Gorilla tourism in East Africa is a unique and rare wildlife experience for visitors primarily who go to Rwanda and Uganda to trek gorillas within their natural habitat.
During the 19th century, western explorers and scientists began documenting gorillas and in the year 1902, a German officer known as Robert Von became one of the first Europeans to see mountain gorillas in the Virunga mountains.
Dian Fossey conducted research in the year 1960 in Rwanda on mountain gorillas where she was able to habituate different gorilla groups for study and conservation needs.
National parks were established for example the Volcanoes National Park was established in the year 1925 and the Virunga National Park in the year 1925, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks were also established to protect and conserve gorilla habitats.
Early gorilla tourism in the year 1970 in Rwanda started gorilla tourism in the Volcanoes National Park which offered tourists a chance to trek and observe these magnificent apes within their natural habitat, this was followed by the official opening of Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Key personalities that helped introduce gorilla tourism
Dian Fossey.
Dian Fossey was an American researcher who conducted her research in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park about gorillas. Her hard and effortless work contributed highly to the significance of the establishment of gorilla tourism. Dian had written different books and articles in magazines about the need to conserve and protect gorillas.
George Schaller.
Kibumba tented camp is a lodge located within Virunga National Park east of the Democratic Republic of Congo offering adventurous and more rustic experiences to tourists. The accommodation is known for providing a convenient and comfortable base for its clients to see the magnificent endangered mountain gorillas which is the number one key aspect within the area.
Kibumba Tented Camp is regarded as the most suitable place to stay because it is close to the borders of Rwanda and Goma and there is no way you will miss seeing the gorillas. It has a total of 18 tents each with all necessities like a private bathroom for both cold and warm showers and a comfortable bed.
George Schaller.
George Schaller was a wildlife biologist who conducted his research and study in the Virunga mountains providing insights into the gorilla world of their behaviors and ecology. He also helped to lay the foundation of gorilla conservation efforts resulting in gorilla tourism.
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is the president of Uganda and has been a supporter of gorilla conservation, especially in Uganda. Under his leadership, the public has been educated and sensitized about the importance of gorilla conservation.
Rwandan government.
Over the years, the Rwandan government has been a supportive body in promoting gorilla tourism and regulating gorilla tourism in Volcanoes National Park which has played a big and crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of gorillas.
Rosamond Carr.
Rosamond was also known as the mother of gorillas and a friend to Dian Fossey who supported gorilla tourism, especially in Rwanda. He played a crucial role especially when Dian died where he was able to promote gorilla tourism.
Where Gorilla Tourism Takes Place.
● Uganda
Gorilla tourism takes place in two destinations is Bwindi impenetrable national park located in southwestern Uganda a UNESCO world heritage site, it is home to various habituated gorilla families and all are open for trekking. Trekking in Bwindi gives one a chance to encounter these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
Another place where gorilla tourism takes place is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in the southwestern part of Uganda bordering Rwanda and Congo. The park is home to one habituated gorilla family known as Nyakagezi which is open for trekking.
● Rwanda
In Rwanda, gorilla tourism takes place in Volcano National Park located in the northern part of the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga massif and a home to several habituated mountain gorillas which are all open for trekking by tourists.
● Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Congo, gorilla tourism takes place in two places that is, Virunga National Park located in the eastern part of the country, it is one of the oldest parks in Africa. It is home to a significant population of gorillas and several habituated families available for trekking.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park also promotes gorilla tourism, it is located in the eastern part of Congo and is famous for harboring the eastern lowland gorillas, a different gorilla species from mountain gorillas. These eastern lowland gorillas are habituated and are open for trekking.
