Uganda Gorilla Safari with Children:

Uganda Gorilla Safari with Children

Take the kids along on a Uganda family Gorilla safari

Uganda is a great destination for a family safari, especially if you have children in tow. It offers a unique experience, as you can get up close and personal with the Big Five and mountain gorillas, as well as a variety of other wildlife and birdlife. Plus, the safari is tailored to keep everyone engaged and excited, so no one will get bored. From the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda has something for everyone. So don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the wilderness and make memories with your family- Try Gorilla trekking in Uganda with children

Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular wildlife activities in Africa.

People travel from all parts of the world to spot these amazing primates. Almost everyone, be it an adult, youth or child is fascinated by gorillas. Many take that fascination to the next level by deciding to see the gorillas in their natural setting –an activity called gorilla trekking

Uganda is one of the few countries where one can enjoy a family safari. No matter how old or how young your family members are, Uganda still has something for everyone. 

Uganda Gorilla Trekking has rules and regulations guiding it and one of them is the age limit for trackers. For a person to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda, they must be 15 years and above. The age limit for gorilla trekking is an obstacle for travellers who wish to see Gorillas in the wild but with their children who are below the age of 15.  It’s always a big blow to the parents when we inform them that their kids will not be allowed to join them for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Some of the parents will plead with Msafiri Tours to find a way of letting their children join them during trekking.

Why are there age limits for Uganda Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda Gorilla Trekking is a unique and exciting experience, but there are restrictions in place to protect the gorillas and keep the trekkers safe. Age limits are put in place to ensure that trekkers are mature enough to understand and follow the rules set out by the Park. Additionally, younger trekkers may not be aware of the rules and etiquette that need to be followed in the presence of gorillas. The age restriction for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years old. This ensures that trekkers can understand the rules and be respectful of the gorillas and the environment.

Gorillas are particularly vulnerable to human diseases due to their close genetic relationship. As such, children must be kept away from them, as their immature immune systems can easily spread colds and flu to the primates. If primates contract these illnesses, they can become very ill, or even die, as they have not evolved to deal with human viruses in the same way that we have. It is therefore important to take precautions to protect gorillas from contracting human diseases.

Children may be fit but not mentally prepared to deal with the challenges of walking long distances in search of gorillas. They may get tired, thirsty or hungry and request to go back to the lodge. This lack of patience may force their parents to cancel an otherwise amazing activity or cause disruption to other tourists.

Is there a workaround to allow gorilla trekking for kids?

The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years but there is a provision which allows children who are between 13 and 14 years to do gorilla trekking. This is only possible in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The parent must write a letter requesting the Uganda Wildlife Authority to let their kid engage in the activity and we Msafiri Tours will present it to the authority on their behalf. If approved, the parent accepts to take responsibility in case of an incident while in the forest.  This written request must be received early enough and before the activity – At least three months before showing up.

In case the child is not allowed to take part in the activity, the parent can still travel with him/her. The parents will proceed for gorilla trekking and leave the child to take part in other activities organised by Msafiri Tours which have no age restrictions. These activities include nature walks and community tours in villages close to the national park. The children can be left with the Msafiri Tours Driver/Guide or hotel staff.

Nature walks in Bwindi:

Bwindi National Park is home to some of the most beautiful nature walks in Uganda. A walk along the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest will take you through lush green landscapes, filled with trees, shrubs, and a wide variety of wildlife. You will be able to spot chimpanzees, elephants, leopards, and other animals as you wander through the thick jungle. As you go further into the park, you will come across stunning waterfalls and streams, providing a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The nature walks in Bwindi are a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of the region.

Cultural Walk while Gorilla trekking in Uganda with children

A chance to have a taste of the Ugandan lifestyle. You will meet with locals of many different generations and see the way of life in this developing country. One of the highlights of this cultural visit is a visit to a traditional healer or medicine man. He will show how bananas are used for children’s drinks, to make beer and also the local spirit. You will also get the chance to interact with the local Batwa community; they will show you how they incorporate everyday activities into dance.

Keep in mind that kids under the age of 15 and 12 years are not permitted on gorilla trekking and chimpanzee viewing safaris respectively. But if you do choose to visit parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla, or Kibale, we can plan nature walks, forest hikes, or cultural tours.

Walking excursion: the safety of a walking tour guide and an armed ranger can be an educational and eye-opening experience for older children, as they learn about the healing properties of the plants they see and how to identify insects and animals by their tracks and droppings.

A cultural tour visit: to the local village might treat your kids to memorable vacation lessons on how to shape and use a bow and arrow, make a fire or weave a basket, or even try to milk a cow or goat. The local Ugandan kids and other community members love teaching young people their dances and music, and sometimes teach them words in the local dialect.

Crafts work: Enjoy watching your kids’ excitement as they try on the colourful Ugandan beaded jewellery and gaily woven kitengi, and join in the pure delight of their laughter as they engage and interact outside their comfort zone in Uganda.

Biking in the village:

For biking enthusiasts, bikes are available even for kids as young as 10 who can go on a guided biking adventure through the villages and enjoy the views of the rolling landscape. Neat village paths and safe, paved roads are available. One can take a biking trip to the wetland.

Once you’ve decided on this Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari, all that’s left to do is prepare for your Uganda safari holiday with Msafiri Tours.

Here are our top five tips for Uganda Gorilla safari with Children :

• Sun protection: Long hours in the sun can put skin at risk of burning, so make sure you bring high-factor sun creams, hats for game drives and rashie swimsuits for pool time.
• Insect bites: have some reliable insect repellents to hand, especially for the evenings and wetter environments. An anti-itch, post-bite balm is also a great idea.
• Food: most lodges we use in Uganda cater to dietary requirements, but if you’re concerned then contact us ahead of time with special requests you may have.
• Travel: All our Uganda safaris include plenty of driving time, so make sure younger children can sit still for long periods without car seats or straps. Motion sickness tablets are also good to have on standby.
• Preparation: whether this is your first long-haul holiday as a family, the first time your children fly on a plane, or the first time they’ll see African animals in the wild, talk to your children often about what to expect in the weeks leading up to your trip. Researching together, watching films or reading books about Uganda will help them understand what to expect. Have a look at our useful links.

Uganda gorilla safaris for families with young children

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with Uganda gorilla safaris for families with young children. From observing the majestic Big Five roaming the vast savannah to spotting exotic birds in the thriving rainforest, there is an abundance of attractions to delight every individual. And if you desire a tranquil retreat following your thrilling safari adventure, why not consider spending a few days on the picturesque Ssese Island? Our team of experts will collaborate with you to curate the ideal Uganda safari vacation for your family, ensuring that every member has a remarkable and enjoyable experience.