Gorilla Trekking Age Limit – A minimum age of 15 years has been set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, and the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature for trekking gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively.
This means that children below the age of 15 will not be permitted to trek with mountain gorillas. However, assistance can be provided to children who are 10 years of age and younger to trek with gorillas in Uganda.
Children under the age of 15 years are not the only ones prohibited from gorilla trekking, but also individuals who have infectious diseases like coughs and flu.
This is because mountain gorillas can easily contract human diseases since their immune systems are vulnerable, and such diseases can lead to the death of many gorillas.
People with pre-existing health conditions like heart diseases and breathing difficulties are also discouraged from participating in gorilla trekking due to the strenuous nature of the trek.
Reasons why the Gorilla Trekking Age Limit was introduced
In most cases, children are prone to communicable diseases, and they can easily spread them to the vulnerable mountain gorillas during the trek.
Another reason for setting an age limit for trekking mountain gorillas is that children can easily become frightened, panic, and run away, which may lead to a dangerous situation where a gorilla could attack the group.
The authorities responsible, like UWA in Uganda, will request a client’s copy of the passport to verify their age before embarking on trekking.
During the briefing, rangers will prevent children under the age limit from trekking with the mountain gorillas.
The establishment of the minimum age for gorilla trekking is also because, in some cases, mountain gorillas may become irritated by human presence in their natural habitat, and in case gorillas exhibit threatening signs of attack, there are certain rules that should be followed to de-escalate a potential gorilla attack, but children might get scared and run away or scream, hence increasing the risk of a gorilla attack on the group.
Mountain gorillas live at higher elevations up in the rain-forested mountains. Reaching gorilla habitats requires a certain level of physical fitness, and children may easily become tired and cause the trekking group to lag behind.
Another reason is that children are naturally playful, and they may unknowingly wander off the designated trekking path, and it is very difficult to trace a lost child in the jungle.
How to go gorilla trekking with kids
Although there is an age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, it is still possible to trek mountain gorillas with children who are 19 years of age or older, provided that they are in good health and physical condition.
These children should be active in sports and have previous hiking experience.
A tour operator is able to help you in this process where you will write a letter to the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, along with a supporting underage gorilla trekking waiver.
The approval process usually takes about one week.
Once approved, you will need to submit the same letter to the park headquarters to let your child trek along with you.
Additionally, you will also need to sign another on-site waiver to acknowledge your responsibility for any actions or shortcomings caused by your child during gorilla trekking.
In conclusion, if your child is under the minimum gorilla trekking age, please do not book gorilla permits for them because this may lead to wasting your money and time.
You should also book your Gorilla permits ahead of time, that is to say, 3 months prior to arrival in the country due to high demand, especially during the peak season.
