Uganda’s history is intertwined with civil wars and struggles for independence. In the 1960s, shortly after gaining independence, Uganda stood as the tourism giant of East Africa. Its eminence was centered around two national parks: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. However, this golden era was short-lived due to Idi Amin’s rise to power, tarnishing Uganda’s image.
One of the most notable events during Idi Amin’s rule was the deportation of Indians. Following nearly a decade in power, the country experienced another decade of unrest, which came to an end in 1986. However, amidst the aftermath, most of Uganda’s protected areas, once a source of pride, witnessed a decline in wildlife populations. Certain species, such as rhinos, became extinct in the wild.
Yet, during this period, the gorilla trekking activity was non-existent. The country’s tourism predominantly relied on traditional safaris, with trekking trips being unpopular. It wasn’t until the opening of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in 1991 that the journey towards gorilla conservation through tourism began.
In 1993, the Uganda Parks Department, now known as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), commenced hosting tourists interested in jungle expeditions to search for mountain gorillas. The primary motive was to safeguard the habitat of mountain gorillas, which faced threats such as habitat destruction through logging, as well as encroachment by poachers, miners, and loggers.
Initially, in 1993, gorilla trekking had not yet begun in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, as the Nyakagezi family was still undergoing habituation. Conversely, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park had welcomed its first group of gorilla trekkers.
At the time of the introduction of gorilla tourism, the mountain gorilla population was as low as 242 individuals. By 2018, the numbers had increased to 800, and today it is estimated that around 1060 individuals reside within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Massif.
During the early 1990s, Dian Fossey, known as the Iron Lady, brought attention to the plight of mountain gorillas, having lived in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for over 18 years studying and protecting them. Her work was depicted in the film ‘Gorillas in the Mist,’ drawing growing interest in mountain gorillas. Her studies laid the groundwork for gorilla trekking.
The mountain gorilla, previously listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, has now been moved to the Endangered Wildlife Species List. This marks a milestone in protecting these unique great apes, benefiting not only the present generation but also future ones.
Over the past three decades, the population of mountain gorillas has increased to over 480 individuals in Bwindi, contributing 45% of the global population of about 1060 individuals. The revenue generated from gorilla tourism significantly aids in mountain gorilla conservation.
“The 30-year journey of gorilla tourism has brought about substantial change,” says Lilly Ajarova, the Chief Executive of the Uganda Tourism Board. Today, many individuals are employed in the tourism sector, positively impacting the lives of local communities residing around the national parks.
Gorilla tourism has heightened awareness regarding the plight of mountain gorillas. A growing number of visitors now embark on gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda. Presently, approximately twenty-three gorilla families are visited by tourists within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Meanwhile, in the neighboring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, only one gorilla family has been habituated for tourism.
After three decades, the encouraging increase in mountain gorilla numbers is undeniable. However, concerns still persist. Two years ago, poachers killed Rafiki, the silverback gorilla, within the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority continues its staunch fight against poachers encroaching on national parks.
The celebration of 30 years of gorilla trekking is a celebration of a new era; an era that is no longer competing with Kenya and Tanzania in terms of game drives but by offering a unique activity that can only be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo; Mountain gorilla trekking.
Uganda’s gorilla trekking journey has enormously supported the revamping of other national parks in Uganda including, but not limited to, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. Though some people are often drawn to destination Uganda by gorilla trekking, they often seek to return once they find out about what other parks have to offer in Uganda.
As Uganda celebrates 30 years of gorilla trekking, it is also celebrating the 30 years of revamping Uganda’s tourism industry. Currently, tourism is one of the top three forex exchange earners in Uganda. This success is largely attributed to gorilla trekking and the growth of other tourism enterprises in Uganda due to gorilla trekking.