ENJOY GORILLA TREKKING AFTER COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN UGANDA.

Gorilla trekking is an activity which involves meeting the great gentle Apes in their natural habitat, mountain gorillas are some of world’s endangered species and currently found in Virunga conservation parks of Virunga Mountain in DR Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga National park in Uganda. This encounter had been on the forefront of most travelers to east Africa before the outbreak of the world pandemic of Covid-19 which has greatly affected global tourism and other sectors in the country.

Gorilla trekking after Covid-19 will be possible in both Uganda and Rwanda due to the fact that the governments have made precautionary measures in conjunction with operators in the tourism sector to safeguard your intended exploration and as well safeguarding these primates since they ought to be protected as they can as well contract human infections, and here are some of the measures that gives hope for safe and future encounter with the primates after the pandemic.

The government of Uganda has restricted flights in and out of the country except cargo flights, this in a way has controlled the spread of the infection especially from outside the country and foster measures of managing the virus from the local communities as another way to ensure safety once the lockdown is lifted.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has suspended both primate and research activities in all protected areas and provision of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment’s) to trackers to avoid any possible spread of the virus to the primates in these areas.

The government of Uganda has restricted travel to and from countries that are already affected by Coronavirus in in order to control its importation into the country. The government has gone on to categorize these countries into categories 1 to 3 depending on the severity of the outbreak in such countries. Travelers from severely hit countries (category 1) like China, Italy, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom, Spain, among others have been advised to postpone their travel to Uganda

Limiting the time staff spends in the presence of animals while doing their daily activities like monitoring the health of gorillas. After checking on all the animals, the staff moves 100 meters away from them to maintain a protection presence.

Undertaking mandatory and regular hand washing and sanitizing by all staff, placing posters that explain symptoms of COVID-19 and its control measures at several work areas to educate both staff and the community.

All field staff are subjected to daily health checks before going to meet the animals and anyone found with symptoms or fever are isolated and advised to seek medical attention.

All tour operators, travel agencies, and accommodation facilities provide hand washing facilities with soap at their premises and on-board travel vehicles and vessels

Cost of Gorilla trekking after Covid-19

The cost of Gorilla trekking stands at 700$ and gorilla habituation at 1500$ however due to the pandemic Safari Vacation & Travel Services is willing to offer packages at discounted rates to ensure that you encounter these primates and have a relief from the pandemic for new goals after the trek.

Protection measures after the pandemic upon your trek.

Since mountain gorillas share 95% of human DNA there high rates of these Primates to contract human diseases and thus ensure to follow guidelines which are developed while before or along the trails in the jungle until you encounter the primates which include the following;

• Washing hands/sanitizing frequently to stop the spread of the virus to fellow members and to the primates through touching of different surfaces
• Maintain a distance of 7 meters when you meet the gorillas
• Do not use flash cameras while taking photos once you meet the primates since flash lights can disrupt them and charge which can make them charge.
• If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
• Visits are limited to one hour per Chimpanzee group per day
• DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out in your backpack with you
• Follow guidelines offered to you from the headquarters before the trek and ranger guides once you’re on the trek in the forest

Accommodation after Covid-19

There was great arrangement within Bwindi Impenetrable National park where plenty of accommodation facilities have been set up and upgraded with facilities offering services from Budget, midrange and luxury all offering the best hospitality, stunning views of park and some of these lodges include; Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Camp Lodge Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Icumbi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge among others respectively

Mgahinga gorilla national park as well has plenty of accommodation facilities where you get to enjoy a peaceful, comfortable, safe and enjoyable stay in this tropical rain forest where silver meets gold. Both offering local and international dishes, some of the accommodation lodges include; Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travelers Rest Hotel, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Cahahfi Resort among others

Book with Safari Vacations & Travel Services for your gorilla trekking and habituation experience in both Uganda and Rwanda after Covid-19 for your Family, Research, Honey Moon and individual safari to the Pearl of Africa. With our rating on Trip advisor we will ensure that you get satisfaction once you book with us and as well arrange for you booking your trekking permits and other credentials for your adventure.