Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking: Age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda (15 years)

The Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; Are you fantasizing about going on a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda or Rwanda with your children? Both Uganda and Rwanda have a set Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking which is 15 years. Trekking to see mountain gorillas in the wild is a captivating adventure that takes you into the tropical jungles of Africa to witness these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Before considering going for a gorilla trekking adventure, it is important to know the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking/Age restriction for gorilla trekking/Age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda. This complete guide is designed to give you a better understanding of the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking and why an age restriction for gorilla trekking.

What is the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking? Age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – Age restrictions for gorilla trekking

Although the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking/Age limit for gorilla trekking does not have a proper definition, it is known as the minimum age required by a traveler to be considered eligible for mountain gorilla trekking. The Age limit for gorilla trekking is applicable in all three gorilla trekking countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R Congo) as a conservation and safety measure during gorilla trekking safari holidays. The minimum age was set in order to ensure the safety and well-being of both trekkers and the gorillas during an encounter in the forest.

The Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking/Age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo is 15 years, however, there can be exceptions in Uganda. The age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo was set by respective Authorities that are responsible for protecting, conserving, and managing different gorilla trekking destinations (Gorilla Trekking National Parks).

The Age limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is 15 years. Uganda is one of the popular gorilla trekking destinations in Africa and has two gorilla trekking National Parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Uganda, the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking/Age limit for gorilla trekking was set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a body responsible for managing 10 National Parks & 12 game reserves in Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is also responsible for protecting and conserving gorillas and their natural habitat. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has the right to determine who is eligible for gorilla trekking, selling gorilla permits, and setting the age limit for gorilla trekking.

 

The Age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

The Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is 15 years. Rwanda is a popular gorilla trekking destination, also known as the most accessible gorilla trekking destination in Africa. Many travelers from all over the world each year visit Rwanda for an opportunity to encounter the majestic gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda has one gorilla National Park, the Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the far Northwestern section of the country near the border with Uganda and D.R Congo. In Rwanda, Age limit for gorilla trekking/Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking is set by the Rwanda Development Board, an Authority responsible for conserving and protecting gorillas and their natural habitat. The Rwanda Development Board is therefore responsible for setting the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.

Why is there an age limit for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is set at 15 years because individuals aged 15 and above are considered adults, and can handle the activity. Those below 15 years are classified as minors and are not eligible to participate in gorilla trekking. Children under 15 often exhibit unpredictable behavior, which can pose a risk in the presence of wild animals, especially when the animals come close or feel agitated. Although mountain gorillas are generally gentle and have been habituated to human presence for a long time, it is important to keep in mind that they are still wild animals and their behavior cannot always be anticipated at all moments. When gorillas feel threatened, they may react by charging or becoming aggressive. In such situations, the best way to protect yourself is to remain calm and submissive which a minor may not be able to do.

 

Reasons why children below 15 years are not allowed to trek gorillas

Children below 15 years are likely to struggle to follow the set gorilla trekking guidelines and rules such as; maintaining a safe distance, not touching the animals, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying calm when gorillas feel agitated among others. In case gorillas charge at them, they are more likely to scream or run away, which could escalate the situation and provoke an attack from the silverback gorilla.

The other factor is that gorilla trekking is generally a physically demanding experience that requires good preparation. Youngsters may not be physically fit and mentally prepared for this adventure. The trek to see gorillas in the wild entails trekking through thick vegetation and uneven terrain that is challenging. Mature travelers are considered strong enough to navigate through the jungles.

Very young children are likely to slow down the trek. Since the trek is usually challenging, it is likely to pose a great challenge to youngsters with little or no experience trekking in thick forests with uneven terrains. Children may struggle to navigate the forest and also have a high chance of failing to complete the trek. This will thus require the guide to use a favorable trekking speed for them thus slowing down the trek.

Young children usually have weak immune systems and can easily catch communicable diseases like flue and cough. Since mountain gorillas share DNA with humans, they are highly susceptible to human diseases and if they are infected, it may lead to death. To protect them, young children are restricted to trek gorillas with the Age limit of gorilla trekking or age restrictions for gorilla trekking.

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