The Role of Gorilla Trekking in Conservation Efforts

Gorilla trekking is more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience—it’s a critical conservation tool that has helped pull mountain gorillas back from the brink of extinction. Here’s how responsible tourism directly supports gorilla survival and ecosystem protection.


1. Funding Anti-Poaching & Ranger Patrols

  • Permit fees (700–700–700–1,500 per trek) finance:
    • Ranger salaries (who protect gorillas 24/7)
    • Snare removal teams (thousands of wire traps are cleared annually)
    • Canine units (tracking dogs that find poachers)
  • Example: In Rwanda, 10% of permit revenue goes directly to the Rwanda Development Board’s conservation fund.

2. Creating Economic Alternatives to Poaching

  • Jobs for locals: 60% of park staff in Bwindi are from nearby communities.
  • Former poachers now work as:
    • Guides
    • Porters
    • Lodge staff
  • Result: Gorillas are now worth more alive than dead to local people.

3. Supporting Community Development

  • Uganda’s revenue-sharing policy: 20% of permit fees fund:
    • Schools
    • Health clinics
    • Clean water projects
  • Example: Buhoma Community Hospital (built with trekking revenue) treats both people and gorillas.

4. Enabling Scientific Research & Monitoring

  • Habituation programs (training gorillas to tolerate humans) rely on tourism income.
  • Veterinary care: The Gorilla Doctors NGO (funded by tourism) provides emergency medical care.
  • Population tracking: Regular treks help monitor gorilla health and numbers.

5. Raising Global Awareness

  • Visitor stories (like yours!) become powerful advocacy tools.
  • Celebrity trekkers (e.g., Ellen DeGeneres, Natalie Portman) amplify conservation messages.
  • Social media turns tourists into conservation ambassadors.

The Proof: Gorilla Numbers Are Rising

  • 1989: Only 620 mountain gorillas left.
  • 2024: Over 1,063 (thanks to trekking-supported efforts).
  • 2018: Mountain gorillas were downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered—a rare conservation win.

How Trekkers Can Maximize Their Impact

Choose responsible operators (verified by IGCP or UWA)
Tip guides/rangers (their dedication saves gorillas daily)
Visit lesser-known parks (like Mgahinga, Uganda) to distribute benefits
Share your experience to inspire others


The Bottom Line

Gorilla trekking proves that wildlife tourism, when done right, can be the best conservation strategy we have. Your permit isn’t just a ticket—it’s a lifeline for an entire ecosystem.