Who is Eligible to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences — a chance to come face-to-face with the world’s largest primates in their natural rainforest homes. This life-changing adventure takes place in only a few places on Earth: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, not everyone can simply walk into the forest and meet the mountain gorillas. There are specific rules and eligibility requirements that ensure both the safety of visitors and the conservation of these endangered creatures.

Age Requirement

The minimum age to trek mountain gorillas in all three countries — Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo — is 15 years old. This age limit is strictly enforced by park authorities to ensure that participants are mature enough to follow guidelines during the trek and to minimize potential risks, such as unpredictable behavior or fear reactions in front of the gorillas.

Younger children, even if physically capable of hiking, are not allowed on gorilla treks because gorillas can be sensitive to sudden movements or noise. However, families traveling with children can engage them in other nature or community activities nearby while the adults trek.

Physical Fitness

While you don’t need to be an athlete, good physical fitness is essential for gorilla trekking. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours (and sometimes longer) depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking. The terrain is steep, slippery, and often muddy, especially in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), and Virunga National Park (DRC).

Trekkers should be prepared for challenging hikes through dense vegetation and varying altitudes, often between 2,200 and 3,000 meters above sea level. It is advisable to train through walking, hiking, or light exercise before the safari to increase stamina.

Health and Medical Fitness

Because gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with humans, they are highly susceptible to human diseases, especially respiratory infections. Therefore, trekkers must be in good health on the day of the trek. Anyone showing signs of contagious illness — such as flu, cough, or diarrhea — may be denied access for the safety of the gorillas.

During the trek, tourists are required to maintain a distance of at least 7–10 meters from the gorillas to prevent disease transmission. Masks are also recommended or provided by some park authorities, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, to enhance protection.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

Every trekker must possess a valid gorilla trekking permit issued by the respective wildlife authority. These permits limit the number of visitors to protect gorilla groups and reduce human impact on their environment. Only eight tourists per gorilla family per day are allowed.

• Uganda: Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

  • Cost: USD 800 per person per trek (as of 2025).

• Rwanda: Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for Volcanoes National Park.

  • Cost: USD 1,500 per person per trek.

• DR Congo: Permits are issued by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) for Virunga National Park.

  • Cost: Around USD 400 per person per trek.

Because the permits are limited and in high demand, it’s best to book months in advance, especially during the peak seasons of June to September and December to February.

Behavior and Attitude

Trekkers must be able to follow strict behavioral guidelines in the forest. The gorillas are habituated — meaning they are used to limited human presence — but they remain wild animals. Visitors should remain calm, quiet, and respectful at all times. Shouting, pointing, or making sudden movements is discouraged.

Each trekking group is accompanied by armed rangers and trained guides who provide safety, direction, and interpretive information about the forest and gorillas.

Medical and Travel Preparation

Before trekking, travelers should ensure they have:

• Valid travel insurance covering medical evacuation.

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for entry into most East African countries).

• Anti-malarial medication and personal medical supplies.

• Hiking gear, including boots, gloves, long sleeves, rain jackets, and gaiters.

Trekkers should also inform their tour operator of any medical conditions in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made, such as hiring a porter or using a sedan chair for those who might have difficulty hiking long distances.

Emotional Readiness

Beyond physical fitness, gorilla trekking requires emotional readiness. The experience of standing just a few meters from a massive silverback or watching playful infants among the trees can be overwhelming and deeply moving. Visitors should approach the experience with a sense of respect, patience, and mindfulness — it’s not just a wildlife encounter but a profound conservation journey.

Conclusion

Anyone aged 15 and above, physically fit, and in good health can take part in a mountain gorilla trek in Africa. It’s an adventure that rewards determination with one of the most powerful and emotional wildlife encounters on Earth. The trek may be demanding, but when you lock eyes with a gentle silverback in the misty forest, every step becomes worth it — a moment that connects you forever to the soul of Africa.