Gorilla trekking in Uganda During COVID-19

Planning for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda or Uganda safaris amidst COVID-19 2021 is undoubtedly the most challenging task. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, life has never been the same, and most holidaymakers have been left asking so many questions with few or no answers. The essential question almost everyone is still asking is ‘can I travel for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda during COVID-19?’ To be honest, the answer is YES! 

It is true the outbreak of COVID-19 has come with its own challenges but what is interesting is that Gorilla Tracking in Uganda during COVID-19 era is still very possible. It is possible to organize your Mountain Gorilla holiday with a trusted and registered tour operator on ground, and when it comes to Gorilla safaris during this COVID-19 times, you don’t need to look any further than Maranatha Tours and Travel. For over 13 years, we have been and still organizing the best Gorilla safaris, wildlife tours in Uganda, Rwanda and across East Africa.

With COVID-19 still amidst us, all our Uganda safaris, Game Viewing, Gorilla trekking tours, Chimpanzee safaris and other tours are planned wisely while considering the set Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Note, Trekking Mountain Gorillas is only done in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Observing the SOPs and other safety measures is crucial to ensure that mountain gorillas that still remain not more than 1063 individuals are protected and they exist for future generations. 

Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda during COVID-19 era? 

Uganda still stands out as one of the world’s premier destinations holidaymakers can visit to track to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Half of these endangered apes are sheltered in the 2 rain-forest national parks of Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 

In Bwindi National Park (which extends 331sq.kms), treks to see gorillas is possible in the 4 regions; the Nkuringo & Rushaga in the South, Ruhija sector in the East and Buhoma in the North. While holidaymakers in Mgahinga National Park begin from Ntebeko area and they track Nyakagezi-the only park’s habituated gorilla group.

Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are undoubtedly amazing gorilla tracking destinations, offering trekkers a chance to get a close interaction with a group of habituated gorilla families while in their natural habitat. Trekking to see mountain gorillas is such a mind blowing experience worth spending on while on Uganda safari. The 2 rain-forest parks are all found in South-western Uganda, Kabale and Kisoro districts respectively and over 21 habituated gorilla groups exist in Uganda for gorilla tracking.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and when the first case was recorded, Uganda went on the first lockdown in 2020. However, gorilla tourism re-opened earlier in October 2020 and this means, you can arrange for your gorilla trekking safari without any doubt.

Cost of Gorilla Tracking Permits during COVID-19 era

Before you leave your country for Gorilla Trekking holiday in Uganda, it is paramount to know how much a gorilla permit costs. All persons above 15 years are by standards for gorilla trekking considered to be eligible to go track mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. In Uganda, Gorilla Trekking permits are issued at affordable rates depending on visitor category; the foreign non-residents pay $700, foreign residents $600 and East Africans pay Uganda shillings 250,000.

Mountain Gorillas

All Uganda Gorilla Trekking permits can easily be obtained through assistance from ground operators and we at Maranatha Tours and Travel, are readily available to ensure that you have your permit booked. Alternatively, visitors can book Uganda Gorilla Trekking permits by themselves but the process is tedious and for this case, you can contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). It is also paramount to ensure that your valid gorilla permit is reserved early at least 2-4 months before you land into Uganda for actual Gorilla Tracking. 

All Uganda Gorilla Tracking tours are conducted while observing the SOPs and essentially, a face mask is a must to wear and you can have an N95/Surgical mask. Body temperature check is mandatory and those who record temperature rise of over 37.5 shall be advised to isolate themselves. On Uganda gorilla tour, hand sanitizing is a must-do for everyone heading to track mountain gorillas. 

Before being allowed to travel to the park, a visitor must present a negative PCR test certificate which he or she obtained not more than 120 hours prior to their flight. Maintain 8-10m distances away from mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga-this is standard so as not to spread the human infectious diseases like COVID-19 to these endangered creatures. 

What if a visitor tests positive on arrival at Entebbe/at the end of the gorilla safari?

If in any case you test positive of COVID-19 upon arrival or at the end of your gorilla safari trip or wildlife tour, you will be required to self-isolate in the designated hotel and on your bill. It takes 14 days for you to quarantine but since reopening, and current vaccinations, such cases are very rare. In case a foreign national who tests positive of COVID-19 wishes to travel to another country for treatment, he or she can be allowed but at their cost. 

The accredited laboratories to visit to test for COVID-19 prior your departure flight in Uganda

Before your departure flight at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be required to carry out a test on COVID-19. Not all laboratories conduct these tests but strictly those recommended by the Ministry of Health in Uganda and they include among others ANCA Biotech Laboratories, Test and Fly Laboratory, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Infectious Disease Institute (IDI). Get directions from your tour operator on which lab is near/accessible and note, results shall be sent to you by mail.

Can I track Uganda gorillas from Rwanda?

Gorilla Tracking in Uganda can also be done starting from Rwanda provided the land borders are open. From Kigali, visitors drive for 3-4 hours and they can be in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Kabale district or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Kisoro district for gorilla tracking. 

In case the Rwanda borders with Uganda are closed since situations are unpredictable considering COVID-19 pandemic, Entebbe Airport is open for travelers and from here, you can be transferred to Bwindi or Mgahinga, about 8-10 hours’ drive. Or a domestic flight service can be arranged starting from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi airfield and landing at Kisoro or Kihihi/Savanna airstrip-located just near Mgahinga & Bwindi National Parks.

When to travel for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda during COVID-19 era?

The best time to travel to Uganda for Gorilla Tracking during COVID-19 is during the dry season. You can mark 2 dry seasons if you are to enjoy Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi or Mgahinga-the first phase begins in June, July, August, September and the other is usually recorded in December, January, February.

What to carry for your Gorilla Tracking in Uganda during COVID-19

• A clean face mast
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• A good camera only without flashlight
• Waterproof day pack
• Long sleeved shirts
• Trousers
• Rain jacket
• Gardening gloves
• Valid gorilla permit
• Walking stick-can be provided at the national park
• First aid kit