Each year, many tourists travel to Africa to see gorillas. Most of them visit Uganda and Rwanda, while only a few go to Congo.
Some of my clients have asked if gorilla trekking is ethical. I am here to answer that and explain the main benefit of mountain gorilla trekking.
The 2018 gorilla census showed an increase in the number of gorillas. For the first time in many years, the number of mountain gorillas went above 1,000. This helped remove them from the list of endangered animals.
So, is gorilla trekking ethical?
First of all, if gorilla trekking did not exist, mountain gorillas might not be alive today.
The money you pay for gorilla permits—$1,500 in Rwanda, $800 in Uganda, and $400 in Congo—is used to protect these animals. Only a small part of the money goes to the local community.
So buying a gorilla permit is a way of giving back to the gorillas. This money helps protect their homes and keep them safe from poachers.
In this way, gorilla trekking is very ethical—but only if done the right way.
You should know that mountain gorillas share over 98% of human DNA. They can catch human diseases easily. That’s why visitors must stay at least eight meters away from the gorillas.
You are also not allowed to take photos using a flash. Flash frightens gorillas.
If a gorilla charges at you, you should look down. This is a sign of respect and usually helps calm the gorilla. It shows that you do not want to fight.
It is also important not to look directly into a gorilla’s eyes. Gorillas take this as a challenge, and it may make them charge at you.
Before your trek, you will be briefed about all this. Every morning, there is a short meeting that lasts about 30 minutes. It teaches tourists the basic rules of gorilla trekking, but it cannot cover everything.
You should try to do your own research about gorillas a few months before your trip. This will help you understand how to respect them and avoid scaring or harming them in their home.
I have written several helpful articles on this website that explain many things about mountain gorillas. You can search the website for useful information, or contact me at info[at]ugandatravelblog.com if you need anything you can’t find online.
Ethical gorilla trekking starts with you. You should never forget this.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
