Why is Mountain Gorilla Trekking So Costly?

Mountain gorilla trekking is among the most costly wildlife experiences in the world. Its undeniable that buying  a single gorilla permit at $1500 is  not a joke and not for everyone.  Gorilla Trekking is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Africa and a dream come true for most travelers on African safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Imagine paying $1500 for a gorilla permit alone in Rwanda, or $800 per person in Uganda, and $450 for the Democratic Republic of Congo. When you add accommodation, transport, driver guide and other logistics involved, you will be amazed by the amount you will be paying for your Gorilla Safari. This usually leaves travelers wondering, “Why is mountain gorilla trekking so costly?” Our article will help you to evaluate why this adventure is costly and worth your time and money.

Mountain gorillas are one of Africa’s most phenomenal and iconic wildlife species, and it is no wonder that they are found in only three countries- Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  With roughly 1080 mountain gorillas left in the world, a close encounter with these endangered primates is a once in lifetime experience worth doing.

Mountain Gorillas are endangered

Mountain gorillas ate endangered primates which were once at the verge of extinction. The whole world has roughly 1080 mountain gorillas and these only survive in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and the Virunga Conservation Area.  the high cost of gorilla trekking permits is therefore meant to limit the number of travelers visiting these endangered species.  The high cost of permits discourage some people from visiting gorillas which promotes sustainable gorilla tourism.

While many travelers express interest in tracking and spending time with these incredible creatures in their natural habitats, the majority of them shy away after learning of the cost of gorilla permits alone hence saving the already endangered species from huge crowds and stress.

Mountain Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases

The endangered mountain gorillas share over 98% of  human genes which make them  man’s close relatives.  This closeness to human beings make gorillas susceptible to human communicable diseases especially Conservation bodies have therefore hiked the cost of permit costs to limit the number of people visiting  and limiting the risks of  human wildlife disease transmission.

Making gorilla trekking costly is therefore one of the ways of saving them from huge crowds, which would likely bring about the spread of human diseases.

Conservation and the need to promote sustainable gorilla tourism

Having gone through a tremendous reduction in these Giant Apes’ population in the 1980s, resulting from habitat loss, poaching, bush meat sale and encroachment, it was high time the Authorities thought of  hiking gorilla permit costs to promote Conservation.  The limited number of travelers  is therefore an indirect way of gorilla conservation in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some part of the gorilla permits money is put back in conservation of gorilla habitats and facilitation of  park wardens and rangers

For Safety and Monitoring purposes

If you are a keen conservationist, you will notice that mountain gorillas are one of the few wildlife species that receive close monitoring and protection in their natural habitats. A large percentage of proceeds from gorilla permits are used for paying Gorilla Doctors, Trackers, Researchers, Tourism Police, and armed Park Rangers who monitor their health and well-being, provide treatment to sick mountain gorillas, track their movements, and provide security at all times.

Improvement in the livelihood of local communities around the Protected Area

The need to give back to the local communities near gorilla park is another reason for the costly gorilla permits. 10% of   the total money collected from the sell of gorilla permits is given back to local communities living around and near gorilla parks.   “Revenue Sharing schemes” in which local people are funded to take part in different hand work activities has changed the attitude of local people towards gorilla tourism conservation. Local people now earn from these schemes which has improved their  standards of living  and are in support of gorilla sustainable  tourism. This in the long run contributes to the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

What is the best time to visit Mountain Gorillas?

Mountain Gorillas can be visited all year round, but each season provides different opportunities and challenges. The dry season (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December) is usually recommended as the best time to visit the mountain gorillas because there are relatively fewer rains, and drier forest trails, but expect longer treks because mountain gorillas move deeper into the forest to find food and also a higher number of travelers.

The rest of the months are considered the low season with fewer visitors and higher chances of enjoying discounted rates in some Lodges. However, these months are usually marked by higher rainfall levels which make forest trails muddy and slippery hence the reason many travelers avoid them. Nonetheless, Mountain gorilla natural habitats are marked by high elevations (2500 to 4000 meters above sea level) and dense vegetation thus rains can be expected at any time of the year and also during traditional rainy months, it doesn’t rain all day. It is therefore advisable to be prepared.

People also ask

How expensive is gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non residents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000  for East African citizens. The cost can however increase if  you add other things such as transport, accommodation, meals,  driver guides and miscellaneous.

What is the cheapest way to go gorilla trekking?

There are many ways in which you can cut the cost of gorilla trekking.  Traveling in low/wet season is one way of  the cheap ways to go gorilla trekking. During this season, there are normally low visits and service providers mainly in hotels and lodges give discounted offers to attract visitors.  Trekking gorillas in Virunga National park Congo is another way of cutting gorilla trekking costs . A gorilla permit in Congo costs $450 which is far cheaper compared to $800 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda. Other ways of doing cheap gorilla safaris is by traveling in a group, staying in budget lodges/hotels and traveling in public means such as bus and taxi

Is gorilla trekking worth it?

YES,  based on the positive reviews by travelers who have done gorilla trekking before, the experience is undeniably worth it. The magical experience is once in lifetime and a dream come true for primate lovers. Most of travelers confirm that given chance, they would trek gorillas more and more again regardless of the high costs

How much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda  costs $1500 for a gorilla permit. This cost is paid by all travelers regardless of ones’ nationality . If you add transport, accommodation and other expenses, Rwanda becomes a luxury gorilla safari destination. The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda was doubles in 2017 from $750 to $1500.

What is the safest country to trek gorillas?

Uganda and Rwanda are the safest countries to trek mountain gorillas. Over the years, there have nit been any reports of civil conflicts or rebel attacks in gorilla parks in Uganda and Rwanda.  The Democratic Republic of Congo is on the other hand not safe for gorilla trekking. Apparently, gorilla safaris in Virunga National park are on halt due to insecurity in the park. However, you can visit and peacefully trek the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park