Why Gorilla Tracking is More About Conservation Than Adventure
There are various true reasons as to why Gorilla tracking is more about conservation than adventure, and because the mountain Gorillas are listed among the most rare and endangered primate species there is a need for them to be conserved from extinction.
The great need for gorilla conservation is not just about the primates and their habitat but also other animal species, plant species as well as local communities around the national parks that tend to rely on these natural forests for food, income for a living and herbal medicine for their healthy treatment.
Gorilla tracking is one of the finest and most remarkable life time adventure experiences of having an encounter with the endangered mountain Gorillas in the mostly mist-covered montane rainforests where these primate species tend to harbor. There are generally a few countries in the whole world that are home to these endangered species and specifically mountain Gorillas and Gorilla tracking activity can be done in only three countries and that is Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of 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, this permit is usually bought 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 the gorillas themselves but also help to protect other various animal species and plant species that share the same habitat with the Gorillas.
And one of the reasons why Gorilla tracking is more about conservation than adventure is that it majorly increases support for gorilla conservation by improving the effectiveness of these gazetted National park areas, improving enforcement in stopping the illegal poaching activities especially among the local communities through sensitizing programs and even the international community.
The cost of a mountain gorilla permit varies depending on the country where you want to have your gorilla encounter from and since Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is done in the Volcanoes National Park, and is the only park in this country with Gorillas, the gorilla permits goes for upto 1500 US dollars per person, In Uganda Gorilla tracking can be done in its two different parks i.e. Mgahinga National Park and the most visited and famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the cost of a gorilla permit hers is slightly cheaper and goes for only 700 US dollars per person and also in the Democratic republic of Congo which has both mountain and lowland gorillas in its Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park respectively, the cost of a gorilla permit is at 400US dollars per person.
The pricey gorilla permits and the rules and regulations for Gorilla tracking activity which limits the number of people visiting each gorilla family per day to 8 people maximum aid in conservation are one of the reasons why gorilla trekking is more about conservation than adventure.
Also the money paid for gorilla tracking upto 10 percent of each of each of these permits goes to local communities that surround the gorilla National Parks and thus they are able to sustain their livelihood and families without engaging in illegal activities that harm the existence of Gorillas and their natural habitat.
To do Gorilla tracking most often tourists will require accommodation facilities of where to stay before or after their most exciting and life time adventure activity and for that reason there are a number of accommodation properties that have been established around these national parks which provide jobs to the local communities and this helps 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 give opportunities for the local people who were ex poachers to engage in activities for Gorilla tracking such as being trained rangers and trekking porters and thus helping in transforming their attitude and earning a living for bettering their lives.
Rwanda and Uganda are both open for travels and if you are interested in meeting these gentle giant in their natural habitat you can either choose Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and have the most exceptional and life time safari moments.
Kindly talk to us to arrange your Gorilla safari adventure trip which you can also complement with wildlife safari, cultural encounters or hiking adventures.
