Gorilla trekking has become one of the most sought after Tourism activities in the three East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. This is influenced by the fact that mountain gorillas are one of man’s closest relatives and are in danger of becoming extinct if they are not protected. Statistics has it that there are roughly about 1063 mountain gorillas still left in the world. This has been a result of great efforts made to protect the remaining primates.
Why Gorilla Trekking is Expensive
Why is Gorilla Trekking expensive? Gorilla Trekking is expensive because wild gorillas are rare and found in few countries. To access the primates, one is required to get a gorilla permit which is quite expensive. For example to acquire a gorilla permit in Rwanda, one has to pay 1500 US Dollars. In Uganda one must pay 700 US Dollars and in Congo 450 US Dollars. The overall cost of gorilla trekking has made it difficult for everyone to partake in the activity. To take part in Gorilla Trekking, one must also consider the cost of visas, airline tickets, accommodation and meals.
It is important to note that the high cost of gorilla permits help reduce the number of people visiting the primates hence avoiding distress from excessive human interactions. It should be noted that gorillas carry about 98% of the human DNA and as a result are highly susceptible to human diseases. The chances of them getting infected with communicable diseases is reduced when fewer people access them.
Gorilla Trekking is expensive because there is need to source funds for their protection/conservation. Money raised from gorilla permits is used for providing healthcare services to sick primates, carrying out continuous research and investing towards the sustainability of the tourism sector.
The obligation to invest in the safety of the primates and also do close monitoring of the animals has made the activity expensive. This is because the Game Rangers assigned to these tasks must be paid for their services which entail monitoring the primates. Such monitoring includes knowing where they last built their nests so as to help the Guides and tourists to easily locate the gorilla families during trekking. The Rangers also make sure that there are no poachers trying to access the forests to endanger the animals.
Gorilla Trekking is expensive because a certain percentage of the monetary proceeds is given to the surrounding communities of the national parks to improve their livelihoods and also set up infrastructures like roads, water sources and schools among other things.
It is important to point out that the cost of transport to and from the national parks, accommodations, meals and visas have also made the overall experience of gorilla trekking an expensive venture. Additionally, the cost of trekking equipment like hiking boots, binoculars, cameras, insect repellents together with tips for Guides and hiring porters where need be makes the final cost expensive.
In summary, gorilla trekking is considered an expensive tourism activity due the reasons discussed above. The overall cost of gorilla trekking shouldn’t discourage a potential traveler. One can consult a good tour company to help create a tour plan that best suits your budget and specific needs.
