Age limit for Gorilla trekking in Uganda : Gorilla trekking safari is the most satisfying safari activity in Africa. In Uganda, tourists can see half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making for a memorable safari. A lot of travelers who come to the country want to see the species in their natural habitat. However, it’s important to know that while the activity is open to a lot of travelers, there is one age group that can’t go gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. To learn more about the people who aren’t allowed to go gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, which will lead you to a number of sites for an amazing safari in Uganda.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is 15 years and anyone that is below that age will not be able to engage in the safari activity however there’s an exception for travelers turning 16 years during the year for gorilla trekking in Uganda therefore you should write a letter to the Uganda wildlife Authority the tourism authority in Uganda that involves the fact that you would like to participate in gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. After the letter is accepted, a 15 year old tourist will be able to go on the gorilla trekking safari.
One of the main reasons why people under the age of 15 should not go on a safari is because children are easily startled by even the smallest things, which can make the animals angry and make them attack the children. Even though it’s not easy to keep kids under control, this is a very important part of gorilla trekking in Africa to make sure you have a safe safari.
Uganda has two safari destinations where you can go gorilla trekking safari: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Both of these destinations will lead you to gorilla families that are used to humans. During gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, you can hike the Virunga Mountains in Uganda, which are Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Gahinga. These mountains will lead you to a specific gorilla family. For gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can visit the Uganda gorilla families in the Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija sectors of the park. When you get to a species, spend an hour with it and look for intriguing creatures in the wild while your guide tells you everything you need to know about it for an amazing safari experience.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda can be acquired at a cost of 700USD which renders it the least costly gorilla trekking destination in Africa. As for gorilla habituation permits in Uganda, they can be bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority for $1500 USD or obtained from a reputable tour company.
Another safari activity that you may engage in during your gorilla trekking safari experience in Uganda is gorilla habituation in Uganda which offer you access to the gorilla families that are under the habituation process which is very interesting to watch the species and their different real-life experiences and reactions for a memorable safari experience. Gorilla habituation is very different from gorilla hiking in Uganda because you get to spend four hours with the gorillas instead of just one hour.
Instances where children may trek Uganda gorillas
As earlier discussed, it now possible for minors or children to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and or Mgahinga National Park as long as the parents can prove to Uganda Wildlife Authority that their child is physically fit much as he/she is still young. A physical examination may have to be conducted or current photos of the child will be required before a gorilla permit is issued. Once Uganda Wildlife Authority carries out an examination approves your request, Take Off Ventures Tours will go one and book a gorilla trek for your child under the age of 15.
Chance of trekking mountain gorillas can also be given to children who are below the age of 15 years but nearing the age of 15. In other words, children who are in their late 14th year and almost making 15 years of age. If for example a child is remaining with three months to become 15 years, chances are that she/he may be allowed to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. In this case, parents will be requested to write an official letter to Uganda Wildlife Authority requesting and informing them about the age and physical status of their child, you will have to attach his/her passport as well as photos to enable them ascertain age status and physical fitness of your child. Once approval is given,Take Off Ventures Tours will request you to make payment for your child’s gorilla permit which we will have to book in advance.
You child may be 15, 13, or 14 years but may be allowed to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga NP as long as this child is doing it with his/her parents. In order to avoid anything that may happen, parents are supposed or will be made to sign a consent and liability agreement with Uganda Wildlife Authority on behalf of the child to ensure that parents are liable to anything concerning their child while trekking mountain gorillas.Take Off Ventures Tours will assist you in picking liability forms from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices, scan and send them to you to be signed and sent back to us. Once this is approved and your request answered, Take Off Ventures Tours will then request you to make payment for your child’s gorilla permit which we normally book in advance.
That said and done, all rights of allowing children under the age of 15 years totally belongs to Uganda Wildlife Authority who are in charge of all National Parks in Uganda. Take Off Ventures Tours cannot guarantee that your child below the age of 15 years will do gorilla trekking before UWA confirms it. Its our dream and duty to assist you with the process of acquiring permission for your child to be allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda. For parents with children who below Uganda gorilla trekking age limit of 15 years should contact Take Off Ventures Tours in time so that we start the paper work early enough.