Gorilla trekking as families has of late become a trend for holidaymakers to Rwanda or Uganda. A family trip is the best way to bond and the worrying question among parents is “will my children be allowed to trek the mountain gorillas? Or better still “what is the minimum age for trekking mountain gorillas?”
Firstly, the minimum age for trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda is 15 years and this is where the greatest concern lies. Is it possible to undertake a gorilla safari with children below 15 years? The answer is “absolutely yes”. Mountain gorilla trekking involves hiking/walking through heavily forested and mountainous terrain, hence making it challenging for children to embark on this adventurous and unforgettable expedition through the jungles.
For Uganda, exceptions are sometimes given to children below 15 years on condition that the participant is 14 years and will celebrate his/her 15th birthday in a few months. However, parents/guardians have to first sign a consent form so that incase of short falls during treks, parent/guardian becomes responsible. Nonetheless, these children are usually assigned to easier-to-trek gorilla groups. For children below 14 years, Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks offer a wide range of child-friendly activities, other than gorilla trekking.
Additionally, there are many child-friendly accommodation facilities within Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks. These places of stay also offer a number of kid-friendly activities/amenities such as nature walks, sports centers and swimming pools.
INTERESTING CHILD-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO.
Guided tours through Gorilla Guardian Village.
The Gorilla Guardian Village is one of the mesmerizing child-friendly tour experiences as adults/parents/guardians are trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. As you embark on your gorilla trekking adventure, your children will be treated to a cultural experience. Some of the exciting activities offered here include drumming lessons, energetic traditional dance performances from Intore Troupe, tours of the Royal Palace and other cultural activities.
Batwa Cultural Experience in Uganda.
Learning about the riveting culture of the Batwa pygmies is another interesting activity undertaken by children as their parents trek mountain gorillas. This activity involves simple guided hikes in the company of local Batwa guides and this makes it possible for children to learn about the traditional lifestyle of these pygmies.
Children are taught how to shoot a bow and arrow (as the Batwa used to do), be amazed by their traditional fire-making skills from ordinary sticks, visit the traditional medicine man, watch and even take part in their invigorating traditional dance performances as well as listening to folklores and their touching stories of the past.
Community walks.
Guided Community walks are child-friendly and tailor-made for children, even as young as 5 years old. From this experience, your kids will get a chance to learn about the traditional lifestyle, culture and customs of the people through making of handcrafts, visit the traditional healer, tour the nearby local school and even be entertained in traditional dance and songs. The amount of time spent in the community walk largely depends on your child’s endurance.
IMPORTANT TIPS WHEN YOU UNDERTAKE GORILLA TREKKING AS A FAMILY.
For an adventurous and unforgettable gorilla trekking safari with your family, it is important to follow the following tips;
Book with a credible tour Company.
Book with us for an enjoyable gorilla trekking trip with your family as we shall book the best accommodation facilities with child-friendly facilities, fascinating activities and even best time/schedule for the activities.
Hiring porters to carry your backpack.
Yes, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years but interested participants might need the services of porters to offer support and help in carrying backpacks during the treks.
Get detailed information on the accommodation facility.
Some accommodation facilities have age restrictions with distances between the room and restaurant or other important amenities being challenging and far-to-reach for children.
Pack enough snacks.
Food markets, restaurants and supermarkets/shops are normally spread apart; and also the foods served in Rwanda or Uganda maybe different from the ones your children are used to. Therefore packing some snacks is important when planning to undertake gorilla trekking adventure with your family.
