Can People with Disabilities Go Gorilla Trekking? YES!
Have you ever dreamed of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild? You might think it’s too hard if you are older, less mobile, or have a disability. But don’t worry—you can still do it! Imagine sitting quietly in a cool, misty jungle, just a few feet away from a gentle giant—a silverback gorilla. It’s one of the most amazing things you can experience in nature. And guess what? With Greenway Nature Tours Africa, this dream can come true for everyone. Mountain gorillas live high in the forests of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda, where the trails can be steep, muddy, and tough to walk on. But that’s not a problem! If you have trouble walking, you can still join the trek. Our kind and skilled local porters will carry you safely through the forest in a special sedan chair.
These strong porters are trained and know the jungle well. They will make sure you are safe and comfortable during the whole trek. And when you hire them, you’re not only helping yourself—you’re also supporting local families who work hard to protect the gorillas and the forest. So, no matter your age or ability, you can be part of this incredible adventure. Come and make unforgettable memories with the mountain gorillas!
How Can People with Disabilities Go Gorilla Trekking?
If walking for a long time or climbing steep, muddy trails is hard for you, don’t worry—you won’t miss out! There is a special way to help: it’s called a sedan chair or gorilla stretcher.
This is a strong, comfortable chair with seat belts that is carried by four kind and strong porters. They take turns carrying you through the forest safely and gently. Sometimes, a bamboo stretcher is used instead of the chair, but it works the same way. The porters will carry you from the start of the trail, all the way to the gorillas, and then back again. You will get the full trekking experience—without needing to walk.
Because the trails are rough and steep, wheelchairs can’t be used in the forest. That’s why the sedan chair or stretcher is the best and safest choice for visitors with physical challenges. Before you book your trip, it’s very important to tell Greenway Nature Tours about any mobility or health issues.
This way, we can plan everything carefully for you—arranging the chair, choosing the right porters, and making sure your trek is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. With the right help, anyone can enjoy meeting the mountain gorillas—no matter their age or ability!
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost for Disabled Travelers?
As of 2025, a gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person in Uganda and $1,500 per person in Rwanda. This permit includes entry into the national park, the services of a trained ranger guide, and one unforgettable hour spent with the mountain gorillas in their natural forest home.
If you need extra help during the trek, such as a sedan chair or porters, there are additional costs. A sedan chair, which is carried by a team of four to eight porters, usually costs $300 for the full experience. The porters will carry you from the start of the trail all the way to the gorillas and back again, ensuring your safety and comfort.
If you don’t need the chair but still want some help, you can hire a porter to carry your bag or assist you during the walk. This usually costs between $15 and $20 per person, depending on the length and difficulty of the trek. While these extra services do increase the overall price, most travelers say it’s completely worth it. The chance to see wild mountain gorillas up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that creates lasting memories.
By hiring porters through Greenway Nature Tours Africa, you are not only making your trip easier—you are also helping local communities. The porters come from nearby villages, and the money they earn helps support their families and encourages the protection of the forests and the gorillas that live there. So, when you go gorilla trekking, you’re not just exploring nature—you’re also making a positive difference.
Important Tips for Disabled Gorilla Trekkers
1. Easier Ways to Reach the Gorilla Parks
If you have a disability, traveling long distances by car can be uncomfortable and tiring. That’s why Greenway Nature Tours offers easier travel options to help make your journey as smooth as possible. One of the best places to see mountain gorillas is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. However, the drive from Entebbe or Kampala can take 8 to 9 hours, which is a long and bumpy trip—especially for travelers with limited mobility.
A much better option is to start your journey from Kigali, Rwanda. The drive from Kigali to Bwindi is only about 3 to 4 hours, making it shorter and far more comfortable.
