The Minimum Gorilla Trekking Age Limit is 15 Years And Why?

The Reasons for the Gorilla Trekking Age Limit

• Disease prevention: Children are more susceptible to illnesses like the flu, colds, and mumps, which can be transmitted to gorillas, a vulnerable and endangered species.
• Safety: Young children can be frightened by the large primates and may not follow instructions, which can be a safety risk for themselves and the gorillas.
• Physical demands: The trek is strenuous and involves challenging terrain, including hiking up hills and across valleys.
• Behavioral management: Children may not be able to keep quiet and follow instructions, potentially irritating the gorillas or slowing down the group, while older trekkers are more likely to follow rules.

For families with younger children

• Stay in the area: If you are traveling with children under 15, they can still participate in other activities in the national parks while you trek.
• Alternative activities: They can enjoy children’s activities like nature walks, cultural visits, or engaging with local schools, with a caregiver or hotel staff.
• Wait for age eligibility: You can reschedule the trip to a time when the children are old enough to trek.

Gorilla Trekking Age Restriction

The gorilla trekking age Restriction currently is 15 years and anyone below this age is considered a young and vulnerable person and therefore not fit to trek the gorillas. In most cases, persons below 15 have unpredictable characteristics that may lead to changes in the primates’ behaviors. An example is when a gorilla tries to fume or come near a visitor in the presence of a child, she may decide to run or scream hence disorganizing the gorillas. Here the gorillas may react by attacking the trekkers as a way of defending themselves and the family. Therefore, the only way of minimizing such incidents is by discouraging 15 below trekkers in the park.

Another reason why the trekking age limit is 15 years for both Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla national Parks is that these national parks are strenuous to hike and therefore require a physically fit individual. People below 15 years of age are rendered weak and vulnerable and therefore cannot cope with the difficult hike in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Some parts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park like Nkuringo and Rushaga are so steep and hence difficult for children to hike.

The gorillas share 98% DNA with humans therefore they can easily be affected by human diseases. Children (below 15) usually carry communicable diseases like flu, cough which can easily be transmitted to the mountain gorillas hence leading to their death and a decrease in their number. The mountain gorillas are very rare species and they can only be spotted in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in their natural habitat. This, therefore, means that the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board look for all possible ways of protecting and conserving the few remaining gorillas thereby limiting children from trekking.

Instances Where Children Below 15 Years of Age Can Trek Gorillas

In Uganda, children below the age of 15 are sometimes allowed to trek the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The minors can trek as long as their parents follow the right procedure. The parents have to prove to Uganda Wildlife Authority how physically fit their child is even though he or she is still a minor. The parent should provide the current picture of the child to UWA for examination who will then give you the feedback. Kabira safaris are the experts that can help you to deal with all those processes quickly as long as you contact us. We shall also book the gorilla trekking permits for your child from UWA.

In most cases, children whose birthdays are nearing 15 years may trek the mountain gorillas. For example, a child who is in his/her late 14 and about to clock 15 years is most likely to trek as they are considered mature in the mind and physically. The parent of the child will have to submit a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority requesting and informing them about the age and physical status of the child. An attachment of the child’s valid passport and current photos will be very important for easy clarification of your child by UWA. After the approval is given, our company will request you to make payments for the permits and we book for your child a trekking permit in advance.

Another instance where a minor is allowed to trek is when they are doing the trekking activity together with their parents. The parents have to sign a consent and liability form from Uganda Wildlife Authority so that the parents are in charge of anything that may happen to the child while in the park. Kabira safaris will help you to pick your liability forms from the UWA office, scan and send them for you to sign, and then send them back. On approval, we shall book for your child his/ her gorilla trekking permit.

Gorilla Trekking Africa

Gorilla trekking in Africa is possible in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with mountain gorillas found in the latter two and in a region shared by all three. The experience involves hiking through rainforests to find habituated gorilla families, with treks lasting between one and eight hours and offering a one-hour observation period with the gorillas. Key details include permit costs ($1,500 in Rwanda, $800 in Uganda, $400 in Congo), strict health and safety rules to protect the gorillas, and the best trekking seasons being the dry months (June-September and December-February).