Covid-19 Requirements For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Covid-19 Requirements For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Several conditions were altered for Gorilla visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. As everyone is aware, the Covid-19 pandemic has split the world in two. You may belong to a cohort that has not received vaccinations or you may be immunized. Consequently, different groups have different travel restrictions, which leads to a rise in tourists and related inquiries about going to see gorillas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It might be a little more challenging, though, due to an anticipated change in the travel schedule. Here are some negative consequences of going to see gorillas during the COVID-19 pandemic, though, before we go there.
Gorillas can only be found in three African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Though there are some clear requirements that vary from country to country, the recommendations seem to be interchangeable. If so, we would like to address some of the questions about gorilla visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ugandan gorilla trekking during COVID-19.
The best safari location for gorilla watching and trekking seems to be Uganda. Uganda protects these endangered mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, despite its tiny size. The nation has changed its restrictions due to the pandemic, and gorilla trekking safaris are now permitted in the national parks.
Plan ahead and reserve your gorilla permit.
The most crucial requirement for seeing or trekking Uganda’s mountain gorillas is a valid gorilla permit. You must, however, be able to obtain the permits and be at least 15 years old. Therefore, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 700 per person for a foreign non-resident, USD 600 for a foreign resident, and UGX 250,000 for an East African.
Since it has been found that youngsters are much more scared of gorillas than adults, it is strictly forbidden for children under the age of 15 to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. You are not allowed to see or hike gorillas if it is found that you have the same virus symptoms.
Obtain a vaccination and have a PCR test.
You must be vaccinated and have a negative Covid-19 test that is valid for three days before your trip to Uganda in order to go on a gorilla trekking safari in either the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Before leaving for their destinations, all travelers arriving at Entebbe International Airport are required to complete a PCR test at the airport and complete a passenger locator form online.
Always wear a surgical or N95 mask.
You must wear your mask at all times throughout your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda to avoid spreading or catching the Covid-19 virus. In Uganda, the N95 mask or surgical masks are the recommended masks to wear. Before being allowed to enter any of the nation’s national parks, tourists will also have their body temperature taken.
When trekking among gorillas in Uganda, keep a social distance.
When on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, visitors must always keep a minimum of 8 meters between themselves and the gorillas. Because mountain gorillas and humans share almost 97% of their DNA, they are more likely to contract the virus from infected hikers, which reduces the likelihood that people would pass the lethal illness to them. Covid-19 Requirements for Ugandan Gorilla Treks.
Keep hand sanitizer on hand at all times.
Before entering Uganda’s gorilla parks and other national parks, guests must wash their hands. It is recommended that visitors to Uganda bring their own hand sanitizer with them. Before beginning your gorilla trekking excursion, park management officials in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park go above and above by requiring gorilla trekkers to sterilize their hiking shoes or boots.
What occurs if you test positive for COVID-19 when you enter or exit Uganda?
The quarantine period will last 14 days, and you will be required to pay for the lodge while self-isolating. Since the risk of Covid-19 has declined in Uganda from June to July and even August, they seem to be uncommon instances.
Covid-19 Requirements For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda In the case that a foreign national tests positive and wants to be sent abroad for treatment, this will be done at their own cost in compliance with the medical evacuation requirements.
Before leaving Uganda, where can you take the COVID-19 test?
Depending on your location, the tour operator you made your reservation with will help you find Covid-19 testing. The best-preserved or suggested labs to use are Lancet Laboratories, ANCA Biotech Laboratories, Test & Fly Uganda, and numerous other classified labs.
You will have to wait a few hours after the test to receive the results, which will be sent to you via email. To acquire your results, you won’t have to go back to the lab. If the laboratory is accredited by the Ministry of Health, you merely need to leave your mail there.