Yes, there is a minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and this is 15 years of age. This age is set under the rule book of the governing rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Rwanda. These rules and regulations were set by the governing body in charge of managing and overseeing the works of the protected areas in the country, especially the gorilla destination.

This rule of a minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda has come under a lot of intense criticism, as many deem this rule unfit since kids these days grow up fast, and by 12 or 10 years, a person is mature. However, this age limit rule is far-fetched as it is not just about physical maturity, but with other reasons. Some of these reasons include the following.

Mental and behavioural maturity

At the age of 15 years, a child has gained enough mental and behavioural maturity to interpret and understand the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Children below this age bracket are not yet fully developed, and they find it hard to follow the rules. In a case of silence during the trekking experience, children below 15 years not adhere to these rules, making it a challenge to get to the primates.

Children below 15 years are often playful and do not take things seriously, which may break some important rules like not respecting the primates and going ahead to poke them with sticks or throw things at them. This can result in a very dangerous situation as the gorillas can react aggressively. Thus, 15 years of age is the ideal minimum age for anyone embarking on a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.

Safety awareness

Safety goes two-way for both the mountain gorillas and the visitors. Children lack safety awareness, which is very key during the gorilla trek, as they may come close to the primates, posing a risk of the primates contracting human diseases since we share up to 98% of DNA. Furthermore, on the safety of the visitors, gorillas may act aggressively if they feel threatened by getting too close to them. The steep terrain during the trek can also cause a safety risk to the young visitors. This is why there is a set minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Physical endurance

Gorilla trekking as an activity is quite physical and tends to last for longer hours before the gorillas are finally encountered. With longer hours navigating the dense forest, much physical endurance is needed, and children below 15 years of age may lack this endurance. These kids tend to tire quickly and lose interest. Therefore that is why this age was set aside as a minimum for gorilla trekking.

Emotional intelligence

Children below 15 years are not yet mature enough to have a stable emotional intelligence, and even faced with a frightening situation, would remain calm. In wildlife encounters, especially gorilla trekking, emotional intelligence is key as it guides mixed reactions when faced with the primates. In rare cases of a silverback asserting its dominance by hitting its chest, children may run or cry in terror, while such situations require calmness and submission.

Where is gorilla trekking done in Rwanda?

The only gorilla destination in Rwanda where gorilla trekking is done is Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the northern region of the country, covering an area of about 160 square kilometers. Volcanoes National Park harbors over 300 mountain gorillas that live in over 12 habituated gorilla groups called families. This park falls under the Virunga massif that stretches from the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Volcanoes National Park is the ideal destination for a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking requires a gorilla permit obtained through a tour company like Standard Safaris from the Rwanda Development Board. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park costs USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, and USD 200 for Rwandans and East African citizens.

When is the best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda?

With the question of age answered, the best time to have a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is during the dry season. As a country in the equatorial region, it receives a tropical or equatorial type of climate. This climate is characterized by two dry and wet seasons that occur twice a year. The dry season, with its conditions of dry weather and humid temperatures caused by the prolonged sunshine, is the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

This period is from June to September and from December to February. The dry season’s conditions positively affect the gorilla destination to favor trekkers by drying up the trails to ease navigation and also limiting vegetation growth to increase visibility.

What other activities can be done in Rwanda without a minimum age limit?

Several other tourist activities in Rwanda are set aside from this minimum age rule, as it strictly applies to gorilla trekking only. Some of these activities include the following.

Game drives

In Rwanda, game drives are done in Akagera National Park, which is located in the eastern region of the country bordering Tanzania. This epic experience is set apart from many as it sees visitors of any age explore the park in the safety and comfort of their vehicle. During this game drive adventure in Rwanda, visitors have a chance of spotting the Big Five animals, which are lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. These are a few of the many animals in the park, such as warthogs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, reedbucks, topis, and waterbucks, among others.

Boat cruise

Boat cruise is also limitless with age, and children can also join in on the fun of exploring the aquatic adventures of the park. Several destinations facilitate this activity of boat cruise, but the notable destination is Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. This sight opens the aquatic life that is often the lifeline of the park since many animals like elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and warthogs, among others, come in to quench their thirst. The lake harbors hippos and crocodiles as the main inhabitants, and can also be spotted on this boat cruise experience.

Birding

Birding can also be done by all visitors regardless of age. This adventure experience can be done across the country in many destinations like Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes National Parks. Visitors, with the help of a local experienced birding guide, handle this experience with professionalism to help visitors spot the most beautiful birds. Around 700 bird species inhabit the different destinations in Rwanda.