Why is the Uganda Gorilla Permit lower than that of Rwanda?

Why is the price of a Uganda gorilla permit lower than the price of a Rwanda gorilla permit?

Uganda and Rwanda are known primary destinations of gorilla trekking in the world the primates live within the Bwindi impenetrable National Park,Mgahinga National Park of Uganda located in the southwestern part of the country and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda to the north of the region, all destinations offer incredible encounters of the critically endangered species of the mountain gorillas and a great opportunity to encounter the species within their natural habitat to travelers. The experience seems very similar, yet there is a significant price difference between the two countries; each adheres to its own rules and has different reasons for the difference.

One of the biggest differences in gorilla trekking permits in Uganda vs Rwanda is the price of the trekking permit. InUganda,the cost is $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for foreign residents, and 300,000 shillings,while the Rwandan permit is $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and 30,000 Rwandan francs for East African citizens. Permit prices in Rwanda are determined by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), while those of Uganda are determined by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The difference between the gorilla trekking prices greatly affects the decision of travelers; many travelers opt for tracking gorillas in Uganda because these go for a lower price compared to Rwanda, giving room for budget-sensitive travelers, backpackers, photographers, those seeking for longer days while on safari, and Rwanda targets more high end seeking travelers and with limited time to travel as a result most end up in Uganda but a significant number goes to Rwanda too.

Uganda and Rwanda both focus on tourism in the gorilla destinations to support conservation and surrounding communities, but both of their approaches are different; Uganda focuses more on balancing affordability with the conservation fund, hence maintaining the gorilla price lower, while Rwanda follows a strictly high-end tourism concept that limits travelers but maximizes revenue from the higher cost of the gorilla permit.

Uganda emphasizes accessibility; the country has chosen to keep permits affordable currently at $800 per person for foreign nonresidents and sometimes offers low-season discounted permits to attract a higher number of travelers who choose longer stays and also add on other savannah and tropical destinations while the fact that Rwanda has about 4 National conservation areas only it experiences a few travelers combining trips and having more days hence a maximized price revenue at Volcanoes National Park and the Mountain gorillas.

Besides conservation and maximizing guest visitors, the travel experience differs so much; it is easier to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali; it takes approximately a 2-3-hour drive, while getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park takes longer hours from Kigali, Rwanda; it takes a 6-7-hour drive to the destination, and from Entebbe International Airport it takes approximately 9 hours drive. Although there are charter or scheduled flights that can possibly be arranged to the destination, landing at either the Kisoro Airstrip or Khihi Airstrip.

There is available accommodation in both countries; these range from the best budget facilities to luxury entities offering a comfortable place to stay. The prices of accommodation in Uganda are generally lower compared to those of Rwanda; for example, facilities include Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Lodge, to mention a few.

In conclusion, the permit fee in both countries covers park entry fees on the day of tracking, ranger/guide fees, 2-armed game rangers from the respective tourism entities, and an hour to experience the mountain gorillas; additional costs may not be covered, including porters between $20-$25, gratuities, and tips.