Gorilla trekking: Where does your permit payment go?

Tracking gorillas is one of the most captivating activities in Africa, if not the world.  If your dream is to track endangered gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, or in the Republic of Congo, a considerable part of your holiday cost will go towards your Gorilla Trekking Permit. We break down why permits are crucial and why they are so pricey, focussing on Rwanda – where the largest gorilla population is found.   

Historically mountain gorillas have fallen victim to poaching and, in some areas, been caught in the crossfire between armed groups and Government soldiers.  Gorillas are found in areas with fertile land and rich vegetation, resulting in frequent contact with humans.  This has led to competition for space, spread of diseases from humans to animals and deforestation.  It is therefore critical that Governments are incentivized to step in and conserve these endangered species.  One way to assist in doing so, is through sustainable and well-managed tourism.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains is home to just over a thousand gorillas, with 10 families available for trekking.  Only 80 permits are issued per day for the Volcanoes National Park.  You and 5 other visitors will trek to one of the gorilla families to spend an hour with these magnificent creatures.  The Rwandan Development Board currently charge USD1500 per gorilla trek permit. The fact that they are so endangered has contributed to the high price for permits.  This seems like a steep price to pay but consider that what might have been a bleak outlook for the species just a couple of decades ago, has brightened in recent years due to conservation efforts, made possible in part by the sale of the trekking permits.

The Gorilla Trekking Permit funds go towards: 

• Governments need funds to protect the primates and preserve their natural habitat 
• Expanding the gorillas’ habitat.  As the numbers grow due to the incredible conservation work done, so does the need for habitat for the gorillas to survive in.  The Government need to buy up land and expand the Park, which also means more staff to protect the area. 
• The local communities and former poachers gain economically from the employment opportunities.  Many locals and former poaches are employed as rangers, guides, porters or become Gorilla vets.  The Rwandan Development Board want to ensure that the communities living near the park area receive a share of tourism revenues to fund development projects and empower them economically.  Communities surrounding the park receive a portion of the permit fee.  Potential poachers are also disincentivised as gorillas are protected, but are also educated and can find employment as caretakers. 
• Illegal entry and farming inside the protected parks are prohibited, and so park rangers are permanently on guard against poachers. 

• Permits are issued to ensure the sustainability of conservation initiatives and to enhance visitors’ experiences.   
• As you head out on your hike, you will have access to a knowledgeable guide who will lead you on your gorilla trekking experience. He will lead you through safe trails to the gorilla family you have been allocated.  The guide will provide you with relevant information on the gorilla families and general information about gorillas.  
• Park rangers ensure your safety on the trek, as other wildlife (such as hyena, elephant, and buffalo for instance) are found in the Park.

The fees raised through trekking permits have contributed significantly to the conservation of gorillas, with numbers increasing steadily over the past few years. 

It is highly recommended you plan your gorilla trekking holiday and book your gorilla permits well in advance, especially if you are planning to travel during the peak season months of June to August.  In doing so, you are directly contributing to conservation and the sustainable preservation of an endangered species.  Now isn’t that the sort of thing you want to leave behind for future generations?