Can Old People Track Gorillas in Uganda?

Can Old People Track Gorillas in Uganda?

Yes, even old people can track gorillas in Uganda, provided they are fit and have valid gorilla permits. Anyone can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga; many elderly tourists in their 60s, 70s, and 80s have completed the trek with porters or sedan chairs. You can tailor treks to suit your fitness level.

In case older adults can’t walk long distances, he or she can hire a porter and a sedan chair. Who is old? Visitors do gorilla trekking from 15 years and above. Visitors who fall in this age bracket stand a chance to engage in the trek to see gorillas in Uganda. Even those above 70, 80, and 90 years can take part in the search for mountain gorillas in their natural environment.

Gorilla trekking has no maximum age limit. Provided that a visitor is fit and is above fifteen years, he or she can embark on the journey to search for a family of mountain gorillas. When booking a gorilla permit, officials will record visitor details, including age. It is during the gorilla permit booking initiation stages that matters of age limits start being observed.

What to consider to Track Gorillas in Uganda as an Old Person 

Visitors with fitness challenges can consider conducting thorough practice to familiarize themselves with the tough terrains. If you feel you can’t take a round trekking session with gorillas, consider hiring a sedan chair or wooden stretchers. Energetic porters will lift the hired stretcher and carry you deep into the jungle to explore mountain gorillas.

Sedan chair prices vary depending on different circumstances. For sedan stretcher bookings: You can book a traditional sedan stretcher for between USD 300 and USD 500 per chair. The cost covers the hiring expenses and porters who lift the clients. The cost may vary depending on the demand.

Are sedans safe for gorilla trekking?

Using Sedan chairs or bamboo stretchers is safe, especially for senior trekkers on a gorilla safari in Uganda. The energetic porters usually lift the sedan chairs/bamboo stretchers. The porters are familiar with the tough terrains in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Porters will lower you to enjoy a close encounter with a group of mountain gorillas when you approach/find a gorilla family.

The sedan chairs/bamboo stretchers currently carry any weight. We have not set a specific weight limit. The rates only vary from visitor to visitor.

What awaits you on the gorilla trekking adventures?

Gorilla trekking adventure offers a remarkable immersion in the jungle for you to enjoy an up-close and personal encounter with a family of mountain gorillas. The gorilla treks involve winding through the forest with no marked trail. The park ranger guide present on the trek takes the lead of a group of 8 (eight) guests.

Expect: Gorilla trekking expeditions extensively involve 2–6 hours. This includes a maximum of one hour for up up-close and personal encounter with a family of gorillas.

Where to start gorilla treks in Uganda

All gorilla treks in Uganda start from the four regions/trailheads in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park treks begin from the Ntebeko. The four sectors to expect to explore on a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija sector.

The four regions in Bwindi comprise habituated gorilla family groups, where Buhoma holds groups such as Mubare, Katwe group, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and others. Ruhija sector, a gorilla trekking sector in the Eastern part of Bwindi, features gorilla groups such as Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura group, and Kyaguriro gorilla family.

Rushaga gorilla sector in the Southern end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park contains the highest population of gorilla groups, including Mishaya, Bikingi, Mucunguzi, Busingye gorilla family, Bweza, and Nshongi. Rushaga sector also has gorilla families like Kutu, Rwigi, Kahungye, Tindatine gorilla family, and more.

Nkuringo sector in the Southern Bwindi National Park holds amazing gorilla groups such as the Posho gorilla family, Christmas, Nkuringo, and Bushaho family group.

Where to stay before or after tracking gorillas in Uganda

Older people on a gorilla tour in Uganda can choose from the many accommodation properties in and around Bwindi/Mgahinga. The lodges and camps comprise budget, midrange, and luxury. They include Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodges, Buhoma Lodge, Luxurious Bwindi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and Gorilla Leisure Lodge.

Additional places to consider for an overnight stay in and around Bwindi/Mgahinga include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, Four Gorillas Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Nshongi Gorilla Camp, and Gift of Nature Lodge.

Around Kisoro district, which is close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, expect to retire for a night in Mondi Lodge Kisoro, Mutanda Lake Resort, Travelers Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Lake Mulehe Lodge, and others.

When should you travel to track gorillas in Uganda?

You can explore gorillas in Uganda at any time of year; however, the dry season is the best time for gorilla trekking. The dry season is when the weather is favorable and makes it easier for visitors to have a safe navigation via the lush rainforest.

The dry months that are characterized by drier forest floor in Bwindi/Mgahinga include June, July, August to September. Another phase of dry months takes place from December, January, to February–the months of the year when destinations like Bwindi/Mgahinga experience minimal or low/no rainfall.

Gorilla treks in Uganda are also possible during the rainy months of the year. The longest wet season stretches from March, April, to February, while the short rainy months begin from October to November. Expect heavy rains during the wet season, characterized by slippery, steep slopes, and muddy terrains/forest floor. People also consider the rainy season the off-season. Very few visitors come to see gorillas during the wet months compared to the dry season, when the weather is more favorable.

Getting to Bwindi or Mgahinga

You can reach Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park by road or by air. Traveling to Bwindi/Mgahinga by road takes between 8 and 9 hours’ drive. This option applies to visitors who set off from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga. Air travel significantly reduces travel time; you’ll arrive at Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip and then transfer to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.

Booking a gorilla tour in Uganda for older adults

If you fall under the category of senior gorilla trekkers, it is possible to plan a tour to Uganda for you to be part of the thrilling gorilla trekking adventures. You can contact Native Africa Tours to plan and book a gorilla tour that suits your travel desires. At Native Africa Tours, we present you with multiple options to book the best trip that guarantees lasting memories. Visiting gorillas in Uganda covers the travel desires of allowing old People to track these primates.

Don’t let age stop you from experiencing the magic of gorilla trekking in Uganda. Older People can track gorillas in Uganda because there’s no upper age limit, guides are supportive, trails are accessible, and options like porters or sedan chairs are available. For those in their 60s, 70s, or older, adventure and preparation are all that’s required. Native Africa Tours designs custom gorilla safaris for seniors, prioritizing comfort, pace, and personal interests. Contact us today, and we’ll make your trip to Bwindi or Mgahinga safe and unforgettable.