Watching a group of mountain gorillas led by the dominant silver back can be very emotional and most people would want to experience it with close family/friends.

A typical gorilla family consists of between 6 to 24 individuals headed by a dominant silver back. The silver back is very protective of his family but also very loving to the younger ones. In a typical gorilla group, there are also females, adolescents and infants (sometimes even twins).

Observing a group of mountain gorillas would be excellent if done with family. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is from 15 years and above so for you to enjoy with your family, this should be put in consideration.

Children may not be able to remain calm when a gorilla charges. Mountain gorillas rarely charge but can do so if they consider trackers as a threat. A charging gorilla will back off if a tracker remains calm and lays low. A child may get too scared, scream or be forced to run because of the mighty bark of a gorilla. A charging gorilla will almost always chase after a running tourist.

Children are still developing their immunity and are prone to transmittable diseases like flu/cough. Flu and cough can be transmitted to gorillas and the result can be very deadly. Children are also unpredictable. They may not be able to complete the activity if they feel tired.

Children are also less likely to follow regulations for gorilla trekking. The gorilla trekking rules are meant to protect the primates and trackers. These include keeping a distance of at least 7 meters, following instructions from the park Guides, not littering the park, talking in low tones, not looking directly in the eyes of a gorilla and not attempting to touch a gorilla.

However, you can still travel with them (especially if you are also booked for other wildlife activities). As you go for gorilla trekking, hotel staff can take care of the kids and ensure that they are engaged when you are out in the forest.

There are a variety of activities children can get involved in as their parents go out for gorilla trekking tours. The hotel staff or company Guide can take them for nature walks, visiting the nearby local schools or attending traditional dance performances.

Since a family gorilla safari is in a group of three and above, you need to book three months in advance for the low season safari and six months in advance for the high season safari. This will help to avoid disappointment since gorilla trekking is the most admirable trip in Africa.

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season of June to September. This is also the best time of year to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda as these periods offer the best hiking conditions and the lowest risk of malaria.