Uganda Gorilla Trekking Age Limit

Gorilla trekking experience is one of the major key activities done in Uganda and there are two national parks where the gorilla trekking is done such as; Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park situated in the south western region of the country. However it is important to note that activity is best done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is ranked as the finest destination for the great gorilla trekking tours in the world.

In both Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking experience has an age limit required and this was set up by the Uganda Wildlife Authority -for Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwanda Development Board -for Rwanda gorilla trekking experience. According to above wildlife bodies, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years and above, therefore a person below 15 years and above is considered as a kid that is not fit for the gorilla trekking experience and he/she can not deal with these primate apes incase of insure emergence like a gorilla charging.

It is also important to note that the gorilla trekking activity is not entirely or  a completely safe exercise since these beautiful creatures are still wild animal and they have been just trained to get used to presence of tourists. But still any thing can happen and ends up negatively changing their behavior towards tourist. And a person above 15 years of Age is believed to be mature enough to manage and copy up of the an abrupt change in behavior.

Why Uganda Gorilla trekking age limit is set to 15 years.

Apparently the gorilla trekking age in Uganda has been set on 15 years while as anyone below 15 years of age is considered a vulnerable person and a child not fit for the gorilla trekking experience. It is also important to note the person below 15 years of Age have got unpredictable conduct and features that can cause the change of behavior of the gorillas. For example, upon meeting a gorilla family, a gorilla may walk towards a child and in the due process, this child might running screaming and this alone is enough to disorganize all the gorilla thinking they are in danger thus changing their behavior towards the tourists. In this way, the Silverback gorillas can reacting by charging and attacking the trekkers as a way of trying to defend its Family. On this note the best way to avoid such scenarios is discouraging persons below 15 years of Age

On the other hand national parks gorilla trekking is an extremely strenuous activity that requires hiking to locate a gorilla family. Thus for anyone to go for the activity has to posse some level of Physical fitness whilst a person below 15 years of Age might not manage since they are weak and prone to such difficulty exercises in the Jungle forest. Mgahinga gorilla national park and some parts of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park like Rushaga sector and Nkuringo.

Another reason why UWA gorilla trekking permit doesn’t allow a person below 15 years of age is that, Gorillas and human being do share 98% DNA thus human beings can easily pass on communicable diseases to these apes. And children below 15 years of age are known for carrying communicable diseases like Cough and flue that can easily be transmitted to the Mountain gorillas thus threatening their population numbers. Yet these creatures have been listed endangered and very rare species. Mountain gorillas can only be spotted a few national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and DR- Congo. On this note the Uganda Wildlife Authority look for all possible endeavor to protect and conserve these wonderful wildlife animals species in their natural environment.

Circumstance/ Instances where a child below 15 years of age can trek

Here in Uganda, there are instances when a person below 15 years is allowed to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. some children allowed to trek but on condition that their Parents do follow a set rules and procedures such as;

For a child below 15 years of age to go trekking, the parents of the child are required to provide proof to UWA that their child in Physically fit despite that fact that he/she is still a minor. The proof provided include current photos the minor that are sent to UWA before it permits the minor. Alternatively, when you book your gorilla safari with Mumwe safaris, we can assist you to work upon all the necessary process required for a child to be part of the gorilla Adventure provided you make it a point during the booking process with us. We as well assist you make purchase your gorilla trekking permits for you and your child from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. 

On the other hand children that are 14 years of age and they are about to celebrate their 15^th birthday can be allowed to be part of the gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. This person is considered physically fit and mature in the mind to manage the negative changes that may occur after meeting with the gorillas. In this case, the Uganda Wildlife Authority requests for a Valid passport and current photos of the child which clarify that the person is nearing 15 years of age. After providing the required proof, then we request you to go ahead with the payments purchase for the permits so that we can assist you a gorilla permit for your child.

Another instance where a person below 15 years of age is allowed to trek is when the parents of child completely insists to trek together with the minor who might not even be nearing 15 years  of age. On such situation, then it is a must for the parents of the child to sign a consent and liability form offered by Uganda Wildlife Authority. After signing the consent form, it is stands as an implication that parents are in charge of anything that might happen to the child during the trekking exercise in the park. Mumwe safaris can assist you to collect the Consent and liability forms from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices, help to scan and forward to you so as you can sigh and send it back. Upon approval from UWA, we request you to proceed with the payment so as we book a gorilla trekking permit for your child.

Why book with Mumwe African Skimmer safaris?

Mumwe safaris is one of the leading local tour operator situated with Kampala that prides in organizing thrilling gorilla trekking safari experience. This safari company is under the operation of a the local people in Uganda that are fully knowledgeable about Uganda Tourism.  We organize safaris to various national parks of East Africa including the misty Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. If you want to go gorilla trekking with child whose is below 15 years of age, kindly communicate in advance so that we can assist you in the process of booking a permit for child after clarification approval from UWA. However, your child can be engage in other activities like guided nature walks, game viewing, birding, cycling among others activities when you decide to leave him/her with our trained staff until you comeback from the gorilla trekking adventure.

With our professional and experienced reservation team, we can assist you customize your gorilla safari with other exciting safari activities like game Viewing, boat cruise experience, cultural encounter among other off beaten tours. Enjoy an optional 3 days  gorilla safari or 5 days gorilla and wildlife safari which are one of our optional Gorilla safari offers. The tour allows you to explore the outstanding gorilla safari destination in world and we assist book the gorilla permit plus all the necessary arrangements required to achieve a successful remarkable dreamlife gorilla Adventure in the Pearl of Africa.

To book with us, feel free to contact our reservation team by send us an inquiry at info@ugandacarrentalservices.com or call us on +256-700135510 or Tel +256-414699459 and we are to attend to your immediate tour need in the pearl of Africa.