Most people enjoy going on holiday with their whole family, including both parents and children. However, some activities like mountain gorilla trekking are limited to adults only because the minimum age for trekking mountain gorillas is 15 years.
Trekking mountain gorillas with your family can be a bit challenging if you have children under 15. But parents can manage by taking turns. One parent can trek on one day while the other stays at the lodge with the children. Then the next day, the other parent can go trekking while the one who trekked first stays behind with the kids.
If both parents want to trek together, some hotels offer trained nannies or maids who can take care of the children while the parents go for the trek. Gorilla trekking usually takes between 2 to 7 hours depending on where the gorilla group is and the speed of the trekkers.
Sometimes, a child who is almost 15 years old may be allowed to trek. This decision is made on the day of the trek. The park warden at the headquarters will interview the child. If the child is physically fit and passes the interview, they may be allowed to join the trek.
When planning a family trip, it’s a good idea to book family cottages at the lodge. This way, the whole family can stay together instead of being placed in different rooms.
Children under 15 who are not allowed to trek can still enjoy other activities. They can go on an easy nature walk with a Batwa guide, who will show them traditional hunting skills that were used in the forest before it became a national park.
Children can also enjoy cultural activities such as local dances and songs, craft-making, or visiting a nearby community school while their parents are trekking.
Trekking mountain gorillas with your family is possible. Just make sure to inform your tour operator or lodge in advance about the ages of your children so that they can plan suitable activities for them.
