Mountain gorilla trekking is, without a doubt, a bucket-list adventure for most holidaymakers to Africa. But have you thought about the elevation/altitude where mountain gorillas live? Can a person with a disability also track gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? Yes, gorilla trekking is open to all categories of visitors, including persons with disabilities. Mountain gorillas stay at higher altitudes ranging from 2300 to 4500 meters, and these elevations require a certain level of fitness for you to conquer.
A good level of physical fitness is vital when it comes to gorilla trekking. What’s amazing about this primate adventure is that even persons with disabilities or the elderly aren’t excluded. There are available means that make it possible for persons with disabilities to also be part of gorilla trekking. These include hiring Sedan chairs or Stretchers.
The Sedan chairs or stretchers are used for carrying persons with disabilities or the elderly. Able-bodied porters at the park are hired, and they will lift you to search for the gorilla family assigned to you. Once there, you will be placed down to take pictures or observe mountain gorillas.
The Sedan chairs or Stretchers are available for hire and are made of two metals with a seat inclined between them. After receiving a briefing about the guidelines for gorilla trekking, you will be carried on Sedan chairs by the porters.
The Stretchers are made of bamboo sticks and serve as another option for persons with disabilities to hire for their gorilla trekking adventure. Porters can be hired from around the park offices to assist in carrying guests to see their gorilla families. If you are planning to encounter mountain gorillas, the dry season should be the time you consider for your gorilla tour.
During the dry months or seasons, there is less rain in Rwanda or Uganda’s gorilla parks, making it easier for porters to navigate through the forest with stretchers or sedan chairs as they take you in search of gorillas.
Sedan Chair / Bamboo Stretcher
Guests with disabilities can hire Sedan chairs or stretchers well in advance of their visit to see the rare mountain gorillas. Each Sedan chair is hired at USD 300-500 per person. Porters are available for hire at USD 20; you can hire a porter in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Note, porters can also be hired to carry heavy luggage or property like photography equipment.
Booking Gorilla Permits
In addition to hiring Sedan chairs, guests are also required to book their gorilla permits in advance. Whether you plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking, a permit is needed, and each costs USD 700 for Uganda. If you are visiting Volcanoes NP Rwanda for gorilla trekking, valid gorilla permits cost USD 1500, and Congo gorilla permits are issued at USD 400 per person.
Normal gorilla trekking takes 2-6 hours and includes one hour of a magical encounter. This one hour applies to everyone on a trek to see gorillas, whether you are a person with a disability or able-bodied. Experienced guides lead guests on a gorilla trek, during which they explain the gorillas’ behaviors and interpret their body gestures.
Where to Stay / Eat While on Gorilla Trip?
When choosing a safari lodge for your overnight stay, ensure that you find a facility that is friendly to persons with disabilities. There are basic, mid-range, and luxury lodges to consider for an overnight stay, and depending on your preferences, your tour operator will guide you on which lodge or camp to stay in.
