The Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking.
The age limit for gorilla tracking is the minimum age one must have to be allowed to participate in the gorilla trekking activity. It is one of the basic gorilla tracking requirements. Gorilla tracking is one of the most sought-after activities in which most travellers to Africa would wish to experience./engage.
Gorillas are divided into species, the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and these two species are further subdivided into four subspecies. the eastern gorillas comprise of the mountain gorillas (beringei beringei) and the eastern lowland gorillas or grauer’s gorilla(beringei graueri).
Mountain gorillas were declared critically endangered, and the remaining world species are found in the Virunga conservation area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The VCA comprises Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since mountain gorillas are considered critically endangered wild creatures, there are rules and regulation that were set up by the conservation bodies in these countries to protect the gorillas from extinction. One of the clear set rules is that individuals below 15 years are not allowed to take part in gorilla trekking.
Importance of the gorilla trekking age limit.
Mountain gorillas share 98% of human DNA, thus making them susceptible to catching diseases. Since there are many childhood diseases, this rule of age limit helps to regulate the rate of disease transmission from children to the gorillas.
Individuals below 15 years are considered to be very young and not yet mentally ready for gorilla tracking. Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves walking for several hours through harsh terrain and different altitudinal levels because the gorillas tend to move deeper into the park jungles for food. This activity also needs determination, which most young stars do not have, as the gorillas tend to go far away from the starting point.
Children may find it hard to struggle with the conditions of the activity, slow the trekkers’ pace or even request to be returned to the starting point before achieving the main goal of the trek. Elders are always fit and determined to endure all conditions and complete the activity successfully
Children under 15 years are too young to deal with the negative reactions of the gorillas. Gorillas are calm and gentle creatures but easily become aggressive when threatened by the actions of some trekkers. At times, the silverback tries to come closer to the trekkers. If this condition happens in the presence of children, they will scream, shout, or run away, something that may force the gorillas to run after you. Mature travellers can control their emotions in case the gorilla charges.
Older travelers are easily controlled and easily adhere to the tracking rules and regulations compared to younger trekkers. The guidelines for gorilla trekking include not leaving trash in the park, staying at least 7 meters away from the closest gorilla, not making unnecessary noise and movements, and not making fun of the gorillas.
Instances where children below 15 years can be allowed to trek.
On rare occasions, children aged 14 but are soon to be 15 can be allowed to trek. This exception is only possible in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, and for one to qualify for this exception, the parents or guardians of the child must present the necessary documents to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The necessary documents include a passport and birth certificates to prove that the child is soon to be 15 years old in that year and that they are physically fit for the activity.
The child below 15 years should be accompanied by the parents, who must sign a consent form with UWA to protect the organization from responsibility in case of any trouble during the activity. Park rangers are requested to assign that child to a gorilla family close to the starting point and in case of any difficulties to walk, the parent must be ready to hire extra porters to carry the child through the activity.
What to do for children while on a gorilla safari.
If you travel with your kids who are below the tracking age limit, you can make proper arrangements with the hotel staff to stay with them as you go for the trek. They can keep them indoors, watching movies and playing games.
You can also organize with your driver guide to take them for simple cultural tours, say if you are in Rwanda, the guide can take them to Ib’yiwachu Cultural Center, in Uganda, they can visit the Batwa families. If you drive with them to the park center, the park guides can take them for simple nature walks on the outskirts of the forest park, where they can also see birds and different plant species, which helps them to start admiring nature.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit.
As earlier noted, mountain gorilla trekking is done in three countries, Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, but at varied prices. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800, in Rwanda it’s at $1500, and DRC it’s at $400 per person. Regardless of the difference in the price pr country, the experience in all tracking destinations is equally rewarding. Travelers are advised to book their gorilla permits in advance, at least 3 months before the travel date to whichever country you wish to have your expedition.
Though there is a minimum age limit for gorilla tracking, there is no maximum age limit. Even the elderly of 100 years and above having the ability and urge to trek to the gorillas; they are carried in sedan chairs to fulfill their dream of meeting the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat.