The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda: All tourists above the age of 15 years are eligible for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. These tourists should be in good health and free from airborne diseases on the day of trekking. To trek mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all tourists must have gorilla trekking permits, which they must submit before buying the permits and on the day of trekking.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the national parks of Rwanda, famous for hosting endangered mountain gorillas in the far northwestern corner of the country. Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity within this park, whereby tourists from different countries across the globe travel to meet the species of primates said to be close relatives to human beings.
Tourists who travel with their children and would love them to participate in the gorilla trekking activity should know that for one to be part of this activity, they need to be 15 years and above. The activity requires people above the age of 15 because they are believed to have enough energy to complete the activity, which can sometimes be challenging. These children are also believed to be emotionally mature in case they encounter wild animals.
Travelers who are planning to visit the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and would love their children to travel for the same activity should do so when they will be at least 15 years old. Unlike Uganda, where tourists can apply for under-age gorilla trekking, Rwanda is strict when it comes to age, and therefore all persons under 15 years are not able to get a gorilla permit.
Is there a maximum age limit for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
Rwanda has no maximum age limit for mountain gorilla trekking. Elderly people are allowed to visit Volcanoes National Park and see the mountain gorillas. Those who can’t walk throughout the whole activity are able to hire sedan chairs, which allow one to trek comfortably. Others can opt for gorilla trekking which is near the starting points so that they don’t walk for so long.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda.
To see the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, tourists need a gorilla trekking permit. This is a document issued by the Rwanda Development Board allowing tourists aged 15 years and above to trek mountain gorillas. Each gorilla permit costs $1500 for foreigners, $500 for foreign residents in Rwanda, $200 for Rwandan citizens, and $500 for African citizens/Foreign residents in Africa.
Anyone aged 15 years and above is allowed to buy a gorilla permit for Rwanda, and this can be done directly through the Visit Rwanda booking portal or licensed tour operators within the country. Tourists are advised to buy their permits in advance to avoid last-minute booking, since they sell out.
Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is the main activity that happens in Volcanoes National Park; it starts early in the morning at the park offices in Kinigi. Tourists, with the help of their guides, submit their gorilla permits to the clerks for checking. There is entertainment before the trekkers are taught the rules and regulations of the activity. Later, grouping is done, and trekkers are given a gorilla family to trek as well as armed ranger guides to lead the trekkers in the jungle.
Trekkers are taught about the family they are going to trek and what to expect. They are then told about the starting point of the trek where they are driven and left with the armed ranger guides to head into the jungle. Inside the forest, different trails are used to search for where the mountain gorillas could be, and while searching, they get an opportunity to meet the forest attractions.
After 2 to 5 hours of searching, the trekkers are able to locate the mountain gorillas, which enables them to learn about their habits, watch them carry out daily activities, take photos, and record videos. After 1 hour around the mountain gorillas, trekkers are asked to move away from the gorilla family, trek out of the jungle, and get awarded trekking certificates for participation.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
The driest months of the year, June to September and December to February, are the best for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These months have little or no rainfall, which keeps the trekking trails dry and easier to walk through; the vegetation is short, with good views of the mountain gorillas and other forest attractions.
Volcanoes National Park is also open for gorilla trekking during the rainy season of March to May and October to November. Tourists intending to travel, especially those looking for discounted packages, should know that there is plenty of rainfall and little sunshine. The trekking trails tend to be muddy and slippery, and vegetation is tall with unclear views of the mountain gorillas.
