Can mountain gorillas get covid19? YES, mountain gorillas can contract the deadly covid19! Most people planning to travel for gorilla safaris in Africa ask whether mountain gorillas can get covid19. YES, the endangered mountain gorillas can easily contract the deadly coronavirus if precautions are not followed. For that case, all travelers coming for gorilla trekking MUST test negative for covid19 before they are permitted to visit the endangered gorillas. Upon arrival at the airport, travelers are asked to present the negative covid19 test results taken 72 hours before arrival. Mountain gorillas share over 99% of human genes which make them man’s close relatives. The close relativeness of mountain gorillas and people makes the endangered species susceptible to human diseases especially communicable diseases inclusive of covid19. Even after testing negative for covid19, travelers are encouraged to observe the Starboard Operating procedures, before and after meeting the endangered gorillas to avoid any risk of spreading the virus.
Can Selfie Taking transmit covid19 to gorillas?
Travelers are cautioned against taking selfies with mountain gorillas to avoid the spread of the virus. Some travelers have been seen taking pictures with the endangered mountain gorillas in the jungle. It’s undeniable that gorilla trekking is the best wildlife experience in the world which attracts the highest number of travelers to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo which shelter the endangered gorillas. The fact that travelers only leave the jungle with only pictures and memories from the gorilla trekking experience, taking a selfie in the company of gorillas has been a target and wish for most travelers visiting to see gorillas. YES, we have seen lots of pictures for travelers who have taken selfie photos with gorillas. However, selfie-taking with gorillas exposes a high risk of contracting the deadly coronavirus to the endangered gorillas. It’s evident that most travelers taking selfies with the gorillas do not keep the seven to ten meters’ distance away from the endangered gorillas as advised by conservationists and gorilla park management. Therefore, selfie-taking with gorillas exposes high risks of spreading covid19 from travelers to mountain gorillas. Selfie-taking with gorillas is therefore highly discouraged in all post covid19 gorilla trekking safaris to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Park.
Guidelines for post covid19 gorilla trekking tours
The fact that gorilla trekking is open yet covid19 still roaming in gorilla safari destinations, conservationists and gorilla doctors have drafted the list of post covid19 gorilla trekking guidelines to ensure the safety of both travelers and the endangered gorillas in the jungle. The rules of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo amidst covid19 include among others:
1. All travelers visiting gorillas MUST test negative for covid19. Upon arrival at the entry points (Kigali and Entebbe) international airports, travelers are undertaken through a PCR test to confirm they are free from the virus.
2. Travelers visiting gorillas are advised to have been vaccinated against covid9 before arriving in gorilla destinations
3. Mandatory face making for everyone visiting the gorillas
4. Mandatory hand washing at the start and during the hike to see gorillas. Different hand washing points have been put in gorilla parks to enable travelers to wash hands to avoid the risks of contracting and spreading the deadly virus
5. Sanitizing with alcohol-based content is highly recommended by all people visiting gorillas
6. Keep a distance of 10 meters away from the gorillas. This is to avoid close contact with the gorillas which can lead to the spread of the virus
7. Travelers any symptoms of covid19 such the high temperatures, flu, and cough are not allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Discounted gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Enjoy discounted mountain gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda on your postcovid19 gorilla tours in Africa. As a welcome back from travel restrictions, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda is offering discounted gorilla permits to first come travelers visiting trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda respectively. Apparently, a single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $400 for foreign nonresidents, $300 for foreign residents, and UGX 100,000 for Ugandans and East African citizens. This far cheaper compared to the initial $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. More so, Rwanda Development Board is offering discounted permits at $500 for foreign residents and $200 for Rwanda and East African citizens. However, foreign nonresidents to Rwanda still pay $1500 for each gorilla permit which makes it a luxury gorilla safari destination in Africa. In addition to cheap gorilla permits, Uganda Wildlife Authority is offering 50% discount on entrance fees to all national parks in Uganda
How and when to book gorilla permits?
Gorilla trekking permit booking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is recommended as early as possible to avoid disappointments. The advised time for booking gorilla permits is roughly 6 months before the trekking date. Regarding how to book, African Apes Holidays is your trusted gorilla safari company in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact us, inform us about your travel date and we shall have the rest done for you. We book and pick your gorilla permits and also design for you a tailor-made itinerary to suit your travel budget and time.
Which other animals are at risk of contracting Covid19?
Besides mountain gorillas, there are other primates that stand high chances of contracting the deadly covid19 if travelers do not follow the Standard Operating Procedures. These include chimpanzees who live in Kibale Forest Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda. Like gorillas, chimpanzees are man’s close relatives which share over 99% of human genes. Orangutans also are at risk of getting covid19.
Conclusively, therefore, mountain gorillas can easily contract the deadly covid19 from travelers. All people visiting the endangered gorillas are advised to follow the Standard Operating Procedures, avoid taking selfies with the gorillas, and follow all post covid19 gorilla trekking guidelines.
