Can Children Go Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking in Africa is a very exceptional safari activity that can be enjoyed by all travelers from all over the world interested in trekking the majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitat. Trekking the Gorillas gives you a chance to trek and watch Mountain Gorillas, Western Lowland Gorillas, Eastern Lowland Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitats in the safari destinations of Bwindi Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Gorilla Trekking is such a challenging yet rewarding safari adventure which requires your determination and strength to get to meet the majestic Gorillas in their natural habitats. Getting to meet the Gorillas requires you to transfer through thick forest vegetation, via rugged terrain till you meet the Gorillas. Hence, no children are allowed to trek the Gorillas as the acceptable minimum age to trek the majestic Gorillas is 15 years old and above. This is due to the fact that the trek is physically demanding and children may not be able to follow strict rules and regulations like staying calm around the Gorillas something that may cause conflict in-between them and the Gorillas.

Children might also have colds/flu which is contagious and can affect the Gorillas especially when they sneeze close to them. Other reasons can be, the terrain can be challenging for the children to trek on to get to meet the Gorillas as these require physical endurance.

Children may also have trouble understanding or following the crucial safety rules like keeping a distance and staying quiet in the presence of the Gorillas. They might also react in fear or excitement when around the Gorillas and this could cause them to make sudden movements or loud noises.

Why the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking is set to 15 Years Old

Children with 15 Years old can trek the Gorillas due to the following reasons.

Physical demands of the trek

Trekking the Gorillas is physically demanding hence children of 15 years and above can get to transfer for 3 to 5 hours through the thick forest vegetation terrain along steep slopes and muddy terrain till you meet the Gorillas and stay in their presence.

Behavioural concerns

When meeting the Gorillas, children of 15 years and above can follow rules around the Gorillas and these include being quiet, keeping a distance and not make sudden moves or loud noises which is hard for those below.

Health / disease-transmission risks

Children of 15 years and above can be precautious especially after being warned of the risks of contacting diseases while trekking the Gorillas. They can enhance protection. This is because Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases (e.g., respiratory infections). For the young children may carry communicable illnesses that they could not control Infront of the Gorillas.

What to do if your child is too young to trek Gorillas

Gorilla Trekking adventures are strenuous for young children hence travelers that move with young children (13 years and below) can engage in other interesting activities around the park. They can take on guided nature walks, cultural visits.