Can children go gorilla trekking? No, children under the age of 15 do not go gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking is one of the must do African safari activities for many travelers who visit Africa. Gorilla trekking offers one of the rarest wildlife encounters in the natural habitat, watching giant gorillas so gentle that they let you watch them.
This activity is in the protected forests of Uganda and Rwanda, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo. You walk with armed rangers, trekking through the rainforest on rugged terrain.
Follow animal tracks, locate your allocated habituated gorilla family, and spend up to 1 hour with gorillas. Gorilla trekking is not a casual nature walk in the forest. It requires preparation, permits, respect for the conservation efforts, and definitely a level of composure when encountering the mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species, and because of this, the 3 governments across Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo guard them jealously.
Encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, with a silverback just steps away, is an intimate and emotional experience that many would love to have with their close family. Unfortunately for the travelers, however, children do not get to embark on this experience.
Why are children not allowed to do gorilla trekking?
The Wildlife Authorities of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo have the minimum age for gorilla trekking at 15 years. This only means that children are not allowed to go gorilla trekking in all the 3 countries. The following are some of the reasons why children are not allowed to do gorilla trekking:
- Children are not allowed to do gorilla trekking because they may not be able to control their emotions or stay calm upon an encounter with the gorillas – especially when the gorillas unexpectedly move or charge. Charging gorillas usually back off when a tracker or ranger stays calm and lies low.
A child may get too scared, however, causing them to scream, run, and/or make abrupt gestures and sounds that would agitate the gorillas. A charged gorilla almost always chases after the person who runs. Their reasoning (the gorillas) is that you are fleeing because of guilt. Children would then be put in harm’s way.
- Secondly, children’s immunity is still developing and, as such, they are prone to transmissible diseases like flu, cough, and mumps. Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans. This means that the gorillas are susceptible to these diseases. The children can easily transmit these diseases to the mountain gorillas, which would leave the animals in grave danger. Even adults who develop a cold before a trek are strongly advised against embarking on a gorilla trek. Because of transmissible diseases like flu/cold, trekkers are often advised to wear face masks – plan to carry one for yourself for your gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo.
- Children are also not guaranteed to successfully finish the trek through the rugged mountainous rainforests. They may decide they are tired of the trek midway if they get that far that is. To avoid delaying the rest of the party or breaking them when a ranger needs to take them back to the park headquarters, children are not allowed to do gorilla trekking. They usually get tired quickly. Gorilla trekking requires certain levels of fitness and mental preparedness, which children do not usually have.
- Also, children are less likely to follow instructions: there are rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking that everyone must follow. These rules are in place to protect the gorillas, their habitat, the trackers, as well as the travelers who visit the parks for gorilla safaris.
Among the rules are maintaining a 7-meter distance, following the guide and ranger’s guidance, speaking in low tones, not littering, and not looking directly into the eyes of the gorillas. All these children almost certainly cannot follow. Keeping them from gorilla trekking thus is a necessity.
How to Enjoy Gorilla Trekking Safaris with Kids
Even with the age restriction of 15 years, travelers whose children may be 14 but almost 15 years old can be allowed to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For this to happen, one needs to write to the Uganda Wildlife Authority with the necessary information about the child, that is, a full picture of the child, their age ascertained through a valid passport, and the height of the child. The parents or guardians then accept responsibility in case of any occurrence during gorilla trekking.
Should the UWA allow the child to trek the gorillas, the child ought to track the gorillas only if they are tracking the same gorilla family with the parents. Are you traveling with a 14 year old for your gorilla safari or even a broader Uganda or East Africa safari and worried about the child not being allowed to trek with you? Simply reach out to us at Focus East Africa Tours. We will guide you in the best way forward so that you enjoy your family safari in Uganda and beyond.
If the child is nowhere close to the age of gorilla trekking, or where an exception would be considered, fret not. You can still enjoy gorilla trekking, and the children take part in other child-friendly activities at the hotel.
These include heading out for a nature walk, visiting nearby local schools or attending traditional dance performances. The nature walks the children do are done in the company of an experienced park guide: they will look out for butterflies, rare birds, and more, all in a child-friendly manner.
Should you feel skeptical about leaving your children alone, you can opt to trek in turns, with one parent remaining with the child/children.
Children, while they may not be able to trek gorillas, can do so much more while on a safari with family. Get in touch with us to help you plan your ultimate Gorilla Safari and beyond.
