Gorilla trekking for the elderly seniors, and the disabled

Gorilla trekking is a thrilling activity that enables all persons of 15 years and about to have a wonderful encounter with the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat. It does not discriminate among people as long as you are above the minimum age and able to purchase a gorilla trekking permit. Gorilla treks for the elderly or disabled are organised the same way as for able-bodied people. The difference comes in when the elderly are allocated to gorilla families a short distance from the starting point and is usually done on special request.  However, everyone is entitled to having the best gorilla trekking excursion.

Rwanda is one of the main countries with the main habitats for gorillas. It has mountain gorillas that reside in the Volcanoes National Park, a famous park in the country’s northwestern region. Volcanoes National Park houses over 12 habituated gorilla families ready for daily tracking. Gorilla tracking is a strenuous activity that requires one to be physically and mentally fit as the park is characterized by a mountainous terrain, with steep slopes, valleys, and volcanic peaks. It also comprises of rain forests, bamboo, swamps, grassland, and heath.

Some gorilla families are so close to the starting point that finding them can take 30-45 minutes, while others that reside in the higher altitudinal zones can be sighted after trekking for 3- 6 hours. The park terrain is challenging, and at times, the trekking trails are muddy, thus a problem for the elderly and those with disabilities.

Gorilla trekking for  the elderly, seniors and people with disabilities

After the briefing, the park rangers and wardens check the passports to identify those who will need special attention. At times people above 60  years are not fit enough to go hiking through the  park jungles but if you are  60  and above and physically fit, don’t hesitate to go for the medium and long treks because there’s a lot to explore in the park. Expect to encounter different plants , insects, birds and other animals that reside along with the mountain gorillas in the same habitat.

Allocating gorilla families is usually based on the availability of gorilla permits, so the elderly are advised to make early bookings at least three months in advance to get a family close to the starting point. Early bookings are not only recommended for the elderly and disabled by also for other  people who wish to participate in gorilla trekking. this is because only 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla family per day and it helps them to avoid last-minute disappointments.

It is always important for travelers to inform their tour operators about any physical inability. This will help them prepare special transportation from the airport or hotel of residence to the park and organize for the sedan chairs and porters.  Sedan chairs always have a steel base, four handler sand seat belts. Alternatively,  people with disabilities can be carried on stretchers made from local bamboo. 12 strong porters are assigned to carry the elderly to and from the gorilla family, they carry exchangeable and do not allow the client to touch the ground until they reach the gorillas, and after one hour of encounter, they carry him/her back to the starting point.

Sedan chairs and carriers cost between $400 – $500 depending on the weight of the client.  The cost includes that of the porters who carry the client. Trekkers who can hike by themselves can hire porters to help them carry their backpacks and give them a hand at difficult sections of the hike. Such porters cost between $15 – $20. All hikers whether elderly or not are provided with hiking sticks but the elderly who have personal hiking sticks are free to use them.

Gorilla trekking for the elderly in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi National Park is not part of the Virunga volcanos. The terrain of Bwindi is not as steep as the other three homes that is Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. Many of the gorilla families in Bwindi reside in lower altitude areas which makes hiking easier. It should also be noted that Bwindi has more habituated gorilla families available for tracking.  21 habituated gorilla families can be sighted from the four sectors of the park (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo) which provides trekkers a choice of where to go trekking. however early booking is recommended for all trekkers especially the elderly and disabled to be assigned to a family closer to the starting point.

 Ruhija and Rushaga are highly recommended for the elderly, seniors and disabled as per the recorded observations of the past trekkers. However, the trekking time is unpredictable. Time spent in in the park jungles largely depends on the location of the gorillas but whether you go for the short medium, or long trek, the experience is evenly rewarding.

 Other things to consider when preparing a  trek for the elderly

Security is one of the key factors that most travelers think about as they plan their safaris.  The gorilla parks are close to DRC Congo, a country that has been considered insecure for many years. However, tourists should not worry because as they go into the forest jungles, they are led by armed ranger guides who help to protect them from human and wildlife attacks. Good enough Uganda and Rwanda haven’t faced any militia attacks for the last two decades thus rendering the gorilla parks safe. Even the security in DRC is also tightened, countless security checks and more escorts are provided to ease tourism.

At times transport (driving distance) worries travelers, if you land at Entebbe and want to do trekking in Bwindi, and cannot bear driving the long distance from Kampala to Bwindi which takes  8-9 hours,  you can take a chartered flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airstrip to  Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip then drive for only two hours to your park sector. If your budget can’t afford the chartered flight, you can have a stop an overnight stop over at Lake Mburo National Park for more wildlife views then proceed to Bwindi the next day.

Alternatively, you can land At Kigali International Airport then drive from Kigali -Rwanda’s capital city to Bwindi which takes 4-5 hours. If you decide to trek in  Rwanda, is only 2-3 hours drive from  Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation is another key factor when preparing gorilla trekking safaris. All  the gorilla  parks are surrounded with   high quality accommodation facilities that  favour all travellers with different budgets. They range from  luxury, midrange and budget options.  Your budget determines where you spend you nights while on a gorilla safari., there are self contained and standard rooms,cottages, tentedcamps, dormitories /hostels and camping sites. All facilities can easily be accessed by people with disabilities.

 It is always important  for everyone who expects to go gorilla trekking, ensure you have enough physical  preparations. If you reside close to forested, mountainous or hilly areas,  take time to walk into those places, climb, do light running and have  frequent medical check ups.