Gorilla Trekking for the Elderly and The Disabled

Gorilla Trekking for Elderly, Seniors, and Disabled travellers is organised in the same way as other tourists. The only difference is that they are assigned Gorilla groups which are closer to the park offices. If an Elder cannot walk for long distances, they have an opportunity to hire special porters and a sedan chair.  To see mountain gorillas, you have to travel to Africa. They can only be seen in three African countries – DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. In Rwanda, the gorillas are found in the Volcanoes National Park, while in Congo, they live in Virunga National Park, plus Uganda, where you find them in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit varies depending on residency status, at USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 per person for foreign residents, and 300,000 Ugandan Shillings, approximately USD 80-USD 100 for East African citizens and in Rwanda, the permit costs USD 1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, with discounted rates for foreign residents of USD 500, citizens of Rwanda and East African Community pay USD 200, and the other African citizens (the rest of Africa) pay around USD 500.  An experience with mountain gorillas is considered the ultimate wildlife experience on earth. Mountain gorillas are endangered, and that is one other reason why Gorilla permits are highly priced.

What activities do the Elderly, Seniors, and the Disabled do?

Gorilla trekking is an adventure that people of all ages can enjoy, including those who may not be as young or energetic. If you’re concerned about your physical limitations or age, you might be wondering whether gorilla trekking is for you. In fact, many travellers who embark on gorilla tracking are 45 years old and above. As long as you are fit to fly, you are never too old to go gorilla trekking!

There’s so much to discover as you track the mountain gorillas, from stunning plants to various wildlife like birds, primates, insects, and colourful butterflies and moths along the way. When it comes to allocating gorilla families for trekking, hiking ability and physical fitness are just part of the equation. The availability of gorilla permits is also crucial. If most of the permits are booked up, finding an easier trek can be challenging. Because of this, seniors should think about booking their trips at least three months in advance. This way, they have a better chance of getting assigned to a gorilla group that’s closer to the tracking point. For those doing double gorilla trekking & tracking mountain gorillas for two days or more, they’ll be placed in a different group from the one they visited the first day. To ensure the gorillas aren’t stressed and to help prevent the spread of human diseases, only eight people are allowed to track a family of gorillas each day.

It’s essential to communicate any fitness concerns or physical limitations to your tour operator before booking your gorilla trekking adventure. This ensures proper arrangements, including special equipment and potentially a dedicated tour van. For those with mobility challenges, sedan chairs, equipped with handlers and seat belts, are available to assist elders or those who struggle with long walks. Alternatively, a bamboo stretcher can be used for individuals with disabilities. The cost for sedan chairs ranges from $400 to $500, depending on weight, and includes porter services. If you are fit but still need assistance, consider hiring a porter for your heavy backpacks or to help during tough sections of the hike, with costs ranging from $15 to $20. All hikers are provided with hiking sticks, and elders may want to bring their own. By hiring porters, you contribute to the local economy, as many are students funding their education or family men in need of support.

Gorilla Tracking for the disabled

Specifically, the Ruhija sector is a fantastic choice for older trekkers, as it’s been noted that visitors who trek here often return to base much sooner than those in other areas of the park. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the time it takes to encounter the gorillas can vary greatly. Sometimes, you might be fortunate enough to find a gorilla family within just 30 minutes of walking from where you start.

What to consider for an Elderly or Disabled Gorilla Trekking Safari

If you’re an elderly traveller thinking about going on a gorilla trek, you might be concerned about your safety. The good news is that both Rwanda and Uganda prioritise your security during these adventures. Each trek is guided by armed rangers who are there to protect you from any forest animals, like elephants and buffalo, that you might encounter. On the other hand, the Democratic Republic of Congo can be a bit more unpredictable when it comes to security. Although there have been past incidents, the country has strict security protocols in place. Trekking in Congo often means going through several security checks and having multiple escorts to ensure your safety throughout the experience.

For many tourists, one of the main concerns is the long drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Luckily, there are a couple of great options to make your journey easier.

First, consider flying into Kigali, Rwanda, instead of Entebbe, Uganda. The drive from Kigali to Bwindi is much shorter, only about 3 hours compared to the 8 hours or more it can take from Entebbe. Another fantastic option is to book a local charter flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to the nearest airstrip in Bwindi. Once you arrive, your local tour operator will be there to pick you up and take you to the park.

Are you eager to see gorillas but worried about the costs of a local flight to Bwindi? The breathtaking gorilla parks are surrounded by stunning landscapes and other incredible wildlife reserves. Travelling by road can be an adventure in itself, offering you a chance to have a glance at the beautiful African countryside, majestic mountains, lush valleys, and the untamed wilderness that will surely captivate your heart. Many tour companies make the journey enjoyable by including leisurely stops at interesting spots along the way, like the iconic equator crossing. If you’re looking to pair your gorilla trekking experience with other wildlife encounters, your trip can be customised to cut down on driving time or book your trip with us

What to pack while heading for gorilla trekking

When heading out for your trek, it’s important to carry enough drinking water and energy snacks to help maintain your energy and keep your body in good condition. For elderly individuals, securing a spot in an easier group and utilising sedan chairs can make the experience more manageable. Additionally, it’s essential to know what to pack for gorilla trekking. A packing list should include:

• Hiking boots
• Gloves
• Rain jackets
• Sweaters
• Sunglasses
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• A walking stick
• Insect repellent
• A first aid kit