Uganda gorilla trekking for seniors
Who are seniors? What does gorilla trekking for seniors take? How long do the seniors and elderly take while gorilla trekking?
Uganda-the pearl of Africa offers a wide range of attractions including the rare primate species and that is none other than the mountain Gorillas. Mountain Gorillas in Uganda can be located in only in two national parks both located far south western part of the country and these are Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi has 22 habituated gorilla families while Mgahinga has only two habituated gorilla families that are ready for trekking.
Gorilla trekking is a park activity where visitors or tourists spend an hour in the presence of gorillas visited in a way of creating everlasting memories. There gorilla trekking for seniors (people who are 60year plus) is done like for any other citizen only that, seniors are assigned to gorilla families that are near a briefing point or they are offered a Sedan seat chair that carried by the paid potters. Uganda Gorilla trekking for seniors is the same like that for disabled and potters are paid between $300 to $500 to carry trekkers on a modern sedan seat.
The sedan seat is comfortable and you will be carried into the forest. Some of the potters are reformed poachers of this park and now they are one of the local people that spearhead conservation. Gorilla trekking for seniors in Uganda is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Apart from the Gorillas, Bwindi is good hub for different and unique bird species including the Albertine Rift endemic such as Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, strange weaver, blue headed sunbird, Rwenzori night jar, African emerald cuckoo and many more others.
Apart from the birds, the park is a home to big and small mammals such as the forest elephants, Weyn’s duiker, olive baboons, bush pigs, buffaloes, golden cats and many more others. Not on the presence of the potters and the sedan sear chair, Bwindi forest has a favorable terrain that is suitable for seniors and the elderly to trek easily. For you to have the best gorilla trekking experience as a senior citizen, you need to book your gorilla trekking permit in advance before your Safari begins. We normally advice our clients to book at least 2 to 3 months before the day of trekking to avoid inconveniences.
This is because the gorilla trekking permits are on high demand making them to be expensive hence costing $700, $600 and 250,000/= for foreign nonresidents, foreign residents and East African citizens respectively. These permits can be bought from the Uganda wildlife Authority office in Kampala or with a recognized and licensed Safari or tour company.
Best time to go for Gorilla trekking for seniors in Bwindi national park
In Uganda we have 2 seasons in a year for both the wet and dry seasons. The dry season takes place in the month December to match and June to September. During this time, the trails are not slippery hence making the adventure easier. This is the best time to do gorilla trekking for seniors though the Gorillas tend to move for long distances as they search for food.
In the month of March to May and October to November, it’s time for rains which hinders the activity of trekking Gorillas because the trails are slippery. Though during this season, Gorillas tend to stay in one area since there is high supply of foods in form of fruits.
For more information about gorilla trekking for seniors or would you like to book a gorilla safari to Uganda, contact our expert team.
