Is Gorilla trekking worth the Money? Yes, Gorilla trekking is absolutely worth the money, effort & time spent.
Travellers that have experienced gorilla trekking will definitely agree with me that the experience of coming face-to-face with these gentle giants is very worth every effort, money and time put to planning the gorilla trekking holiday. However, in this article, we are mainly focusing on those that have not yet done it and are wondering if gorilla trekking is worth the money spent on it?
Understanding if Gorilla Trekking is Worth the Money Spent On it?
The Price of Gorilla Permits Is Gorilla trekking worth the money
The cost of a permit presently is US$700 per person trekking gorillas in Uganda or US$1,500 per person trekking gorillas in Rwanda – seems like a lot of money just before knowing that it pays for a lot of other things, including the protection and conservation of the once critically endangered Mountain Gorillas whose RUI Redlist status was recently re-classified as endangered and no longer critically endangered – thanks to the cash from the sell of gorilla permits that are used to finance further research and gorilla conservation that involves paying off the people leaving close to the forest as a way of creating buffer zones that assists in mitigating the human-wildlife conflicts arising from habitat loss caused by human encroachment of the forest. It is also equally important to understand that there is up to a 10% profit sharing with the local communities.
The US$700 paid for permits in Uganda or US$1,500 for permits in Rwanda pays for the Habituation of the Gorillas which takes up to two years, the local communities are educated to see the benefits of protecting the Mountain Gorillas since they bring them much needed finances that underwrite the costs of various community projects.
While we absolutely understand that US$700 or US$1,500 spent on purchases of gorilla permits is a lot of money but we like to request that you look at it as an investment into the survival and protection of the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the surrounding communities including the original people of the forest – the Batwa Pygmy Community. It is the experience – that is above the price.
Is it worth the time spent? The 1-hour with the Gorillas
Correct, one (01) hour is the official time allocated for trekkers to spend viewing a group of habituated mountain gorillas. This might just be the most magical, memorable one (01) hour of your life experience since there is no place including zoos where you can go to see a Mountain gorilla except in the wild forested Virunga massif that straddles across three (03) countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.
Why are there no Mountain gorillas in the Zoos? Mountain Gorillas have never survived in captivity – they are born free and can only live free and you can only visit them in their habitats such as the one in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Volcanoes National Park
Why is gorilla trekking strictly 1-hour? The one (01) hour is designed for the well-being of the mountain Gorillas as they continue with their day. This helps in minimizing the chance of infections such as colds, flu, measles and whatever else …remember they carry up to 98% DNA similarity to human beings.
New in Uganda: Uganda has developed a new gorilla product dubbed ” Gorilla Habituation” this allows visitors up to 4 hours with the gorillas and costs US$1500 per permit.
The rules are very strict: The gorilla trekking rules are in place for the protection of the Mountain Gorillas and were laid out after much research, input from the Gorilla Doctors who conduct regular forest visits including major surgeries on injured or ailing mountain gorillas in the forest.
The well-being of the Mountain Gorillas is on everyone’s mind and that is the way it should be. It is all about conservation and not just tourism, tourism pays for conservation.
There is also research ongoing by organizations that attempt to ascertain whether there are any new disease threats that can be passed on by the Mountain Gorillas to Humans.
The discomfort – Hiking for Long Hours
With the treks through the impenetrable forest of Bwindi lasting five to six hours in total – some days it may last the entire day, we absolutely can’t sugar-coat the experience but only agree that it is discomforting. However, those that get to see the mountain gorillas often lament, yes the trek was tough, but the experience is well worth it.
Top tips on managing discomfort
- Take a Local Porter. To manage the discomfort on your next gorilla trek, we do recommend taking a local porter to assist with carrying your backpack, and also giving you a hand all through your trek. Remember all porters are locals who have grown and work on this terrain their entire life and definitely know how to go about it. (see: why to take a porter On your gorilla trek).
- Dress appropriately. Bringing & wearing the right gorilla trekking outfit & gear might reduce the discomfort associated with packing and wearing the wrong gear or outfit. (See: A practical guide to packing right for your gorilla Trek).
- Know when to go. While gorilla trekking can be done all year round, it is important to understand that the experience during the dry season is a lot different from when you opt to go gorilla trekking in the rainy season months when the grounds a wet, soggy & slippery. (Seen: When is best to go Gorilla trekking?)
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