The Effort of Uganda Tourism Policy to Mountain Gorilla Conservation
From facing extinction to steady growth and rapid increase; many locals, including former poachers living near Uganda’s mountain parks, say that tourism has played a critical role in saving the country’s endangered mountain gorillas.
The money generated from gorilla trekking has helped reverse habitat loss and reduced poaching, while wildlife authorities work closely with nearby communities to protect these great apes.
Today, these reformed poachers often act as community guardians, alerting rangers to anyone who might enter the forest illegally or set traps that could harm gorillas.
Their efforts complement the regular patrols conducted by trained rangers, ensuring the safety of both wildlife and local communities.
Point of view: Those who once survived by hunting wildlife for food and money have now transformed into reformed poachers.
Today, they protect the gorillas and even track down the few who still feel the urge to hunt them. What a positive turnaround; truly a case of “sending a thief to catch a thief.”
Uganda is home to two remarkable parks where tourists can witness mountain gorillas up close: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda, is the larger of the two, hosting 27 groups of habituated gorillas.
These gorillas have grown accustomed to humans, allowing visitors a rare and unforgettable experience in their natural habitat. Mgahinga, on the other hand, has only one gorilla family but still offers a unique opportunity to see these gentle giants in the wild.
Gorillas’ Comeback in Plenty
The resurgence of gorilla populations in Uganda is due to the tireless work of conservationists, local communities, and medical specialists like Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, the country’s leading veterinarian for gorillas.
Her dedication, along with the efforts of many others, has ensured that the species is no longer on the brink of extinction. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka recalls the early days of conservation in Uganda:
“When I first started working with gorillas, there were no women in conservation, no female rangers.
Now, women serve as rangers, trackers, and porters. It is incredibly rewarding to see this change.”
Local communities have seen a complete transformation thanks to gorilla tourism. Many former poachers have turned into conservation advocates, now guiding visitors through the forests, helping build eco-lodges, and educating others about the importance of protecting wildlife.
These reformed poachers are often the first to be employed in new tourism projects, gaining stable jobs and pride in their work.
The Gains of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is not just a wildlife experience; it is a vital source of income for surrounding communities. Foreign visitors pay significant fees up to $800 per permit for non-residents to see the gorillas.
Part of this revenue is shared with local communities, with $10 from each permit returned through elected local leaders to fund projects such as water supply, healthcare, and schools.
Additionally, communities receive 20% of all park entry fees annually. This revenue has strengthened trust between wildlife authorities and locals, while giving communities a real incentive to protect the gorillas.
The benefits of gorilla tourism extend beyond direct financial gain. Communities also host cultural and agro-tourism activities, allowing visitors to experience local life, traditional farming methods, and coffee-growing regions.
Schools, hospitals, and infrastructure improvements have followed as tourism flourishes. Bwindi Hospital, for example, supports both human and wildlife health initiatives.
The presence of gorillas has become a catalyst for broader development, transforming entire regions.
Tourism has also strengthened the role of women in conservation. Female porters and guides now accompany trekking groups, ensuring safe and informative experiences for tourists.
This inclusion has fostered gender equality in areas that once had no female participation in wildlife work. Beyond guiding visitors, women are increasingly involved in conservation education, community outreach, and wildlife protection programs.
The care given to gorillas goes beyond prevention of poaching. Injured or sick gorillas are treated by trained rangers and veterinary specialists, often with the involvement of the local community.
This shared concern has created a culture of compassion and responsibility around the parks. Communities recognize that healthy gorillas attract tourism, which in turn supports schools, health centers, and local businesses.
For tourists exploring Uganda, self-guided safaris have become an increasingly popular option. Visitors can rent vehicles and navigate between gorilla parks, wildlife reserves, and cultural sites at their own pace.
These self-drive experiences offer flexibility and a sense of adventure, allowing travelers to witness not only gorillas but also Uganda’s rich landscapes, waterfalls, and coffee plantations along the way.
The money spent on vehicle hire, local lodges, and dining contributes further to the regional economy.
The Wildlife Authority.
At the center of this success is the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They manage the national parks and make sure tourism helps both wildlife and local people. Each morning in towns like Buhoma, near Bwindi, ranger-guides and porters prepare to lead visitors into the forest.
The money tourists give through fees and tips supports conservation and helps local families earn a living.
Over time, the teamwork between UWA and nearby communities has changed former threats like poaching into strong protection for the gorillas.
The story of Uganda’s mountain gorillas is a testament to how conservation and tourism can work hand in hand.
From poachers turned protectors to communities gaining sustainable income, the recovery of these magnificent animals is not only a victory for wildlife but for human development as well.
Visitors leave with unforgettable memories, while communities continue to reap economic and social benefits.
Uganda’s mountain gorillas are no longer merely a species at risk; they have become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the powerful role of tourism in conservation.
Whether trekking through the misty forests of Bwindi, exploring Mgahinga’s volcanic slopes, or driving through Uganda’s scenic landscapes on a self-drive safari, visitors contribute directly to the ongoing recovery of these endangered primates.
However, tourism has transformed both people and wildlife in Uganda. By turning poachers into conservationists, encouraging community development, and promoting responsible tourism, the country has created a model for wildlife protection that others can emulate.
The mountain gorillas are thriving, and Uganda’s people are thriving alongside them an inspiring story of coexistence, hope, and sustainable growth.