Gorilla trekking for the disabled

Yes, people can easily trek gorillas in Africa regardless of whether disabled / with special needs or old age.

Gorilla trekking in all three countries where they are found is not only for those that are physically strong or young but also for the disabled ones can seamlessly take part in gorilla trekking.

Gorillas are one of the most sough after apes on planet earth and can only be found in national parks of three countries in the whole world; Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks.

An unforgettable gorilla trekking safari can be organized in all the above-mentioned countries despite of visitors’ age and ability to trek for long distances. In the case of disabled travelers, they are given attention and are allocated to trekking gorilla families that live near the offices but also can be carried on modern sedan chairs or traditional bamboo stretchers.

Modern Sedan chairs.

There are modern sedan chairs available for disabled visitors or elderly people who cannot walk easily in rugged terrains. Porters are available for hire, who will carry visitors from briefing points to where the allocated gorilla families are. Travelers have up to one hour with the gorillas and then they will carry you back to the offices.

Traditional Bamboo Stretchers.

If one doesn’t prefer being carried on the modern sedan chairs, they can opt to be carried on traditional stretchers made out of bamboo and four porters carry the visitors with a lot of care to the forest for trekking and the other four will carry visitors back. Bamboo stretchers and modern sedan chairs cost about USD 350 to USD 500 respectively but it depends on the respective weight of a visit and the porters get their allowances from this.

Even those travelers who are not disabled, they can as well hire porters to carry their backpacks and other equipment they would like to move with while on a gorilla tour and this enables ease of trekking within the rugged terrain where gorillas stay. These bag carriers / porters that carry bags are paid from $15 to 20 US Dollars.

Gorilla trekking permits for the disabled.

For one to take part in gorilla trekking successfully in all three countries they must book a gorilla permit which costs 700 USD in Uganda, 1500 USD in Rwanda and 400$ for Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is the only country with the most expensive gorilla permits, but perfect for high-end travellers. It is better to book a gorilla permit at least 5 months before the trekking day because gorilla permits are highly demanded and given on first come first served basis.

Disabled travelers or the elderly are advised to trek gorillas from Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national Park Buhoma sector because it is not as mountainous as other national parks where mountain gorillas live. Bwindi national park is home to 4 trekking sectors; Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma. Among all these sectors, Buhoma and Ruhija are the best for the disabled and elderly trekkers.

Being disabled should not bother you much and stop you from undertaking such an ultimate gorilla experience and if you can fly from your country then there is no reason that can stop you from undertaking gorilla trekking adventure in East Africa.

How to access gorilla destinations?

You can access gorilla destinations from either Entebbe airport in Uganda or Kigali airport in Rwanda. After reaching these two airports, the driver guide will pick you up and drop you at any of your gorilla destinations.

However, for those who want to trek gorillas in D.R. Congo, you can either be picked up from Kigali or Entebbe airport and cross through Goma boarder to Virunga National Park or Rusizi boarder to visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

For a memorable gorilla trekking experience, one is advised to carry camera for taking photos to create memories, binoculars to observe far away attractions, and carry sturdy jungle shoes to help trekking through the muddy trails. these are a few of the major things one should not miss coming with on their Gorilla Trekking Safari.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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