Gorilla Trekking in Uganda During COVID-19

Gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19: Planning for a gorilla safari in Uganda amidst coronavirus 2022 is generally challenging. Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Uganda around March 2020, a lot has changed especially in the tourism sector.

Gorilla trekking still stands out as the most sought-for activity or experience by the majority of travelers on Uganda safaris. However, the outbreak of coronavirus has changed the normal operation in the tourism sector rendering countries worldwide, Uganda inclusive to tighten her Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all holidaymakers visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking during COVID-19.

The Stipulated SOPs for gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 is a must to be observed not only by visitors on gorilla safaris in Uganda or Uganda wildlife safari but by everyone. The SOPs set in place are aimed at reducing the further spread of COVID-19.

Can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 2022?

With the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place, it is possible for tourists to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19. This means visitors can plan for a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park amidst coronavirus. These Uganda safari parks protect half of the 1063 mountain gorillas that still survive on earth and only dwell in the East-Central African jungles specifically in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo.

Mountain gorillas and COVID-19

Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

It should be noted that mountain gorillas are highly endangered species on earth and they share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them be very susceptible to human infectious diseases. Exposing them to respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 puts them at a higher risk of contracting it and the best way to protect them is by observing the stipulated COVID-19 guidelines or measures also Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Measures/guidelines/standard operating procedures for gorilla trekking during COVID-19

If you are planning to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 2022, here are some of the essential measures, guidelines, or Standard Operating Procedures to follow.

• A maximum of 8 visitors is accepted to track only one gorilla family in a day.
• Strictly, gorilla trekking will be done in already habituated gorilla group families.
• A maximum of 10m must be kept away from gorillas and this applies to all tourists on Uganda gorilla safari.
• Upon locating your assigned gorilla group, only 1 hour shall be allowed for you to spend face to face with mountain gorillas.
• If you are sick or ill or have signs of COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to go trekking gorillas.
• You should have tested Negative for coronavirus and essentially, we encourage all our clients to get fully vaccinated. Have a valid Negative PCR test certificate issued out within 3 days/72 hours. PCR tests on arrival at Entebbe cost USD30 and if tested positive for COVID-19, you may undergo self-quarantine for 14 days at the hotel at your cost.
• All visitors, staff must wash or sanitize their hands and also take body temperatures.
• All tourists on gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 plus staff, trackers must put on face masks-please, carry two or more masks.
• A social distance between visitors must be maintained at about 2 meters.
• Breaks shall be made especially for visitors who plan to spend long hours or hike high altitudes-this is to avoid the side effects of wearing masks for a longer time
• Eating, drinking, or smoking in the presence is highly prohibited.
• Touching gorillas isn’t allowed while on a gorilla trek-try to keep a good distance away from gorillas even when they rub themselves on you, don’t get tempted to touch them.
• All human wastes must be buried deep as directed by your park official or guide.
• Only persons above 15 years are allowed to engage in gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Places to visit for gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19

Gorillas in Bwindi National Park

Half of 1063 mountain gorillas live in Uganda and gorilla treks are conducted only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 2 National Parks feature a lush tropical rainforest where these highly endangered creatures thrive and currently, 21 habituated gorilla families are open for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Five regions or sectors are available for tourists to explore while on gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19. They include 4 regions in Bwindi National Park that are Buhoma in the North, the Ruhija sector in the East, Nkuringo & Rushaga in the South. In Mgahinga National Park, Ntebeko is the only region or area to start your gorilla trekking adventure.

Location and how to get there

Gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are all found in Southwestern Uganda. Access to these 2 National Parks is easier by road or by air. While on gorilla trekking safari, by road, you can travel from Kampala or Entebbe through Mbarara-Kabale/Kisoro to Bwindi or Mgahinga a journey that takes about 8-9 hrs or start from Kigali via Katuna or Chanika border area, taking you about 3-4 hours.

Air transportation is the quickest means to reach Bwindi or Mgahinga for your gorilla trekking safari. Flights connecting to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga start from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi airstrip just close to Bwindi and Kisoro airfield/airstrip near Mgahinga National Park. From Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, visitors can be picked up by driver guides and be driven to the parks for gorilla trekking.

Permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19

All visitors planning to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 require to have valid gorilla permits. Each of the gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD700 per person above 15 years for Foreign Non-Residents, USD600 for Foreign Residents, and Uganda shillings 250,000 for East Africa Citizens. The rates apply to all visitors on gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 whether you plan to visit Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

How to book permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19

How to plan for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda amidst coronavirus. While on gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19, gorilla permits can be booked by either a ground tour operator/company or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The process of booking for gorilla permits at times takes long and the best is to have your permit booked earlier 2-4 months before the date you plan to be in the park to participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19.

What to carry for gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19?

The essentials for gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 include a valid COVID-19 test certificate, N95 Face mask or surgical mask, valid gorilla permits, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, pair of trousers, camera with no flashlight, hand sanitizer, gardening gloves, first aid kit, safari hat, insect repellents, passport, visas, sunglasses, socks and many more.

Testing for COVID-19 after gorilla trekking

After your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, Southwestern Uganda, departing travelers will be required to test. The COVID-19 tests are conducted in the recommended laboratories such as Uganda Virus Research Institute, Test and Fly Laboratory, ANCA Biotech Laboratories, Infectious Disease Institute (IDI), and others. Maranatha Tours and Travel is positioned to direct you to the nearest or the most accessible laboratory to go to and after your tests, results will be sent to you via email.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is open to all visitors and at any time of the year. But the most ideal or the best time to travel to enjoy this thrilling primate adventure is during the dry season which is from June to September and December to February. The dry season is preferable due to the favorable weather conditions especially the low or no rains the parks experience with the ground kept relatively drier. The wet or rainy months (March-May & October-November) are also open for gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park though these are the periods when heavy rains are experienced.

Where to stay on gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19

While on gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19, all the 2 National Parks (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) have varied accommodation facilities ranging from budget to luxury. All the lodges have stipulated COVID-19 measures which visitors must observe.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the comfortable places to stay before and after your gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge (Luxury).

Midrange lodges to stay while on gorilla trekking in Uganda during COVID-19-Bwindi; Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Silverback Lodge Bwindi, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, Engagi Lodge. Budget or basic lodges to stay in and around Bwindi National Park include Bwindi Backpackers, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Gift Of Nature Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, and others.