Gorilla trekking is one of the most expensive tourist activities in Africa.
You wouldn’t want to travel all the way from your country and fail to trek mountain gorillas, even after buying a permit.
That’s why planning for your gorilla trekking safari is crucial.
Before even buying a permit, one should know the rules and regulations for trekking mountain gorillas and also understand who is eligible to trek these beloved species of apes.
Gorilla Trekking Permit
A gorilla permit is a document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, allowing one to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
These permits can only be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted Tour Operator.
Without it, nobody can trek mountain gorillas. Permits in Uganda cost $700 per person per trek, and for gorilla habituation, it costs $1500 per person per trek.
Healthy Adults
Only healthy people are allowed to trek the endangered mountain gorillas.
This is because mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases, and they have a weak immune system.
An infection in one gorilla can lead to many gorillas being infected and result in massive deaths.
People with infections or communicable diseases like flu or cough will not be allowed to trek, and Uganda Wildlife will refund a portion of the trekking fee.
People Above 15 Years Old
Mountain gorilla trekking is restricted to people above 15 years of age.
This is because children under the age of 15 might become frightened after seeing the gorillas and try to run away or scream, potentially leading to gorilla aggression.
It should be noted that although mountain gorillas are gentle and calm animals, they can become aggressive when disturbed.
Children and very old people might also not be able to trek mountain gorillas, as gorillas live in high elevations of rain-forests that require physical fitness that children and very old people might not possess.
Sometimes children might wander off the trail and get lost, unable to locate the right path.
Old people can trek gorillas if they wish to by using a sedan seat stretcher, and children almost making 15 years can trek gorillas only after undergoing an interview in the morning of trekking.
If they pass, they will be allowed to trek with the gorillas.
Good Physical Shape
Mountain gorillas live in high elevations of rain-forests.
If you’re not going to use a sedan seat stretcher, then it’s a good idea to ensure you are physically fit before coming to trek gorillas.
This activity can take 1-7 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location or phase of the group.
However, everyone always adjusts to the pace of the slowest person within a group.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking rules and regulations must be taken seriously, especially when in the presence of mountain gorillas.
Permits must also be purchased well in advance, preferably 3 months before coming to the country, especially during the peak seasons of June to September and December to February.
