Can Children Track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo? What is the minimum age for a youngster to go gorilla trekking? This is one of the most often asked questions by guests on gorilla safaris. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime event, but not everyone goes in search of mountain gorillas. All gorilla treks in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are allowed to trekkers above the age of 15.
Under gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, you are considered a child if you are under the age of 15. People aged 15 and up are thought to be mature and not easily terrified, in contrast to youngsters.
Gorilla trekking is commonly done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
How Old should one be in order to trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
The age restriction for gorilla trekking is one of the things that primate lovers should be aware of before heading to Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to trek gorillas. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and Congo is 15 years and above; and this is recommended and enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Virunga National Park, and Rwanda Development Board.
Youngsters under the age of 15 are not permitted since they are not grown enough to stand a large Silverback that is upset or charged; instead, they may quickly flee, which is dangerous. They are also thought to be carriers of common illnesses like measles, flu, and cough, which may readily spread to mountain gorillas. Because these primates share 98% of their Genetics, they are in danger of contracting such illnesses, which is why the typical regulation for going gorilla trekking is that you must be 15 years or older.
Can children do gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is officially limited to anyone aged 15 and over, owing to the steep environment, which makes it impossible for children to participate because the walk is rather rigorous, Can Children Track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo?
Can children do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Children below 15 years (for example 14 years or 13 years of age) can do gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ONLY if permitted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once granted permission by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, parents will have to sign an indemnity form that clearly states that all liabilities during the gorilla trekking experience will solely be incurred by the parent.
How fit should one be when doing gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo?
Visitors doing gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo are advised to be physically fit enough to create a gorilla track. To view gorillas, you must be physically active because you will be walking into the forests rather than taking short hikes through the grasslands.
Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo is often unexpected; they might take 2-6 hours less or longer, depending on your degree of fitness, and the most significant deciding factor is your level of fitness.
Most airborne infections or communicable diseases, such as Cough and Flu, are carried or contracted by children under the age of 15, and gorillas may readily get them as well. Little children may also be fun, but this adventure takes place in the environment, which is home to a variety of wildlife.
When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo?
When you’ve determined your eligibility for gorilla trekking, find out when you should go on a trip to view mountain gorillas. Rwanda and Uganda are open gorilla destinations all year, although the dry season is the optimum time to go trekking. The greatest dry season months to remember each year are June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.
Rules and Regulations for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
- Always wash your hands before going to see the gorillas.
- A group of habituated Mountain gorillas can be seen by a maximum of eight persons each day. This reduces the gorillas’ behavioral disruption and the likelihood of exposure to human-borne infections.
- You will be brought to where the gorillas were left the day before by the guides. You will then follow the route of the mountain gorillas to discover them. Keep an eye out for gorilla nesting locations along the journey!
- As you get to the Mountain Gorillas, the guides will tell you when to prepare your cameras, Can Children Track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
- Please keep your voices down. In addition, you will be able to watch the abundant birds and other creatures in the forest.
- Do not litter in the park. Whatever you carry into the wilderness should be brought back with you.
- Stay at least 7 meters (21 feet) away from the Mountain Gorillas. This is done to keep Mountain Gorillas safe from human disease transmission.
- You should not eat or drink anything when you are near the mountain gorillas.
- Mountain Gorillas will occasionally charge. Crouch down carefully, following the example of the guide. Do not look at a mountain gorilla straight in the eye, especially the Silverback gorilla. Wait for the Gorillas to pass before attempting to flee, since this may increase your chances of being attacked.
- It is not permitted to use flash photography. When photographing, move slowly and cautiously.
- The maximum amount of time guests may spend with the Mountain Gorillas is one hour. This is done to minimize their disruption. The visit will be terminated if the Mountain Gorillas grow irritated or frightened.
- If you are already in the park and are feeling unwell or have a contagious condition, please offer to stay behind. A replacement visit will be arranged for you, or your money will be reimbursed in accordance with our reservation requirements.
- If you feel the need to cough or sneeze when near the Mountain Gorillas, please turn aside and cover your nose and mouth to prevent the transfer of viruses or germs/bacteria.
