Can children do gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Can you plan a gorilla trek with kids in Rwanda?
No, kids are not allowed to go on the trek to see gorillas in Rwanda, but yes, you can plan a gorilla trek to Rwanda with your kids and enjoy a remarkable family vacation together. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years, and it is strictly observed. The gorilla permit costs $1,500, and gorilla trekking takes place at Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, northern province.
Here is how to plan your gorilla safari with kids or family members below 15 years;
- Taking turns to care for the children
- Hiring a caretaker
- Child-friendly adventures
- Longer trip for the whole family
Taking Turns to care for the children: having children shouldn’t deter you from achieving your dream of seeing the gorillas in Rwanda. Couples can take turns watching over the kids while the other partner goes on the trek. This can, in fact, be advantageous because each of you gets to see a different gorilla family or have a different experience on their day, thus having more to talk about and compare your trekking experiences with different photos too, which can be interesting.
This is the recommended option for families with younger children who are usually clingy to their parents and not comfortable with other caretakers. For families that travel with elderly parents, the grannies usually do this and keep the family together and happy while enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Hiring a caretaker: being a high-end destination, Rwanda has several family- and children-friendly hotels and lodges within touching distance of Volcanoes National Park, where the gorilla treks happen daily. These facilities often have experienced nannies who can ably take care of your kids while you enjoy your time with the gorillas. Your tour operator can also organize this for you if you let them know. We have several reliable guides who are good with kids and creative enough to keep them busy and well entertained while you go on the trek!
Child-friendly activities: while kids cannot do gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it doesn’t mean they should be left at home. There are many kid-friendly activities near and around Volcanoes Park that kids can enjoy while the rest of the family goes for the trek to the gorillas. These include;
- Guided nature walks within the park where children get to learn about the different plants and the environment. This feeds their curiosity as they ask several questions and get answers from the qualified nature guide. It is a great way to spend their morning and introduces them to conservation and care for the environment from a tender age.
- Iby’iwachu cultural village tour where they get to learn about the traditional Rwandan culture and take part in some activities like playing king and queen, traditional dance, and cooking among others. It is an interesting tour for both children, and they will have so much to tell you from their experiences.
- A coffee tour near Musanze can be a memorable experience for them as they get the opportunity to visit an established coffee plantation and learn about coffee farming right from the seedling to brewing a cup! Such trips create lasting memories and inspire kids in different ways!
- A visit to one of the local schools near the park where they can interact with learners of their age group exposes them to a different culture and a different outlook on life.
There are many activities for kids to enjoy in Musanze and surrounding areas, enough to keep them entertained while learning a thing or two without feeling left out of the family gorilla trekking vacation. The Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Campus is also one such alternative where kids can actually experience the virtual gorilla trekking experience and learn more facts about the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and their conservation.
Planning a longer family vacation: it is recommended for families to stay longer in Rwanda, and thus booking a longer stay ensures a complete family vacation where everyone enjoys. A typical gorilla safari requires 3 to 4 days to accomplish, but it is important to plan for 7 to 10 days trip including other destinations like Akagera National Park and Lake Kivu in Gisenyi.
That way, there are many activities to enjoy together and individually, creating a memorable family vacation with kids in Rwanda, beyond the gorilla trek. Let us help you plan.
Experienced webmaster and copywriter with 16 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. Jerome possess excellent knowledge about gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and accommodations across major destinations in East Africa.
