Gorilla Trekking Tours for Seniors & Disabled : However, mountain gorilla trekking can only be done in three countries in the whole world that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, in Uganda gorilla trekking can be conducted in nature inhabitant of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Rwanda can be done in Volcanoes National park and Virunga National Park in Congo.
Note; In the world the remaining total of endangered mountain gorillas are around 1065 individuals and half the total population of this species are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda.
However, hiking –trekking to encounter Gorillas in their protected natural habitat is worth it where you never be disappointed, simply because, Gorilla trekking is not a mere nature walk to involve in or stroll in the park but a physically demanding adventure whose reward matches the effort.
Gorilla trekking might be physically demanding because of the terrain and long hiking hours involved in search of the assigned gorilla group. All gorilla families are habituated and accustomed to human presences, which roam the park freely and it can take long hours of trekking through the thick forest to allocate them ‘’30 to 7 hours’’.
Gorilla Trekking –Seniors
No! Gorilla trekking is not only for the seniors but also the disabled one and the aged in years like those with 60 years and above can still do gorilla trekking though it requires some body fitness since aged visitors may face fitness challenges to make the activity successful. Therefore, that’s why some try to abandons the idea and they choose to adventure only in Game Viewing Safaris and Beach holiday that requires less effort.
Yet, it is very possible for all ages old, seniors, younger people to face fitness challenges and those with disabilities and mobility challenges to take part in Gorilla trekking while in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and enjoy the Gorilla life experience like everyone else.
In 2013 there was an old lady aged 94 years who did Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and made it successfully the trek in Uganda’s Gorilla trekking tours . So, if you have been wondering and asking a questions about Gorilla trekking for the disabled and mobility difficulties, the answer is that it is all possible for all ages to participate in the activity.
Choose to Trek the Nearest Gorilla Group; Since gorilla trekking cannot be done without a valid gorilla permits and in so doing to purchase Gorilla permits, you would be able to allocate a group to visit, through letting your guide –tour operator to know your body fitness whom can select you the nearest gorilla family that can fit your body physically. However, your gorilla permit would be issued with pre-determined gorilla family but that might not be the issue, Gorilla Trekking Tours for Seniors & Disabled.
After purchasing your gorilla permits, on your preferred date of encounter, you will be allowed to allocate to a particular sector –gorilla family you assign for the trek. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda that inhabits half world’s mountain population still exist with over 650 individuals and around 22 habituated gorilla family with 4 gorilla sectors where gorilla trekking is conducted that is; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Each sector they allow a maximum number of 8 people to visit on the day trek, excluding the ranger guides and porters who lead you to the forest trail heads, but remember gorilla trekking depends on a number of factors which include age and physical state of the visitors.
Those people with disability and mobility challenges it will by all means request the guide to assign you to the group which can easily be trekked where you don’t need to put in a lot of energy to hike or walking for long hours to find the Gorillas.
Tell the guide in time to choose you the nearest gorilla group. Just know gorillas move all the long within the forest but the park rangers know their movements and always tend to know which group is near at time and would be favorable for you.
Hiring porters; If you’re tracker with heavy luggage, you can hire a porter to help you in carrying your heavy equipment and your day pack and will help you to push in the difficult areas during the trek because they know the terrain well.
Apart from that, you hiring a porter help them to earn a living for their family and some are student who come to work and get school tuition.
And some of these porters are reformed poachers who now earn their livelihood in such away and they choose to commit to conservation. Porters IN Uganda and Rwanda goes at USD10 to USD20 depending how heavy the luggage.
Hiring the Sedan Chair; This is good to for disabled which you hire and be carried by the porter on a metallic plate with seat belt for proper strapping and extension handles for carrying.
Meanwhile, the porter, guides will carry you comfortably into the forest for your trek and back making it a one size fits all Gorilla Trekking Experience for both the elderly, disabled and physically unfit. The cost is between USD300 and USD500 which can be arranged through your hotel or tour operator like we Achieve Global Safaris. Well, the lesser version of the sedan is the bamboo stretcher which also serves the purpose.
Accommodation; The fact is that all gorilla safari destinations has excellent accommodation units that can make your safari holiday awesome and memorable, ranging between budget, Mid-range and Luxury. But always ensure that you book a lodge that is near your assigned Gorilla Family.
Where does Mountain gorillas live?
Mountain gorillas live in mountainous and high-altitude areas.
Cost of a gorilla permits Uganda, Rwanda and Cong;
A Gorilla permit costs USD1,500 in Rwanda, USD700 in Uganda and USD400 in Congo per person per trek.
Get started now! A visit to our closest related cousins the mountain gorillas in their nature environment of Bwindi –Uganda, Volcanoes- Rwanda and Virunga National park Congo.
