Gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years and above! Trekking to see mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is incredibly a lifechanging experience. However, not everyone is considered eligible to see mountain gorillas that is why there is a set age limit which respective destinations observe. Mountain gorilla trekking in a unique primate adventure offered only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Eastern DR Congo.
Who is eligible to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo?
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo strictly for persons above 15 years. It is one essential factor any trekker on plan to embark on gorilla trekking safari should put into consideration. To ensure that every trekker is above 15 years, prior setting off, you will be required to present a valid passport to park officials which will be used to verify. Trekking to see mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park can be tiresome and this means, you need be physically fit. The whole adventure involves hiking through the dense tropical rain-forest and steep slopes while in search for mountain gorillas. Given the nature of this adventure, children may not be in position to make a complete trek.
Whereas gorilla treks are conducted in habituated gorilla families, they remain endangered species and children considered to carry most of the communicable diseases like cough, flu and many others. Given the fact that these creatures share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans, they become very susceptible to infectious human diseases. Age limit is one factor used to reduce cases of spread of human infectious disease to mountain gorillas. On the other hand, children can easily be threatened especially when gorillas charge against them which may cause harm to them or other trekkers. It should be noted that mountain gorillas are muscular species and they are very strong compared to humans.
However, on condition that you are remaining with few days to your 15th birth date, higher chances are you will be allowed to trek mountain gorillas. This may only be possible provided the parent adheres to the set terms and conditions.
Persons with a valid gorilla trekking permit have a chance to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each gorilla permit in Uganda costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and Uganda shillings 250000 for the East African citizens. Although these rates are due to change starting 1st July 2020-2022 from $600 to $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and Uganda shillings 250000 for the East African citizens. You can book gorilla permits in Uganda through our reservation team or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits are issued at $1500 per person and this cuts across all visitors on Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be reserved through a recognized tour operator and you don’t need to look any further than getting in touch with our reservation team. Alternatively, you can contact reservation team at Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Gorilla trekking permits in the DR Congo can be obtained at $450. Gorilla trekking in DRC is conducted in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. Given the high demand, you can book for your gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo early enough at least 2-4 months or even a year before you take a flight to your dream gorilla destination to trek gorillas. Each gorilla permit lets you trek one habituated gorilla family in a group of 8 visitors.
Visitors with good health conditions are eligible to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo. The fact that mountain gorillas are considered as the closest human relatives in the wild and very susceptible to human infectious diseases, the one important rule and regulation that will be briefed before you set off to search for these creatures’ confines around good health. Persons with any illness may not be allowed to trek mountain gorillas and this is aimed to preventing any possibility of spreading human infectious to these endangered species. In case you need to sneeze, you are advised to cover your nose and mouth when coughing.