Gorilla trekking is 100% a unique experience from the usual wildlife safaris. Unlike other wildlife experiences, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years which applies to all the 3 countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Gorilla trekking minimum age is set by the various government authorities that manage the National Parks. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organ that is responsible for management of all 10 National Parks in Uganda.
Mountain gorilla trekking is a distinct primate adventure and it is only done in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo. In all the 3 countries, the standard rule for tourists to engage in gorilla trekking is he or she should be 15 years and above. Gorilla permits are issued to visitors above 15 years who are intending to trek mountain gorillas.
Why is gorilla trekking minimum age set at 15?
Gorilla trekking minimum age is set at 15 for many reasons. First, persons below 15 are considered to be children and there is believe that they aren’t in position to deal with negative reaction from gorillas or when they charge. Generally, gorillas are calm, humble and gentle apes though they can turn aggressive in case of threats among other factors.
When gorillas charge or silverback approaches children, they won’t stay calm/lay low. In such scenarios, children can be forced to scream or run away and at the end, a gorilla may run after him or her. The best way to contain a charging gorilla or the aggressive one is for you to act submissive and lay low. For this case, mature visitors are said to be in position to control the emotions such as gorilla charges, aggression etc.
The second reason is mature visitors are less likely to get carried away. Mature persons are observant on gorilla trekking rules and park guide’s instructions compared to children. The rules for gorilla trekking are many and they include among many maintaining a distance of 7-10 meters, no littering the park, no making noise, no touching gorillas and others.
The third reason is children aren’t mentally ready for gorilla trekking. When an adult decides to undertake gorilla trekking, he or she has prepared for it and they know what they are going for. Most often children go for safaris with parents and besides, gorilla trekking requires one to be physically fit because it all involves hiking through the dense forest and steep slopes.
Under which circumstances do children below 15 years trek gorillas?
In Uganda and Rwanda, there are 2 instances where children below 15 years can be allowed to go track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Volcanoes National Park. The first instance is when the child is approaching his or her 15th birthday but a passport copy plus current photos may be required and secondly, if a child expresses maturity and proves physically fit. Where the above qualities are assessed, the park authorities may allow him or her to participate in gorilla trekking.
The other option for children below 15 years to be allowed to track gorillas is if the parents express their desire for their children to track gorillas. The child’s parents are supposed to confirm and he or she should be willing to track gorillas with the child. Where parents are confident and willing to adhere to the above, he or she shall be required to sign a document/agreement also famous as the republic of Uganda waiver and release of liability agreement just in case anything occurs, the parents will be liable.
What can children do if they can’t go for gorilla trekking?
There are plenty of exciting activities for children to engage in. They include guided nature walks, visiting local schools, cultural visits and several games for children.