You can also choose to fly from Entebbe or Kajjansi to a small airstrip near Bwindi, such as Kihihi or Kisoro. The flight takes just one hour and offers beautiful views of Uganda’s rolling hills and green forests from above. When you land, your Greenway Nature Tours guide will be waiting to greet you. From there, you’ll be driven to a comfortable lodge near the park where you can rest and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
2. Enjoying the Journey by Road
If a chartered flight isn’t within your budget, don’t worry—traveling by road is still a great option. In fact, it can be one of the most scenic and rewarding parts of your trip.
You’ll pass through Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, including rolling green hills, tea plantations, and small villages full of local life. There will be plenty of chances to stop along the way—to stretch your legs, take photos, or even visit special places like the equator line, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.
To make the journey more comfortable and fun, Greenway Nature Tours includes breaks at other national parks that offer disabled-friendly activities. At Lake Mburo National Park, you can relax on a calm boat cruise or take a short game drive to see animals like zebras and antelopes. Later, you can explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos, elephants, and birdlife. Game drives through the park offer chances to see lions, buffalo, and more—all from the comfort of your safari vehicle.
We use spacious and comfortable vehicles with the support you need to travel safely and smoothly. Even before you reach the gorillas, your journey will be filled with amazing wildlife, beautiful views, and unforgettable experiences.
3. Lodges That Are Easy to Access
Choosing the right place to stay is very important—especially if you have a disability. A comfortable and accessible lodge can make your gorilla trekking experience much easier and more enjoyable. In Uganda, Greenway Nature Tours recommends staying at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, or Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
These lodges are located very close to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which means you’ll have a short and easy trip to the starting point of your trek. These lodges are designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. They offer wide walkways, gentle ramps, and spacious rooms with bathrooms that include support bars for added safety and ease.
The staff at these lodges are friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist with anything you may need—from getting around the property to helping you prepare for your trek. Staying in the right place makes a big difference. With these accessible, welcoming lodges, you can relax and enjoy your stay in the heart of the forest, surrounded by nature.
4. What to Pack for the Trek
Packing the right clothes and gear will help make your gorilla trek more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Since the weather can change quickly in the forest, be sure to bring a light rain jacket.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect your arms and legs from scratches, insect bites, and stinging plants. Gardening gloves are also helpful for protecting your hands when you need to hold onto branches or trees.
A sunhat, insect repellent, and sunscreen are important for protecting yourself from the sun and bugs. You should also bring your personal medicines, some snacks for energy, drinking water, and a small first aid kit—just in case. If you’ll be riding in a sedan chair, porters will carry your bags for you.
But it’s still a good idea to keep your most important items—like medicine, a phone, or snacks—close by in a small bag or pouch. To make the ride even more comfortable, you might want to bring a neck pillow or a soft seat cushion. With the right packing, you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience in the jungle!
5. Picking the Right Gorilla Group
Some gorilla families live closer to the starting point of the trek, while others are deeper in the forest and harder to reach. If you have limited mobility, the park rangers will do their best to assign you to a group that’s easier to access. To make this possible, it’s important to book your trek early and tell Greenway Nature Tours about your needs.
We can then request a gorilla group in an area with gentler trails that aren’t too steep or difficult. Choosing the right group helps you enjoy the trek with less effort and more comfort, while still getting the amazing experience of seeing mountain gorillas up close.
A Journey Worth Taking
Gorilla trekking is a dream that can come true for everyone—even if you have a disability. With careful planning, the right support, and a positive attitude, you can enjoy one of the most incredible wildlife adventures in the world. From the very beginning of your trip to the unforgettable moment you meet the gentle mountain gorillas, every step of the journey is truly special and worth every effort.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
At Greenway Nature Tours Africa, we believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the magic of gorilla trekking. No matter your ability, we take care of every detail with kindness and understanding. From arranging accessible transportation and comfortable lodges to providing skilled porters and expert guides, we make sure your journey is safe, smooth, and truly unforgettable. Contact Greenway Nature Tours today to start planning your personalized gorilla trekking adventure. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
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