Post-lockdown Gorilla trekking: Are you considering to go gorilla trekking after the three (03) months of total lockdown? In this article, we will prepare you with all the relevant information on gorilla trekking after lockdown – so keep reading!.
Gorilla trekking can be done in three (03) countries; Uganda, Rwanda & DR. Congo. However, out of all three, only two (02) countries; Uganda & Rwanda are considered safe for gorilla trekking. And because we mind about your safety, we only organise safe gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda & Rwanda – sorry we can’t take you elsewhere.
Following the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus commonly referred to as COVID-19 that is believed to have started in Wuhan in China. Most countries in the world including Uganda & Rwanda were forced to completely go into lockdown which involved the closure of airports, businesses were closed, gorilla trekking and all other tourism activities in Uganda & Rwanda were also suspended for fear of the further spread of the deadly pandemic. this lockdown lasted nearly three (03) months until recently when most countries began to relax the strict COVID-19 regulations. Many countries including Uganda & Rwanda opened up its national parks for local tourism. This progressively has led to yet another remarkable step of further relaxing and re-opening the gorilla trekking Parks in Uganda & Rwanda for what has been dubbed as ‘post-lockdown gorilla trekking’.
Post-lockdown gorilla trekking, however, comes with a lot of regulations to ensure that Gorilla trekking remains safe even during this COVID-19 era.
The set Post-lockdown gorilla trekking regulations including;
Before & On arrival into Uganda/Rwanda:
- All travellers intending to fly into Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking and or other tourism-related activities must have undergone a mandatory 72-hours COVID-19 test in the country of origin prior to their travel to Uganda or Rwanda.
- On arrival, another test or tests (as may be determined by the Rwandan authority) will be conducted just so they are sure you are not Positive for COVID-19.
- Should you be found positive for COVID-19 on arrival into Uganda or Rwanda, you will be sent to the nearest allocated treatment/management centre.
- If found negative, you will be allowed to proceed with your travel arrangement with Realm Africa Safaris™. We will have someone waiting to receive you after meeting all set government requirements.
- If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, kindly volunteer to stay behind for the good of the Gorillas & your fellow trekkers. Depending on your illness, an alternate gorilla trekking opportunity may be arranged for you, or you might be refunded the cost of your gorilla permit. (See: UWA refund procedures for ill persons)
During your journey to the Gorillas:
- Only 08 tourists will be permitted to trek & photograph a group of habituated Mountain gorillas. This minimizes behavioural disturbance to the gorillas and also minimize the risk of them being exposed to human disease(s).** Rwanda has reduced the number to 06 tourists with the aim of minimising any possibilities of passing on the deadly COVID-19 virus ( See: Can gorillas catch COVID-19?)
- Always endeavour wash or use an alcohol-based hand Sanitizer to thoroughly clean your hands before trekking the gorillas. (See: The Best Hand sanitizer for a Safari to Africa).
- You will be required at all time (in public) to wear a mask. N95 masks are scientifically recommended as the safest masks. please bring one/a couple for yourself. ( You can buy one on Amazon.com)
- You will be required to observe a social distance of about 2 metres during your trek, and when viewing & photographing the gorillas.
- When you get to the gorillas, kindly observe the recommended safe gorilla trekking distance of 7 metres as stipulated in the Post-lockdown gorilla trekking regulations. **Rwanda has increased this distance to 10 metres as a measure to limit the spread of COVID-19.
