Mountain gorilla trekking for disabled (special needs people) is very easy to organize. A gorilla trekking tour is one of the world’s most sought-after experiences that should not be missed by anyone, whether “able” or “disabled”. Mountain gorillas thrive within the mountainous regions of Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo.
Therefore, the experience requires an average level of physical fitness, which puts travelers with special needs at risk of missing such a life-changing encounter.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and other destinations was a nightmare for such travelers; however, this is now history after the introduction of sedan chairs / stretchers to carry persons with disabilities to meet their desired gorilla families deep in the jungles.
Travel and tourism are social rights that must be accessible to every human being, including persons with special needs.
Approximately, more than 500 million people with special needs do not take exotic holidays, including those with minor disabilities. This issue is being addressed through the introduction of initiatives to enable everyone to access the world’s most endangered primates.
Gorilla trekking experience on sedan chairs or stretchers
A typical gorilla trek lasts for about 1-8 hours, depending on the movements of a specific gorilla family. Due to the fact that gorilla destinations in Africa are in mountainous regions, trekking can be quite adventurous and challenging, especially for those who are not physically fit.
The national parks are characterized by rugged steep slopes, thick and impenetrable jungles, which make trekking difficult.
On the day of trekking, a team of 12 strong men is assigned to ferry a tourist on a modern sedan chair or a local bamboo stretcher and penetrate into the forest to search for the mighty apes.
These porters have a great deal of knowledge and experience on the terrain, navigation, weather, vegetation, and trails.
The carrier service is offered at extra costs, between $350 and $500, depending on the weight of the person in question.
Booking a gorilla trip for persons with disabilities follows a similar booking procedure, and permits depend on availability and adhere to all the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking set out by responsible government conservation bodies.
Sedan chair or bamboo stretcher transportation helps to make ferrying the client easier up the mountain ranges and through the rugged jungles. The carriers have handles all around them, which make it easier for the porters to handle the stretcher.
These same carriers are also used to ferry the elderly and physically weak who need a more luxurious and hassle-free gorilla experience, as well as those who would like to participate in a more inclusive gorilla encounter, such as the habituation experience. Unlike trekking, habituation allows one to spend up to 4 hours with a given family which is still being trained to get used to human presence.
For any traveler wishing to book a special needs safari, you ought to acquire a gorilla permit well in advance, as this is the only assurance that you’ll participate in this golden activity.
A gorilla permit in Uganda is booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority and costs a staggering $800 per permit. In Rwanda, gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and cost $1500 per permit, while D.R. Congo presents the cheapest option at $400 in either Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Alternatively, you can book your special needs safari with a trusted and professional tour agency like ours, which has a proven record of handling travelers with various special needs.
