The Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is a very popular wildlife activity that can only be done in Africa. Mountain gorilla trekking is even more popular and is only possible in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. As more and more people get to know about the activity, the number of travelers heading to the three countries increases each year – so that much that gorilla permits may be extremely difficult to get during certain months of the year. Those who are planning for a gorilla safari often wonder if there is an age limit for gorilla trekking especially when intending to travel with kids on safari.

Minimum Age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years in all three countries but there can be exceptions in Uganda as you will find out shortly. The age limit for gorilla trekking is set by the different government authorities responsible for managing the national parks. In Uganda, it is the Uganda Wildlife Authority while in Uganda it is the Rwanda the Rwanda Development Board. You might also be interested in the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Why age limit of gorilla trekking is set at 15

The age limit for gorilla trekking is set at 15 because younger travelers are considered to be children who may not be able to deal with any negative reactions from gorillas. Gorillas are very calm and gentile creatures but they can become aggressive when they feel threatened or misinterpret the actions of trackers. Children may not stay calm or lay low when a mighty silverback approaches them or appears aggressive. Screaming or running away could force the gorilla to run after the youngster. The only way to contain an aggressive or charging gorilla is to act submissive and lay low. Mature travelers are better at controlling their emotions in the event that a gorilla charges.

Secondly, mature travelers are less likely to get carried away. They are more likely to follow the gorilla trekking rules and instructions of the park rangers than younger trekkers. The gorilla trekking rules include not littering the park, keeping a distance of at least 7 meters from the nearest gorilla and not mocking or making fun of the gorillas.

Thirdly, youngsters may not be mentally ready for the activity. 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. They may not be as excited about the 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.

Very young children may not be fit enough to complete gorilla trekking. They could slow down the tracking party or request to get back to camp because they feel tired or bored. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are found in areas of high altitude. Finding the gorilla group may involve hiking up mountainous and steep areas with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Children may struggle with these kinds of conditions and fail to complete the activity. Older hikers tend to be fitter and possess the kind of endurance and determination required to complete the activity.

Last but not least, very young children tend to get easily infected with communicable diseases like cough and flu (running noses). Mountain gorillas are very prone to human diseases. If they get infected with a flu, the results can be deadly.

It is because of the above reasons that the national parks under the guidance of primate researchers set the minimum age for gorilla trekking to 15 years.

Circumstances under which children may be allowed to track gorillas

After reading the information in the previous chapters, you might be disappointed that you cannot go tracking gorillas with your son or daughter whom you believe is mature enough but not yet 15. Do not despair because 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. Bwindi Impenetrable forest is less steep compared to Mgahinga and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Bwindi also 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 (14 years). To prove that the child is 14 and approaching 15, a passport copy will be required as well as current photos.

A child below 15 years of age 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 responsibility in case of any mishap during gorilla trekking. The Park Warden will ensure that the child is an 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. Porters and Sedan chairs are also recommended for elderly trackers. If you are planning to do gorilla trekking with a child who is mature and physically fit but is less than 15 years of age, contact us at office@silverbackgorillatours.com.

What to do if your child is too young for gorilla trekking

You can still travel with children who are too young (13 years and below) to take part in gorilla trekking. There are lots of interesting activities that they can take part in while you go out to search for the gorillas. Hotel staff can stay with them in the hotel and keep them engaged with games and children’s movies. They can also be taken for nature walks, cultural visit or touring nearly local schools. You can also reschedule your trip so that you come when the children are of age.

Additional Information about eligibility for gorilla trekking

Note: Anyone above 15 years can track mountain gorillas. There is no maximum age limit for gorilla trekking. You might want to read about gorilla trekking for seniors.

Note: The Wildlife Authorities in the three 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 at the briefing point for gorilla trekking. The passport helps the park authorities know if you are eligible to take part in the activity.