Highlights Of Best Practices For Planning Gorilla Trek Safari For The Elderly

Best Practices When Planning A Gorilla Trek Safari For The Elderly

Embarking on a gorilla trek safari is an unforgettable experience, and this applies not only to the young but also to the elderly. Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is open to ages 15 years and above, which means that the elderly can participate in this exciting adventure. However, some considerations need to be made to ensure the comfort and safety of elderly individuals during the trek. In this guide, we will explore the best practices when planning a gorilla trek safari for the elderly in Uganda and Rwanda.

Highlights Of Best Practices For Planning Gorilla Trek Safari For The Elderly

Book a Gorilla Permit in Advance

The most crucial step in planning a gorilla trek safari is securing a gorilla permit well in advance. Gorilla permits are in high demand and limited in number, making them sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, it is essential to inquire about gorilla trekking safaris for your preferred dates and secure the permit promptly. When doing so, it is recommended to inform the safari consultant about the age of the participants so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

Do Not Tailor a Back-to-Back Itinerary

For elderly tourists, it is essential not to tailor a back-to-back itinerary for the gorilla trek. Gorilla trekking requires physical effort, including walking on slopes, which can be tiring for individuals with limited mobility. Allowing a day of rest between activities provides time for rejuvenation, making the entire safari experience more enjoyable. Additionally, long drives on bumpy and dusty roads can also be tiresome, especially when heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Book Accommodation with Fewer Steps to Climb

Choosing the right accommodation can significantly impact the comfort of elderly individuals during the gorilla trek. Opt for accommodations with rooms located closer to the ground and easily accessible by the elderly. Some lodges have rooms with high staircases to access upper floors, which can be challenging for elderly participants. Ideally, the accommodation should be within or close to the area where the gorilla permit is booked, reducing the need for early morning transfers and allowing more time to prepare for the trek.

Use a Comfortable Safari Vehicle with Enough Space

Selecting a comfortable and spacious safari vehicle for the journey to either Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is essential. A vehicle with enough window seats and ample legroom ensures a more pleasant road trip for the elderly participants. For Uganda gorilla trekking, where drives may exceed 8 hours to reach Bwindi forest, a 4×4 vehicle with sufficient comfort is recommended.

Consider the Number of People Traveling with the Elderly

While traveling in a group can be fun, overcrowding the safari can diminish the experience, especially for elderly participants. Some elderly individuals may prefer a smaller group with individuals closer to their age to avoid any discomfort. If joining a scheduled gorilla trekking safari with people of different ages, having a designated safari group leader can be beneficial in ensuring everyone’s needs are considered.

Book a Sedan Chair or Stretcher with Porters in Advance

For those with difficulty in locomotion, hiring a sedan chair or stretcher with porters before the gorilla trek is advisable. This provides support for individuals who may find it challenging to maneuver the rugged volcanic terrain of the Virunga area. Some areas within the parks can be slippery and boggy, making additional support from porters or a walking stick beneficial for elderly participants.

Pack the Right Gorilla Trekking Gears

Having the right attire and equipment is essential for a successful gorilla trek. The following items are recommended for elderly participants:

• Travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
• Comfortable tracking boots suitable for trekking on slippery slopes and muddy terrain.
• A foldable water bottle to stay hydrated during the trek.
• Safari clothes, including long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, to protect the skin from wilderness bugs.
• Insect repellent to keep stinging insects at bay.
• Stockings to tuck into trousers to prevent insects from crawling inside.
• A camera with no flash to capture memories of the gorilla trek.
• Garden gloves to protect palms from rough surfaces.
• A safari hat with a large brim to shield hair from rain and dripping water from leaves.
• A raincoat to stay dry during sudden showers.
• A light backpack to carry belongings while trekking.
• Binoculars for better views of wildlife and birds.
• A first aid kit with emergency medication.
• An extra fully charged battery for the camera.

Encourage Simple Physicals Before Gorilla Trekking Safari

Before the gorilla trek, encourage elderly participants to engage in simple physical activities to stretch their muscles and prepare for the hike. Taking a few strides step by step can help stretch the muscles, reducing the risk of muscle pulls during the forest trek. While the exact duration of locating the mountain gorillas is uncertain, overexerting oneself may cause frustration among group members. On average, locating the gorillas takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Go Through The Rules Of Gorilla Trekking In Advance

Understanding and adhering to the rules of gorilla trekking is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Some of the rules include refraining from feeding the gorillas, avoiding littering the forest, maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas, keeping voices low, and refraining from visiting the gorillas when ill with communicable infections.

For more information about planning a gorilla trekking safari for the elderly, please contact Trek Africa Expeditions. Our team has assisted many elderly individuals in booking safaris, and you can find their comments and reviews on our website. Prepare for an extraordinary adventure and cherish the precious moments with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.