Uganda gorilla trekking practice sparks controversy

A controversial tourism practice in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has gained attention on social media. Known as the ‘African helicopter,’ the service involves local porters carrying tourists in elevated chairs to avoid walking to mountain gorilla observation sites.

While tourism agencies state the service is officially intended for elderly visitors or those with physical difficulties, footage suggests that able-bodied tourists are also utilizing the service. The practice can involve up to 12 local porters rotating to carry a single visitor and their belongings. The cost for this service is reported to be between 300 and 500 dollars (approximately 260 to 430 euros).

The Bwindi forest is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Due to limited daily permits, access to these primates remains highly sought after and expensive.