Can children go gorilla trekking? – Gorilla Trekking with Kids/ Can Kids go Gorilla Trekking

Can children go gorilla trekking? Yes, children can go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda if they are 15 years and above. Many visitors to Africa ask if it is possible to do gorilla trekking with kids in Uganda and Rwanda. As long as your child is 15 years and above, they can absolutely go for gorilla trekking. Mountain Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary adventure that unfolds with a lot of excitement and anticipation that you may not want your youngsters to miss out on their trip to Africa. Although this experience is a life thriller, there are set age restrictions for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

When planning to travel with family for a gorilla safari holiday, it is important to know that only children aged 15 years and above will be allowed to trek gorillas. Although any child would love to see these majestic primates in their natural habitat, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is set at 15 years and above. If you are planning to travel with kids less than 15 years of age, there are different other safari activities that your children can engage in while you embark on a gorilla trekking safari tour. For travelers planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, there are some exceptions for children below 15 years which are discussed later in this article.

Minimum Age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R Congo – Age limit for gorilla trekking

The minimum age for gorilla for gorilla trekking in all three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) is 15 years. This age limit for gorilla trekking was set by the Authorities responsible for protecting the mountain gorillas and their habitat. All persons below 15 years are considered young and unfit to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Why children below 15 years are not allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?

For families planning to visit Uganda or Rwanda for a gorilla trekking safari, you may wonder why your children below 15 years of age will not be allowed to trek gorillas. There are several reasons as to why Children below the age of 15 years are not allowed to embark on gorilla trekking as discussed below.

Youngsters may not be mentally ready for the trek. Children below the minimum age for gorilla trekking may not be mentally prepared for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking entails hiking and trekking through thick forest cover with undergrowth and rugged terrain that requires preparation both physically and mentally. Children below 15 years of age can easily get exhausted since the trek lasts for quite long hours in the forest. Most young travelers go for safaris to accompany their parents and may not be as excited as adults.

Young children can easily get carried away. Mountain gorillas are generally gentle primates as you will witness this during the trek. They occasionally come close to the visitors during the trek and need calmness when they do. Unfortunately, kids below the minimum age for gorilla trekking are likely to get carried away when they encounter gorillas and their behaviors around the primates is unpredictable.

Young travelers are likely not to follow the guidelines of gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking has strict rules and guidelines that every traveler must adhere to during the trek. Unlike adult travelers, children below the minimum age for gorilla trekking (15 years) are likely not to adhere to the set gorilla trekking guidelines and rules. The gorilla trekking guidelines like; do not liter the park, keeping a low voice during the trek, and maintaining a safe distance, among others are all meant to protect gorillas, their habitat, and visitors.

Children below 15 years may not be physically fit for the trek. A moderate level of physical fitness is a prerequisite for gorilla trekking in Africa. Trekking involves navigating challenging terrain for a long distance and Kids below 15 years of age may not be fit enough to do the trek. During the trek, you will navigate through dense mountainous rainforests, with steep and muddy paths that can be challenging for Kids below 15 years of age.

Children below 15 years can easily get infected with communicable diseases. Kid below 15 years of age have low immunity to communicable diseases like flu and cough. Since gorillas share DNA with humans, they can easily catch such communicable diseases thus putting their life in danger. To protect gorillas from human communicable diseases, Kids below 15 years of age are not allowed to trek gorillas.

Other top things for children to do during gorilla Safaris – How to do gorilla trekking with Kids

If you are wondering if you can actually go gorilla trekking with Kids below 15 years, yes it is possible to go gorilla trekking with kids. Although children below 15 years can not embark on a gorilla trekking safari, there are plenty of more top things Kids can do as the adults embark on a gorilla tour. Your children will embark on fun adventures including cultural tours and community village walks among others as you embark on your gorilla trekking experience. Here are the top things kids can do during a gorilla trekking safari holiday;

Cultural visit to the neighboring Villages/Communities

Be it Uganda or Rwanda, your kids can embark on a cultural tour of the neighboring villages. If you are planning to trek gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will have an opportunity to visit the local Batwa community – the original inhibitors of the forests. While at the Batwa Villages, kids get an opportunity to enjoy storytelling from the village elders, participate in craft making, and participate in music and dance performances among others. This is an enriching experience that will unleash your children’s imagination of an African safari.

Children will enjoy interacting with the locals and also play traditional games, share stories, and learn about each other during these community tours to the Batwa community. While here, your children will learn about the ways of the forest and how to hut since the Batwa are hunter gatherer tribes.

If you are visiting Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla safari tour, your children will have an opportunity to visit the Buhoma Village for a community walk experience. The Buhoma community walk is a fun experience that is suitable for kids from the age of 5 years and above.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience in Rwanda

For those planning a gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with kids. A cultural tour to the Iby’Iwacu cultural village will enrich your kids with a cultural experience. As the adults embark on a gorilla tour, our expert guides will take your kids for a remarkable cultural tour to the Iby’Iwacu cultural village. There are various safari activities at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Center that can keep your kids excited while on your safari in Rwanda.

During this tour, your children will have an opportunity to enjoy nature walks and educational tours, engage the local children and play local games, visit traditional homes, and enjoy cultural performances such as dance and music among others. This village tour is enriching as your children will learn about different ways of life outside their usual environment.