Why Is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive in Uganda and Rwanda? Why is gorilla trekking so expensive? Gorilla trekking is so expensive because the cost involved in conserving and protecting gorillas is very high. The largest percentage of gorilla permit fees is used to support different activities involved in saving the lives of gorillas in the wild. There is a high cost involved in conserving these apes and it involves a number of aspects including paying staff–the park trackers, rangers, veterinary doctors and others.
Gorilla trekking is costly but still stands out as Africa’s most favorite primate adventure. It is a bucket-list adventure among most visitors’ travel plans to Africa. Gorillas are huge in size and share over 98% of their DNA with humans which makes them our closest relatives. Each gorilla has a unique nose prints just like humans do have distinct thumb prints.
Reasons why gorilla trekking is so expensive in Detail
Gorilla trekking is so expensive due to various reasons. First, the cost involved in conserving and protecting gorillas is very high. The largest percentage of gorilla permit fees is used to support different activities involved in saving the lives of gorillas in the wild. There is a high cost involved in conserving these apes and it involves a number of aspects including paying staff –the park trackers, rangers, veterinary doctors, and others.
Mountain gorillas are endangered species living in only 3 countries worldwide, and the demand to track or see them is high. To minimize the huge numbers and exposure to humans, respective gorilla safari destinations have set prices for gorilla permits. In Uganda, a single gorilla permit for foreign non-residents goes for USD 800; foreign residents obtain Uganda gorilla permits at USD 700 and shs. 300,000 is charged for Ugandans and the rest of the East African citizens.
Gorillas have up to 98% of their DNA similar to that of man, which makes them very susceptible to infectious human diseases. Considering this fact, there is a lot that is required to ensure that these apes survive today and for the next generations to come.
Support adjacent communities & conservation initiatives –gorilla trekking and gorilla permits are expensive the fact that part of the money paid for this adventure goes back to finance the various projects in the local communities adjacent to protected areas such as Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Uganda through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offers 20% of the tourism revenue collection back to community –this is through their tourism revenue sharing scheme while in Rwanda, Rwanda Development Board provides 10%.
Through the tourism revenue sharing scheme, there are different projects run by communities that are financed including bee-keeping, goat rearing, provision of clean water, craft making, and more. All these projects are intended to make locals living adjacent to the park to embrace wildlife or gorilla conservation and protection.
Other factors that make gorilla trekking expensive
There are many others that make gorilla trekking costly include accommodation choice, cost of transportation and other activities. The accommodation rates in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo vary and a budget option can cost from USD 50 to USD 130 per night. A good standard/moderate/midrange lodge can be booked at USD 150 to USD 200 while luxury options are available at USD 400 to USD 5500 per night.
When planning a gorilla tour, you can choose the lodge that fits your wallet size. If you are on a budget trip, there is no need to go for a luxury lodge. There are many budget/basic lodging options to retire for a night while on Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda including Gift of Nature Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Buhoma Rest Camp, Kinigi Guesthouse, Musanze Caves Hotel, Bwindi View Bandas, Broadbill Forest Camp, and Muhabura Hotel.
Transport costs –you must plan for your flight from your home country to Uganda/Rwanda/Congo and back then travel to and from your gorilla safari destination. Depending on the airline, you may require at least USD 600 to USD 2500 for your flight from country of origin.
Within Uganda or Rwanda, there is an option of hiring a car for your road trip to and back from gorilla parks. Driving time from Kampala to Bwindi/Mgahinga is between 8 and 10 hours from Kampala, and from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, it is about 2-3 hours’ drive.
Cost of items to be packed for your gorilla tour –there are essentials to be included on your packing list and include sunscreen, insect repellent, hand/gardening gloves, waterproof hiking, daypack, a camera, long trousers, long sleeved shirts, a sweater and rain jacket, etc.
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