Wondering Why you should hire or use a Porter for gorilla trekking? Our quick answer is that Porters make the entire gorilla trekking experience a lot more enjoyable. read one to learn how they do this.
Am sure you have come across the notion “Charity begins at Home” if Not, this simply means “be generous to your family before helping others”.
In a bid to continuedly to protect and conserve the endangered mountain Gorilla Population, attention needed to be pointed to the cause of the drop in numbers among which notable causes were Habitat loss and Poaching – both often (not always) practiced by the communities that live closest to the Gorilla forests. Authorities decided to directly involve these community members in Protecting both the habitat and gorillas themselves by training a group of locals on basic customer service tips, and later giving them the chance to help tourists during the trek to see the mountain gorillas and in return get directly paid $15 – $20 for their time. This money acts as home hold income for them to be able to live off. It’s however, important to note that porters operate on a roster and get only 01 chance in 60 days to earn that $15 – $20 for their family – the reason we like to encourage trekkers to always hire or use a porter on each gorilla trip. Learn more about the importance of a local porter to Gorilla Trekking.
Why Hire or Use a Porter for Gorilla Trekking
- Hiring or using a porter on your gorilla trip allows you to get to enjoy your gorilla trekking experience without having to strain yourself with the weight of a day pack.
- Porters come in handy when you get to a point where it is slippery and need an extra hand for support.
- Porters can be good companions for you during the trek up and down throw the forest. They tell some interesting stories that keep you going on a long trek.
- As earlier explained, Hire or Use a Porter for Gorilla Trekking indirectly contributes to the ongoing Mountain gorilla Conservation. They get to earn from gorilla trekking and therefore find more reason to continue protecting the gorillas.
- Choosing to hire or use a porter for Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary way to responsibly support a local family without necessarily giving out handouts. The $15 – $20 earned for their work is eventually used in meeting the daily/monthly living in their homes.
FAQs about Hiring or Using a porter on my Gorilla Trek
- Why Do I need a porter?
Porters come in handy all through your gorilla trek. They assist you can your luggage, give you extra support during your trek through the mountainous terrain and thick entangled vegetation and they are good Companions, especially for the solo, and elderly travelers.
- How much is hiring a Porter?
Hiring a porter costs $15 – $20 per porter. This is a fee charged for the entire day’s trek. However, we recommend giving an extra tip to your porter at the end of the Trek. Learn More about the Tipping guide for Gorilla Trekking.
- How can I book a Porter?
You don’t have to worry about booking a Porter in advance. They are always available at your gorilla trekking location and your guide/driver can assist you to arrange for one on the actual day/date of your Gorilla trek. However, if you are demobilized or elderly and do need to be carried the whole way to the the gorillas on a stretcher or sedan chair, the you definitely want to have this pre-arranged (Months before your arrival) with your tour Operator. Learn More about Gorilla Trekking On a Sedan Chair or Stretcher.
Reputable Gorilla Tour Operators for Rwanda & Uganda
- Realm Africa Safaris™
- Great Adventure Safaris
- Kisoro Tours Uganda.
- Encounter Africa Safaris.
- Outback Adventure Safaris.
- Lambula Adventures.
- Wild Frontiers Uganda
