Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows travelers to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. It was an incredible experience and one that I couldn’t have done without my porter, Eric. While challenging, the trek through dense forests and rugged terrain is well worth the effort, and hiring a porter can enhance the overall experience. Eric made me feel safe and a bit more sturdy on my feet on uneven terrain. Carrying my bag was probably the least important reason for me hiring him! Deciding whether or not to hire a porter is one of the most frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking. Here are five reasons to consider hiring a porter for gorilla trekking.
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Who really needs to hire a porter for the gorilla?
Everyone who is planning to trek to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat should consider taking a porter with them. These porters are invaluable for carrying your gear and supplies during the trek through the dense forest. Not only are they incredibly skilled at managing the challenging terrain, but they also provide an important source of income for the local community.
Taking a porter for the gorilla trek is not only a practical decision, but it is also a responsible and ethical one. It ensures that you are able to fully enjoy the experience without being weighed down by heavy bags, while also contributing to the well-being of the local people and the preservation of the endangered gorillas.
Now that I’ve told you that you should be hiring one, here are my five reasons for hiring a porter:
1. Supporting the local communities
Hiring a porter is a great way to directly support the local communities. When you hire a porter, you are providing them with a source of income and livelihood. This not only helps improve their standard of living but also contributes to the overall economic development of the area. These porters live in the local communities and will spend your money there – making it a win-win for everyone.
2. It supports conservation efforts
Hiring a porter during gorilla trekking supports conservation efforts in multiple ways. First, as discussed above, hiring a porter provides a source of income for local communities surrounding the gorilla parks. This directly benefits the local residents and provides them with an incentive to protect the gorillas and their natural habitat.
Furthermore, the income from porter hire also helps to prevent poaching. With a steady income from being a porter, local residents are less likely to turn to poaching as a means of financial support. This additional income also provides an alternative livelihood for individuals who may otherwise consider poaching as a means of survival.
By changing the local’s opinion of the gorillas and why they’re important, the population has been steadily increasing.
3. They’ll carry your bags
The services offered by porters during gorilla trekking include bag assistance, allowing you to have a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. Even a light bag can feel heavy after a while, especially when navigating through uneven terrain and dense vegetation. By having Eric carry my bag, I was able to focus on trekking safely and then when we reached the gorillas, enjoy the awe-inspiring experience of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat.
Additionally, porters can help guests to worry less about the safety of their belongings. With the assistance of a porter, there’s less concern about the risk of falling and breaking a camera or damaging essential items such as water bottles. Porters are experienced and can safely carry and navigate through the challenging trekking routes, providing peace of mind for guests.
We had to carefully balance on large branches through mud, over an open wooden bridge, and deep pockets of mud. Since I’m a bit of a clutz, having Eric there to hold my hand in the Bwindi Forest was a great help and I didn’t have to worry about dropping and damaging my camera during the hike.
4. They’ll help you navigate tough terrain
Porters are invaluable when navigating tough terrain. They not only carry your gear, but also provide essential guidance and balance. Shockingly, there are no paths to the mountain gorillas. So you’re walking on mud, branches, rocks, and even elephant poop!
Porters often offer their hands to help you navigate challenging areas, providing a secure grasp for support and balance. They also use sticks to point out where to step, drawing attention to stable ground or potential hazards. In particularly muddy or treacherous areas, porters will test the ground before you walk on it, ensuring it can support your weight. I was shocked that I didn’t fall once thanks to Eric’s guidance!
With their assistance, you can confidently traverse difficult landscapes without compromising your balance or safety. The support and guidance of a porter are essential for a successful and secure journey through challenging terrain.
5. They have extensive local knowledge and are passionate
Porters are incredibly passionate about providing the best experience for visitors. These local guides have a deep understanding of the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Their expertise in navigating the local terrain and sharing insider tips ensures that guests have an unforgettable and authentic experience. Eric had me laughing and comfortable with him the whole time, even with our language barrier. You could tell that he cared for the gorilla families and the entire Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!
With their passionate commitment to excellence and their wealth of local knowledge, you can trust that you’re in capable hands for an enriching and immersive journey.
How much is a porter?
Hiring a porter during a gorilla trekking safari in East Africa typically costs around $15 to $20 per day in Uganda, while in Rwanda, it ranges from $10 to $15 per day. Porters are essential for carrying extra gear, providing assistance on the trail, and supporting visitors during the trek.
How much should I tip the porter?
After a gorilla trekking safari, it is customary to tip the porters who have helped carry your equipment and assisted you during the trek. The average recommended tipping amount for porters after a gorilla trekking safari is $10 to $20, depending on the level of service provided.
Tipping the porters not only shows your appreciation for their hard work, but it also contributes to the local economy and supports the livelihoods of the porters and their families. The tips they receive can help them meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and education for their children. You can read my full guide to tipping in Uganda for a more in-depth look.
Read More on Uganda
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Gorilla Trekking
Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Uganda
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking
Save “Reasons to Hire a Porter for Gorilla Trekking” for Later
What a unique experience! I would definitely hire a porter to help navigating and support local community! Baby gorillas look so cute – hope to see them with my own eyes one day! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hiring a porter for a gorilla trek definitely sounds like a common sense idea to me! Trekking through a rough jungle terrain with all my bags doesn’t sound appealing, and I love having the chance to help the community.
This is really thought provoking. I normally wouldn’t consider hiring a porter as my husband and I hike a lot, and it is a nice challenge to carry what you need on your back – BUT the idea that hiring a local helps the conservation by making looking after the gorillas an important part of the community is SUCH a good point.
What an awesome adventure seeing gorillas in the wild! I would only consider doing this with a porter who knows the area and I’d definitely tip them. Given the rough and uneven terrain, I would have to be super careful. I’m living vicariously through this post.
I never thought about how you would view Gorillas let alone hiring a porter to assist you. Thought provoking article. Well done.