How to Trek as an Older Traveler Using Sedan Seat Stretchers
A sedan seat stretcher is used to carry tourists who cannot hike to see gorillas in Bwindi National Park, either for gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation.
A modern sedan stretcher is designed with a chair placed between two poles and a seatbelt to keep the visitor secure. The cost to hire one is between USD 300 and 500.
Because there are only a few sedan stretchers available, it is important to book one as soon as your gorilla trekking or habituation permit is confirmed.
The price may change depending on the distance to be covered and the weight of the visitor.
Bwindi is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park has 19 habituated gorilla families available for trekking, and two semi-habituated families (Bikingi and Kutu) used for the habituation experience.
Bwindi is also home to other species of forest animals, birds, butterflies, and many plants. Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude forests between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
Their thick fur helps them survive in cold weather.
Trekking to see gorillas usually means walking through steep and muddy trails, which requires physical fitness.
However, people with special needs, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with physical disabilities, can still enjoy gorilla trekking by using a sedan seat stretcher.
The seat is carried by porters, who can be hired for an extra fee (usually USD 10 to 20 each).
The cost of hiring the sedan stretcher is separate and not included in the gorilla permit fee. The visitor sits on the seat with their small bag, and 4 to 6 porters carry them through the forest to the gorillas.
During a gorilla trekking experience, you will spend one hour with the gorillas. For the gorilla habituation experience, you will spend up to four hours.
You will sit on the ground to watch and take photos. After the visit, the porters will carry you back to the starting point, where you will meet your driver-guide.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi with a Sedan Seat Stretcher
Bwindi can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to book your gorilla permit and sedan seat stretcher is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February.
During this time, the trails are dry, making it easier to move through the forest with the stretcher.
In the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November), the trails can be muddy and slippery, making movement more difficult.
How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is located in southwestern Uganda. From Entebbe International Airport, it takes about 10 hours to drive to the park.
You can also take a flight from Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip near Bwindi. Chartered and scheduled flights are available daily.
Another option is to fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and drive to Bwindi through the Katuna or Cyanika borders. This route takes about 4 to 5 hours.
You can book a gorilla safari in Uganda and enjoy the experience even if you have physical limitations or health conditions.
