Eligible Age For Gorilla Trekking

Wondering who can go gorilla trekking? This incredible adventure has specific eligibility rules. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to join the trek in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. Since the hike involves walking through dense rainforest and uneven trails, participants should be physically fit. The terrain in gorilla habitats is very different from the open landscapes of savanna parks. 

Gorilla trekking is open to foreign non-residents, residents, and East African citizens, and there are no gender restrictions—both men and women can take part. This once-in-a-lifetime primate experience allows visitors to get close to wild gorilla families while enjoying the beauty of the rainforest. 

A Visitor with a valid gorilla permit

For gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Congo, a valid gorilla permit is a necessary prerequisite. If you are older than 15, you may be able to get a legal gorilla permit at any of the three African gorilla safari locations. You are deemed qualified to hike gorillas in the location of your choice once you have obtained a valid gorilla permit. 

What is the cost of a valid gorilla permit, then? Depending on where you want to go, getting a legal gorilla permit can cost different amounts. For instance, in Uganda, licenses for foreign non-residents cost USD 800 per visitor. For USD 700 per person, foreign nationals who intend to see Uganda’s gorillas can reserve a permit. If you are a citizen of Uganda or East Africa, you must have UGX 300,000 in order to get a gorilla permit. Last but not least, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the recently introduced Rest of Africa visitor category costs USD 500 per person. 

Permits for tracking Rwandan gorillas are only available for $1500 USD. Gorilla permits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are reasonably priced, at USD 400 per person. Gorilla permits should be ensured that they are secured in advance, and you can do so through the reliable tour operator (Maranatha Tours & Travel). 

Good health

A visitor must be clear of common communicable diseases, such as the flu, the common cold, or any other illness, in order to be permitted to explore a group of gorillas. Infecting gorillas with infectious diseases increases the likelihood that they will be captured, thus park officials may decide that you are ineligible to see a gorilla family. 

Where to trek gorillas in Africa –Top Places

Mgahinga and Bwindi National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Kahuzi-Biega, and Virunga National Park are the top destinations in Africa for gorilla trekking.  

The greatest mountain gorilla trekking experiences may be found in Bwindi. It is the ideal place to visit while on a tour in Uganda. Bwindi National Park is located in Uganda’s southwest and can be reached by car in nine to ten hours from Entebbe or Kampala. You should anticipate starting your gorilla journey from one of the four districts or sectors in Bwindi National Park, even from Kigali. 

Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo are the four trailheads where you can start your journey with the Bwindi gorillas. Gorilla groups have already become accustomed to these areas for gorilla trekking. Generally speaking, no more than eight tourists should visit each group of gorillas each day. About 24 families of habituated gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone, with mountain gorillas making up the largest group and flourishing in its verdant rainforest and other habitats. Planning your accommodations is crucial when considering Bwindi for your gorilla treks. Orugano Bwindi Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and other lodging options are available in and around Bwindi.  

Gorilla Treks in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in Kisoro District, Southwestern Uganda, is a remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts. A gorilla trek here offers a chance to see part of the endangered mountain gorilla population in their natural jungle habitat. Unlike other gorilla parks, Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla group, allowing a maximum of eight visitors per trek. Its compact size of 33.7 sq. km makes exploring the park easier, making it Uganda’s smallest national park. 

Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can enjoy golden monkey treks, golden monkey habituation experiences, and volcano hiking. Mgahinga lies within the Virunga region, known for its rich biodiversity, including golden monkeys and numerous Albertine Rift endemic bird species. 

Gorilla Treks in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Nearly 30% of Rwanda’s 1063 mountain gorillas may be found at Volcanoes National Park in the country’s northwest. There are currently 13 groups of gorillas in this little park, which covers an area of 160 square kilometres. Only qualified tourists are permitted to trek with any of the gorilla groups in this park. A gorilla permit for Rwandan gorilla trekking now costs $1,500 per person. 

Gorilla treks in the D.R Congo

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is special because you can see both Eastern Lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas. The Eastern Lowland gorillas are found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, where visitors are assigned one of five habituated gorilla groups for a close encounter. 

For mountain gorillas, the adventure takes place in Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 7,800 sq. km. The park is home to over eight habituated mountain gorilla families, with Bukima serving as the main starting point for trekking. A gorilla permit for Congo costs only USD 400, and can be booked safely through an experienced operator. 

In conclusion, all gorilla trekkers in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo must meet the minimum age requirement. With the right permits and guidance, you can plan an unforgettable gorilla adventure. Book your tour with Maranatha Tours & Travel to enjoy exclusive offers and expert support.