Gorilla Trekking for the Elderly and Disabled

Gorilla Trekking for the Elderly and Disabled

Gorilla trekking is accessible for seniors, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. If you’re planning to trek with a parent, relative, or friend who is elderly or less physically fit, we ensure that this experience is made possible and enjoyable.

As long as a traveler is aged 15 years and above, he/she can partake in this enchanting primate experience. To assist those with mobility challenges, several options are available:

• Hiring a Porter: A porter can help carry your backpack and provide support as you hike through the forest.
• Sedan Chair Option: For about $300-500 per person, elderly or disabled visitors can be carried to and from the forest in a sedan chair by trained porters.

Many visitors in their 70s and 80s have successfully trekked and enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable adventure that should not be missed, regardless of age or physical ability. Get in touch with us for more information.

Important things to consider during organizing Gorilla Trekking for Seniors and old people

You should consider reducing on the drive time to avoid making the elderly and disabled get tired by sitting in the vehicle for a long time driving from Entebbe to Bwindi is 8-9 hours, options to reduce the drive time to Bwindi include booking a domestic flight from Entebbe or starting and ending this tour in Kigali. Another option is to have breaks along the way. Your driver guide will then wait for you at the airstrip to take you to the park. The local flights are expensive but the reward one to reach the park in only one hour have time to rest to the next day’s gorilla trek in the Forest.

Apart from the ability to complete the trek for gorillas, elderly and disabled travelers may worry about security in the park during their stay and during gorilla trekking considering that they are already fragile and even vulnerable. Security and safety during gorilla trekking in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is excellent. Gorilla trekking is led by armed rangers from Uganda Wildlife Authority whose role is to protect tourists from forest animals like elephants and buffaloes. There have been no cases of militias in Uganda in over two decades but the park authorities leave nothing to chance.

Consider Using a Sedan Chair for Gorilla Trekking for the Elderly

For elderly travelers, a sedan chair can make the gorilla trekking experience more comfortable and accessible. This option involves being carried by trained porters to and from the gorilla trekking site, ensuring a hassle-free journey through the forest terrain.

In addition to securing a suitable trekking group and a sedan chair, elderly travelers should pack wisely for the best experience. Here's a recommended packing list:

• Hiking Boots: For stable footing on uneven trails.
• Hand Gloves: To protect hands while trekking.
• Rain Jacket: Essential for sudden weather changes.
• Sweaters: For warmth in the cool forest environment.
• Sunglasses: To protect against glare and UV rays.
• Long-Sleeved Shirts and Long Pants: To shield against insects and thorns.
• Walking Stick: Helpful for balance and support on the trails.
• Insect Repellent: To keep bugs at bay.
• First Aid Kit: For addressing any minor injuries or discomfort.

Proper preparation and packing can make the experience safe and enjoyable for elderly and disabled adventurers, ensuring they fully appreciate this unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking for the Elderly and Disabled

Gorilla trekking for seniors and individuals with disabilities can be done year-round. However, the best time to embark on this adventure in Uganda is during the drier months—January, February, June, to early September.

During these months:

• Easier Travel: The dry conditions make it more convenient to access the parks and trek the forest trails. The trails are drier, making it easier to hike through the forests.
• Better Gorilla Viewing: The vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views of the gorillas.

Planning your trek during the dry season ensures a more comfortable and rewarding experience for elderly and disabled travelers. Contact us for more information.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi for the Elderly and Disabled

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southern Uganda near the Congo border, is one of the two national parks in Uganda where visitors can trek to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. As home to over half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi is renowned as one of the best places for this unforgettable experience. The park is divided into four main sectors for gorilla trekking: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija, each offering unique opportunities to track habituated gorilla families.

Bwindi features multiple habituated gorilla groups, each led by a dominant silverback. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi requires a valid permit, which must be booked in advance as only eight people are allowed to trek a specific gorilla family per day. Booking a gorilla permit ensures access to this once-in-a-lifetime experience and must align with your preferred travel dates and permit availability.

Gorilla tracking is the highlight of visiting Bwindi, with a remarkable 98% chance of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The park’s sections—Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, and Ruhija and Buhoma in the northeast and east—offer diverse trekking experiences. To ensure your trek, it is essential to secure your permit well in advance, as availability is limited.

Booking an all-inclusive gorilla trekking trip with us simplifies the process. Share your preferred trekking dates, and the team will check permit availability, reserve your spot, and issue a payment invoice. Once payment is received, your permit will be secured, and you’ll receive scanned copies of the Uganda Wildlife Authority receipts, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you prepare for this incredible adventure.

Best Accommodation for the Elderly and Disabled persons in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors for gorilla trekking: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. Choosing where to stay depends on the sector from which you will be trekking gorillas. When you check gorilla permit availability with us, we will inform you which sector has permits and recommend accommodations accordingly. Each sector offers a range of options, including budget, mid-range, luxury, and upmarket lodges, catering to various preferences and budgets.

For the Buhoma sector, popular choices include Buhoma Community Camp (budget), Buhoma Havens Lodge (mid-range), Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge (luxury), and Gorilla Forest Camp (upmarket). In Rushaga, options include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Four Gorillas Lodge. If trekking from Nkuringo, you may consider Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge or the luxurious Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

By selecting accommodations near your trekking sector, you can minimize travel distances and ensure a more comfortable and convenient stay, especially for elderly visitors. Contact us for assistance.

Is Accommodation for Gorilla Trekking Suitable for the Elderly and Disabled?

Yes, the accommodations in and around the gorilla parks are well-suited for the elderly and disabled, offering high-quality facilities to meet different needs. Options range from ultra-luxury and luxury hotels to mid-range and budget choices, depending on your budget.

These accommodations include:

• Standard Cottages with Grass-Thatched Roofs
• Self-Contained Tented Camps
• Dormitories and Basic Campsites

Most facilities are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate easily.

For middle-aged but relatively unfit travelers, preparation is essential. Activities such as hiking, walking, light jogging, or climbing can help build stamina before your trek. If you live in a forested or hilly area, take advantage of the terrain to prepare your body for the adventure.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking for Seniors, Elderly and Disabled Travelers in Uganda With Us?

We specialize in organizing memorable gorilla trekking experiences for seniors and elderly travelers in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. From assisting with the booking process to curating customized safari packages, we cater to all budgets—offering budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Our services also include securing gorilla trekking permits on your behalf, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

We are committed to exceptional service and customer satisfaction, as reflected in glowing reviews on TripAdvisor from a community of happy clients. With a dedicated team of experienced tour consultants, we are always ready to answer your questions and tailor your safari to meet your specific needs. When you book with us, you can rest assured of an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Contact us today to plan your trip!