With out gorilla trekking tipping guide, you will learn how to tip effectively on your trek.
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many travelers aspire to despite it being the most expensive tourist activity in Africa.
Gorilla trekking can only be done in four national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Mountain gorillas inhabit subtropical and tropical rain-forests in mountainous areas.
They have thick and long fur that helps them adapt to their environment, characterized by very cold temperatures.
Mountain gorillas cannot survive in a zoo.
If you have seen a gorilla in a zoo, it was most likely a lowland gorilla.
Tipping Guides for Gorilla Treks
Tipping is a personal gesture, and you can give according to your means or based on your assessment of the guide’s performance.
Most guides receive average salaries from tour operators, so they often rely on tips from the people they are guiding.
This tipping guide applies to both gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
There are no fixed rules or specific amounts you should tip, but tourists typically tip guides between $10 and $25, with some even offering more if the guide provided exceptional service.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion and depends on how well the guide performed.
During gorilla trekking, you will have trackers, guides, and porters assisting you.
A maximum of eight people are allowed to trek a particular gorilla family in a day.
You can discuss with your group members and decide on the amount each person should contribute, which can then be shared with the ranger guides.
Tipping is not obligatory in any country, but it is advisable for all travelers to consider tipping their guides.
Tipping is typically done on the last day of the tour.
Additionally, it is recommended to tip your guide on a game drive safari, apart from gorilla safaris.
You can also tip porters, waitresses, and waiters in hotels or lodges if you are satisfied with the services they provide.
Tipping is greatly appreciated by those you tip, as it contributes to their well-being and sometimes even unknowingly supports their families.
Porters are usually not paid a regular salary, so they rely on the money they receive per trek.
Porters earn approximately $10-$20 per trek, and adding a tip to this amount would be highly appreciated.
Gorilla Permits
To trek mountain gorillas, you will need a permit that allows you to trek a specific gorilla family.
In Uganda, permits cost $700 per person, in Congo, they are $400 per person during the peak season and $200 during the low season, while Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 per person.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking can be undertaken throughout the year, but the best times are from June to September and from December to February.
Trekking during the rainy season can be challenging, as the trails become muddy and slippery.
However, some lodges may offer discounts on their rates during this season.
What to Bring for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking involves hiking to the top of hills in search of these great apes.
To prepare for the trek, you will need waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, warm clothing, insect repellents, an ample supply of drinking water, energy-providing snacks, and more.
