There is a common misconception that gorilla trekking is only for the young and the ultra-fit. While the terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park is indeed challenging, it should not deter senior travellers or those with limited mobility from experiencing this bucket-list adventure. With the right preparation and the incredible support services available, gorilla trekking is accessible to almost everyone.
The ‘Helicopter’ Service: The Sedan Chair Experience
For those who cannot hike long distances or navigate steep, uneven terrain, there is a remarkable solution: the sedan chair, affectionately known as the ‘African Helicopter’. This is a sturdy, specially designed chair with long handles, carried by a team of eight to twelve strong local porters. You sit comfortably in the chair while the porters navigate the forest with incredible skill, coordination, and speed.
Using a sedan chair ensures that you reach the gorillas without any physical strain, allowing you to save all your energy for the hour of observation. The cost of a sedan chair ranges from $300 to $500 USD (inclusive of the porters’ fees), and it must be requested in advance through your tour operator.
The Power of the Porter
Even if you are relatively fit but concerned about the duration of the trek, hiring a personal porter is highly recommended. For a fee of about $20 USD (plus a tip), a porter will carry your backpack, provide a steadying hand on slippery slopes, and even literally push or pull you up the steeper sections. Beyond the physical help, hiring a porter is a direct way to support the local community, as many porters are former poachers who now rely on tourism for their livelihood.
Choosing the Right Sector and Family
In Uganda’s Bwindi, the Buhoma sector is generally considered to have slightly flatter terrain compared to the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. When you arrive at the park headquarters for the morning briefing, your guide or tour operator can speak with the park rangers to request a ‘close’ or ‘easy’ gorilla family. While there are no guarantees (gorillas move!), the rangers do their best to assign seniors to groups that are expected to have a shorter trekking time.
Essential Packing for Seniors
- Walking Sticks: The park provides wooden sticks, but bringing your own collapsible, lightweight trekking poles can provide better stability.
- Proper Footwear: Invest in high-quality, waterproof hiking boots with excellent ankle support and grip.
- Hydration and Snacks: Your porter will carry these, but ensure you have energy-rich snacks and plenty of water.
- Gardening Gloves: These are great for grabbing onto branches and vines (which can be thorny) for balance.
Health and Altitude Considerations
Gorilla trekking takes place at high altitudes. It is important to consult with your doctor before travel, especially if you have heart or respiratory conditions. Give yourself a day or two to acclimatise in a nearby town or lodge before the trek. Remember to go at your own pace—the rangers and porters are there to support you, and there is no race to the top.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Age should never be a barrier to witnessing the majesty of the mountain gorillas. The joy of the encounter is universal, and the infrastructure in Uganda and Rwanda is well-equipped to ensure your safety and comfort. At Ngaro Wild Adventures, we take great pride in making these dreams a reality for our senior guests.
Ready for your ‘helicopter’ ride in the forest? Contact us to plan your accessible safari.
Ngaro Wild Adventures
Phone: +256 775 804 451
Email: ngarowildadventures@gmail.com
