Why is Gorilla Trekking Expensive?

Discover why gorilla trekking is very expensive –explore the various reasons. Curious about why gorilla trekking is so expensive? Here is a great opportunity to unearth the different factors that contribute to the cost and explore more about gorilla trekking supports wildlife conservation and local communities.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is expensive due to the high cost associated with conservation efforts, need for trained guides and other experts, and park maintenance.

The gorilla permits are also limited and are available for single gorilla trekking sessions. The main aim is to reduce the effect of gorillas and ecological impact on these apes’ habitats.

About Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is by far a dream primate adventure and embarking on it is a lifetime opportunity to meet a family of gorillas. The unique bit about this adventure is that it allows you to explore mountain gorillas –unique species that exist only in the 3 countries.

Reasons Why Gorilla Trekking is Expensive

Need to protect gorillas

It takes a cost to have mountain gorillas saved from the dangers they face. Mountain gorillas are endangered and as of 2018, fewer than 1063 of these apes were recorded to exist in the wild. They are listed as the endangered species with key areas of concern including poaching, habitat loss, spread of infectious human diseases, and more.

Support conservation efforts

It is no doubt that the cost of conservation is high. A lot is required to achieve conservation goals and efforts in place yet the only source of funds to support the different initiatives come from gorilla tours or gorilla permits booked. Gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo contributed more towards gorilla conservation and protection.

Most of the conservation practices including monitoring, research, and veterinary services etc are supported from the funds derived from gorilla trekking adventures.

Safety & monitoring activities

Financing patrolling activities and other practices that ensure safety of gorillas can be costly. This is one reason why gorilla trekking is so expensive. A number of players are involved in ensuring safety and security of gorillas and their habitats. Among the players involved in protection of gorillas and their habitats include researchers, trackers, ranger guides, tourism police, gorilla doctors, and more. These experts require training and facilitation.

Gorillas are very susceptible to infectious human diseases

Mountain gorillas have up to 98.2% of their DNA similar to that of humans. They are very susceptible to infectious human diseases. Interaction with these apes requires some consciousness to prevent spread of diseases that can impact their survival. A number of agencies play a significant role to safeguard gorillas and include Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, and Rwanda Development Board.

20% of the gorilla tour fees is given back to local community

Gorilla conservation takes a collective effort and interestingly 20 percent of the gorilla tourism fee collection is given back to the local community. The gorilla tourism share contributes towards enhancing the local communities’ livelihood.

How to book a gorilla trekking tour

Contact Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd to plan and book a gorilla tour or a combined trip with wildlife and cultural tour. Reach us via info@premiumafricasafaris.com or WhatsApp: +256751246370 or +256782045763.