The Covid-19 pandemic has left the whole world classified into two batches. You either belong to the vaccinated batch or the non-vaccinated batch. The travel restrictions tend to differ from one group to another causing a number of travel and conduct related questions to arise in view of gorilla trekking during the Covid-19 era.
Though normal still seems far from our vocabulary today, there is a silver lining for a new dawn outside the “new normal”. But before we get there; here are a few insights regarding gorilla trekking in the covid-19 times.
Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo can be referred to as the triarchy of gorilla trekking in the whole world. The guidelines seem synonymous but there remain a few distinguished requirements varying from one country to another. For that matter, we are attempting to answer a few questions regarding gorilla trekking in the covid-19 times.
Uganda
Uganda is one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking. This relatively small country protects the mountain gorillas in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. At the outbreak of the pandemic, the country closed its national parks hosting primates.
The country reopened gorilla tourism in October 2020 and it is one of the destinations that are now open for gorilla trekking safaris.
Below are some of the questions and answers regarding gorilla trekking in Uganda during Covid-19 times;
What is required for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The paramount requirement to trek the mountain gorillas in Uganda is a gorilla permit. All you need is to be 15 years old or above and the ability to pay for the permit. That is US$700 for foreign non residents, US$600 for foreign residents and Ugx 250,000 for East Africans. Children below 15 years are strictly not allowed to go on gorilla treks since it has been found out that they do not show signs of infections of the virus.
After securing your gorilla trekking permit, you will have to consider the standard operation procedures (SOPs) that have been put in place to ensure visitors and the apes are protected. A face mask preferably an N95 or a surgical mask should be worn at all times! The park also do body temperature not going beyond 37.5.
Those wearing disposal face masks are advised to carry more than two face masks to ensure that you change every day.
On a gorilla safari you are advised to maintain social distancing and use sanitizers at all times.
What are the current travel restrictions?
The borders of Uganda are open to all foreign travelers apart from visitors from India. Anyone coming from countries with Covid Variant Strains such as Turkey, South Africa and Brazil with negative PCR tests must undergo for a PCR test upon arrival at Entebbe international airport.
However, those who belong to the vaccinated batch are not required to carry out a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival.
Every traveler to Uganda is required to be in possession of a negative PCR test certificate obtained not later than 120 hours before their flight.
What happens when I test positive upon arrival or at the end of my trip?
You will be required to self-isolate while covering the hotel bills by yourself. The quarantine will be 14 days. However these are very uncommon incidences because the Covid-19 threat has been very low in Uganda.
However; if a foreign national tests positive and wishes to be repatriated to another country for their Covid-19 treatment; it will be done at their cost following the stated medical evacuation protocols.
Where can I test for Covid-19 before getting on my departure flight from Uganda?
Your tour operator will help you identify Covid-19 testing point depending on your location. The most recommended laboratories include but not limited to Test and Fly, Lancet Laboratories, ANCA biotech laboratories among other top laboratories.
Results can be received on mail. You will not be inconvenienced to travel back to the laboratories in order to get your test results. As long as you do you Covid-19 test at the ministry of health accredited laboratories, all you will need is a test result email from the accredited laboratory.
Is it possible to trek gorillas in Uganda from Rwanda?
It is possible but not the best option since the Land border of Uganda and Rwanda is closed. If you are to track gorillas in Uganda, you will have to take a flight to Entebbe which demands you to endure a 9 hours drive or take another local flight in order to connect to either Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Is it possible to trek gorillas in Congo from Uganda?
It is very possible to trek gorillas in Congo from Uganda. You will take a flight from Entebbe to Goma from where your tour operator will pick you up to transfer to your lodge in Goma. The gorilla trekking permits in Virunga national park are still US$400 for foreign non residents and US$200 for East African residents.
Where can I get valid Covid-19 travel guidelines for my gorilla trek?
The travel restrictions keep on changing since vaccination started. The best sources to get the updated information would be airline websites. They will give you all the information in case of any changes. It is also important to contact a local tour operator for local information.
What is the best season to trek gorillas in view of the Covid-19 restrictions?
The best seasons to go gorilla trekking have always been January, February, July, August and December. However, after the whole world experiencing a lockdown for sometime; there is an expected change in travel patterns that might also make it a little be tricky.
But regardless, you can still go gorilla trekking regardless of the weather. A good number of tourists travel off season and enjoy discounts on not only accommodation but also gorilla permits!
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