Why This $800 Tourism Experience in Uganda is Worth Every Penny
Kenya boasts the Maasai Mara, Tanzania has the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, and Rwanda is famous for encounters with mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcanoes. In southern Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa are wildlife hotspots. Yet, Uganda often flies under the radar when it comes to truly immersive wilderness experiences. But this East African gem offers some of the most breathtaking wildlife encounters you could imagine.
From the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where tree-climbing lions and leopards roam, to the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel and the rich biodiversity of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda is a wildlife lover’s dream destination.
One experience, however, stands out among the rest, despite its hefty price tag: a one-hour trek to meet mountain gorillas, costing $800 per person. While the price may seem steep, the experience is worth every dollar, contributing to Uganda’s growing sustainable tourism industry.
A Priceless Encounter
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over 500 mountain gorillas, offers a rare opportunity to trek alongside these majestic creatures. For foreign non-residents, the $800 fee grants an hour with a habituated gorilla group, guided by experts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each group of eight visitors is carefully monitored, and only 18 groups of gorillas are visited daily.
For an even more immersive experience, a $1,500 fee allows visitors to take part in the habituation process, spending extended time with the gorillas while learning about their behavior. Strict health protocols are in place to protect these primates, who share 98% of their DNA with humans, ensuring the trek is not only thrilling but ethically responsible.
More Than a Luxury Price Tag
While the cost of trekking may limit access to some, it also supports Uganda’s efforts in sustainable tourism and conservation. The money generated from these treks directly funds the preservation of mountain gorillas, as well as local conservation projects. Volcanoes Safaris, a leading operator in the region, has been active for over 25 years. In July 2024, they opened their fourth luxury lodge in Uganda, Kibale Lodge, a high-end eco-tourism experience nestled between the Rwenzori Mountains and Kazinga Channel. Rooms at Kibale Lodge start at $1,200 per person per night, reflecting the commitment to high-quality, low-impact tourism.
Volcanoes Safaris emphasizes its use of local knowledge and resources, with an in-house team of engineers and artisans from the surrounding communities. This blend of luxury and sustainability fosters growth in local economies, allowing community members to take part in Uganda’s booming tourism sector.
Community-Focused Conservation
A core focus of Uganda’s sustainable tourism model is community involvement. In Kibale, Volcanoes Safaris collaborates with the Jane Goodall Institute to support local women in conservation efforts. Their work goes beyond tourism, aiming to uplift local communities through education, training, and job opportunities.
A poignant example of this commitment is found in the support of the Batwa, one of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes. When Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks were established in 1991, the Batwa were forced from their ancestral lands, becoming conservation refugees. Since then, organizations like Volcanoes Safaris have been working to create permanent settlements, such as the 13-acre Batwa community at Gahinga Lodge, providing housing, agricultural land, and vocational training. This project not only preserves the Batwa’s cultural heritage but also helps mend the relationship between conservation and local communities.
The Future of Conservation Tourism
The $800 fee for gorilla trekking may seem like a luxury, but it plays a vital role in the ongoing protection of mountain gorillas. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population of mountain gorillas has increased from 680 in 2008 to over 1,000 in 2018, thanks in large part to the funds raised from tourism.
This model of high-cost, low-volume tourism ensures that gorilla treks are carefully managed to avoid overcrowding, disease transmission, and habitat destruction. The income generated not only supports conservation efforts but also funds local communities, offering them an incentive to protect the wildlife and natural environments around them.
With increasing pressure on Uganda’s national parks due to population growth and habitat encroachment, sustainable tourism is essential for the future of wildlife conservation in the region. Volcanoes Safaris and similar operators demonstrate how tourism, when done responsibly, can protect fragile ecosystems while offering travelers an unparalleled experience.
In the words of Kevin James, COO of Volcanoes Safaris, “Sensitive and controlled tourism is crucial… It is imperative that tourism protocols are followed to ensure a positive future for the great apes.”
For wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and adventure seekers, this $800 trek is not just an unforgettable experience – it’s a step toward ensuring that these incredible animals thrive for generations to come.
Local Solutions for Sustainable Tourism in Uganda
According to EU Africa Rise, a European Union-funded organization supporting sustainability in East Africa, tourism contributed 5.9% to Uganda’s GDP in 2019. However, despite its economic significance, Uganda faces challenges in promoting sustainable tourism certification, which can be costly, particularly for start-ups and smaller operators.
In a March 2024 report titled “Towards a Sustainable Tourism Economy in Uganda,” EU Africa Rise highlighted that although Uganda struggles with international brand recognition compared to regional peers like Kenya and Tanzania, travelers who visit the country rate their experience highly. This presents a valuable opportunity for Uganda to enhance its tourism sector by focusing on sustainability and improving its global standing.
The push for a high-quality, sustainable tourism experience in Uganda is gaining momentum. It’s not just about environmental conservation, but also about fostering development and employment opportunities for local communities. Ensuring that Ugandans are involved in the tourism sector is crucial for the long-term success of sustainable tourism.
Globally, 68% of tourism operators had either achieved or were in the process of obtaining sustainable certification by June 2023, according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Annual Industry Snapshot Report, cited by EU Africa Rise. However, in Uganda, the cost of obtaining certifications like the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and Travelife is a major barrier for many businesses. EU Africa Rise has called for more affordable certification options, which would allow Ugandan operators to market themselves as world-class destinations, improving their competitiveness.
Organizations like Volcanoes Safaris, Responsible Travel, and EU Africa Rise are playing key roles in promoting sustainable tourism in Uganda. Their efforts aim to create a tourism model that prioritizes high-quality, expensive trips that fund research and support local communities. This approach not only protects Uganda’s unique environments but also ensures that the country’s natural beauty and wildlife are not overwhelmed by mass tourism. Sustainable tourism in Uganda, with the right support and framework, can thrive and become a leader in eco-friendly travel experiences.
