Why is the price of gorilla trekking high in Rwanda?
- July 20, 2024
- Posted by: chosen@202q
- Category: Prepare To Travel Tips
Why is the price of gorilla trekking high in Rwanda?
The Previous price was $750; current price is $1500
For tourists visiting Rwanda, the chance to see 60% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas in the wild is the most rewarding experience. The Rwanda Development Board notified all visitors on May 6, 2017, that Chief Executive Officer Clare Akemenzi had increased the cost of gorilla tracking licenses. The announcement went into effect right away.
The gorilla licenses were originally sold by the Rwanda Development Board for $750 USD non-residents, $450 for residents in East Africa, $300 for East African citizenship, $375 for residents in Rwanda, and $30,000 for Rwandan citizenship. As a result, the permits are now valued at $15,000. The Rwanda Development Board claims that tourists who had already bought their tickets and reserved their gorilla permits at the time of the announcement would not be impacted by the new prices.
The Rwanda Development Board, which oversees the nation’s tourism industry, has also introduced a new, unique package for those who would like to reserve a room for an entire gorilla family, priced at $15,000. This package is in addition to the trekking fee. This will contribute to making gorilla trekking more exclusive by offering consumers individualized guided services.
In the meantime, travelers who spend a minimum of three days in other national parks, such as Nyungwe and Akagera, in addition to going on a gorilla trekking expedition, will be eligible for a 30% discount. This is comparable to conference visitors who stay prior to or after conference dates in order to witness gorillas, who will receive a 15% discount.
Why does Rwanda raise the cost of permits to follow gorillas?
According to the Rwanda Development Board, the price hike is intended to bolster development, guarantee the viability of conservation efforts, and enhance visitor experiences. This was also done to ensure that the neighborhood and locals who live close to the park area earn a larger portion of tourism-related income, support development initiatives, and gain economic empowerment. The positive news caused great joy in the community surrounding the park.
There are only 880 mountain gorillas remaining in the world, and 62% of them are found in Rwanda’s Virunga region. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species. Be Aware: Mountain Gorillas cannot thrive in zoos; they can only be found in national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo. Since the gorillas in the zoo are the Low Land Gorillas, reservations for gorilla trekking permits must be made well in advance.