Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the few activities that has positively impacted conservation and community development not only in Uganda but also in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here are some of the major benefits of gorilla trekking to Uganda
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The revenue from Gorilla trekking is used to strengthen the protection of endangered gorillas from poachers and avoidable diseases. Uganda wildlife Authority is employing more rangers and soldiers to safeguard Mountain Gorillas and all the protected areas.
Ecotourism is considered the most appropriate form of tourism for the property since the park was gazetted; Bwindi is the “cow park” for the Uganda Wildlife Authority generating almost 50% of the total annual revenue.
The considerable income generated from gorilla tourism safeguards the maintenance of the protected areas, the national park authorities benefit from this income, as does anybody who generates income from gorilla tourism
Poaching is being eradicated due to Gorilla tourism. The government of Uganda is putting emphasis on Gorilla tourism at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has helped to eradicate poaching; poaching in Bwindi is mainly by snaring.
Social service delivery
Areas around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park benefit from revenue obtained from Gorilla trekking in terms of better services. Clean water, better health services, schools, and security among others.
Employment of Locals
Gorilla tourism has also helped in the provision of employment to tour guides, ranger guides, cooks, security guards, drivers, and Hotel attendants among others.
Gorilla tourism has been a significant tourist attraction for Uganda since 1993 and has the capacity to generate substantial income for the country.
The frontline communities around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Parks have been employed at the park as porters and the sharing of revenue from gorilla tourism with the local communities around BINP requires the allocation to local communities of USD $ 10 on every permit sold.
Benefits of Gorilla Trekking To Trekkers
Gorilla trekking in Uganda comes with a few important benefits to the trekkers among which include the following.
Trekkers gain physical fitness
While searching for mountain Gorillas, you climb hills and slope valleys. In the process, trekkers gain physical fitness after vigorous exercise.
Trekkers gain knowledge
Gorilla trekking is a study tour. You will not only learn about Gorillas but also about other things like relief, vegetation, drainage, birds, and so on. The rangers go on educating trekkers about many things in the forest.
Trekkers gain a sense of team working
Gorilla trekking is done in groups of eight people per habituated gorilla family. In that case, guests learn to work as a team to achieve a common goal. It should be noted that all trekkers aim at meeting Gorillas in their natural habitat so, the rangers and the trekkers strive to meet them.
The gorilla trekking experience refreshes the mind. When you are amidst the rare mountain Gorillas and in a fresh environment, your mind is reset.