Cost of Hiring a Sedan Chair for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Hiring a traditional stretcher or sedan chair for gorilla trekking in Bwindi costs between $300 – $500 per chair per day. This fee covers the wages of a team of local porters who will carry you both to and from the gorilla location.

 Important: Sedan chairs are very limited across the different trekking sectors of Bwindi. To avoid disappointment, it is highly advisable to pre-book this service through your tour operator when planning your trek.

The Process of Hiring a Sedan Chair in Bwindi

If you anticipate needing a sedan chair for gorilla trekking, you should inform your tour operator at the very beginning of your safari planning. When securing your gorilla trekking permit, they will ensure it is booked at a trekking sector where sedan chairs are available.

 Top Tip: To guarantee availability, make a deposit or full payment early. This allows your operator to reserve a sedan chair for the specific date of your trek.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sedan Chairs for Gorilla Trekking

How safe is gorilla trekking in a sedan chair?

It is very safe. The team of local porters carrying you is energetic and experienced. Typically, four men carry the chair at a time, rotating with others in a team of around 12. These porters know the forest inside out, so you can relax and focus on the experience.

Is it ethical to use a sedan chair or traditional stretcher?

Some people may worry it resembles colonial practices. However, this service is the only option for travelers with limited mobility, age-related challenges, or health conditions who still dream of seeing gorillas. Without it, they would miss out entirely. Think of it as creating equal access to one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on earth.

Is there a weight limit for using a sedan chair?

Currently, there is no strict weight limit. Porters have successfully carried visitors weighing up to 150 kg. However, in some cases, the cost may increase depending on the individual’s weight and size.

Does the $300–$500 fee cover multiple treks?

No. This cost applies per day, per trek. If you plan on more than one gorilla trek, you will need to pay for each day. Ask your tour operator if a discount is possible when booking in advance. Last-minute bookings may be more expensive and availability is not guaranteed.

What to Expect on the Trekking Day

On the morning of your trek, you will first attend a briefing on the rules of gorilla trekking. You may then wait while rangers locate the gorillas. Once they are found, the porters, under the supervision of a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger, will decide on the safest and shortest route to reach them.

Getting to the gorillas may involve a combination of driving and being carried. From there, you only need to follow their guidance the porters and rangers know best how to make the journey smooth and successful.

Best Time to Use a Sedan Chair in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in a sedan chair is possible year-round. However, the dry seasons of June to August and December to February are recommended. During these months, trails are less slippery, making it easier and safer for the porters to carry you.