age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

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February 26, 2020

Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

Published by Acacia Safaris Ltd

age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

The age limit for gorilla tracking in Rwanda is 15 and above! Anyone below 15 years is considered young and not eligible to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Persons above 15 years are considered eligible to purchase a gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park.

Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda is a standard rule to observe when planning a gorilla trekking safari. Either you are planning to visit Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Persons below 15 years are considered vulnerable and not fit to make a complete trek. Their character is considered unpredictable and can easily be frightened by mountain gorillas. When gorillas do change how they behave, they may panic. As a result, such persons may get harmed or other group members may get hurt especially when these apes charge.

Why Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking?

In scenarios where gorillas charge, children can easily be tempted to run away which may compel these primates to follow with the assumption that they have been attacked and they want to defend themselves. Persons above 15 years are able to understand and interpret the behavior of these apes and also abide by the set rules and regulations or instructions from the park ranger guide.

Given the nature of mountain gorilla habitats and general kinds of adventure activities, people below the age of 15 years may not be in a position to make a complete hike while on the gorilla trekking adventure. Trekking mountain gorillas is a breath-taking safari experience that requires someone’s physical wellness. Trekking to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can last for about 2-6 hours less or more.

Mountain gorillas

Mountain gorillas also share about 98% of their DNA with humans which makes them the closest human relatives in the wild. Persons below 15 years are considered as children and they carry most of the communicable diseases (flu, cough) which can be spread to mountain gorillas. It should be noted that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human infectious diseases and the set age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is mainly to ensure these endangered species are well-protected.

Can Persons Below 15 Years Trek Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda? – Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

While the standard age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years and above, there are instances when persons below 15 can track mountain gorillas. Children below 15 years can be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda on condition that he or she is one week to his or her 14th birthdate. However, the parents should provide proof of this to the Rwanda Development Board or park officials and he or she is physically fit. The current picture of the child should also be provided for examination.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda – Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

Every Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit is issued at $1500 per person across all visitors on Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park. There are only two ways that you can reserve a gorilla permit; you can contact the reservation team at Acacia Safaris Limited or directly through the reservation team from Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Please make sure you secure your mountain gorilla permit before you take a flight to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport. The demand for Rwanda gorilla trekking permits is high and last-minute booking may result in disappointment.

Age Limit for Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

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