What is the acceptable age limit for gorilla trekking in Congo? The minimum acceptable gorilla trekking age limit in Congo is 15 years. This standard conservation policy applies across all the main gorilla safari destinations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The minimum age limit is set at 15 years mainly to ensure the safety of visitors and gorillas. According to the conservation policy, travelers below 15 are considered to be children, a group that is vulnerable to contagious diseases.
The age limit is reduces the chances of gorillas contracting contagious diseases like flu, cold, chickenpox, and many others. Besides, trekking with gorillas in Congo’s jungle tends to be exhaustive, and so, it requires certain levels of fitness. Children may be physically challenged to embark on an around trek with gorillas, considering the high elevations and dense vegetation cover, plus other hindering factors. It is also believed that younger travelers/children often panic when they come across a gorillas or when these apes charge at them.
Children can easily start screaming/running away when the silverback gorilla or a group of gorillas charge at them. Acts like these can easily force gorillas to follow the child and to avoid related incidents from occurring on a normal gorilla trek; the age limit is strictly enforced. At a point when a gorilla charges at you, a visitor is expected to stay calm and respect the guide’s instructions.
Is there a maximum gorilla trekking age limit in Congo?
No! Provided that you are above 15 years, you can track gorillas in Congo. Even the elderly of 60, 70, 80, and 90 years can participate in the trek with the Congo gorillas. If you feel physically challenged, you can take advantage of the additional services, including hiring porters to help you with heavy luggage and provide support during the active gorilla trekking adventure.
Where to go to enjoy Congo gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Congo is best enjoyed in the scenic Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. In each of these 2 gorilla safari parks, expect to encounter different species of gorillas. Daily gorilla trekking tours to the Virunga National Park mainly involve exploring the endangered mountain gorillas. Visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park if you are interested in seeing the Eastern lowland gorillas.
Gorilla groups to be tracked on Congo gorilla trekking in Virunga include Bageni gorilla family, Rugendo, Humba, Kabirizi gorilla family, Lulengo, Mapuwa gorilla family group, and others. In every habituated gorilla group, there are females, males, and infants, and the entire group is headed by the silverback gorilla. On a gorilla trekking tour in the Virunga National Park, expect to start your day from the Bukima Patrol Post. Visitors assemble at Bukima to first have a briefing on the gorilla trekking regulations and later, the park official assigns gorilla groups.
Virunga National Park lies in the Eastern circuit of Congo at an altitude range of 680m (Semliki River Valley region) to 5109m (on the Rwenzori Mountain range). This Park currently occupies over 7800 sq. km and was officially declared a National Park in 1925. In 1979, it was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within the rich habitats of Virunga, there also exist other wildlife, including yellow-backed duikers, leopards, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, elephants, De Brazza’s monkeys, giant forest hogs, Dent’s Mona monkeys, blue monkeys, Central African red colobus monkeys, Aardvark, and golden monkeys.
Accommodation Properties in the Virunga
The accommodation choices to book in the Virunga National Park include budget, midrange (standard), and luxury. They include Tchegera Island Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, and Kibumba Tented Camp.
Plan how to get to Virunga National Park.
Virunga is found in Eastern Congo and can be reached from Kigali, driving through the Le Grande barrier. To begin your journey from Kigali, you should consider taking a flight up to Kigali International Airport (KGL) and you can be picked up by the driver guide to be transferred to the Eastern Congo to explore Virunga National Park gorillas. To access the Virunga, you need essentials like a yellow-fever certificate/card, a Congo tourist visa, and passports.
Eastern Lowland gorilla tours in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is an excellent location to explore habituated Eastern lowland gorillas in the wild. In Kahuzi-Biega, expect to explore the 5 gorilla groups that are available for tourism, including Mugahuka, Mpungwe, Chimanuka, Nganwa, and Bonnani.
At Kahuzi-Biega, expect to retire for a night in some of the finest lodges, including L’Orchids Safari Club, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Coco Lodge, Exodus Budget Lodge, Mount Kahuzi Hotel, and Camping.
Other Gorilla Trekking Rules to Follow in Congo
Besides the minimum age limit, there are other rules and regulations that should be respected by all gorilla trekkers. They include;
- Keep a minimum distance of 7m away from a group of gorillas, and this standard rule cuts across to visitors in the Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega.
- Photography can be exciting and is every trekker’s special moment, but ensure that your camera doesn’t have a flashlight.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while in the presence of gorillas.
- Ensure that you cover the nose when sneezing or cover the mouth when coughing.
- Observe a maximum time for you to stay with gorillas, which is one (1) hour.
- Ensure that you keep within the group of tourists who came with you.
What to pack for the Congo gorilla trekking tour
An incredible packing list for a successful gorilla safari in Congo should comprise waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirt, a safari hat, gaiters, insect repellents, a camera, a lightweight daypack, a pair of binoculars, a face mask, first aid kit, energy giving snacks, gorilla permits, tourist visa for Congo, yellow-fever card, and others.
Valid Gorilla Permit in Congo
To visit Congo’s gorillas, you need a valid permit. Congo still remains the cheapest destination to visit gorillas, with a single permit costing only USD 400. Booking a valid Congo permit is safe through an expert on the ground. Contact our team to book your valid Congo gorilla permit and get a chance to explore Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega gorillas.
Best time to do gorilla trekking adventures in Congo
The dry season, also known as the peak season, offers favorable conditions for tourists to experience the best Congo gorilla treks. You can consider planning a Congo gorilla tour around the long-dry season from June to September or December, Jan, to February (short dry spell/season). The dry season records low rainfall with the ground floor kept drier for a longer period. Trekking through the drier forest floor is easier as you search for Eastern gorillas/mountain gorillas.
Conclusively, the gorilla trekking age limit in Congo should be respected, being an essential requirement for all gorilla trekkers on an African gorilla safari. Talk to your expert –Maranatha Tours and Travel to plan and book a safe gorilla safari.