Can Children Go Gorilla Trekking? Yes, a child below the minimum gorilla trekking age of 15 years can trek with Gorillas in Uganda. Realm Africa Safaris™ has successfully applied and secured Gorilla trekking permits for families travelling with kids below 15 years – we call this a Special Minors Gorilla trekking Permit.
A special minors Gorilla trekking Permit for a child or kid below the recommended gorilla trekking age of 15 years is not something easy to secure however, we at Realm Africa Safaris™ have, over the years learned how to lobby and successfully secure gorilla trekking permits for children below the age of 15 years to trek with Gorillas in Uganda.
Under what circumstances can a child go gorilla Trekking?
The minimum gorilla trekking age is set at 15 years because of the following;
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Physical Demands:
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forests and potentially steep terrain, which can be physically challenging, even for adults. Younger individuals may not have the stamina or strength to handle the trek.
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Emotional Maturity:
Encountering gorillas up close can be a powerful experience, and younger children may not be able to understand or react appropriately to the gorillas’ behavior. They might scream or run, potentially escalating a situation and endangering themselves or the gorillas.
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Safety Protocols:
Gorilla trekking requires strict adherence to safety guidelines, and younger children may not be able to follow these instructions or understand the importance of staying calm and quiet.
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Communicable Diseases:
Children are more susceptible to diseases, and these can easily be transmitted to gorillas, which are highly susceptible to human illnesses.
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Conservation Efforts:The age limit is also a measure to protect the gorillas and their habitat, ensuring that the trekking experience is sustainable and does not negatively impact the gorillas’ well-being.
However, in circumstances where the child or children below the official minimum gorilla trekking age of 15 years can be proven to exhibit high levels of maturity and ability to take/heed to instructions, a Special Gorilla Permit might be issued through a registered local Tour Operator like Realm Africa Safaris™
Note: Official age limit for Special Minor gorilla trekking permits is 12 – 14 years. Kindly don’t ask us to get one for your newly born.
How much does a special Minors Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?
The cost/price of a Gorilla Permit is Standard;
- Foreign non-residents pay $800 per person/permit.
- Foreign Residents pay $700 per person/permit.
- East African Citizens pay Uganda Shillings – UGX300,000 per person/permit.
- …….and Africans from the Rest of Africa Pay $500 per person/permit.
However, it is important to note that depending on the logistical costs that might be involved in applying, securing or booking a Special minors Gorilla trekking Permit, we might invoice you for Extra Pay where needed.
When is the best time to apply for a Special minors Gorilla trekking Permit?
Because the process of securing a special minors Gorilla trekking permit can be excessively bureaucratic, and the permits do get sold out, especially during the peak season months of June – August, September – October and December – February, we recommend starting the process 3 – 6 months in advance. This will give us ample time to tender in all the relevant paper work as requested by the relevant authorities. Booking in advance is one of the main facilitations to successfully securing your Special minors gorilla permit.
What is the guarantee that I will be able to secure this special minors Gorilla Trekking Permit?
There is absolutely NO guarantee you will get a gorilla permit for your underage Kid/child or children. However, what we can assure you is that for the last 10 years of operating gorilla tours in Uganda & Rwanda, Realm Africa Safaris™ has established a reliable team of people who will lobby the relevant authorities and work through thick and thin to ensure you get a permit (s) for your underage children to trek Gorillas. However, we encourage you to engage us on this well in advance… 3 – 6 months in advance.
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