Gorilla trekking in Africa is an extraordinary and sustainable wildlife experience allowing visitors to come face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
In the whole world, mountain gorillas are found in only four national parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, gorilla trekking is only available in Uganda and Rwanda gorilla destinations.
In Africa’s gorilla trekking destinations, the age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years. The age limit for trekking gorillas is set by the different government authorities responsible for managing the gorilla parks that is Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda.
You may be asking yourself why the age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years – the age limit for gorilla trekking is set at 15 years because travelers below the age of 15 are considered to be children who may not be able to deal with any negative reactions from the mountain gorillas.
Though mountain gorillas are very calm and gentle creatures, they can become aggressive when they feel threatened or misinterpret the actions of the trackers. In this occasion, children may not stay calm or lay low when a mighty silverback approaches them or appears aggressive. Actions like screaming and running away could force the gorillas to run after the youngsters thus putting them in danger. The only way to contain an aggressive or charging gorillas is to act submissive and lay low.
In the event of a gorilla charging, the mature travelers are better at controlling their emotions.
Mature travelers are also less likely to get carried away, they are more likely to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations of the park rangers than the younger trekkers. The gorilla trekking rules and regulations include not littering in the park, keeping a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas and avoid any abrupt action and noises.
Additionally, youngsters may not be mentally ready of the adventure physically. By the time an adult decides to go for gorilla trekking, they know what they are getting into. Children tend to go for safaris only to accompany their parents. In some cases, they might not be as excited about the gorilla trip as their parents. Completing gorilla trekking requires determination especially if it involves following a gorilla group that is far away from the starting point.
The youngsters tend to get easily infested with communicable diseases like cough and flu (running noses) and the gorillas are very prone to human diseases, if they get infected with flue or cough, the results can be deadly.
The above reasons where based together with the guidance of primate searchers to set the age limit for trekking gorillas at 15 years.
Circumstances under which children may be allowed to track gorillas
Though the set age limit for trekking gorillas, there are changes for a child below the age of 15 years being allowed to take part in the gorilla trek, as an exception can be made for a 14-year old child who is making 15 in the year of trekking.
This exception is only possible in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The child must be physically fit and mature enough.
Compared to Uganda’s Mgahinga and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is less steep. Also Bwindi has more forest cover which help shield trackers from the sun.
In order to qualify for this exception, parents may be required to provide pictures of the child to the 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 passport copy will be required as well as the current photos.
A child below the age of 15 years may also be allowed to do gorilla trekking 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 mishap 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 everything smooth for the child by hiring extra porters to carry them in Sedan chair whenever they get tired.
If you are planning to do a gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with a child.
What to do if your child is too young for gorilla trekking
Still, you can travel with children who are too young (13 years and below) to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. There are lots of interesting activities that the children can take part in as the elders go out to search for the mountain gorillas.
The lodge staff can stay with them and keep them engaged with games and children’s movies. Also, they can be taken for nature walks, cultural visits or touring nearby local schools.
Additional information about eligibility for gorilla trekking
It is important to note that not 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 in the three mountain gorilla countries will require that you send a copy of your passport before issuing out the gorilla permit. Even if you manage to get a gorilla permit without the passport, you will still be required to show it during the registration at the park headquarters. The passport helps the park authorities know if you are eligible to take part in the gorilla trek.
