Gorilla Trekking Age Restriction.
Age of gorilla trekking Travelers under a certain age are not permitted to engage in gorilla trekking. Hiking far into the woods in pursuit of gorillas is known as “gorilla trekking.” Only three nations worldwide are home to mountain gorillas, who inhabit lush rainforests that are hilly in character.
Mountain gorillas can be found in the Virunga Massif, which includes the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Additionally, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to over half of the world’s gorilla population, with the remaining portion being distributed among the three parks in the Virunga Conservation Area.
Prior to 2018, mountain gorillas were regarded as a highly endangered primate species. The Virunga Conservation Area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are home to roughly 1063 mountain gorillas worldwide. This number has only increased due to the tremendous conservation efforts of the gorilla parks’ governing bodies and other gorilla conservation organizations, such as Gorilla Doctors and the Dian Fossey Foundation.
The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature, the Rwanda Development Board, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority have all made significant contributions to the conservation and preservation of mountain gorillas, which has resulted in an increase in their population. Among other things, they have established policies and procedures to control the protected areas when visitors pass through them.
One of the numerous regulations is that gorilla trekking is not permitted for anybody under the age of fifteen. It was crucial to establish an age limit for gorilla trekking for the following reasons:
Humans and mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA. They are thus vulnerable to all human illnesses, including measles and other deadly childhood illnesses. Therefore, an age limit for gorilla trekking was implemented, exempting minors under the age of 15 in order to safeguard the gorillas from such situations.
The gorilla population has increased since the age limit for gorilla trekking was implemented, protecting the primates from diseases of this kind. This is shown by the 2018 gorilla census, which found that the number of gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area grew from 480 to 604 and that the number of gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone climbed from 400 to 459.
To further prevent injuries to children under the age of 15, the age limit for gorilla trekking was implemented. Youngsters under the age of fifteen have erratic personalities and behaviors. When they see mountain gorillas, their response is uncertain; they may scream in fear or joy, which might agitate the gorillas, who may then charge at them and injure them.
Since the gorillas have their own vocalizations, the youngsters could also produce sounds and gestures that the animals might misinterpret. Additionally, gorilla trekking may sometimes be a very taxing exercise. Even adults find it very difficult to hike these gorilla places in quest of the primates due to their topography and lush rainforest environment.
A gorilla trekking age limit was implemented to safeguard children under the age of fifteen, since they are incapable of handling such a high level of stress. However, there have been cases when kids who are just under 15 are permitted to trek.
This is an extremely rare event, and in order to be given the chance to go gorilla trekking, the kid’s parents or legal guardians must demonstrate that their child is at least 15 years old and capable of handling the journey. Additionally, they must sign a disclaimer stating that park authorities will not be held responsible if the kid is injured during the walk or does not finish it.
Sedan chairs or bamboo stretchers that can be used to carry the kid the whole way are additional options if your youngster is allowed to hike gorillas despite the age limit. Porters may also be hired to assist them throughout the trip. Due to their limited availability and strong demand, particularly among the elderly and those with poor mobility, be sure to make reservations well in advance.
The elderly are not subject to any age restrictions when it comes to gorilla trekking. Anyone above the age of 15 is eligible to participate in this exhilarating gorilla trekking experience. According to 100-year-old General Charles Njonjo, the former Attorney General of Kenya, who successfully hiked gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, senior persons as young as 99 years old have been allowed to participate in gorilla trekking.
A gorilla trekking permit is necessary in order to participate in gorilla trekking, even if a youngster has been given permission to follow gorillas in violation of the age limit. Permits for gorilla trekking are available from the relevant national tourist bureau or from reputable travel companies.
The cost of a gorilla permit for a single admission is $400 in the Congo, $1500 in Rwanda, $800 for international non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX300,000 for East African nationals in Uganda.
Because there are so few gorilla trekking permits available and so many tourists are interested in the activity, reservations must be made well in advance to guarantee your dates. For assistance in organizing the ideal gorilla trekking experience, get in touch with a reputable tour operator.
