Gorilla Trekking for The Disabled
Can the disabled do gorilla trekking in Uganda? People with disabilities can take on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Gorilla trekking for disabled people is done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. Visitors are therefore required to travel from all corners of the world to visit Africa to view and trek these incredible primates. Gorillas live in a natural habitat – the Virunga region, dominated by equatorial rainforests with a mixture of alpine vegetation.
Gorillas are grouped into mountain gorillas, which are present in all three countries, and eastern lowland gorillas, which are only present in the DRC. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, in Uganda, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, and in the DRC, in Virunga National Park, Usala Forest, Maiko National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Can disabled people trek gorillas?
The gorilla trekking experience in the Virunga region is not discriminatory and, therefore, embraces inclusivity. Disabled trekkers are provided the necessary support for a fantastic trek like their counterparts. This is done with the help of sedan seats or traditional stretchers, which give a final solution to any mobility challenges.
The sedan seats are designed with safety in mind. They are made with two parallel metallic bars on both sides that act as handles to lift the seat. The seat is securely attached to the metal bars, and it’s on this that the person will sit. The seat has a strap, which the person uses to wear and stay firm to avoid any unforeseen circumstances that may lead to falling and causing injuries.
How Much Does a Sedan Seat Cost?
I think arrangements to book the sedan seats should be made in advance with a local tour operator. This saves the hustle of booking and preparations one would otherwise go through. The sedan seat costs between $300 and $500, depending on the trekking location and season. The tourist is carried to and from the jungles with their luggage.
Alternatively, one can hire locally made bamboo stretchers that can be employed equally, depending on the visitor’s budget or needs. Porters are also present to perform the auxiliary role of carrying the tourist’s property. These can be hired at a cost ranging between $10 and $20 per person. These areas’ residents use this money to transform their communities.
What is the best time to visit for disabled trekkers
Uganda, D. R. Congo, and Rwanda experience low to no rainfall from July to September and December to February. These are called dry seasons, the best seasons in which one is advised to embark on a gorilla trekking safari.
Mountain gorilla species.
There are mainly two gorilla species. Mountain gorillas are the rarest. They live in the Virunga region and Bwindi National Park in Uganda. They breed in forest jungles at the base of volcanic mountains.
Eastern lowland gorillas, or Grauer’s gorillas, are only found in the DR Congo. As their name suggests, they live in lowland areas. The two gorilla species have slight differences, specifically in their physical appearances.
Gorilla permits
A gorilla permit is required to participate in a gorilla trekking adventure. It comes at a cost that is different for all three countries. A gorilla permit in DRC is $400, Uganda is $800, while Rwanda is $1,500. Visitors are, however, advised to make gorilla permit bookings earlier because they are always in higher demand during peak seasons, which may force visitors to trek in an unfavorable season, which may come with weather interruptions. Tourists should contact their booking agency for guidance and help with the gorilla permit booking process.
