Uganda has witnessed 23 years of gorilla tourism ever since the first habituated gorilla family was opened for gorilla trekking in 1993. It is said that the first group of tourists to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was in 1993 when Mubare gorilla family located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was officially opened for gorilla trekking. Since then, gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has witnessed new developments that need mention.

Developments in the 23 years of gorilla tourism

In the 23 years of gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda has witnessed increase in habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, from one gorilla family in 1993 to over 13 habituated gorilla groups in 2016 which include, Mubare, Rushegura and Habinyanja in the north, Bitukura, Kyaguriro and Oruzongo in the East, Nkuringo, Busingye, Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza and so much more in the south. This has led to more permits being available for tourists hence 23 years of gorilla tourism development in Uganda.

Still in 23 years of gorilla tourism in Uganda and due to high demand for gorilla permits, the price has been increasing overtime from USD350 to USD500 and to the current USD700 per gorilla permit in high season. There has also been lots of innovations by Uganda Wildlife Authority where a gorilla permit costs USD450.00 during low seasons of April, May and November 2016-17. All these have helped in increasing tourists numbers coming to trek gorillas in the last 23 years of Gorilla tourism in Uganda.

In the last 23 years of gorilla tourism, many lodges have sprung up in all four regions of Bwindi Impenetrable national park namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. This has meant that tourists and tour operators have now been availed with choice of picking budget, mid range and or upmarket accommodation properties depending on ones budget. Some roads have been improved and others are still under government considerations. For the first time in 23 years of gorilla tourism, tourists are also able to fly from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

We can conclusively say that Uganda has improved greatly in the last 23 years and with relative peace and security, there is more to come. Encounter Africa safaris offers advice and solutions to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda so do not hesitate to contact our dedicated safari designers for a quote.