Minimum age for trekking gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda

The minimum age for trekking gorillas in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 15 years. The minimum age for trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park is 12 years. The age restriction to track gorillas and chimps is enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government parastatal responsible for managing all national parks in Uganda. Note that the 15 years minimum age requirement also applies to trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

The age restriction of 15 years means that only adults above 15 years are permitted to trek gorillas. The 15 years age restriction for gorilla tracking also applies to the gorilla habituation experience at Bwindi National Park, where tourists book a USD 1,500 permit to experience how gorillas are trained to interface with humans. The gorilla habituation experience is currently arranged at the Rushaga gate of Bwindi National Park.

Families planning to track gorillas and have children below 15 years can still plan to visit the national parks with their children. Throughout the past 2-years, UWA introduced activities for children at these parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Kibale National Park. The activities for children are also available at Semliki National Park.

Children’s activities at these parks include Guided short nature walks, Painting and artwork, and Scout adventure activities. The price for children’s activities ranges between $5 to $10 or UGX 10,000 to UGX 20,000 per person. If planning a gorilla trek and are interested in reserving children’s activities when doing gorilla and chimp trekking in Uganda, please contact Bamboo Ecotours. We will provide the support needed.