Bwindi’s Gorillas Thrive Again — Can Conservation and Tourism Keep the Balance?

In a quiet triumph of conservation, Uganda’s mountain gorilla population is on the rise. According to recent wildlife counts, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park now hosts over 450 gorillas — a significant increase that experts attribute to tourism-driven conservation and stronger park enforcement.

Each year, thousands of tourists pay up to $800 for a gorilla trekking permit, generating revenue that’s not only used for conservation but also shared with surrounding communities.

“This is proof that people and wildlife can coexist when communities benefit from conservation,” said Dr. Lydia Nambogo, a wildlife expert with UWA.

Programs that redirect former poachers into roles as eco-guides and rangers have shown success, offering locals incentives to protect rather than exploit wildlife.

Still, experts warn against over-tourism, disease transmission, and climate threats that could undo the progress.

Challenges ahead:

Balancing tourist demand with habitat protection

Transparent revenue sharing with locals

Managing human-wildlife conflicts

Preventing land encroachment and illegal activity

Local voices:
Villagers in Kanungu District report improved livelihoods due to community projects funded by gorilla permits — from clean water to school bursaries.

Uganda’s gorilla story offers a hopeful model of eco-tourism success, but sustaining it means keeping local communities at the heart of the mission.