Advantages of gorilla tourism in Bwindi
Mountain gorillas are the most endangered primates and are a sub species of the eastern gorillas
Mountain gorillas live in the mountains at an altitude of about 2200m to 4300m and there are over 400 gorilla individuals in Bwindi trekked in the four sectors of Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija.
Mountain gorillas are one of the largest apes with males having a weight of 120kg to 200kg and females weigh about 70kg to 100kg.
Mountain gorillas are characteristized by thick fur on their bodies which enables them to withstand the cold weather in their habitat, unique nose prints among others.
An adult male is known as a silverback because of the silver colored hair that grows on its back.
Mountain gorillas live in families or groups of at least 4 to 30 members headed by a dominant silverback responsible for defending the group, mating with females and carries on group decisions like selecting eating time and sleeping.
Mountain gorillas feed on leaves, shoots, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits.
On average an adult male eats about 30kg and an adult female eats about 18kg of vegetation per day.
Mountain gorillas are very strong and powerful although they are gentle and peaceful towards humans however being wild animals, humans are required to respect them.
Mountain gorillas have about 25 vocalizations they make for easier communications and as well expressing emotions. These include; hoots, chuckles, laughter, grunts, barks, roars, screams among others.
About Bwindi
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro, Kabale and kanungu districts.
The park was established in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and in 1994 as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Bwindi comprises of various wildlife species which are 13 primate species, 120 mammal species about 350 bird species and over 400 plant species among others.
The park is managed by Uganda wildlife Authority a body in charge of national parks in Uganda.
Bwindi has the highest number of mountain gorillas about 400 individuals worldwide.
Advantages of gorilla tourism in Bwindi
Gorilla tourism in Bwindi has created opportunities for employment to people like Batwa, as park ranges , tour guides and wardens.
Gorilla tourism in Bwindi has enabled gorilla conservation as researchers have studied and learnt more about gorillas . In Bwindi the funds obtained through gorilla trekking are invested in conservation programs like protection of gorillas from poachers.
Gorilla tourism has generated revenue for the government through sell of gorilla permits of which this revenue has led to development in the country
Gorilla tourism has created international relationships with other countries both within East Africa and beyond . This has brought about peace with other countries and as well marketed Uganda .
Gorilla tourism has contributed to community developed through construction of roads , lodges, hospitals , schools, among others.
Cost of gorilla permits in Bwindi
USD 800 for foreign non residents
USD 700 for foreign residents
UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
How to Access Bwindi
By road
Tourists will travel from Kampala or Entebbe via Kampala to masaka to Mbarara to kabale highway. This journey will take about 10 hours to the park .
By air
Tourists will book a flight from Entebbe international airport or kajjansi air field and land at Kisoro airstrip in about 1 hour and later proceed to the park by road.
In a nutshell , gorilla tourism in Bwindi is a fascinating activity that is important towards the development of the country.
