Can a person with a disability also track gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? The answer is yes. Gorilla trekking is open to everyone, including persons with disabilities.
Mountain gorilla trekking is a bucket-list adventure for many travelers to Africa. But have you ever thought about the altitude where gorillas live?
Mountain gorillas live at high altitudes ranging from 2,300 to 4,500 meters, and trekking requires some level of fitness.
Physical fitness is important, but even the elderly and persons with disabilities are not left out. Special arrangements make it possible for them to take part in gorilla trekking. These include the use of sedan chairs and bamboo stretchers.
Sedan chairs are metal frames with an inclined seat fixed between them. Guests are carried by trained porters to the gorilla family assigned for the trek. Once with the gorillas, the chair is placed down so the guest can take photos and observe the gorillas. Stretchers made from bamboo sticks are another option. Porters also use these to carry guests through the forest.
The service of sedan chairs or stretchers can be booked in advance. The cost is between 300 and 500 USD per person. Porters are hired at about 20 USD each, and they can also carry heavy luggage or equipment such as cameras.
Best time for gorilla trekking
The best time to trek gorillas with a sedan chair or stretcher is during the dry season. With less rain, it is easier for porters to move through the forest. Dry months are from December to February and from June to September in both Uganda and Rwanda.
Booking gorilla permits
Every visitor, including those with disabilities, needs a gorilla permit. In Uganda, a permit costs 800 USD per person. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the cost is 1,500 USD, while in Congo the permit costs 400 USD.
Normal trekking takes between 2 to 6 hours, but the time with gorillas is one full hour. This applies to all trekkers, whether disabled or able-bodied. Experienced guides lead the trek and explain gorilla behavior along the way.
Where to stay
When booking accommodation, it is important to choose a safari lodge that is accessible and friendly to persons with disabilities. Options range from budget to mid-range and luxury lodges.
Tour operators can help recommend the right choice depending on your needs and preferences.
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