Who Is Eligible to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda?

Who Is Eligible to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda?

Rwanda is one of the world’s top destinations for mountain gorilla trekking, offering a life-changing experience in Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to several habituated gorilla families, allowing visitors to observe these gentle giants up close. However, not everyone can participate in this incredible adventure. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) sets clear eligibility requirements to protect gorillas and ensure the safety of trekkers. Experiya Tour Company walks you through who can trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda and answers the most frequently asked questions.

Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

To trek gorillas in Rwanda, you must be at least 15 years old. Children younger than 15 are not permitted on treks, and park officials strictly enforce this rule at Volcanoes National Park entry points. The age restriction exists for good reason. Young children may unintentionally make loud noises or sudden movements that can disturb the gorillas. Additionally, children are more likely to transmit diseases to gorillas, which share over 98% of their DNA with humans. By setting this minimum age, Rwanda reduces risks and ensures that trekking remains safe for both visitors and wildlife.

Fitness Requirements for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. Treks can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located. Hikers often navigate steep slopes, muddy paths, and dense vegetation, so stamina and endurance are important. Even though there is no formal fitness test, travelers with limited stamina can hire porters through Experiya Tour Company to carry bags and offer support along the trails. This ensures that everyone, regardless of fitness level, can still enjoy the experience.

Can Elderly Travelers Trek Gorillas?

Elderly travelers in good health can trek gorillas in Rwanda. Park staff often assign them to gorilla families closer to the starting points to shorten the trekking distance. For those who cannot walk long distances, sedan chairs carried by trained porters are available for an additional fee. These arrangements allow older travelers to experience gorilla trekking safely and comfortably.

Health Requirements

Trekkers must be in good health before entering the forest. We do not allow anyone with contagious illnesses such as flu, cough, or diarrhea to trek, which protects gorillas from human-transmitted diseases. Travelers are also advised to get recommended vaccinations before their trip, including yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. Additionally, malaria prevention measures are recommended to keep visitors safe during their trek.

Trekking for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities can trek gorillas in Rwanda with proper arrangements. Experiya Tour Company works closely with park authorities to provide support services, including sedan chairs carried by porters, making the trek accessible for those with mobility challenges. As long as travelers meet basic health requirements, gorilla trekking can be an inclusive and unforgettable experience.

Required Documents

To be eligible for gorilla trekking, you must have a valid gorilla trekking permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board, a valid passport for identification at park entry points, and proof of vaccination, especially for yellow fever, depending on your country of origin.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs

As of 2025, a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person per trek for international visitors, while East African citizens may qualify for discounted rates. This fee supports conservation efforts and local community development. Since permits are limited and highly competitive, booking months in advance through Experiya Tour Company is highly recommended.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Certain travelers cannot participate in gorilla trekking in Rwanda. These include children under 15 years old, individuals with contagious illnesses, visitors without a valid gorilla trekking permit, and travelers unwilling to follow park guidelines and conservation rules. These restrictions safeguard both trekkers and mountain gorillas.

Why Eligibility Matters

Eligibility rules exist to ensure both visitor safety and gorilla conservation. By enforcing age, health, and fitness requirements, Rwanda reduces risks and enhances the overall trekking experience. When only prepared and responsible travelers participate, everyone enjoys a safer and more rewarding adventure.

Conservation Rules for Trekkers

Even eligible trekkers must follow strict conservation rules. Visitors should maintain a distance of at least seven meters from gorillas, spend a maximum of one hour with the gorilla family, avoid direct eye contact and sudden movements, refrain from eating, drinking, or littering in the forest, avoid using flash photography, and follow all instructions from park rangers and guides. By respecting these rules, visitors help preserve gorilla behavior while ensuring ethical and safe interactions.

Final Thoughts

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. While the minimum age is 15 and physical fitness is recommended, elderly travelers and people with disabilities can also participate with proper support. By following the eligibility requirements and securing a gorilla trekking permit in advance through Experiya Tour Company, visitors contribute to conservation efforts and enjoy one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.