Sedan chair

The Sedan chair, initially designed for affluent men in London, serves as a means of transport for physically challenged individuals, especially senior travelers, to observe mountain gorillas in Africa. The rental fee for the car is approximately $300 to $500 per seat per day.

The sedan chair, initially designed as a seat within a cabin with a removable roof supported by two poles and transported by two individuals termed ‘chairmen’—one at the front and one at the rear—has transformed into a carriage accommodating twelve able-bodied men, commonly utilized to convey disabled, unfit, and elderly travelers into the forests of Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks for gorilla trekking .

In response to the rampant street trash in London, which posed a health risk in the 16th and 17th centuries, the French sedan chair was introduced to the city in 1634 by Sir Saunders Duncombe. The sedans rapidly gained popularity and became a preferred choice for many due to their significantly lower cost compared to hackney cabs, and their ability to navigate the tightest streets of London.

The passenger would enter the sedan carriage from the front via a hinged door, after which the carriage would be elevated by two individuals known as “chairmen.” Sedan chairs rapidly gained popularity among the historical British social class of land and real estate owners known as the Gentry, who favored the chair for its ability to maintain the cleanliness of their shoes. Additionally, for taller individuals, the detachable roof provided an opportunity to display their refined hairstyles to the city.

The sedan chairs, having gained popularity among the affluent class across London, were ultimately permitted to traverse sidewalks originally designated for pedestrians. Pedestrians were anticipated to yield when a vocal warning of ‘Have a care!’ or ‘By your leave, sir!’ was issued; nevertheless, this was frequently not observed, resulting in numerous mishaps involving overturned chairs.

In response to the frequent sedan chair accidents on the streets of London, legislation was enacted. Similar to contemporary taxi drivers, chairmen were required to be licensed, and sedan chair stations were established for people to hire a chair. The chairs were available for hiring throughout the day; however, after midnight, the cost was quadrupled. After dark, the sedan chair would be escorted by ‘link boys’ or torchbearers to illuminate the path for the chairmen, enhancing safety for the passengers.

Wealthier citizens would refrain from utilizing these stations, opting instead to dispatch their footmen or porters into the street to fetch a chair by exclaiming, “Chair! Chair!”. Wealthy individuals may possess a personal chair, typically situated in the hall and frequently adorned to complement the home’s decor.

Nevertheless, despite its popularity, the sedan started to decline in preference due to the swift urban expansion and the resulting distances, which rendered travel by carriage time-consuming and somewhat impractical. The sedan declined in popularity and had nearly vanished from the streets by the mid-19th century.

The Return of the Sedan Chair

The sedan chair has established itself in the East African safari industry as the optimal means of transporting elderly, crippled, and unfit travelers wishing to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking from a Sedan Seat

Gorilla trekking in a sedan chair is an innovative excursion that entails a crew of twelve capable local porters transporting two steel chairs through exceptionally challenging terrain. This method has been rigorously evaluated and deemed the optimal approach for observing gorillas for travelers with physical challenges.

What is the safety level of trekking gorillas in a sedan chair?

Numerous individuals express concerns regarding the sedan’s safety. We can confidently promise you that this means of transportation is regarded as quite safe and has been utilized by several of our clients. The local men that operate this chair are exceptionally strong and adept at navigating the most challenging terrain; they possess extensive experience in this regard.

 

What is the cost of renting a sedan chair for gorilla trekking in Africa?

The cost of hiring a sedan chair is variable, ranging from $300 to $500 for a round trip. This compensation is provided to the villagers who are directly engaged in transporting you to and from the gorillas. While the sedan chair can be easily obtained upon request, we frequently advise that you arrange and remit payment for your chair well in advance, particularly if you anticipate need one.