Gorilla tracking-which country benefits more – Gorilla trekking safaris and tours.
Mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and other nations; so, gorilla tourism has expanded in these nations when visitors visit national parks and spend one hour with the gorillas. This page will attempt to identify the nation most benefiting from gorilla tourism.
Advantages from gorilla permit sales.
Mountain gorilla permits vary depending on the nation one is planning to visit for gorillas. While in Uganda a gorilla permit costs USD800 in peak season and USD 800 in low seasons of April May and November, Rwanda’s development board charges USD1500 for a gorilla permit per person per trip.
On paper, Rwanda makes more money from the selling of gorilla licenses based on the amount paid than Uganda owing mostly on pricing. Uganda could, however, sell additional permits and decrease the price differential gap depending on cost control. This pricing differential can also help Uganda to be a less expensive travel destination than Rwanda.
Advantages for hotels and lodges
Gorilla tourism benefits hotels and lodges as well; this depends on the number of days one spends at the lodge or hotel during his/her gorilla trip. The minimum days one needs to spend on a gorilla trip in Uganda are three and thereafter two nights at any one Lodge.
You have to spend another second night in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as one night is when you get there and the second night is for trekking gorillas; you never know when you will be returning. Uganda Hotels & Lodges so enjoy more bed nights than their counterparts in Rwanda. Many visitors like trekking gorillas in Rwanda more for fewer days or nights spent than for any other reason—not because of any statistics.
You may travel to Kigali, drive directly to Volcanoes National Park, track gorillas the next day and then get to the airport for your departing flight out. This results in fewer bed nights per lodge as one requires one night at a specific resort in Rwanda. Although this benefits the visitor, it is not healthy for lodges as well as a source of government income.
Advantages for Tour Operators
Given more evenings and days spent on a gorilla trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga than in Rwanda, Ugand’s gorilla packages are more lucrative. For Uganda travel agents, discounted gorilla permits in April, May, and November is proving helpful.
Many visitors have been drawn to hike In Uganda at this time instead of Rwanda, and lodges also often lower their prices, which helps Uganda sell more easily than Rwanda.
Gorilla tourism helps all nations; depending on the approach used, we shall see who gains more in futre. Please contact Katland Safaris for any questions about gorilla trekking safaris; we will then provide appropriate advice.
