Why Gorilla Trekking is a Conservational Experience
Why Gorilla Trekking is a Conservational Experience: There are several genuine reasons why gorilla tracking is more about conservation than adventure, and because mountain gorillas are classed as one of the most uncommon and endangered primate species, they must be saved from extinction.
The great need for gorilla conservation is not only for the primates and their habitat, but also for other animal species, plant species, and local communities around national parks that rely on these natural forests for food, income, and herbal medicine for their health treatment.
Gorilla tracking is one of the greatest and most unforgettable lifetime adventure experiences of seeing endangered mountain gorillas in the largely mist-covered highland rainforests where these primate species like to live. There are just a few nations in the world that are home to these endangered animals, primarily mountain gorillas, and gorilla tracking can only be done in three of them: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is mandatory for anyone going for gorilla trekking activity in any of the known Gorilla National Parks in either of these countries to have a gorilla tracking permit, which is usually purchased from the respective park authorities for either of the countries in which you are going to have your gorilla tracking experience from and thus the government authorities in charge of these parks use this money to enforce Gorilla conservation programs, which not only work to protect gorillas but also to educate people about gorilla conservation, Why Gorilla Trekking is a Conservational Experience.
And one of the reasons why gorilla tracking is more about conservation than an adventure is that it significantly increases support for gorilla conservation by improving the effectiveness of these gazetted National park areas, improving enforcement in stopping illegal poaching activities, particularly among local communities via sensitization programs, and even the international community.
The cost of a mountain gorilla permit varies depending on where you want to have your gorilla encounter, and because gorilla tracking in Rwanda is done in the Volcanoes National Park, which is the only park in this country with gorillas, gorilla permits can cost up to 1500 US dollars per person.
In Uganda, gorilla tracking can be done in two different parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the most visited and famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park; the cost of a gorilla permit here is slightly cheaper and costs only 700 US dollars per person; and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has both mountain and lowland gorillas in its Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks, the cost of a gorilla permit is 400US dollars per person.
One of the reasons why gorilla trekking is more about conservation than an adventure is the costly gorilla permits and the laws and regulations for Gorilla tracking activities, which limit the number of persons visiting each gorilla family per day to 8 individuals maximum assist in conservation.
Furthermore, up to 10% of the money paid for gorilla tracking permits goes to local communities that surround the gorilla National Parks, allowing them to sustain their livelihoods and families without engaging in illegal activities that endanger the existence of gorillas and their natural habitat.
To go gorilla tracking, most tourists will need a place to stay before or after their most exciting and life-changing adventure activity, so there are a number of accommodation properties that have been established around these national parks that provide jobs to the local communities and help transform the local people’s mindset towards gorilla conservation. Some lodges have established community initiatives to help in changing their lives for a better living.
These Gorilla National Parks also provide possibilities for ex-poachers to participate in Gorilla tracking operations like as becoming trained rangers and trekking porters, therefore improving their mentality and earning a living to improve their life.
Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo are all open for travel and if you want to meet these gentle giants in their natural habitat, you can go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and have the most exceptional and once-in-a-lifetime safari moments.
Please contact us to plan your Gorilla safari adventure vacation, which you may combine with a wildlife safari, cultural experiences, or hiking activities.
