On average over 20,000 people a year make a trip to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking adventures. Thanks to their endangered World population that currently stands at approximately 1,063 individuals (according to the 2018 Mountain Gorilla Census), closeness to mankind (sharing 98.2% DNA), and the high altitude of their natural habitat. While at this, the question of “who is eligible for gorilla trekking” is common among visitors.
However, don’t be put off by the outstanding altitude of the mountain gorilla natural habitats (that ranges between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level), the duration of gorilla treks, or the vegetation, as gorilla treks themselves require no special and real hiking skills. For most travelers, successfully reaching the habituated gorilla family and returning to the Park Headquarters is a rite of passage and a once-in-a-lifetime bucket experience. Therefore, our article explores detailed information on who is eligible for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Just dive in;
Persons aged 15 years and above
One of the main concerns visitors have before booking their once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience is age eligibility. This answers your question because only persons aged 15 years and above are allowed to trek and get up close to the Giant Apes in their natural habitat. This restriction is applied for safety and conservation reasons for mountain gorillas and visitors.
First, it should be noted that these Giant Apes and humans are closely related, sharing 98.2% of DNA which makes it easy to transmit communicable diseases, especially to children who are the largest victims of flu, cough, and measles.
Gorilla treks are generally physically demanding and a young child (6 years, or even 10 years) is likely to slow the adventure.
Additionally, young children are quite unpredictable hence it is difficult to guarantee how they will react in case of mountain gorilla charge or become agitated. Will they remain calm (as they should be) or also scream as the silverback beats his chest?
Being physically fit
Conquering the steep slopes of Virunga Volcanoes and the dense vegetation of Volcanoes National Park while searching for the mountain gorillas requires a moderate level of fitness and surprisingly a determined mindset. Lasting about 2-6 hours with one hour of watching and photographing the Giant Apes, the trek to the endangered mountain gorillas will test your physical strength hence it is very crucial to know what to expect and how to prepare for it early. Undertake simple training exercises like jogging, walking, squats, hiking hills, yoga, and others to ensure you are fit enough for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Someone who possesses a valid gorilla permit
A permit to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person, and you will need to acquire one to be allowed to trek and spend time with these Giant Apes in their natural habitat. A permit is only issued by the Rwanda Development Board (although you can book via a credible tour operator). It usually indicates the date of trekking, the national park (Volcanoes), and your details (passport name, date of birth, passport number, and country of origin).
Should be in good health
Before anything else, always remember that mountain gorillas share 98.2% of DNA with humans and the risk of transmitting communicable diseases (such as flu, cough, TB, COVID, and Measles) is high and vice versa. For this reason, always make sure that you are free of these diseases before embarking on gorilla trekking adventures, and also, wear face masks before heading out to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are very susceptible to the mentioned diseases and it is even more difficult to treat them because it is hard to isolate and keep them from interacting with each other.