Age limits for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Age Limits for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Travellers who plan to visit the park and wish to bring their kids along typically enquire about the age limit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.  Only those who are above 15 years of age are eligible to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in their natural habitat. This is done in accordance with the guidelines and restrictions of the gorilla trekking programme, which were established to safeguard both the trekkers and the endangered mountain gorillas. All that is required of visitors who are 15 years of age and above is the purchase of a gorilla permit, so they do not need to worry about being able to trek with the gorillas.

A government agency in charge of overseeing tourism in the nation, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, sets the age limit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. In order to undertake gorilla trekking in Bwindi, a traveller must be at least 15 years old. This can be ascertained by requesting to see their national identity card or passport details. The age restriction also applies to other national parks, like Virunga, Volcanoes, and Mgahinga, that are home to mountain gorillas.

Following the age limits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, there are always activities in the park or lodges that children can participate in while you go on your gorilla trekking excursion, so parents who plan to visit the Bwindi Gorilla Park with their children can still do so. Biking, gaming, taking nature hikes near the lodge, and swimming are among the available activities.

Why is the age limit for gorilla trekking at 15 years?

The age limit for mountain gorillas is 15 years old since it is thought that these young ones are not yet mature enough to finish the entire trekking experience, to adhere to the laws and customs of gorilla trekking, such as remaining silent, and to be able to handle gorillas should they become aggressive. When mountain gorillas charge at youngsters, it is expected that the kids will not be able to handle the situation well enough to scream or flee. Although mountain gorillas are generally quite calm animals, they can become aggressive when provoked.

The elderly population is more likely to abide by the guidelines provided during the park wardens’ briefing when the mountain gorillas charge. The younger generation may fail to eat the grass and instead run away or shout, but the elderly can move behind silently or even walk on four legs.

In order to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi, one must be physically capable of navigating through dense jungle, ascending to high altitudes, and descending to valleys where mountain gorillas may be found. In addition to slowing down the trekkers’ pace due to fatigue, the younger hikers run the risk of becoming lost if they stray from their group. When they see other creatures in the woods, kids can yell, but gorilla trekking requires trekkers to speak quietly.

Children under the age of fifteen should not do gorilla trekking for another reason: due to their vulnerability, young people under the age of fifteen are more likely to contract diseases like the flu and cough that can spread to mountain gorillas.

When does a child below 15 years qualify to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi?

In certain situations, children younger than 15 years old are permitted to go on mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Gorilla National Park. If a youngster is younger than 15 years old and wants to go on a mountain gorilla trip, their parents must submit photos of the child to the Uganda Wildlife Authority proving the child is physically healthy.

Alternatively, when a child is 14 and will be 15 years old by the time of gorilla trekking, or when the child is between a few months and 15 years old at the time of trekking, that youngster may also be permitted to go on a gorilla trekking expedition. Here, in order to verify the child’s age, a parent will be required to submit passport information.

You must get a gorilla permit for your child in order for them to participate in the gorilla trekking activity if they are younger than 15 and are permitted to trek with the primates. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sells the permits, which are also still available for the same price if you work with a reputable local tour operator. When purchasing permits, age is irrelevant because the cost will not change. Each gorilla trekking permit costs UGX250,000 for East African nationals, $700 for foreign residents, and 800 for non-resident foreigners. In order to minimise disappointments, travellers are urged to reserve gorilla permits in advance, particularly if they want to visit the park during the peak season.

What is the age limit for gorilla habituation experience?

Besides the age limits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, children under the age of 15 are not permitted to go on the gorilla habituation experience because the experience takes a full day, and young visitors may not be physically fit enough, may not adhere to park rangers’ rules and regulations, and because mountain gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, such as the flu and cough.

What to pack for a gorilla trekking experience?

The following items are essential to have with you when planning a gorilla habituation safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: insect repellent, garden gloves, hiking shoes, long sleeve shirt and pants, waterproof rain jacket, warm sweater, camera and extra batteries, energy snacks and water, walking stick, binoculars, face masks, back pack, and so on.

What is the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The best time to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is during the dry season, which is also referred to as the peak season and occurs in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. However, gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year. When compared to the wet/rainy season, when the trails are muddy and slippery, this makes gorilla trekking a bit challenging, the dry season’s access roads and gorilla trekking trails are dry and passable due to the park’s lower or nonexistent rainfall.