Gorilla trekking is such a memorable experience that everyone out to experience. But everything should be done at the right time and in the right place. People keep wondering the age limit for gorilla tracking and why there is an age limit. Here is why?
Any one 15 years of age and above needs not to worry because that is the age that is recommended and allowed to track gorillas in Rwanda. Any persons below that age will not be allowed to track gorillas unless there is a special arrangement that has been organized between the parents of the child and the authorities.
Usually your tour operator or travel agent will ask for your passport details and one of the reasons is to establish the age requirement.
It is important to note that gorilla trekking is not an entirely safe process and these are wild animals and so behavior can change depending on the different mood and surrounding. It is believed that may be a child 15 and above can help themselves just in case anything happens and they are mature enough to follow the entire gorilla tracking rules.
The Gorillas are emotional and usually fear and are scared by things like the flash light. They also charge depending on what they feel; sometimes they are overwhelmed and feel challenged so they want to fight back in self-defense.
The forest is thick and has a lot of trails within and so it may be difficult for a child below 15 to cope with the map and may suddenly go off trails as they too playful.
Lastly, kids are naturally playful and might slow the pace of the person responsible for them which indirectly affects the rangers and the group at large despite the limitations on the amount of time you are supposed to spend in the forests. A kid who is at least 15 years of age will easily follow instructions and be less playful whilst on the trek.