young to take part in gorilla trekking that is 13 years and below. There are lots of interesting activities that children can do as the elders go out to search for mountain gorillas.

The lodge staff can stay with the children and keep them engaged with games and children’s movies. Also, they can be taken for guided nature walks, cultural visits or touring nearby local schools.

Additional information about eligibility for gorilla trekking

As you are planning a gorilla safari to Africa, it is important to note that anyone above 15 years can trek mountain gorillas. There is no maximum age limit for gorilla trekking.

Note: Before issuing the gorilla permit, the park authorities that is Uganda Wildlife Authority in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Volcanoes National Park will require that you send a copy of your passport before issuing out the gorilla permit. Even if you manage to get a gorilla trekking permit without a passport, you will still be required to show it during the registration at the park headquarters.

The passport helps the park authorities know if the child is eligible to take part in the gorilla trek.