Uganda is now open for gorilla trekking despite the continued spread of the deadly corona virus. YES, Uganda gorilla parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are now open since October 2020 for travelers on Uganda gorilla safaris. However, travelers coming to trek gorillas in Uganda are highly cautioned to observe Covid19 Standard Operating Procedures to avoid the spread of the killer covid19 to the endangered mountain gorillas. Fortunately. Uganda Wildlife Authority is currently offering discounted gorilla permits to those visiting gorillas. The discounts are valid till December 2021. Travelers inquiring on gorilla trekking in Uganda often ask numerous questions regarding gorilla safaris and corona virus pandemic. African Apes Tours gives you detailed answers to your entire post covid19 gorilla trekking pending questions. Some of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda amidst covid19 include:
What are the current travel restrictions to Uganda?
All travelers arriving into Uganda are required to have tested negative for covid18 within 72 hours of arrival. More so, travelers are advised to vaccinate for the deadly covid19 before they are allowed to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Travelers who have vaccinated for covid19 are not asked to test again for covid19 upon their arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Travelers who test for covid19 at the airport will wait for 72 hours to get results. During this time, a traveler will stay at his/her hotel before the trip starts. Once results are out and they are negative, the trip starts immediately. However if the results are positive, a traveler will be isolated and taken through treatment at his/her own costs. Apparently, Uganda is open for all travelers from all over the world except those from India.
What do I need to trek Uganda gorillas?
In addition to the covid19 negative test certificate, travelers coming to Uganda are required to have gorilla permits allowing them to trek the endangered mountain gorillas. Each gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens and Ugandans. For the lucky travelers, Uganda Wildlife Authority is currently offering discounted gorilla permits at $400 for foreign non residents, $300 for foreign residents and UGX 100,000 for East African citizens. Mountain gorilla permit can be de done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or indirectly through African Apes Tours & Travel, the number one trusted gorilla safari company in Uganda the Pearl of Africa. The recommended time for booking a gorilla permit to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks is roughly 5 months before the trekking date. All travelers trekking gorillas in Uganda MUST be aged 15 years and above. NOTE: A mountain gorilla permit remains a property of Uganda Wildlife Authority. During gorilla trekking briefing, travelers are asked to submit all permit to UWA rangers. NO one is therefore allowed to hike into the jungle with a gorilla permit.
Where to test for covid19 upon arrival in Uganda
There are many places where you can test for covid19 in Uganda. Your driver guide from African Apes Holidays will help you find any nearby recognized hospital to do a covid19 test. Among the recommended Covid19 test laboratories include ANCA biotech laboratories, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Test and Fly, Lancet Laboratories, Infectious Disease Institute (IDI), Uganda Cancer Institute, Fred Hutchison Laboratory, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Mild May Laboratory, Central Public Health Laboratory, ION Laboratory, MBN Laboratory, Tororo Mobile Laboratory and Makerere University Hospital among others. The covid19 test results at the end of the day and you will receive them on your email to avoid driving back to where you tested.
Do I need another test after my trip?
YES, all travelers are asked to do another test of covid19 at the end of their Uganda safari. This is to ensure that no one leaves Uganda with COvid19. The place where to test for corona virus will depend on your location. Various test centers have been put across the whole country to make it easier for our clients. Your African Apes Tours driver guide will take you to the nearest covid19 test Centre. Anyone who tests positive for cvid19 after his/her trip in Uganda will not bellowed to depart from the country. He will first have treatment Uganda to avoid the transfer of positive cases from Uganda to other countries.
Are Uganda safaris starting from Rwanda available?
NO, since the start of covid19 in 2019, all Uganda gorilla safaris starting and ending inn Kigali Rwanda were blocked to prevent the possibilities of spreading this deadly virus across the two countries. Land borders from Rwanda to Uganda are still blocked hence no transfers between these two countries. However, we hope the land borders will be reopened to enable Rwanda Uganda gorilla safaris, which are convenient for short time travelers. With no Uganda safaris starting from Kigali Rwanda therefore, all travelers are required to fly to Entebbe International airport and then transfer to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. The shortest Uganda gorilla tour starting from Entebbe airport is 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari. The first day is for arrival and transfer to Bwindi Forest, second day if for gorilla trekking and the 3rd day is for departure.
Gorilla Trekking SOP’s in Uganda
Travelers are asked to observe the Covid19 Standard Operating Procedures for covid19 in order to avoid the spread of the deadly virus to the endangered mountain gorillas. The covid19 SOP’s for gorilla trekking in Uganda include:
1. Keep a distance of 10 meters away from the gorillas
2. Wear your face mask
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
4. Do not touch the gorillas
5. Sanitize your hand before, during and after your gorilla trek
6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water
7. Your temperatures must be measured
Other gorilla trekking dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking are
1. Do not use flashlight cameras
2. Avoid direct eye contact with the endangered gorillas
3. Do not eat or drink before the gorillas
4. Do not smoke in the presence of the gorillas
5. Keep your voices low (Speak on a low tone)
6. Keep within your group (Do not scatter alone in the jungle)
7. When the gorilla charges, do not run away
Is Uganda Congo gorilla safaris available?
YES, the land borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are open and you can trek gorillas in either countries connecting from either countries. However with the on going Nyiragongo volcano eruption, tourism in Congo is currently on hold to ensure safety.
What to pack for my post covid19 gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
Having tested negative for covid19 and booked your gorilla permit, the next step is to get your travel nags ready and started off the adventure. Your gorilla trekking packing list must include among others:
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Gardening gloves
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Long sleeved shirt/blouse
• Long pants
• Insect repellants
• Energy giving snacks
• Bottled drinking water
• Sanitary wear and toiletries
Conclusively therefore, you ought to visit Uganda for a lifetime post covid19 gorilla trekking experience. Contact specialists at African Apes Tours for advice and gorilla safari bookings.