Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money
Is gorilla trekking worth the money? Tourists that have managed to undertake gorilla trekking will definitely attest to the fact that there is no memorable experience as coming face-to-face with the gentle giants.
This is something that cannot be replicated anywhere else. It is very worth every effort, money and time put to planning your Africa safari to trek gorilla in Rwanda.
In this article, we mainly focus on those that have not yet done it and are wondering if gorilla trekking is worth the money spent on it?
The answer to the question is gorilla trekking worth the money is a definite yes. Gorilla trekking is worth the cost, energy and time. From the reviews of the past travelers, the experience as unforgettable, magical and life-changing worth the penny.
What About The High Gorilla Permit Cost?
Despite the high costs, discomfort and time, gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo remain the best wildlife experience worth doing. Over time, most people who have never been to the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo ask themselves “is gorilla trekking worth the amount”?
Yes, we assure you that a close encounter with the endangered species is a one of a kind experience. This is an African safari tour experience that no traveler should miss.
There is a magical feeling that one gets on seeing the silverback gorilla and the human-like characters of gorillas in their families. You will not miss their social interactions make these gentle giants worth visiting.
These mountain giants live in the jungles of Bwindi, Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga national park. Gorilla watching is a thrilling experience, which has impressed some people to do it over and over again despite the high cost, energy and time required to meet these gentle giants.
Gorilla trekking Rwanda prices
Gorillas are found in Rwanda, Uganda and D. R Congo. One needs a permit to be able to trek mountain gorillas. The gorilla permit price vary from one country to the other.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda needs $1500 for a gorilla permit. Rwanda gorilla permits were hiked in May 2017, when the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) doubled permit costs from $750 to $1500 per person.
The major reason for the hiked gorilla permits in Rwanda is to improve gorilla conservation and the livelihoods of local people living adjacent to the park. In other words, money earned from the sale of gorilla permits is used to support gorilla conservation while 20% is given to local people to improve their standards of living.
Gorilla permits Uganda
Unlike Rwanda, Uganda gorilla permit cost is quite cheaper. A single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and 250,000USH for East African residents.
Gorilla permits Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the cheapest gorilla permits. Mountain gorilla permits in this central African country is only $450. The reason for low-cost gorilla permits in Congo is civil conflicts and political fights which have made Congo one of the insecure travel destinations. This has made D. R. Congo not a safe country in Africa.
Also, the rampant kidnap and killing of park rangers in Virunga national park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas is a threat to gorilla tourism in the park hence fewer visits. In all gorilla destinations, gorilla-tracking costs outweigh other wildlife experiences.
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Effort and Discomfort?
Gorilla trekking is involving and you will go up the hills and down the valleys. It majorly depends on the gorilla family you will be trekking. This will come with some discomfort and fatigue.
However, all these discomfort and fatigue disappear the moment you set your eyes on the silverback gorilla. You will surely love it. Gorilla trekking is a strenuous adventure, which entails hiking through the thick jungle forests with muddy and slippery grounds.
The hiking time can vary from 30 minutes to full day depending on the location of the gentle giants. Expect wet, gloomy, muddy and slippery grounds, thorny bushes and ground insects during your search for the gorillas.
Expect hiking from in the high altitudinal areas, which is surely tiresome. However, upon reaching the gorillas, you will not regret the efforts and believe that this once in a lifetime magical experience is worth the discomfit and energy.
Time to spend with gorillas
All the trekkers are allowed to spend an hour in the company of a mountain gorilla family. This hour is counted from the time travelers get in contact with gorillas.
Often, travelers are reminded to fully utilize this hour. You need to observe carefully the social characters of gorillas, take photos, capture videos and enjoy the company of these gentle giants in their native habitats.
If you want to spend more time with gorillas, book a gorilla habituation experience, which although more expemsive, allows you to spend four hours with mountain gorillas. This experience is only done in Uganda on the Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. Asingle gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 but the experience is worth the price.
How many people allowed
8 people will be allowed every day visit a gorilla one family for an hour. Gorilla family allocation depends on physical fitness, age and hiking abilities of a traveler. You are therefore reminded to disclose your hiking abilities to your tour operator so as to get a gorilla family for you.
In general, gorilla trekking is worth the amount, energy and time. The increased number of visits to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda each day is evidence that gorilla trekking is never disappointing. Book a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo today, meet face to face with the gentle giants and enjoy this lifetime experience.