Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo is strictly 15. The governments of these three countries together with park management boards had to set the allowed age for trekking. Everyone above this age is considered matured enough. They are therefore in position to  follow the gorilla trekking rules.

Why minimum age for Gorilla Trekking?

Since gorillas share 98% DNA like that of human beings, infecting them with diseases such as cough and flu is very possible. Travellers below 15 years of age are not allowed to trek because they may fail to handle any aggressive manner that gorillas may display. They might think of either running away or screaming for help instead of lowering themselves. This may make gorillas run away to their hideouts. 

These young travellers are not mature enough to go for such an experience because it will tire them. Remember, gorilla treks involve walking for long distances looking for the gorillas. For for the young ones, who might be interested in a short and interesting experience that will keep their minds very active. Also controlling them becomes very difficult as they may keep moving close to the gorillas. Yet, one is supposed to stand in front of them at a distance of at least 7 meters.

Since it involves moving for long distances searching for gorillas, the young people may not afford to move for about 7 hours trekking for gorillas. Some children are also not fit enough to hike up and down the mountains. This can slow the experience or they may even ask you to go back to the office before reaching the allocated gorilla family for you to trek.

All these can restrict young people from trekking gorillas and thus being restricted to only those who are older and cautious enough to abide by instructions. But whoever is below 15 years and feels like taking part in a gorilla trekking tour should not worry as there are waivers given to the 15 years old who are fit enough to take on the trek.

However, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda things are quite different. Some travelers below the age can have the permission to track from their parents. The latter usually believe that they are mature enough to take part in gorilla trekking. The Uganda Wildlife Authority can allow this but on one condition. For in stance, if you are making 15 years of age on that real trekking day. Also if you are capable of hiring porters to carry the child in a sedan chair or stretchers. There is no way how your child who is not fit enough can be stopped from trekking.

There are also other activities that children who below the age of 15 can take part in. A part from a gorilla tour experience children can experience nature walks, community tours, birding and so much more.

Where Gorilla Trekking is done?

Gorilla trekking is a wonderful experience that allows visitors to stay in the presence of habituated gorillas for one hour as you watch them do daily chores for one hour. For one to take part in gorilla trekking safaris, they must travel to East Africa, primarily in the countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo the homes of mountain gorillas which are habituated and available for visitors to trek.

In Uganda, mountain gorillas can be trekked from two national parks; Bwindi impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga gorilla national Park. Both national Parks are host to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the whole world.

In Rwanda, gorillas are trekked only in Volcanoes National Park . Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Virunga National Park is home to these amazing primates. Lowland gorillas on the other hand can only be seen in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, before D.R. Congo.

Why Trek Gorillas With Us?

Gorilla trekking is such an ultimate and rewarding experience that everyone in the world doesn’t want to miss. But, you must trek these magnificent and rare primates with a capable tour operator. Standard Safaris has existed for several years for such experiences. So many clients have trekked gorillas with us and have found the experience exceptional. They have written so many five-star reviews on our TripAdvisor to express their satisfaction. To plan your gorilla trek and any other trip, contact us for the best tour packages in East Africa and beyond.