Why is Gorilla Trekking so Expensive?

Why is Gorilla Trekking so Expensive; Gorilla trekking is often hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of the world’s most majestic primates. However, the high cost of this experience can leave many travelers wondering, “Why is it so expensive?” In detailed article, we delve into the key factors behind the price tag, from conservation efforts to the exclusivity of permits, revealing how every dollar spent contributes to protecting these endangered giants and their delicate habitats.

Is Gorilla Trekking Expensive?

Gorilla Trekking is Expensive: Compared to other wildlife encounters in Africa, gorilla trekking costs are relatively high. The beautiful primates are critically endangered which puts them at great risk of extinction and a need to promote their existence has stimulated high efforts towards conservation. What are mountain gorillas?  The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN as of 2018

What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife activities on earth. The experience is much different from a game drive in top wildlife spotting areas of Serengeti, Masai Mara, or Kruger National Park. Gorilla trekking is special because mountain gorillas are some of the few creatures that look and behave like we humans. They live in families with a hierarchy where the dominant silverback dictates everything that is done by the group.

Why is Gorilla Trekking  Expensive?

Gorilla Trekking is expensive because mountain gorillas are endangered and because of that many people want to see them. The high numbers of tourists interested in seeing them have forced many governments to raise the price of permits. You can say the principle of demand and supply applies here – The higher the demand, the higher the price. But demand is not the only explanation for the high cost of gorilla permits. The high need for funds to protect the primates from extinction is also a contributor to the high price.

Being our close relatives, they are affected by most of the diseases just like those of humans, and in order to maintain their well-being, there is a need to protect them from external influence.

Gorilla conservation involves significant investments in research, rangers, and scientists and this requires money. Part of the money collected from gorilla permits is channeled towards the protection of these majestic primates.

To be more specific, 15% of the money collected goes to the government, 10% to the local communities, and 75% to gorilla conservation. It is important to also note that if the prices for permits were reduced considerably, there is a likelihood that there would be too many visitors to the parks hence affecting the overall well-being of the few habituated gorilla groups.

Gorilla trekking is possible only in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, mountain gorillas can be tracked in Mgahinga and Bwindi National Park. In Congo, the primates are found in Virunga National Park while in Rwanda they habituate the Volcanoes National Park.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money and Effort?

If this question lingers in your mind, the answer is YES, Gorilla trekking is worth the money, time spent, and effort. The previous experiences by the previous visitors who have done gorilla trekking definitely admit that the experience of coming face-to-face with these gentle endangered giants is very worth it, that is, the money, time, and efforts right from the early stages of planning the gorilla trekking safari is worth everything involved.

What is the Cost of a Gorilla Permit. 

If you are planning to do gorilla trekking in any of the three East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R Congo, you will need to acquire a gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla permit is a document that allows you access to the gorillas.

• In Uganda, a gorilla permit cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and Ugx: 300,000 for East African Residents and the prices are per person.
• In Rwanda a gorilla permit cost  $1500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents of Rwanda and rest of Africa, $200 for Rwanda residents and rates are per person.
• In Congo $400 per person.

Remarks on Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost.

While the cost of gorilla trekking may seem steep, it is an investment in one of the most meaningful wildlife conservation efforts on the planet. Each dollar not only secures an unforgettable experience for you but also directly supports the protection of endangered mountain gorillas, sustains local communities, and preserves the pristine ecosystems they call home. By choosing to embark on this journey, you become a vital part of ensuring these magnificent creatures thrive for generations to come.