The official minimum age for trekking Gorillas in Africa is set at 15 years. Only in a few special scenarios can a minor/teenager below 15 years be permitted to trek Gorillas.
Mountain Gorilla trekking in Africa can only be done at three (03) locations; Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. However, only Rwanda & Uganda are currently considered a safe place to trek/see mountain gorillas in Africa. DR. Congo still suffers ongoing political unrest characterized by abduction and killings of both tourists and local tourism officers including rangers. Learn more about the situation in DR Congo.
For both Rwanda and Uganda, the official gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years. Strict verification for minimum age is done using your passport or any other ID before you can be allowed to track Mountain Gorillas in either or both Uganda & Rwanda.
Why is the Minimum age for trekking Gorillas in Africa set at 15 years?
- Gorilla Trekking requires some fair level of fitness as it does involve hiking on slippery trails, and through thick vegetation, 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 behavior can change depending on the different mood and surroundings. It is believed that a child 15 years and above is able to 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 whilst on the trek.
