Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits Age Limit Prices & Best Time to Visit

Uganda gorilla trekking permits, age limit, prices & best time to visit: gorilla trekking age limit in Uganda is 15 years and above. This means that only travelers who are 15 years old or older are allowed to take part in gorilla trekking activities. According to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), there is no upper age restriction for seniors. Even older travelers who cannot hike on their own can still participate by hiring sedan chairs and porters to help them access the gorilla families.

The age restriction mainly affects children under 15 years because gorilla trekking is physically demanding, and the environment in which mountain gorillas live is very challenging.

These primates are found in the high-altitude forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern region of Uganda.

Other famous destinations where you can see mountain gorillas are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda currently has 22 habituated gorilla families, with 20 available for gorilla trekking and 2 reserved for gorilla habituation experiences. Because gorillas are endangered species, strict conservation rules were put in place to protect them, including the age limit requirement.

Why is the age limit for gorilla trekking set at 15 years?

The age restriction was introduced for several important reasons:

• Health Concerns
  Children below 15 years often catch flu, coughs, and other infections easily. Since mountain gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with humans, they are highly vulnerable to human diseases. Even a simple cold can be fatal to them, so minimizing this risk is crucial.
• Unpredictable Behavior of Children
  Trekking involves getting close to wild gorillas. Trekkers are required to stay calm and follow strict guidelines, especially if a gorilla charges. Adults are instructed to crouch down and mimic eating vegetation, but children might panic, scream, or run. Such reactions could provoke the gorillas and put both trekkers and the gorillas in danger.
• Physical Demands of Trekking
  Gorilla trekking is not an easy walk. The activity usually takes between 2 to 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. The trek involves climbing steep hills, crossing rivers, and moving through thick vegetation. This can be very exhausting for children, who might become tired and unwilling to continue. Children may also slow down the group, making the trek more difficult for others.
• Safety and Group Pace
  Gorilla trekking requires all trekkers to move at a reasonable speed to reach the gorilla family. Children under 15 years may struggle to keep up, causing delays for the entire trekking group.

Are there exceptions to the age limit?

Yes, in some cases, exceptions are made. Children who are almost 15 years old (a few months away) can sometimes be allowed to trek, but there are conditions:

• Parents must send photos and copies of the child’s passport to the Uganda Wildlife Authority for age confirmation.
• The child must be physically fit to handle the trek.
• Parents must sign consent forms accepting full responsibility for their child’s safety.
• Parents must accompany their child during the trek.
• Such children are usually assigned gorilla families that are easier to reach or located closer to the starting point.

This flexibility ensures that families traveling with children close to the minimum age can still have the chance to experience gorilla trekking together.

Activities for children below 15 years

Families should not worry if their children are too young to trek gorillas. Many lodges around Bwindi and Mgahinga provide alternative activities for children, including:

• Guided nature walks near the lodges
• Cultural visits to nearby communities
• Storytelling and cultural dance sessions
• Birdwatching and cycling around safe areas
• Simple forest walks with lodge guides

This means parents can enjoy gorilla trekking while their children are kept engaged in fun and safe activities.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Every traveler who wishes to see mountain gorillas must buy a gorilla trekking permit. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The prices are as follows:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800 per permit
• Foreign Residents: USD 700 per permit
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per permit

For travelers interested in the gorilla habituation experience, where you spend more time with the gorillas (up to 4 hours), the permit costs are higher:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500
• Foreign Residents: USD 1,000
• East African Citizens: UGX 750,000

It is important to book gorilla permits several months in advance because they are limited and in very high demand.

Best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking can be done all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

• June to September
• December to February

During these months, the trails are less muddy, the forest is easier to hike through, and the roads leading to the national parks are more accessible. The vegetation is also thinner, making it easier to spot gorillas and take clear photos.

However, some travelers prefer the rainy seasons of March to May and October to November. During these months:

• Lodges and tour operators offer significant discounts.
• The parks are less crowded.
• The forest is greener and more scenic.

The downside is that heavy rains make the trekking trails muddy, slippery, and more challenging. The thick vegetation can also make it harder to get good views of the gorillas.

Why choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda is one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking for several reasons:

• It is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.
• Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer well-organized trekking experiences.
• Uganda offers both trekking and the rare gorilla habituation experience, which is only available here.
• The country combines gorilla trekking with other exciting safari activities like game drives, birdwatching, and cultural encounters.

Gorilla trekking age limit in Uganda is 15 years and above. This rule protects both the children and the endangered gorillas. However, children who are almost 15 years old can sometimes be considered under special arrangements with parental consent.

For those planning a trip, ensure you book your gorilla permit early, prepare for the physical challenge of trekking, and choose the best season that suits your travel needs. Families traveling with younger children can still enjoy Uganda’s national parks since there are many activities designed to keep kids entertained.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that not only brings you close to these gentle giants but also supports the ongoing conservation of one of the rarest animals on earth. Book a gorilla trekking safari with Aga Safaris  Book Now