Gorilla Trekking for the Elderly, Seniors and The Disabled

Gorilla Trekking for older travelers are organized in the same way as others. The only difference is that they are assigned gorilla groups which are closer to the park offices. If an Elder cannot walk for long distances, they have an opportunity to hire special porters and a sedan chair. We will discuss more later.

A little background. Mountain gorilla are arguably the most intriguing primates on earth. Everyone want to see them because they cannot thrive in zoos like the lowland gorillas. To see mountain gorillas, you have to travel to Africa. They can only be seen in three African countries – DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. In Rwanda, the gorillas are found in the Volcanoes National Park while in Congo they live in Virunga National Park. Uganda is lucky to have half of the 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas and in two national parks – Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla tours are expensive with a gorilla permit in Rwanda costing $1500 while in Uganda $600. Why are they expensive? An experience with mountain gorillas is considered the ultimate wildlife experience on earth. Mountain gorillas are endangered and that is one other reason while Gorilla permits sell like hot cake.

Tracking mountain gorillas can be very demanding depending on which gorilla family one is assigned. It is therefore important to go when prepared and in good physical shape. Some gorilla groups live close to the starting point for tracking and it can take only 30 minutes to find them if you are lucky. However, gorilla trekking can sometimes take up to six hours. Distance is not the only thing that one needs to be concerned about when deciding to track gorillas. Like their name suggests, mountain gorillas live in mountainous areas with high altitude (between 2,300 and 4,500 meters). Before getting to the gorilla family, the trek may involve passing through challenging terrain, steep slopes and slippery (mud-filled) trails. These challenges can be a problem for people with disabilities, the elderly, seniors and those who may not be in good physical shape for whatever reason.

Gorilla Trekking for the elderly and people with disabilities

Given what we have already discussed, one could be wondering if gorilla trekking is really something they should go for given their physical limitations or age. Gorilla trekking is not only for the youthful or those who are energetic and young. You don’t have to go for other wildlife encounters and miss out on the very best just because of your age, fitness or physical limitations. In fact, most travelers who go to track gorillas are 40 years and above. You are never too old for gorilla trekking as long as you are allowed on a plane. If you wondering whether to bring you mum or granny for gorilla trekking, then you need to know that it is very possible as long as they can take a flight.

At the time of briefing, the Rangers and wardens will check all the passports and identify all those who may need special attention. In case one is 60 years and above but fit enough, they will be assigned a nearby gorilla family. If you are 60 years but in excellent shape you can request a longer trek to have more fun and adventure in the forest. You don’t have to accept an easier trek just because someone told you to do so. There is a lot to explore while tracking mountain gorillas. You will encounter beautiful flora and fauna (birds, primates, insects, butterflies and moths) along the way.

Apart from hiking ability and physical fitness, the other criteria used for allocating gorilla families is the availability of gorilla permits. When most gorilla permits have been booked, it becomes difficult to get an easier trek. Seniors are advised to book their trips at least three months in advance so that they can get a gorilla group close to a tracking point. Tourists who are doing double gorilla trekking (tracking mountain gorillas for two days or more) will be allocated a different group from the one they saw previously. Only 8 people may track a gorilla family in a day. This is to avoid stressing the primates and exposing them to human diseases through prolonged contact.

It is also important to inform your tour operator about any fitness concerns or physical limitations before booking a trip to see the gorillas. This will help the operator plan according and arrange any special equipment with the park authorities. A special tour van may also be assigned to you as well as porters and sedan chairs if applicable. Your company will add the price of the porters and sedan chairs to the stand cost and share with you. Sedan chairs with handlers, seat belts and a steel-base are used to lift the elderly or those who are unfit to walk for long distances. Another alternative for people with disabilities is to be carried to the forest using a stretcher made out of local bamboo. 12 strong local porters (4 at a time) are assigned to carry the elderly. Only four men can carry the stretcher or sedan chair. The others will take over once the first four need to rest. The porters know the terrain and forest so well and have lived in the area for most of their lives. The porters will carry the elder and never let him/her touch the ground until they locate the mountain gorillas. After spotting the gorillas, the porters will once again lift the elder and return them to the starting point where the company driver would be waiting. Carriers and Sedan chairs cost between $400 to $500 dollars depending on the weight of the client. The cost includes that of porters who carry the client. Those who are concerned about their level of fitness but are not disabled can also hire porters to carry their heavy backpacks, recording devices and give a hand during difficult sections of the hike. Hiring a Porter costs between $15 and $20. All trackers (fit or not) are given simple hiking sticks to help with their mobility. The elderly may need to come with their own special hiking sticks. By hiring porters, you would be contributing to their economic well-being. Many of the porters are students looking for extra money to pay college tuition or married men with large families to take cater of. As little as it looks, you would be making a great difference in their lives.

