We look at the benefits of one of Uganda’s top tourism attractions, in a unique environment, after nearly 28 years of exploration. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers unmatched gorilla tourism. Gorillas are one-of-a-kind and majestic creatures that share 95 percent of their DNA with humans. These creatures can only be found on the African continent and getting closer to them is once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rare endangered mountain gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also reside in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
However, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world’s most population of mountain gorillas is a popular safari destination in Uganda, which is bordered by Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and the Republic of Rwanda in East Africa. The park is perched in Kigezi region in the southwest of Uganda at the foothills of massive Virunga mountain range. Bwindi Impenetrable national park was established in 1991 and is home to over 13 different primate species, 120 different animal species and about 400 different flora species. Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija sector and Rushaga sectors are the four sectors / regions in which gorillas are tracked.
The first habituated gorilla family to be observed and opened for visitation in the park was Mubare in the Buhoma sector in the year 1993, which sparked the beginning of gorilla tourism in this park. Hundreds of visitors track the apes each year, signaling a significant increase in the activity.
The government as well as local communities have benefited immensely from gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by creating jobs, from which people can earn money to improve livelihoods. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has hired a large number of individuals as ranger guides, park wardens, and other positions. Others work as porters, assisting Gorilla trekkers with their gear, while the rest work in the lodging facilities near this park.
Development of a positive image of Uganda as a country. Uganda has risen to the top of the list as one of the best safari destinations in the world, thanks to gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest! This is because of the fact that Uganda is fortunate enough to be one of very few countries that host these uncommon creatures.
The sale of gorilla trekking permits generates revenue, which helps to improve the country’s GDP. Each day, approximately 40 gorilla trekking permits are available for purchase, with prices ranging from $700 for non-residents to 250,000 ugx for Ugandans and East Africans to $600 for international citizens. This money supports conservation activities to protect these apes, as well as salaries / wages of ranger guides and contribution to the park’s surrounding villages.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is still quite intact and well-known for gorilla trekking adventures. This is one of the country’s oldest natural forests which makes a significant contribution to the country’s positive climatic change.
Gorilla tourism has had an impact on the gorillas’ survival and conservation. To save the environment of these special primates, deforestation reduced and poaching was almost completely stopped. Therefore, as more people visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking, the more secure these apes become.
The park’s surrounding communities have heavily reaped the benefits of gorilla tourism. This is accomplished through a 10% payment towards trekking permits, wages for porters, and employment in the nearby eco lodges, souvenir sales and cultural entertainment groups.
The ideal months to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla tourism are June to September and December to February, when there is little to no rains and climbing is simple than during wet seasons. The park is open all year, with trekking beginning at dawn and lasting approximately 2-7 hours, inclusive of one hour for taking photos and queries.
Gorilla tourism in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park benefits local communities, researchers, government and the entire world. Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to contribute to gorilla conservation and protection.
