RWANDA’S GORILLA PERMIT INCREASE BY 50%

The Rwanda Development Board has said starting from 1^st June 2012; the gorilla permit will be sold at $750 from $500.

The added amount will be used to further improve measures for the apes, finance conservation efforts research and community outreach which all depend on the income created by tourists that come to view the gorillas.

John Gara, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board said the increase has been as a result of the increased gorilla population and the increased demand of gorilla tourism. Conservation has to be maintained in order to protect their environment and the rich biodiversity that exist in the national parks.

The country has currently ten gorilla groups whereby each is viewed by eight visitors each day a number that has doubled over the last five years.

Last year Uganda wanted to change to $750 per gorilla permit but stopped because they had not informed the tour operators about the change which Rwanda has also done. The tour operator have told RDB  to include tour operators when making decisions concerning tourism.

GORILLA SAFARI NEWS