Can the disabled do gorilla trekking in Uganda? Yes, the disabled can take on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Gorilla trekking is done in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. Visitors are therefore required to travel from all corners of the world to come to Africa to view and trek these incredible primates. Gorillas live in a natural habitat – Virunga region which is dominated by equatorial rainforests with a mixture of alpine vegetation.
Gorillas are grouped into both mountain gorillas that are present in all three countries, as well as the Eastern lowland gorillas that are only present in DRC. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, in Uganda it’s done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, while in DRC, it’s done in Virunga National Park, Usala Forest, Maiko National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Mountain gorilla species.
There are mainly two gorilla species. Mountain gorillas are the rarest and these live within the Virunga region and Bwindi National Park in Uganda. They breed in forest jungles at the base of volcanic mountains.
Eastern lowland gorillas or Grauer’s gorillas are only found in D.R. Congo. As their name suggests, they live in lowland areas. The two gorilla species have slight differences specifically in their physical appearances.
Can the disabled people trek gorillas?
The gorilla trekking experience in the Virunga region isn’t discriminative and therefore embraces the concept of inclusivity. Disabled trekkers are also catered to have an awesome trek just like their counterparts. This is done with the help of sedan seats or traditional stretchers. These seats give a final solution to the challenge.
They are made with two parallel metallic bars on both sides that act as handles used to lift the seat. The seat is therefore attached to the metal bars, and it’s on this that person will sit. The seat has a strap, which the person uses to wear and stay firm to avoid any unforeseen circumstances that may lead to falling causing injuries.
How much does a sedan seat cost?
Arrangements to book the sedan seats should be made in advance with a local tour operator. It saves the hustle of booking and preparations one would otherwise go through. The sedan seat cost ranges between $300 to $500 depending on the trekking location and season. The tourist is carried to and from the jungles and their luggage along.
Alternatively, one can hire locally made bamboo stretchers that can equally be hired depending on the budget or need of the visitor. Porters are also present to add an auxiliary role of carrying the tourist’s property. These can be hired at a cost ranging between $10 to $20 per person. They are local residents of these areas who use this money to transform their communities.
Gorilla permits
A gorilla permit is the document required for one to take part in gorilla trekking adventure. It comes at a cost which is different for all the three countries. A gorilla permit in DRC is at $400, Uganda at $800, while Rwanda is at $1,500. Visitors are however advised to make gorilla permit booking earlier, because they are always on higher demand during peak seasons which may render visitor to be pushed into trekking in an unfavorable season which may come with weather interruptions. Tourists should therefore get in touch with their booking agency for guidance and help with gorilla permit booking process.
What is the best time to visit for disabled trekkers
Uganda, D. R. Congo and Rwanda experience low to no rainfall during the months of July to September, and also December to February. These are referred to as dry seasons and the best seasons one is advised to embark on their gorilla trekking safari.
