Wheelchair-Accessible Gorilla Viewing in Rwanda
Rwanda has made significant strides in making gorilla trekking accessible to individuals with limited mobility, including those using wheelchairs. While the terrain in Volcanoes National Park (where gorilla trekking takes place) is naturally challenging with steep, muddy, and uneven paths, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and specialized tour operators have implemented innovative solutions to ensure this incredible experience is open to a wider range of visitors.
The primary method for wheelchair-accessible gorilla viewing is the use of specialized stretcher chairs or sedan chairs.
- How it works:
- These sturdy, custom-made chairs (often traditional bamboo stretchers or more modern steel-based sedan chairs with seatbelts and handles) are designed to safely carry individuals over challenging terrain.
- A team of strong and experienced porters (typically 8-12 men, depending on the client’s weight and the terrain) is hired to carry the chair and the visitor through the forest. These porters are highly skilled in navigating the sometimes difficult paths.
- Logistics & Planning:
- Advance Booking is Crucial: It’s essential to book this service well in advance with your tour operator, as the specialized equipment and the large team of porters need to be arranged.
- Cost: The cost of hiring the stretcher chair and porters is separate from the gorilla permit fee and can range from approximately $300 to $500 USD, depending on the type of chair and the client’s weight.
- Closest Gorilla Families: Park authorities and tour operators work together to assign visitors with limited mobility to gorilla families that are known to be closer to the park headquarters or accessible via less challenging routes, minimizing the trekking distance.
- Support & Dignity: The porters are trained not only to carry but also to provide support and assistance with dignity and respect, ensuring a comfortable and empowering experience.
- The Experience:
- Despite being carried, visitors still get to be fully immersed in the rainforest environment.
- Once the gorilla family is located, the chair can be positioned for optimal viewing, allowing the visitor to enjoy the permitted one hour with the gorillas up close.
- The return journey also involves being carried back to the starting point.
This system ensures that even individuals with significant physical limitations can fulfill the dream of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, making Rwanda a leader in inclusive gorilla tourism.