Rwanda Gorilla trekking with Children

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda with children is done in Virunga National Park which is located northwestern part of the country. Volcanoes National Park is one of the 4 National Parks where mountain gorillas can be seen in the whole world. Mountain Gorillas are a subspecies of the Eastern Gorillas in the Lowlands of Congo though these currently are only seen in Virunga National Park in Congo. Other National Parks for Mountain Gorilla trekking include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mt. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda for tourists planning a gorilla trekking safari in Africa.

Volcanoes National Park is also home to other wildlife species such as Leopards, Buffaloes, elephants, forest hogs, buffaloes, warthogs, sitatunga, golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, white and black-tailed monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, as well different bird species such as broadbill, blue-headed sunbird, Grader’s broadbill, black-faced rufous warbler, handsome francolin, purple-breasted sunbird, Ruwenzori Apalis, yellow streaked greenbul, Shelley’s Crimsoning, regal sunbird, olive breasted greenbul, mountain masked Apalis, Neumann’s warbler among others.

The gorilla trekking experience takes about 5 to 6 hours in search of the endangered mountain gorillas and this experience is strictly done by people above the of 15 years. This is because children may not follow the guidelines as instructed by the park rules and regulations. Noise such as crying, and laughing provokes the wild animals which may charge against the trekkers thus a challenging gorilla trekking experience.

Are you planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda with Kids? In general, it is stated clear that children below the age of 15 are not allowed to do gorilla trekking be it in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. However, some Uganda provide some activities for Children below the age of 15 as the elders are doing a gorilla trekking experience.

Why are children not allowed to do gorilla trekking?

Expert researchers who studied the behaviors and lifestyle of mountain gorillas agreed together with Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda wildlife authorities to set a minimum of 15 years and above for gorilla trekking safaris.

 Mountain Gorillas share 98% of DNA with human beings and this means that we are almost the same. Children with weak immunity may easily contact diseases such as flu, cough, and other diseases.

More so, Visiting the Mountain gorillas requires a calm and quiet mind which may be a bit difficult for kids to manage. In the presence of Noise and distraction, mountain gorillas charge against the trekkers which is a scary experience for the kids thus one of the reasons why children are not allowed to do gorilla trekking.

What activities are there for children who are not doing gorilla trekking? (Below 15 Years)

As you plan your gorilla trekking safari with Children, it is important to remember that children below the age of 15 are not allowed to do this amazing gorilla trekking experience. However, tourists should note that children as taken through a special arrangement as the elders do gorilla trekking experience, and some of the activities include the following;

Creative Painting: Through this amazing exercise, children draw artistic images of mountain gorillas, monkeys, birds, and other animals in the park as they learn more about wildlife from their guide.

Traditional dance performance: children experience such an amazing gorilla-friendly experience of traditional dances, playing local drums and local cultural dressing as organized and instructed by the locals as well as the traditional way of Hunting.

Forest Nature walks: Children are taken to the safe forest trails where they can spot some wildlife species with the help of binoculars such as Monkeys and some bird species.

How is the Gorilla trekking Experience done?

Arrive at Kinigi visitor’s information center for a briefing about mountain gorillas by the park rangers. This includes the rules and guidelines to have a successful gorilla trekking experience.

Travelers are grouped into groups of 8 people who are only allowed to visit a particular gorilla group and assigned 2 park rangers for safety gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you embark on a 5 to 6-hour trekking experience in search of mountain gorillas through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park which gives a chance a variety of viewing opportunities including different bird species.

Upon meeting the mountain gorillas, tourists are given only one hour to spend with the mountain gorillas in their natural setting as they learn about their lifestyle and behavior. Remember to collect as many photo memories as possible. Later you shall descend back to the starting point where you will be awarded gorilla trekking permits.

Can people with disabilities do gorilla trekking?

Unlike children below the age of 15, disabled people can go gorilla trekking and this is done in a sedan wheelchair where a tourist is carried in the sedan chair by energetic potters through the whole trekking forest. This is a fun experience where you trek the Mountain gorillas like a king with sweet amazing stories told by the potters.

However, this experience comes at an extra cost of hiring the wheelchair and potters which are approximately $300 to $400. It is important to note that the gorilla trekking permits for the elderly and disabled people still remain the same.

A family can embark on a possible gorilla trekking for the elderly, disabled, and Children as they plan a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda. A safari of a lifetime that will create beautiful unforgettable memories in Rwanda and Africa.

What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit for kids above 15 years in Rwanda?

A gorilla trekking permit is a document that is issued by the Rwanda development group allowing tourists to visit and experience the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Every traveler planning a gorilla trekking safari should remember that a gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory requirement and booking should be done in advance at least before travel. Book now your gorilla trekking permit and secure your memorable gorilla trekking experience.

Just like the elders, the Gorilla trekking permits for children above 15 still carry the same costs as the gorilla trekking permits for elders. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1000 for Foreign residents, and USD 500 for East African Citizens.

What to pack for gorilla trekking with children in Rwanda

When preparing for gorilla trekking in Rwanda with children, it’s essential to pack thoughtfully to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with the mountain gorillas. Some of the items to pack include mosquito repellent, sturdy hiking boots, light jacks, heavy jackets for kids, sunglasses, goggles, long-sleeved pants, and passports among others.

Recommended accommodation in Rwanda for a Gorilla trekking safari with children.

Rwanda consists of a variety of eco-friendly accommodation facilities ranging from Budget to midrange and Luxury that blend in nature providing excellent accommodation services such as spacious rooms with fully furnished beds, Restaurant and bar, kitchen and well-trained staff, WIFI, airport pick up and drop off services among others.

Some of the accommodation facilities include Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, One and Only Gorilla Nest, Migashi Camp, Rusizi Tented Camp Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Amakoro Songa Lodge, among others.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda approximately 120km from Kigali International Airport which takes about a 2-hour drive. The park can be reached by both air and Road transport. By air, travelers can fly from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip for about 1 hour where they meet up with our representative and later connect to the park by road for about 30 minutes.

In conclusion, a safari to Rwanda for Gorilla trekking can be done to a memorable experience. Meeting the Mountain gorillas in their natural setting is an adventure of a lifetime. Our African safaris can fully suit client needs.