Tourist expectations and satisfaction in mountain gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Mountain gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, demonstrates high overall tourist satisfaction and strong conservation performance. A survey of 303 tourists revealed that while expectations were high—particularly for observation experiences, conservation efforts, and educational value—satisfaction levels generally exceeded these expectations across most measured aspects. Exceptions included concerns about costs, tracking ease, crowding, and gorilla behavior during observations. Despite these nuances, overall satisfaction and willingness to recommend the experience to others were exceptionally high, though the likelihood of revisiting decreased with age, suggesting this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. The study underscores the potential of sustainable tourism to support both conservation goals and visitor experiences, while highlighting areas where improvements could enhance long-term balance.

Otsuka, R., Yamakoshi, G., & Kalema-Zikusoka, G. (2023). Tourist expectations and satisfaction in mountain gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Journal of Ecotourism, 22(2), 329–338. https://doi.org/10.1080/14724049.2023.2166056