Responsible Tourism: Protecting the Uganda Gorillas

Gorilla safaris are a form of responsible tourism that benefit everyone. See how these safaris are protecting Uganda gorillas and creating a stronger country.

 

Are you an adventure tourist? Are you passionate about animals?

If so, consider visiting the Uganda gorillas in their native habitat.

Thinking about a Gorilla Safari?

For adventurous travelers, a trip to Uganda to see the gorillas in the rainforest is a true “bucket list” item.

But what about the environmentalist tenet: “Do no harm.” Could gorilla tourism hurt gorillas?

The good news is the answer is no. Strict rules governing gorilla tours actually do the opposite.

The rise of responsible tourism in Uganda is helping protect these endangered creatures.

A History of Uganda Gorillas

Mountain gorillas live in the Virunga mountain range spanning Central Africa. These volcanic mountains in Rwanda, Republic of Congo, and Uganda are remote and heavily forested.

Today experts estimate that there are less than 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists them as “critically endangered.”

Civil war and poaching have devastated their population.

These animals are also susceptible to diseases as humans encroach on their habitats. Gorillas can catch fatal diseases and infections from contact with people.

The destruction of forested areas of the mountains has also limited the gorillas’ habitat.

Uganda Gorillas: Just Like Us

Mountain gorillas are often called “gentle giants.” They are highly social animals who live in complex family groups.

Researchers like Dian Fossey have recorded the many ways in which gorilla behavior resembles that of humans. They hug, cry and beg for food. Young gorillas play games with each other.

Gorillas often walk upright. They also “knuckle-walk” because their arms are so long.

The “silverback” male is the leader of the group.

Gorillas are herbivores and eat plants, leaves, and fruits.

Studies of their genetic structure show that humans and gorillas shared a common ancestor six million years ago.

Human Dangers to Gorillas

Dian Fossey‘s life was depicted in the popular movie “Gorillas in the Mist.”

From the 1960s through the 1980s, she devoted her life to studying and protecting the gorillas from threats by poachers, civil war, and disease.

Fossey originally objected to tourism as a threat to gorillas.

However, the organization formed in her name, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, now advocates responsible tourism.

Carefully regulated tourism can bring many benefits to the species and the country.

Responsible tourism lets humans observe gorillas in the wild without disrupting their environment. It also protects gorillas from the threats which previously came close to wiping them out.

Benefits of Responsible Tourism

In Uganda, responsible gorilla tourism has resulted in a significant generation of revenue. 

This revenue benefits the local population in several ways.

Tourists purchase passes to the national parks for $500 and up. The money goes towards conservation.

Tourism creates employment. Local citizens take jobs as guides or in other industries related tourism.

Tourism dollars create jobs in the wider community. Hotels and lodges for tourists must be built, and food must be shipped in and prepared.

Efforts to protect tourists also protect wildlife. Clearing snares set by poachers ensures that neither humans nor gorillas are in danger.

Strict rules prevent humans from getting too close to the gorillas, so the animals won’t contract diseases from their visitors.

Balancing Tourism with Delicate Ecosystems

The curiosity and enthusiasm of the international visitors should be encouraged. However, strict regulations are needed to protect the species those visitors have come to observe.

Setting limits on the number of park passes issued per day helps to limit how many people are entering the environment.

The high prices for tickets to the parks also help visitors understand the value of the experience.

Guides enforce rules prohibiting any touching or other interference with the gorillas.

Uganda: Not Just Gorillas

Trekking through the mountains to see the Uganda gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But the country offers many other attractions to visitors.

Winston Churchill once called Uganda “the pearl of Africa”.

In addition seeing mountain gorillas, tourists to this country may also visit Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile, and the Mountains of the Moon.

They can observe many species of game animals and birds. Bwindi Forest National Park alone boasts more than 200 butterfly species and over 300 species of trees.

Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees also live in Bwindi Forest National Park.

Visitors also can observe the culture of the indigenous people: the Batwa, or the “Pygmy people.”

The Growing Tourism Industry

In 2016, Uganda welcomed over 1.2 million visitors, and the industry is estimated to be growing more than 10 % each year.

The country is trying to create a single visa program with Kenya and Rwanda. This would make it easier for international tourists to visit several countries at once.

Tourism is essential for growth in the country and the region.

If authorities continue to enforce strict rules, the growth in tourism will also benefit the Uganda gorillas.

Gorilla Tourism Helps the Gorillas

Critics claim that animal tourism interferes with animals’ natural habitats and behavior.

For example, in some countries, tourists pay high prices to pet tigers or ride elephants. Opponents claim that this submissive behavior is not natural to wild animals and could mean the animals are being abused.

With tourists willing to pay high prices for such activities, local entrepreneurs may not always choose what is right for the animals.

Uganda has taken steps to prevent this kind of abuse.

Tourists on treks in the national parks can view gorillas without endangering the environment.

In fact, by buying a ticket to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will be helping the gorillas.

Entrance fees support local jobs, infrastructure and community building.

More tourism jobs help move people out of poverty and remove incentives for poaching.

Visit the Uganda Gorillas

If you want to get face to face with one of the earth’s most intriguing animals, take a trip to see the Uganda gorillas.

If you ‘re interested in an adventure which does not harm the environment, book a trip to see the Uganda gorillas.

Your participation may very well save a life,  and yours will never be the same.