Gorilla Trekking for the Eldery Seniors and The Disabled: Gorilla Trekking for older travelers is organized in the same way as the normal gorilla trekking, the only difference is that they are assigned gorilla groups which are closer to the park offices. If an elder cannot walk for long distances, they have an opportunity to hire special porters and a sedan chair.
In this we discus more about gorilla trekking for the elderly senior and the disabled.
Mountain gorillas are arguably the most intriguing primates on earth. Because of they cannot thrive in the zoo like fellow gorillas – the lowland gorillas, everyone wants to see these amazing creatures. To see mountain gorillas you have to travel to Africa, these gentle giants can only see them in the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
With slight over 1,064 mountain gorillas left in the world, Uganda is home to the largest population with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosting the largest population of the 4 gorilla destinations.
Why are Gorilla Tours Expensive?
This is a frequently asked question by travelers, here is the answer why. An experience with mountain gorillas is considered the ultimate wildlife experience on earth. Mountain gorillas are endangered and that is one other reason while gorilla permits sell like hot cake.
Tracking mountain gorillas can be very demanding depending on which gorilla family one is assigned. It is therefore important to go when prepared in good physical shape. Some gorilla groups live close to the starting point for tracking and it can take only 30 minutes find them if you are lucky. However, gorilla trekking can sometimes take up to six hours. Distance is not the only thing that one needs to be concerned about when deciding to track gorillas.
Like their name suggests, mountain gorillas live in mountainous areas with high altitude (between 2,300 and 4,500 meters). Before getting to the gorilla family, the trek may involve passing through challenging terrain, steep slopes and slippery (mud-filled trails). These challenges can be a problem for visitors who are not in good physical shape for whatever reason.
Gorilla Trekking for the Eldery Seniors and The Disabled.
Given what we have already discussed above, one could be wondering if gorilla trekking is really something they should go for given their physical limitations or age. Gorilla trekking is not only for the youthful or those who are young and energetic. You don’t have to go for other wildlife encounters and miss out on the very best experience just because of your age, fitness or physical limitations. In fact, most travelers who go to track gorillas are 40 years and above. You are never too old for gorilla trekking as long as you are allowed on a plane. If you are wondering whether to bring your daddy, mum or granny for gorilla trekking, they you need to know that it is very possible as long as they can take a flight.
At the time of briefing, the Rangers and wardens will check all the passports and identify all those who may need special attention. In case one is 60 years and above but fit enough, they will be assigned a nearby gorilla family. If you 60 years but in excellent shape you can request a longer trek for more fun and adventure in the forest. You don’t have to accept an easier trek just because someone told you to do so, as there is a lot to explore while tracking mountain gorillas. You will encounter beautiful flora and fauna along the way.
Apart from hiking ability and physical fitness, the other criteria used for allocating gorilla families is the availability of gorilla permits is the availability of gorilla permits. When most gorilla permits have been booked, it becomes difficult to get an easier trek. Seniors are advised to book their trips at least three months in advance so that they can get a gorilla group that is close to a tracking point. Tourists who are doing double gorilla trekking (tracking mountain gorillas for two days or more) will be allocated a different group from the one they saw previously. Only 8 people may track a gorilla family in a day. This is to avoid stressing the primates and exposing them to human diseases through prolonged contact.
It is important to inform your tour operator about any fitness concerns or physical limitations before any fitness concerns or physical limitations before book your trip to see the gorillas. This will help your operator plan accordingly and arrange any special equipment with the park authorities, a special tour van may also be assigned to you as well as porters and sedan chairs if applicable. Your company will add the price of the porters and sedan chairs to the stand cost and share with you. Sedan Chairs with handlers, seat belts and steel-base are used to lift the elderly or those who are unfit to walk for long distances. Another alternative for people with disabilities is to be carried to the forest using a stretcher made out of local bamboo. 12 strong local porters (4 at a time) are assigned to carry the elderly, only four men can carry the stretcher or sedan chair. The others will take over once the first four need rest, the porters know the terrain and forest so well and have lived in the area for most of their lives. The porters will carry the elder and never let him or her touch the ground until they locate the mountain gorillas. After spotting the gorillas, the porters will once again lift the elder and return them to the starting point where the company driver would be waiting.
Carriers and Sedan chairs cost between $4-00 to $500 depending on the weight of the client. The cost includes that of the porters who carry the client. Those who are concerned about their level of fitness but are not disabled can also hire porters to carry their heavy backpacks, recording devices and give a hand during difficult sections of the hike.
Hiring porters cost between 15$ and $20. All trackers (fit or not) are given simple hiking sticks to help with their mobility. The elderly may need to come with their own special hiking sticks. By hiring porters, you will would be contributing to their economic well-being. Many of the porters are students looking for extra money to pay college tuition or married men with families to cater for. As little as it may seem, you would be making a great difference in their lives.
Before booking an elderly package (Gorilla Trekking for the Eldery Seniors and The Disabled), it is important to known the different gorilla groups available in different gorilla trekking national parks to find out which one is more ideal and closer to the starting point of the trek. Consult with your tour operator to check if you can be assigned to the particular group, he will advise you based on their experience and knowledge about the group. The structures of mountain gorillas keep changing year after year and what was easier to track a year ago may have migrated to a difficult location which is further away from the park offices.