Gorilla Trekking with a 13-Year-Old Child

Gorilla Trekking with a 13-Year-Old Child: What You Need to Know

Planning a gorilla safari in Uganda with your 13-year-old? Whether you’re heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it’s important to understand Uganda Wildlife Authority’s policies. Currently, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. Children younger than 15 are generally not permitted to join gorilla treks because of safety concerns and the risk of disease transmission to the gorillas.

Why Are Children Under 15 Usually Not Allowed to Trek Gorillas?

Mountain gorilla trekking can be physically demanding and requires strict behavior rules to protect both visitors and gorillas. Children under 15 may find the rough terrain challenging—Bwindi’s trails are often steep, slippery, and uneven. More importantly, children can unintentionally disturb gorillas by making noise or sudden movements, which may provoke aggressive responses.

There is also a health risk: mountain gorillas share around 98% of their DNA with humans, making them vulnerable to diseases like colds or flu that children may carry. For these reasons, Uganda Wildlife Authority restricts gorilla trekking to those aged 15 and above.

How to Trek Gorillas with a 13-Year-Old Child: Special Considerations

If you wish to include a 13-year-old on your gorilla trek, certain conditions apply. Children pay the same permit fees as adults, and typically they trek alongside their parents or guardians for better supervision. To allow a minor on the trek, parents must sign a legal waiver releasing Trek Africa Expeditions and Uganda Wildlife Authority from liability.

Even with a permit, the child’s passport will be checked to confirm age before the trek starts. If the child is underage, trekking won’t be permitted. Alternatively, children can enjoy nature walks or community visits while adults are on the gorilla trek.

What Makes Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park So Special?

Bwindi is one of the world’s most famous gorilla trekking destinations, home to over half of the remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. Located in southwestern Uganda along the border with Congo, the park is divided into several trekking sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.

Each sector features habituated gorilla families led by dominant silverback males. Only eight visitors are allowed to trek each gorilla family per day, making permits highly limited and valuable.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking for Your 13-Year-Old in Bwindi

Securing your gorilla permits early is crucial, especially when traveling with a minor. Permits are limited to eight per gorilla family each day and must be booked months in advance to guarantee your preferred dates.

When you book a gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi with Trek Africa Expeditions, simply provide your travel dates. We check permit availability, reserve your permits tentatively, and send you a payment invoice. Once paid, we finalize your permits and provide scanned receipts from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Where to Stay When Trekking Gorillas with a 13-Year-Old Child

Accommodation options vary depending on the Bwindi sector you choose. We’ll advise you on available permits and recommend lodges or hotels nearby. From budget-friendly community camps to luxurious lodges, Bwindi offers a range of places to stay:

• Buhoma sector: Buhoma Community Camp (budget), Buhoma Havens Lodge (midrange), Bwindi Lodge and Mahogany Springs Lodge (luxury), Gorilla Forest Camp (upmarket)

• Rushaga sector: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge

• Nkuringo sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Your choice depends on your budget and the trekking sector where your permits are secured.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Gorilla Trekking with Your Child?

Trek Africa Expeditions has extensive experience organizing memorable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and specialize in eco-friendly safaris that support wildlife conservation and local communities.

Beyond gorilla trekking, we offer chimpanzee tracking, Big 5 game drives, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural tours across Africa’s top safari destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. Contact us to plan a safe, unforgettable gorilla trekking experience with your 13-year-old child.