Age Limit for Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Travellers planning a trip to Uganda’s gorilla parks must be aware that the minimum age limit for Bwindi gorilla trekking and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 15 years old. This regulation was set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to protect both the endangered mountain gorillas, trekkers and requires participants to obtain a gorilla permit. Age verification is done through passports or national IDs. For families travelling with younger children, there are various alternative activities available in the park or lodges, such as biking, nature walks, swimming, and games, while parents trek with the gorillas.
Why age Limit for Bwindi Gorilla Trekking is at 15 Years
Since it is believed that these juveniles are not yet mature enough to complete the entire trekking experience, to follow the rules and customs of gorilla trekking, such as remaining silent, and to be able to handle gorillas should they become aggressive, the age limit for mountain gorillas is fifteen years old. It is expected that children will not be able to react appropriately enough to scream or run away when mountain gorillas charge at them. While mountain gorillas are normally peaceful creatures, when they feel threatened, they may turn hostile.
Alternatively, when mountain gorillas charge, the elderly are more likely to abide by the instructions given during the park wardens’ briefing. The older generation can move behind discreetly or even walk on four legs, whereas the younger generation might not be able to munch the grass and instead rush away or scream for rescue.
One needs to be physically fit to hike through thick jungle, reach high elevations, and descend into valleys where mountain gorillas might be hiding in order to participate in gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Younger hikers face the risk of getting lost if they deviate from their group, in addition to slowing down the trekkers’ pace due to exhaustion. Kids can yell when they spot animals in the forest, but silent communication is necessary when going on a gorilla hike.
Additionally, children under the age of fifteen should not go on gorilla trekking. This is because young individuals under the age of fifteen are more susceptible to illnesses like the flu and cough, which can infect mountain gorillas.
“Can Children under 15 years participate in gorilla trekking”
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, mountain gorilla hikes are allowed for children below 15 years on certain conditions. Parents must submit photos of the child to the Uganda Wildlife Authority proving the child’s physical ability.
As an alternative, a child who is 14 and will be 15 by the time of the gorilla trekking trip, or a child who is between a few months to 15 at the time of the trekking expedition, may also be allowed to participate. Here, a parent will have to provide information from their passport in order to verify the age of the child.
For your child to engage in gorilla trekking, if they are under 15 and allowed to trek with the primates, you will need to obtain a gorilla permit. The permits are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through your tour operator, you can still get the permits for the same amount of money. Age is irrelevant when obtaining permits because the price remains fixed. For inhabitants of East Africa, each gorilla trekking permit costs USD$ 800 for non-foreign residents, USD$ 700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens. Reservations for gorilla permits should be made well in advance, especially for those who wish to visit the park at the busiest time of year, to avoid disappointment.
At what age can children do gorilla habituation
Children under the age of 15 are not eligible to participate in the full-day gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park due to the fact that the experience requires one’s physical fitness. Children are more likely not to follow park rangers’ safety guidelines, more to that mountain gorillas are prone to human diseases like cough and flue.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking experience
Below are some of the essentials travellers should have when organizing for a gorilla trekking excursion in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These include, long sleeved shirt and pants, insect repellent, Camera, binoculars, gardening gloves, hiking shoes, waterproof rain jacket, warm sweater, extra batteries, energy snacks and drinking water, walking stick and backpack among others.
Best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is always during the dry season of June through August, September, December, January, and February. This is so far the ideal time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nonetheless, you may go gorilla trekking all year round. Gorilla trekking is more difficult during the wet season due to muddy and slippery trails.
