Gorilla Trekking for The Elderly, Seniors and The Disabled : Gorilla Trekking for older visitors are organized in the same way as others, though for them they are assigned to gorilla family which are closer to the park offices. In case an elder traveler cannot walk for long distances, porters and a sedan chairs are available to hire. Well, more to discuss about the question above.
Eventually, mountain gorillas are the most intriguing primates on earth and they cannot be encountered elsewhere or even thrive in zoos like the lowland gorillas. The best way to see them you need to travel to Africa and they can only be seen in three African countries that is; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Rwanda, the mountain gorillas are found in the Volcanoes National Park while in Congo they survive in Virunga National Park. Uganda is the luckiest country when it comes to endangered mountain gorillas – harbors half world’s remaining population in two national parks – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
However, Gorilla tours are expensive and you need a valid gorilla permit to see them in their natural habitat. Rwanda Gorilla Permits costs USD1500 per person which doubles Uganda’s price of permit. Uganda Gorilla Permits cost USD800 per person per day and Congo gorilla permit costs USD400 per person per day. Why are gorilla tours being expensive? This is because mountain gorilla experience is considered as the best memorable wildlife adventure on earth. Mountain gorillas are endangered and that is one of the reason why Gorilla permit are always on sell.
Tracking mountain gorillas can be very demanding depending on which gorilla group one is assigned to visit. Therefore, it’s important to go when prepared and in good health because some gorilla families like moving long distances looking for food. Other gorilla group’s live close to the starting point for tracking and it can take about 30 minutes to find them if you are lucky. More so, gorilla trekking sometimes take up to seven ‘’7hours’’, depending on their location on that particular day of trekking.
Note; Distance is not the only thing that one needs to be concerned about when deciding to participate in the activity. Like their name suggests, mountain gorillas live in mountainous areas with high altitude measuring between 2,300 and 4,500 meters. You should also notice this, gorilla trekking experience involves passing through challenging terrain, steep slopes and slippery ‘’mud- filled’’ trails. These challenges can be a problem for people with disabilities, the elderly, seniors and those who are not in good physical shape for whatever reason.
Gorilla Trekking for The Elderly and People with Disabilities;
Given what we have already discussed, one could be wondering if gorilla trekking is really something they should go for given their physical limitations.
In fact, Gorilla trekking is not only for the youthful or those who are energetic and young. You don’t have to miss out gorilla trekking on your wildlife tour package, just because of your age fitness or physical limitations. Most travelers who go to trek gorillas are 40 years and above, never too old for gorilla trekking as long as you are allowed on a plane. If you wondering whether to bring your mom or granny for gorilla trekking, then you need to know that it’s possible as long as they can take a flight.
At time of trekking; After briefing, the Rangers and wardens will check all the passports and identify all those who may need special attention. An elderly with 60 years and above but fit enough, they will be assigned a nearby gorilla family. If you are 60 years but in perfect shape you can request a longer trek to have more fun and an encounter in the forest. While tracking, a lot to discover such as beautiful flora and fauna, birds, primates, insects, butterflies and moths along the way.
Besides hiking ability and physical fitness, the other criteria used for finding gorilla families. Take note, when most gorilla permits have been booked, it becomes difficult to get an easier trek. For that matter, seniors are advised to book their trips at least three months in advance so that they can get a gorilla family close to a tracking point. Visitors who are doing double gorilla trekking ‘’ tracking mountain gorillas for two days even more’’ will be allocated a different family from the one they saw previously. Only 8 people are allowed to track a gorilla family in a day. It is limited to such number to avoid stressing the primates and exposing them to human diseases through prolonged contact.
It is good to inform your tour operator about any fitness concerns or physical limitations before booking a trip to encounter the gorillas. This help the operator to plan according and arrange any special equipment with the park authorities. You will be assigned with special tour van, as well as porters and sedan chairs if applicable. Your company will add the price of porters and sedan chairs to the stand cost and share with you.
Sedan chairs are designed with handlers, seat belts and steel –base are used to lift the elderly or the one who are unfit to walk for long distances. The porters carry the elder and never let him or her touch the ground until they locate the mountain gorillas. Then, after porters will once lift the elder and return them to the starting point where the company driver would be waiting.
Cost to use Sedan chairs and porters; Carriers and Sedan chairs cost between USD400 to USD500 per person, depending on the weight of the person. The cost includes that of porters who carry the client to achieve in gorilla trekking. Those who are concerned about their level of fitness can hire porters to carry their heavy backpacks, recording devices and give a hand during difficult sections of the hike. Hiring a porter costs between USD15 and USD20. All trackers are given simple hiking sticks to help with their mobility. The elderly may wish to come with your own special hiking sticks. In so doing, you would be contributing to their economic well –being. Note; Many of the porters are students looking for money to pay college tuition and other married men with large families to take care of. A little you contribute; you would be making a great change in their lives. You need to book all these in advance.
Time is now to get started!
