Why is gorilla trekking so expensive to Rwanda? Why is going to see the gorillas so expensive? Why is gorilla trekking so pricey, someone considering a gorilla safari to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park may ponder along the way? Due to the expensive cost of the permissions required to participate in or go to Rwanda for a gorilla safari, many tourists never get the chance to accomplish their dream of gorilla tracking. However, the reason why going on a gorilla trek costs so much is because it’s a special experience that’s well worth the money. A gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person per trip in Rwanda while it costs USD 700 per person per trek in Uganda.
The cost of gorilla permits makes gorilla trekking the priciest safari trip ever experienced in Africa. While many travelers have had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with mountain gorillas, others are preparing to go on their own gorilla excursion soon. You can choose to pay this money at any time of the year, regardless of the season to visit, even though gorilla trekking safari appears to be such an adventure and, on the other hand, such an exciting way to purchase your gorilla permit costs.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 for both nationals and non-nationals, unlike Uganda where it costs USD 700 for non-nationals, USD 600 for foreign residents, and USD 70 for nationals per trek and 450 USD in Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Permits for Rwandan gorilla trekking can be obtained directly from the Rwanda Development Board. The following list of highly enlightened reasons why going on an encounter with gorillas is so rewarding:
Are endangered species.
Because mountain gorillas are an endangered species, Rwanda and Uganda are the best places to go gorilla trekking. As a result, it compels the government to limit its involvement with large gatherings of people. Only 1063 mountain gorillas are thought to be left in the world, down from the 880 counted in the 2018 census. These gorillas are thought to live in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Perhaps this drives up the price of gorilla licences to protect the endangered animals from the hordes.
Gorillas suceptional to human diseases.
Gorilla trekking safari is popular for another reason: Mountain gorillas and humans share 98% of our DNA, making them susceptible to contracting human diseases. In this regard, we must prevent an overpopulation of humans by saving the mountain gorillas. In order to prevent overexploitation and going over the carrying capacity of gorilla national parks, gorilla permits are as expensive as to discourage some people from coming in to go gorilla trekking.
Conserving and offer sustainable Gorilla Tourism.
Due to poaching and human encroachment on the mountain gorillas’ habitats, all gorilla safari destinations experience a significant loss of mountain gorillas, which seemed to occur more frequently in the 1980s. In this instance, the authorities agreed to raise the gorilla permit costs in both nations to generate income that will aid in protecting the habitats of mountain gorillas and fostering a sustainable gorilla tourism environment.
In order to preserve the Mountain Gorillas’ habitat, Rwanda agreed to raise the Gorilla Permit Fee from USD750 in 2017 to USD1500.
The same is true for Uganda, which is now worth USD 700 instead of USD 600. These are the best authority available to promote sustainable gorilla tourism in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo while also indirectly conserving mountain gorillas.
Safety and easy Monitoring.
Due to their endangered status, mountain gorillas require ongoing monitoring to ensure their safety, which may not occur if too many people are permitted to visit the areas where they live in nature. The proceeds from the sale of gorilla permits, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, go towards supporting the ranger guides, locals in the area, the construction of schools, and range guides who keep tabs on the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitats by keeping track of their whereabouts, feeding habits, and health status.
Even the tourism police and armed rangers hired to protect mountain gorillas from any outside threats from poachers who intrude on the gorillas’ natural habitat. Evening connections between destinations are escorted by tourism police, who also protect public safety in and around the park.
Improving the livelihood of the local people.
The local people near gorilla national parks now rely on gorilla tourism as a source of revenue. Reputable governments use the money they make to help the communities in their area raise their levels of living. In Uganda, 20% of the money made from gorilla licences goes to the community, whereas in Rwanda, 10% goes to the community.
Because of this mindset of giving back to the community, locals now have a favorable outlook on gorilla tourism and conservation, which lessens conflicts over natural resources between residents and park management.
How to behave with the Mountain Gorillas.
Mountain Gorillas are peaceful, unusual creatures that maintain their peace even when surrounded by people. As a result, keep your distance from them when you are with them. They feel uneasy about this. To prevent the spread of diseases like the flu, cough, among humans and other wildlife, gorillas are not permitted to be fed or touched.
Additionally, visitors must speak quietly, refrain from smoking, and refrain from eating or drinking in front of gorillas. In the event that a gorilla approaches you, simply move aside and let it pass. Avoid looking directly into the gorillas’ eyes as they may assume you intend to attack.
Last but not least, the cost of mountain gorilla hiking is more worthwhile than you might think. Reserve a gorilla permit well in advance, particularly during the dry months of June through September and December through February.
