Age Restrictions for Mountain Gorilla Tracking

What are the age restrictions for Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Africa? Only the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Uganda, and Rwanda have age restrictions for mountain gorilla tracking. Mountain gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Africa and is available in these three countries only. Mountain gorilla trekking offers guests the chance to view mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and in all three countries, this activity is offered in four national parks.
Mountain gorilla trekking is available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda; and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorilla trekking permits can be booked year-round, but participants must be at least 18 years old to participate.

The age limits for mountain gorilla trekking are;

Please note that only those 15 years of age or older are allowed to participate in Mountain Gorilla Trekking with their family members or minors. At the time of the activity briefing, all Mountain Gorilla Trekking permit holders are required to present a copy of their passport, where their age will be determined.

You must provide your passport details to purchase a mountain gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park, and if you are under the required age, you will be denied access. It is very important to understand that if you purchase a gorilla permit knowing you are not trekking age, you will still not be allowed to enter the park.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the only park that allows guests who are under 18 years of age to participate in trekking by signing an exemption form from the authorities that manage the park. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, like other national parks and reserves in Uganda, is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which approves applications.

Why is there an age limit?

The age limit is in place because anyone under the age of 15 is considered a child and may not be able to handle emergencies as well as an adult. Although mountain gorillas are gentle and intelligent animals, it is important to keep in mind that they are still wild animals. If a mountain gorilla becomes agitated and aggressive in front of trekkers, the child may not be able to follow the ranger guide’s instructions and other guests may not enjoy the experience.

We also advise against feeding or making fun of the gorillas, but it seems to be a fun experience for the kids to see what would happen if they did.
This mountain gorilla trek requires that you try not to make a sound while walking through the forest. This is because children are noisy and will irritate the wildlife. Older trekkers can follow the briefing and maintain the code of conduct required in the forest.

Younger trekkers tend to yell and run away from their emotions, which irritates the gorillas, who will attack and chase the children and get badly hurt. While adult trekkers can be mindful and active, children may not be mentally prepared and may just be excited.
Mountain gorilla trekking is a physical activity, as adults need to be strong enough to make it through the mountainous terrain and bushes. Children may have to push themselves too hard to get back to the trailhead or be carried, which may interrupt the activity. You must have a strong will to be able to complete the activity with other trekkers.
Infectious diseases such as coughs and flu are most common in children, and mountain gorillas are susceptible to such infections, which may be fatal and risky for gorillas, unlike the human body, which can fight them off.

A person under 15 years of age can only be accepted for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda after he or she has turned 15 in the year of the trek, is under the supervision of his or her parents, and has signed a waiver form in case of any unforeseen circumstances in the forest. Parents would have to send a photo of their child, declare the child’s physical ability along with a passport photo, and sign a waiver document. Also, once the child is approved for the trek, parents will need to hire a porter to carry the child in case the child becomes fatigued.
Similar to the mountain gorilla trekking experience, the gorilla habituation experience in the Bwindi Forest requires that researchers interested in working in the Bwindi Forest be at least 15 years old.

Bring your family and friends for an ideal mountain gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountain gorilla tracking has no age restrictions. Gorilla trekking is a memorable experience and everyone should experience it. However, everything should be done at the right time and in the right place. People always wonder what the age limit is for gorilla trekking and why there is an age limit. The reason is this:

Gorillas are emotional and usually scared of things like flashlights. They may also charge you depending on how they feel. They may feel overwhelmed and provoked and want to fight back in self-defense.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda: The deep forest and many trails can be difficult to map for children under the age of 15, who may overplay and suddenly go off trail. Although there is a limit to the amount of time spent in the forest, children are playful by nature, which disrupts the pace of those responsible and indirectly affects the rangers and the group. During the trek, a child who is at least 15 years old can easily follow instructions and play less.