Why is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive/Costly in Rwanda & Uganda

Here Are the Reasons Why is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive/Costly in Rwanda & Uganda. Why is Gorilla Trekking so Expensive in Rwanda, Uganda. Because Mountain Gorillas are endangered and only in three countries of the world. Because of this, many people have wished to go Gorilla trekking which has made governments increase the cost of permits as a way of minimizing the numbers visiting these natural habitats daily. 

Mountain Gorillas are only found in the African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To see mountain gorillas a tourist needs to take a trekking tour on Uganda Gorilla Safaris, Rwanda Gorilla Tours, or Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari.

Uganda Gorilla trekking permit costs US$ 800, in Rwanda, it costs US$ 1500, and US$ 450 for a permit in Congo. Mountain Gorilla Trekking is known to be one of the most expensive safari activities, however, there are reasons why Gorilla Permits are expensive, and here is why;


Exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Why is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive

Habitat & Gorilla Protection:

Controlling the number of people entering these natural habitats daily is the only way to conserve both the endangered mountain gorillas as well as their remaining natural habitat. Remember, mountain gorillas live in their natural habitat and attempts to have them in zoos failed. These are great apes that are very susceptible to human diseases and if there is congestion in their habitat it could pose a threat to their wellbeing. 

Gorilla conservation:

The other factor is also that mountain gorillas are a conservation-based species as efforts from conservationists have yielded good results with the population steadily increasing.  Conservation of the mountain gorillas requires funds and therefore contributes to the value of how much each person must pay to interact with a family of these gentle giants. The highest percentage (about 75%) of the money collected from gorilla permits goes to conservation. 

Safety and monitoring of Mountain Gorillas:

Each day mountain gorillas should be kept safe and protected from poachers and any other threats. That’s why conservationists, trackers, guards, gorilla doctors, and many more should be at the park daily to ensure their safety. The services of the several people who ensure the safety of mountain gorillas each day are expensive and therefore contribute to the expense of the gorilla permit. 

Local community development:

This is also essential in order to keep the surrounding population from destroying the forests for survival. These gorilla habitats were formerly home and source of survival for the Batwa people as well as communities around these parks. After being evicted from the park, there’s an initiative to help them cope with life outside the forest and avoid poaching. Health facilities, roads, and educational facilities have been constructed as a benefit to these communities to keep them away from the forest and this contributes to why gorilla trekking is so expensive. 

Gorilla Trekking may seem expensive but worth the money. Tourists who have had Gorilla trekking experiences before testifying to the fact that it is a memorable activity. Imagine having a unique experience and knowing that a percentage of your permit cost is going to help conservation efforts and support those that dedicate their lives to protect these mountain gorillas as well as their habitats.

Our Top Pick: Gorilla Trekking Packages

Bwindi Gorilla Habituation from Kigali

Gorilla Habituation From Kigali
Three days Bwindi Gorilla Habituation from Kigali is a short Gorilla habituation experience to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda. Gorilla habituation Experience offers a 4 hours experience among a group of wild Gorillas that are not yet fully habituated within the Rushaga sector.

Bwindi Gorilla Habituation from Kigali

Gorilla Habituation Experience Itinerary
Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi forest are first habituated before they are introduced to Gorilla trekking tourists. The Gorilla habituation process where Wild Gorillas are tamed to get used to human presence takes about two to three years. After habituation the Gorillas are tamed and can behave “normally” in the presence of a trekking group.

Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari Uganda

Habituation And Lake Bunyonyi Tour
Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience & Lake Bunyonyi visit is the best way of spending more time with Gorillas and later on relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi for an amazing adventure. Gorilla habituation offers a 4 hours experience among a group of Wild Gorillas that are not yet fully habituated within the Rushaga sector.

Gorilla Habituation Safari Bwindi Rushaga Sector

Mountain Gorilla Habituation Safari
Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi forest is first habituated before they are introduced to Gorilla trekking tourists. The Gorilla habituation process where Wild Gorillas are tamed to get used to human presence takes about two to three years. After habituation, the Gorillas are tamed and can behave “normally” in the presence of a trekking group.