The Economy of Uganda
Tourism: Gorillas, Wildlife and the Nile
Bwindi's mountain gorillas, safari parks and the source of the Nile draw visitors, and tourism is a leading earner of foreign exchange.
Nature as an export.
Gorillas
Permits to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi cost hundreds of dollars.
Parks
Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls parks host wildlife.
Community benefits
Revenue sharing gives local communities a stake in conservation.
Shocks
The pandemic devastated arrivals, and recovery has been gradual.
A permit
A trekker pays a fee for an hour in the presence of a gorilla family.
Assuming tourism has no downside
Pressure on habitats and communities can occur.
Key takeaways
- Gorilla tourism is high value.
- Parks attract visitors.
- Communities share revenue.
- Shocks hurt arrivals.
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