It is important to note that among the gorilla trekking national parks, Bwindi is the most ideal for the elderly. Why? Because it is situated in less mountainous areas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not part of the Virunga ranges of mountains like the other three national parks. It sits on lower altitude and the trails are relatively flat compared to Mgahinga and the Volcanoes National Park. Many of the gorilla families live on lower ground hence offering an easier hike. It is also important to note that because Bwindi has more mountain gorillas, there are more habituated gorilla groups available for tracking. There are now 17 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. Bwindi has four sectors (Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma), each with its own gorilla families. If a tourist can book a permit early enough, they can be assigned a gorilla family which isn’t too far away from the starting point.

Gorilla trekking in Ruhijja sector is excellent for the elderly because it has been observed that tourists who trek there come back much earlier than those who go to other sectors of the park. However, it is important to note that the time taken to find the gorillas are unpredictable regardless of which sector you choose to do the tracking. You will be lucky to get a gorilla family within 30 minutes of walking from the starting point.

Before booking a gorilla tour or showing up at the starting point, it is important to read about the different gorilla groups available in the different national parks to find out which one is ideal and closer to the starting point of the trek. Consult your tour operator to check if you can be assigned to the particular group. The tour operator will advise you based on their experience and knowledge about the group. The group structures keep changing year after year and what was easier to track a year ago may have migrated to a different location which is further away from the park offices.

Other things to consider during gorilla tour for the elderly

Apart from the ability to complete the trek, elderly travelers may worry about security in the park considering that they are already fragile and even vulnerable. Security and safety during gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is excellent. Gorilla trekking is led by armed rangers whose role is to protect tourists from forest animals like elephants and buffaloes. There have been no cases of militias in Uganda and Rwanda in over two decades but the park authorities leave nothing to chance. The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo can be unpredictable given the different security incidences in the past. Even then, security is tighter than even in Rwanda and Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Congo involves having to get used to countless security checks and more escorts.

Another issue that worries tourists is the driving distance from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable forest. There are two solutions for this problem. One is to arrive from Kigali Rwanda instead of Entebbe in Uganda. The driving time and distance from Kigali to Bwindi impenetrable forest is shorter. Driving from Entebbe to Bwindi can take 8 hours or more. From Kigali, it takes only 3 hours to reach Bwindi forest. Another solution for the long driving distance is to book a local chattered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to the nearest airstrip in Bwindi. Your local tour operator can then wait for you at the airstrip to take you to the park. The local flights are expensive but the reward I to reach the park in only one hour.

If your budget cannot allow for a local flight to Bwindi, then you don’t have to worry. The gorilla parks are located in areas with remarkable scenery and other amazing wildlife reserves. You won’t be bored even if you choose to travel by road. You will encounter amazing African countryside, national parks, mountains, valleys and natural African wilderness that will leave you impressed. Tour companies often arrange for small stops to relax and discover hidden points of interest like the equator crossing. If you are combing gorilla trekking with other wildlife encounters, then the trip can be designed to reduce on driving time. You would be stopping in different national parks each day until you track the gorillas.

What about accommodation for gorilla trekking? The accommodation facilities within and around the gorilla parks are of high quality. They range from ultra-luxury hotels, luxury hotels, mid-range offerings and budget options. All depends on your budget. The facilities are in form of standard cottages with grass-thatched roofs, self-contained tented camps, dormitories and basic campsites. Most of these hotels are built to allow people with disabilities to move about easily.

In case you are of middle age but relatively unfit, it is important to prepare in advance by hiking around your house. If you live in a forest, mountainous or hilly area, use the chance to move about to prepare your body for your tour. Other activities that can help you prepare for gorilla trekking include strolling, climbing, light running and walking for long distances.

When heading out for gorilla trekking, try to carry enough drinking water and energy snacks. They will help keep the body in good condition and energetic.

Apart from securing an easier group and being carried in the sedan chairs, elderly people  need to know what to pack for gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking parking list should include hiking boots, hand gloves, rain jackets, sweaters, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, walking stick, insect repellents and first aid kits.