Gorilla trekking is open to all kinds of tourists – elderly, disabled or the young above 15 years. Mountain gorillas live in rugged mountainous areas and accessing them involves hiking through high elevation ranges (2500m-4500m) hence requiring some physical fitness levels. Being an inclusive primate adventure, persons with disabilities are never left out.
However, during gorilla trekking for the disabled, visitors are allocated to gorilla families that are found nearer to the national park offices. This is to ease accessibility and this means, there is an option for everyone to meet a group of mountain gorillas in the wild. In case you aren’t able to walk for long distances, special porters and sedan chairs are available for hire.
Sedan chairs.
Sedan chairs & carriers are uniquely made with 2 metals and a seat in between for disabled tourists to sit. After a briefing session about gorilla trekking rules at the park offices and finally, you have a gorilla group assigned to you, persons with disabilities will be lifted by porters in traditional carriers or modern sedan chairs.
They join you with the rest of trekkers in the search for mountain gorillas and once you come across a group of gorillas, you will be put down to have a clear view of these unique apes and take pictures during the one hour of face to face interaction.
The cost of Sedan chairs range from USD300 to USD500 per trek and this may differ depending on the visitors’ weight and distance covered. The price of Sedan chairs includes cost of hiring porters. In case you are among the many who are always worried about their fitness levels or you are a person with disability, hiring a Sedan chair is the best alternative. And if your fitness levels aren’t favorable yet you aren’t disabled, porters are available for hire and they do assist carry your luggage and other belongings to help you hike through the steep slopes.
Stretchers.
Persons with disabilities can also make the best use of traditional stretchers, mainly made of bamboo sticks. Just like Sedan chairs, tourists using stretchers are lifted by porters throughout the adventure.
Porters.
Porters in the gorilla safari parks play a significant role and they can be hired not only to carry persons with disabilities but also to assist carry heavy luggage during gorilla trekking adventure. The cost of hiring a porter ranges from USD 15 to USD 20. When you hire porter services, you greatly contribute to their lives and it is one way they can afford basic needs back home and by hiring them, you would have created a smile in most of their families. Besides, some of the porters still study and that is how they get school fees.
Mountain gorillas & their habitat. Where do they live?
Mountain gorillas are unique primate species and sub-species of Eastern gorillas. The mountain gorillas live in specific area unlike other wildlife. To see these large apes, there are only 3 places to travel to; Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo – all these are in Africa.
The current population of mountain gorillas stands at 1063. In Rwanda, they are found within Volcanoes National Park where Dian Fossey set her research base. Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are open for booking at only US Dollars 1500 per person – this is perfect for visitors looking for luxury gorilla safaris.
In Uganda, two gorilla parks can be visited – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These are all positioned in the Southwestern part of the country, 8-9 hours’ drive off from Kampala capital. Uganda gorilla trekking permits are available for visitors all year round at only US Dollars 700 for foreigners and 600$ for residents.
Mountain gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo is possible only in Virunga National Park, Eastern part of the country. D.R. Congo, just like Uganda is a budget – friendly gorilla destination with gorilla permits costing only US Dollars 450 per person. Still in the D.R. Congo, there is an option of visiting the Eastern lowland gorillas and this is possible in Kahuzi-Biega National Park south of Lake Kivu near Bukavu city.
What to pack for gorilla trekking?
Once you have made up your mind to visit Uganda, Rwanda or Congo to trek mountain gorillas, important things to have packed include a rain jacket, garden gloves, good hiking and waterproof boots, sweater, insect repellent, long pants / trousers, long sleeved shirts, first aid kit camera with no flashlight and more.
