who is eligible to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?

gorilla tracking activities take place in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo and Encounter Africa Safaris limited offers unrivalled experience to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park as well as volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Before you and your family start planning a gorilla tour, there things you need to know so that you do not get frustrated.

Age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Both Uganda and Rwanda have the same age limits or requirements for one to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park. Uganda Wildlife authority ensures that all that trek gorillas in Uganda must be fifteen years and above. They are very strict on this and to prove this, every person is supposed to provide his or her passport details at the time of purchasing a gorilla permit and also, passport details are also required before one goes for the trek. Some parents who wish to come with their children always tend to ask this question but this is the answer. The reason for this lies in conservation because it has been scientifically discovered that you will never tell the reaction of children when they encounter theses mountain gorillas. They may shout or run away and this may create a situation where mountain gorillas may attack those that have come to trek them. The other reason is that mountain gorillas are said to be 94% human and as such, we do share same genes and can easily spread diseases to them yet they are already endangered. It is believed that children can easily spread these diseases to mountain gorillas which may result in reducing on the number of mountain gorillas that are already few.

You must hold a Uganda or Rwanda Gorilla permit

For one to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, you need a gorilla permit issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in case of Volcanoes National Park or Uganda Wildlife Authority in the case of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. A gorilla permit costs USD750.00 per person per trek in Rwanda and USD600.00 in Uganda during high season and in low season, discounts are always announced. Since 2013, discounted gorilla permits have been going at USD350 in April, May and November. Encounter Africa Safaris helps you acquire a gorilla permit at no extra cost when you book all services such as accommodation, transport through us. Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly most especially during high seasons and that’s why as a company policy, we always encourage all our potential clients to always book their gorilla permits at least three months in advance. This is because without a gorilla permit, there is no way you can trek mountain gorillas in either country.

Must be in good health

Humans can easily transmit diseases to mountain gorillas and as such all those interested in tracking gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda are advised to visit their medical doctors before they even bother coming down to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Volcanoes National park. Should it be discovered that you are not in good health conditions, you will not be allowed to trek gorillas. If it so happens that you got the disease a day before, you must prove this by produce a medical doctors report and in this case, you may claim a refund from Uganda Wildlife Authority who are the custodians of all national parks in Uganda and are in charge of selling and issuing out gorilla permits.

For more information on who is illegible to trek mountain gorillas do not hesitate to contact our staff who will be willing to advise you accordingly. Gorilla tracking is a lifetime adventure and must be organized in time and by people who understand the dos and do nots.