Minimum Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Minimum Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Congo: Gorilla trekking is a famous nature adventure that can only be experienced in Africa. Mountain gorilla trekking is considerably more popular, and it is only available in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is mainly done in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.

As more people become aware of the activity, the number of tourists visiting the three nations grows year after year, to the point that gorilla permits may be quite difficult to get during certain months of the year. Visitors considering a gorilla safari frequently worry if there is an age limit for gorilla trekking, particularly if they want to go with children on safari.

What is the minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Congo?

The age restriction for gorilla trekking is 15 years in all three gorilla trekking destinations, although there may be exceptions in Uganda, as you will discover shortly. The age restriction for gorilla trekking is regulated by the various government bodies in charge of maintaining national parks. Uganda has the Uganda Wildlife Authority, while Rwanda has the Rwanda Development Board. You may also be interested in the age restriction for chimp trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

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

The age restriction for gorilla trekking is 15 since younger visitors are considered minors and may not be able to deal with any unpleasant reactions from gorillas. Gorillas are placid and gentle creatures, but they can turn violent if they feel threatened or misinterpret trackers’ movements.

When a huge silverback approaches or seems angry, children may struggle to remain calm and lay low. If the child screams or flees, the gorilla may pursue them. To control an angry or charging gorilla, you must act humble and lay low. Mature travelers are better at regulating their emotions in the case of a gorilla attack.

Second, adult travelers are less prone to getting carried away. They are more likely to adhere to the park rangers’ gorilla trekking guidelines and directions than younger trekkers. The gorilla trekking guidelines include not fouling the park, staying at least 7 metres away from the closest gorilla, and not ridiculing or making fun of the gorillas.

Finally, young people may not be mentally prepared for the action. By the time an adult agrees to go gorilla trekking, they understand what they are getting into. Children typically go on safaris only to accompany their parents. They may not be as enthusiastic about the vacation as their parents. Completing gorilla trekking demands determination, especially when following a gorilla group that is distant from the beginning location.

Particularly little children may not be physically fit enough to finish the gorilla journey. They might slow down the tracking group or want to return to camp because they are weary or bored. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are located at high altitudes.

Finding the gorilla troop may require climbing over rugged and steep terrain with extended exposure to sunshine. Children may struggle under these settings and fail to complete the task. Older hikers are more physically fit and have the endurance and determination needed to accomplish the exercise.

Finally, very young children are more susceptible to communicable infections such as cough and flu (running noses). Mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human illnesses. If they become infected with the flu, the consequences might be fatal.
Because of the aforementioned concerns, national parks, guided by primate biologists, have imposed a minimum age of 15 years for gorilla trekking.

When can children be allowed to track gorillas in Uganda?

Although children aged below 15 years may not be allowed to do gorilla trekking in Congo, Uganda does make an exception for children aged 14 years; but this is not always guaranteed that your children will be granted special permission.

After reviewing the preceding chapters, you may be upset that you cannot go gorilla tracking with your kid or daughter, whom you consider is mature but under the age of 15 years. Do not despair; an exception can be granted for a 14-year-old youngster who turns 15 years during the hiking season. This exemption is only applicable in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The youngster should be physically fit and developed enough.

Bwindi Impenetrable forest is less steep than Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Bwindi also offers greater forest cover, which protects trackers from the sun.
To qualify for this exception, parents may be required to give the Uganda Wildlife Authority with images of their children as well as information about their physical condition and maturity.

The youngster must be approaching the age of 15 years preferably he/she should be aged 14 years. A passport copy and updated pictures will be required to establish that the youngster is 14 years and about to turn 15 years.

A youngster under the age of 15 may be permitted to go gorilla trekking if accompanied by their parents. The Uganda Wildlife Authority will want the parent to sign a consent/indemnity form to release the organization from liability in the event of a disaster while gorilla trekking. The Park Warden will ensure that the youngster is assigned to a gorilla group that is closest to the starting point of your gorilla trek.

Anyone above the age of 15 can follow mountain gorillas. There is no maximum age for gorilla trekking. You might be interested in reading about gorilla trekking for elders. If you are going to conduct gorilla trekking with a youngster that is grown and physically healthy but is less than 15 years old, contact us.