Gorilla trekking for elderly, disabled  and senior

Gorilla trekking for elderly and disabled is arranged in the same way as normal gorilla trekking. This is so because there is no maximum age limit as long as someone is above the minimum age requirement of 15 years. However, for the elderly and disabled arrangement are mad to ensure that they are allocated the easier groups to visit. Let us have a look at hour elderly and disabled can plan for their once in lifetime adventure.

Background about gorilla trekking

Gorillas unlike other tourist attractions are trekked not visited. This is so because neither you nor the tracker or the guide can authoritatively tell where the gorillas can be found in the morning. This is because gorillas never sleep in the same nest for more than one time. The moment gorillas wake up they start moving while looking for food and they make their nest at the point where the time will get late. Therefore, the tracker will track the gorillas starting from where they left them the previous day, then follow to their nests before start tracking the places where they have fed from.

Another important point to not unlike other wildlife animals, gorillas can not leave in the zoo. In otherworld they can only survive from their natural habitants. Therefore, gorillas can only be encountered at Virunga massif range at volcanoes national park, Mgahinga national park and Virunga national park.

Another that is not part of Virunga massif where you can encounter gorillas is Bwindi impenetrable national park. Gorillas at this park are at relatively lower altitude which make this park a favorable place for elderly and disabled. Bwindi has got four sectors where you can trek gorillas that Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors.

The cost of gorilla permit in Rwanda is at 1500 dollars and can be booked from Rwanda development board. Whereas in Uganda gorilla trekking goes for 800 dollars. However, for elderly, you are advised to book your permit slightly early to ensure that you can be allocated a near to the starting point group

Gorilla trekking for elderly and disabled explained

From what we have seen so far you might be wondering whether gorilla trekking is fit for physically challenged people, the answer is yes. The parks where we go for gorilla trekking have devised means to support the elderly, senior citizens, and disabled to be able to participate in the activity and get the experience of their life.

Locally made bamboo stretchers

Parks have trained porters and also developed stretchers from bamboo trees where the elderly can be carried from the staring point to the point where the gorilla will be found. After trekking, you will be carried back to your car at the point where the trekking started from. the porters who perform this activity are 8 in number and you will be carried by four at a time. When the first team of four get tired, the second group will chip in and start from there. The cost of hiring a poacher and locally made stretcher is about 500 dollars. You can arrange with your tour operator to arrange for you one.

sedan chair  for elderly, seniors and disabled

Alternatively, we can open for a more advanced sedan chair. Where you will still be carried by the porter to and from gorilla trekking. The price of hiring porter and sedan chair will remain the same.

For the seniors but still in good condition, you can still trek gorillas on your feet. At arrival on the park headquarters, your permit will be picked to compare and identify the seniors. Naturally seniors will be assigned the nearby group. However, if your physical strength is still good, not hesitate to ask for medium or difficult family as spending more time in the forest is actuary fan and will add to your adventure.

reminder on the difficulty

Though, you have to remember that trekking time is unpredictable and know one knows exactly how long you are going to spend before meeting gorillas. Therefore, regardless of which group you are assigned be prepared for the long walk.

Lastly for elderly and disabled, I would recommend to book your gorilla permits at Bwindi national park as the park is located on lower altitude compared to the other three parks that are found in mountains of Virunga with sleepily and some challenging terrains, Bwindi terrains are favorable for people with physical challenges

common gorilla trekking packages on Uganda & Rwanda

This 5 Days Rwanda gorilla Safari offers variety of activities to be enjoyed! Go on a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and also enjoy other adventure activities that include Chimpanzee tracking, Cultural tours, visit to the local museum and Golden monkey tracking.

This 7 Days Rwanda Safari takes you to the prime safari destinations in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. Travel to Akagera National Park, the only savanna national park in Rwanda. Later travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park where you will enjoy chimpanzee tracking and a canopy walk. The trip ends in Volcanoes National Park

The 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Primates, Culture and wildlife safari starts and ends in Kigali. It takes you to Rwanda’s un-tamed wildlife areas, including the home of 360 Mountain Gorillas; Virunga Volcanoes. Expect tour activities such as Butare and Kigali city tours, Game drives in Akagera National Park