Monday, 25 July 2011 16:49
An expert has urged those keen on adventure holidays to consider booking a gorilla trek.
Seeing gorillas in the wild during adventure holidays abroad is a life-changing, transcendental experience, an expert has said.
David Hewitt, communications manager at the Gorilla Organisation, pointed out that as well as being an awe-inspiring experience, gorilla tourism benefits local wildlife and also has a direct impact on livelihoods in local communities.
He maintained that gorilla treks in Rwanda in particular are popular among international travellers because the country is keen to welcome tourists and the walks are led by experienced, knowledgeable local guides.
"By booking a trip to see the gorillas, you'd not just get to see these magnificent animals close-up but you'd be providing a valuable and sustainable source of income that can help people pull themselves out of poverty," Mr Hewitt added.
Tourists were also urged to ensure that any tour company they book with has a good record of working with local communities by employing local trackers and guides and by injecting funds into grassroots development projects.