All persons interested in Gorilla trekking should ensure they are at least 15 years – The Official Gorilla Trekking age limit is 15 years. Why is the Gorilla Trekking Age limit set at 15 years? Can my child of 14 years not attempt to trek gorillas in Uganda?
Whether Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, the official Gorilla Trekking Age Limit is 15 years. Both Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board agreed on the minimum Gorilla trekking age limit as 15 years and above, however in a few instances where a child below 15 years may be permitted to trek gorillas. A special arrangement has to be made between the parents of the child and the relevant authorities before your child can be permitted to trek tracking the gorillas. As a Measure to enforce the Minimum Gorilla trekking Age Limit, it is mandatory for every person trekking Gorillas to present his/her passport for verification before they can be allowed to track Mountain Gorillas.
Why is the Gorilla trekking age limit set at 15 years?
- Gorilla Trekking requires a fair level of fitness as it involves hiking on slippery trails, and through thick vegetation, at a high altitude of 1000+ sometimes for up to 4 hours. On many occasions, the unfit or elderly adults have failed to make it on their own and have had to Pay an Extra $300 – $500 to be carried on a sedan chair. So it’s only fair that you don’t attempt to subject your child to this strenuous hike. Only the fairly mature kids might be able to take in this challenge and give you value for the $700 paid for Gorilla permits – it’s not cheap money to simply throw away – wait till they are old enough.
- Whilst the relevant authorities UWA and RDB do take all possible measures to ensure that Gorilla trekking is Safe, All trekkers must understand that the gorillas visited are still wild meaning behaviour can change depending on the different mood and surroundings. It is believed that children 15 years and above can help themselves just in case anything happens and they are mature enough to follow the entire gorilla tracking rules & regulations.
- Lastly, Kids under 15 years are often very playful and might carry the same to the forest. This will not only slow the pace of the person responsible for them but also will affect the entire team of rangers, porters, and other trekkers causing the trek to last forever. A kid who is at least 15 years of age will easily follow instructions and be less playful while on the trek.
