The minimum age for trekking gorillas In Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park In Uganda is 15 years. However, if you would like your 13 – 14-year-old child to trek Gorillas, then we can assist you in coordinating with UWA for a special permit to be issued for your minor/teenager to be able to trek Gorillas.
Why is the Minimum age for trekking Gorillas in Bwindi Forest set at 15 years?
- Generally speaking, mountain 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 Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) does take into account 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 playfulness 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.
