Gorilla trekking is essentially a 1-4hour hike to visit these creatures in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking is a rare opportunity to help support local economies, stop poaching, save a species, and witness one of the most fascinating animals left on earth.
Gorilla trekking is special because mountain gorillas look and behave like we humans. They live in families with a hierarchy where the dominant silverback dictates everything that is done by the group. Gorilla trekking is expensive because mountain gorillas are endangered and because of that many people want to see them. The high numbers of tourists interested in seeing them has forced many governments to raise the price of permits.
Gorilla trekking is among the top and most expensive activities in the world. Below are some of the reasons why Gorilla trekking is ranked among the top tourist activities in the world:
- Gorillas are endangered species – they can get extinct if not well protected. For that case, many people yarn to see them before they get extinct. Gorilla faces many challenges which threatens their lives. Poaching, set traps, poison and harsh environment among others put Gorilla lives in danger.
- Gorilla are among the rare species – There are low land Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas but among the two, Mountain Gorilla are the rarest and mostly demanded.
- The high demand for Gorilla trekking throughout the year makes the prices to go high. The high the demand, the higher the prices and the reverse is true.
- The need to preserve Gorillas– there are a percentage which goes to preserve Gorillas for future generations and their habitat thus making gorilla trekking expensive. There is a need to employ security agencies to safe guard the lives of Gorillas. Gorilla doctors to treat Gorillas and rangers to keep regular patrolling in the park.
- There is a need to conserve the natural habitats of Gorillas – The high prices charged for gorillas trekking aims at reducing the number of people encountering gorillas’ natural habitat. The large number of people destroys vegetation by stepping on it, cutting trees down among other things aiming at destroying gorilla homes.
- Two benefits in one – During gorilla trekking, guests gain hiking skills and Physical fitness among others. Gorilla trekking its self is amazing.
In order to preserve and conserve Gorillas and their natural habitat respectively, there are rules are regulations set to governing gorilla safari experience:
- Keeping a distance of 7 meter a way from Gorillas.
- Do not touch Gorillas
- When Gorillas get annoyed, please move away
- Do not litter in the park
- Do not eat near Gorillas
- Keep low voices when near the Gorillas
- A maximum of eight people is allowed to trek each Gorilla family in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo (DRC).
Gains from Gorilla Trekking:
Gorilla trekking enables trackers to gain physical fitness. The exercise involves moving up and down slopes, crossing rivers and walk on plains among others. The hustle guest goes through while trying find gorillas enable them to gain physical fitness.
Unforgettable unique experience obtained from gorilla trekking.
It gives bloggers, photographers, film editors chance to earn a living from Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking brings people together hence promoting friendship, togetherness and team work among other things.