Safe Gorilla trekking during COVID-19 era is now possible! Gorilla trekking which can only be done in Rwanda, Uganda & DR congo was immediately suspended for fear that the deadly Pandemic could easily spread to the gorgeous forest-dwelling Mountain gorillas. The good news now is that Rwanda has officially resumed it Gorilla tourism amidst the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic but with standard new gorilla trekking guidelines geared to protect the mountain gorillas from any possibilities of contracting this deadly virus.
Although Rwanda is the first to reopen it park for gorilla trekking, other gorilla trekking destinations; Uganda & DR Congo will equally resume their gorilla trekking.
However, all the Gorilla trekking during COVID-19 is set to run on a new set of COVID-19 gorilla trekking regulations. The regulations will include the following rules for all tourists to follow while trekking mountain gorillas during the current COVID-19 era.
Post-lockdown regulations for Gorilla trekking During COVID-19
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.
