Gorilla trekking in Uganda amidst COVID-19 query and true answers

The Covid-19 pandemic has left the world classified into two arrays. Travelers may either belong to the vaccinated array or the non-vaccinated array. The travel restrictions between the two groups differ leading to travel-related questions in regard to mountain gorilla trekking rules and regulations during the Covid-19 period in Uganda.

Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are referred to as the only triarchy of these mountain gorilla trekking countries worldwide. Gorilla trekking guidelines are synonymous but still, there are a few distinguished requirements that differ from each of the country’s offering mountain gorilla viewing experiences. In that view, we have to answer questions regarding mountain gorilla trekking amidst the covid-19 era.

Uganda

Uganda is the best destination offering mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Uganda is a small country protecting the endangered mountain gorillas in two magical national parks; Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and in Mgahinga Gorilla national park. Due to the covid-19 outbreak pandemic, Uganda closed all the national parks protecting primates. Uganda reopened the gorilla trekking experience in October 2020 for mountain gorilla trekking tours for worldwide exploration. Below are the most asked gorilla trekking questions and answers during the Covid-19 period.

 

What is the best season for mountain gorilla trekking during the Covid-19 restrictions?

Uganda and Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking is best done in the seasons of January, February, March, June, July, August, September, and December yearly because little rainfall amounts are expected which makes exploring African tropical rainforest easier as travelers search for these amazing giant gentle apes in their natural environment.

However, travelers can still enjoy gorilla trekking regardless of the weather patterns. Many tourists come to Uganda during the low season to enjoy both discounted accommodation facilities as well as the gorilla trekking permits.

What are the requirements for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda requires a traveler to have a gorilla tracking permit. All travelers must be above 15 years old. The gorilla permit for a non-foreign resident costs US$700 for foreign. The gorilla permit for foreign residents costs US$600. The gorilla permit for East African residents costs and UGX 250,000 for East Africans.

After getting your mountain gorilla trekking permit, all travelers are advised to follow the standard operating procedures that are put in place to protect both visitors and the great apes. The most preferred face mask is an N95 or the doctor’s surgical mask that should be worn by all travelers full time during the gorilla trekking seasons! Uganda’s parks protecting these apes do carry out body temperature checkups making sure that nobody goes beyond 37.5. Visitors wearing disposal face masks are strongly advised to carry excess face masks so they change every day. While you are on a gorilla tour, you are always requested to always maintain so social distance and sanitize all the time.

What are Uganda’s current travel restrictions?

Uganda borders are open for tourism to all foreign travelers. Every traveler coming to Uganda may require a negative PCR test upon arrival at Entebbe international airport at the traveler’s own cost whether vaccinated or not.

What happens when a traveler test positive upon arrival or at the end of his/her trip?

When a traveler test positive for covid-19 he/she will require to self-isolate in a designated hotel at their own cost. Though, these are uncommon cases because the Covid-19 cases have been so low lately in Uganda. However, some when foreign national tests positive they prefer to be repatriated to their home for their treatment for their Covid-19. it is still done at their own cost.

Where can travelers test for Covid-19 before their departure flight from Uganda?

Your Ugandan tour operator will help you get the best Covid-19 testing point depending on your travel location in Uganda. Uganda’s most recommended laboratories are Test and Fly, ANCA laboratories, and Lancet Laboratories, among others.

Travelers’ results can be well-received via e- mail. Your travel plan back home cannot be inconvenienced. As long as your Covid-19 test is at Uganda’s ministry of health accredited laboratories, all you may need is a covid-19 test result e-mail from one of these accredited laboratories.

Is it possible for travelers to trek gorillas in Uganda from Rwanda?

Yes, travelers can trek mountain gorillas in Uganda from Rwanda but the best option is to fly from Kigali to Entebbe international Airport since the Land border between Uganda and Rwanda is still closed. Then you may choose to fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip you may decide to take a 9 hours’ drive from Entebbe to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park offering endless views in order for you to participate in the magnificent gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Is it possible for travelers to trek gorillas in Congo from Uganda?

Travelers from Uganda can participate in gorilla trekking in Congo. You may take a flight from Entebbe to Goma, this is where your tour operator can pick you & he/ she transfers you to your specific preferred booked lodge in Goma.

Where can a traveler get valid Covid-19 travel guidelines for their gorilla trekking in Africa?

Worlds’ travel restrictions keep changing ever since vaccination started. The best sources of updated information regarding gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo would be airline, and tour operators’ websites where travelers can easily get all the information in case of any changes made. It is always important to communicate with a local tour operator for any information you may need.