Gorilla trekking for underage children under the age of 15 years are generally considered to be physically weak (though this might not be the case) and thus prohibited from gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park Uganda. Gorilla trekking for underage children is like other gorilla trekking countries in Africa, Uganda has a gorilla trekking minimum age limit that has to be followed to be allowed for under-age gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorillas National Park. Uganda gorilla trekking age limit is currently at 15 years and any child below the age of 15 may be prohibited from visiting gorillas in their natural habitat as it is for Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. However, if it’s requested by their parents and the parents want their underage to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, their parents have to endorse their signature on the indemnity form to avoid any risk to their children. The service may allow a child from the age 13 and 15 respectively. below 15 years of age may trek gorillas especially if they trek with their family members. Uganda is a bit flexible compared to Rwanda when it comes to the minimum age for gorilla trekking. This is why.
A child below 15 years of age may also be allowed to do gorilla trekking if they are accompanied by parents. The Uganda Wildlife Authority will require that the parent sign a consent/indemnity form to protect the organization from responsibility in case of any mishap during gorilla trekking.
The gorilla trek minimum age is currently art 15 years and anyone below that age is considered a minor or child and thus unfit to trek the once-endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. It is believed that the behaviour of children or minors is unpredictable and to avoid such, children or minors are not allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable National and Mgahinga National Park. A good example or case study where gorillas fume at you, a child may decide to make noise or run which may result in gorillas attacking you. To avoid all such scenarios, the Uganda gorilla trekking age limit or minimum age of 15 years and above has to be enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to avoid such anticipated instances.
Another reason why children below 15 years are not allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park is that children tend to have communicable diseases which can easily be transmitted to mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and or Mgahinga National Park since humans and mountain gorillas almost share the same genes. Mountain gorillas have passed from being endangered and been removed from the world’s list of endangered species and thanks to the concerted efforts by Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo plus all stakeholders in conservation, Uganda would like to continue with conservation efforts to make sure that human diseases are not passed on to mountain gorillas
Uganda gorilla trekking age limit and minimum age of 15 years and above are seen as an average and acceptable age for gorilla trekking as an activity. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga can sometimes be strenuous and may require all trekkers to be physically fit for this activity. Children or minors below the age of 15 years are generally considered to be physically weak (though this might not be the case) and thus prohibited from trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park of Uganda.
As earlier discussed, it is now possible for minors or children to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and or Mgahinga National Park as long as the parents can prove to Uganda Wildlife Authority that their child is physically fit as he/she is still young. A physical examination may have to be conducted or current photos of the child will be required before a gorilla permit is issued. Once the Uganda Wildlife Authority carries out an examination and approves your request.
Chance of trekking mountain gorillas can also be given to children who are below the age of 15 years but nearing the age of 15. In other words, children who are in their late 14th year and almost 15 years of age. If for example, a child is remaining with three months to become 15 years old, chances are that she/he may be allowed to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. In this case, parents will be requested to write an official letter to Uganda Wildlife Authority requesting and informing them about the age and physical status of their child, you will have to attach his/her passport as well as photos to enable them to ascertain the age status and physical fitness of your child.
Your child may be 15, 13, or 14 years old but may be allowed to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga NP as long as this child is doing it with his/her parents. To avoid anything that may happen, parents are supposed or will be made to sign a consent and liability agreement with the Uganda Wildlife Authority on behalf of the child to ensure that parents are liable for anything concerning their child while trekking mountain gorillas. Pamoja Safaris will assist you in picking liability forms from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices, scan and send them to you to be signed and sent back to us. Once this is approved and your request answered, Pamoja Safaris will then request you to make payment for your child’s gorilla permit which we normally book in advance.
That said and done, all rights of children under the age of 15 years totally belong to the Uganda Wildlife Authority which are in charge of all National Parks in Uganda. Encounter Africa safaris cannot guarantee that your child below the age of 15 years will do gorilla trekking before UWA confirms it. It’s our dream and duty to assist you with the process of acquiring permission for your child to be allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda. For parents with children who are below the Uganda gorilla trekking age limit of 15 years should contact us in time so that we start the paperwork early enough.
In a situation where your children are denied the chance to trek gorillas, do not worry as Pamoja Safaris Uganda and the Lodges that we work with will take care of your child/children while you are trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Our team can arrange for one day for gorilla trekking for one of the parents and another parent to trek on the next day, switching help parents to stay with their children in the lodge. Our child may be taken for a nature walk, birding, cycling and many other activities for children. There are other Uganda safari activities which include game viewing, boat cruises and cultural performances that you can do with your children and do not need any minimum requirement. As Pamoja Safaris, we have been handling under-age gorilla trekking in Uganda for quite a long and we have never had any issues with it. Therefore, we kindly request that you book for under-age gorilla trekking in Uganda without any fear. In case of anything, we referred you to our TripAdvisor page.