Despite the tentative suspension of gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo threatened by the deadly corona virus, there is hope for the reopening of gorilla trekking activities in Africa in the near future. Apparently, there are no travelers coming to see gorillas in Bwindi Forest and the Virunga Conservation Area. Starting with March 2020, all gorilla national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo were closed to tourism to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus to the endangered mountain gorillas. Travelers who had booked gorilla trips in this lockdown were asked to postpone till further notice. Fortunately, Uganda Wildlife Authority has relaxed its gorilla trekking permit policies to allow travel operators and travelers survive in this trying time. UWA is allowing rescheduling of gorilla permits up to 2 years without any penalty.
Why were gorilla parks closed?
Mountain gorillas share over 99% of human genes, which make them our close relatives. Therefore, the close relativeness between gorillas and human beings make them susceptible to human illnesses of which corona virus is among. Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species, which were once on the verge of extinction. Today, the whole world shelters 1006 mountain gorillas which live in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Forest National Park.
Why trek gorillas in Uganda after Corona Virus?
Uganda is your suitable gorilla safari destination after Corona Virus. The affordable costs of Uganda gorilla safaris are a reason why you should visit gorillas in Uganda. It’s obvious that most people will have no money after the pandemic and will be travelling on Budget. Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for east African residents which is more affordable compared to Rwanda @$1500 for a singe gorilla permit. African Apes Holidays help you arrange a tailor-made Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks at affordable rates to suit your travel budget.
How safe will Uganda be for Post Covid19 gorilla safaris?
Since the outbreak of the deadly virus, Uganda has steadily dealt with it. For 2 months now, the Uganda ministry of health has registered 79 corona virus cases 52 of which have recovered and no death reported. Fortunately, all communities of Uganda are now Corona Virus free. The active cases are those who have come from outside and truck drivers who cross borders from the neighboring affected countries. All people still admitted are in good health and will be discharged soon. Therefore the steady recovery of Uganda from Covid19 give hope for a virus free country in the shortest time soon. The country has been in lockdown for the last 2 months, which has yielded good results.
Kigali to Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking
Are you worried of the distance from Entebbe/Kamala to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks? No worries, African Apes Holidays runs Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla trekking tours. In this trip, travelers are fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross via Cyanika or Katuna border into Uganda. The drive time from Kigali to Bwindi/Mgahinga is roughly 5 hours, which is quick, compared to a full day of driving from Kampala/Entebbe airport. The initiation of Rwanda Uganda gorilla safaris gives short time travelers a chance to visit gorillas. Book a 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali with African Apes Holidays and get to see gorillas in the shortest time possible. A 1-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek from Kigali starts at 3:30 am to catch-up with a pre gorilla trekking briefing at 7:00 am. After seeing the gorillas, travelers drive back to Kigali to catch up with their return flights.
Safety measures of post covid19 Uganda gorilla trekking
After the defeat of the deadly Virus, gorilla trekking in Uganda will resume to operate normally. However, the following safety measures for the wellbeing of the endangered gorillas and travelers are emphasized. These include:
1. Do not trek gorillas when sick or with any sign of flu or cold
2. Keep a distance of seven meters and more from the endangered gorillas
3. Wear a face mask
4. Do not touch the gorillas
5. Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas. It makes frightened
6. Turn back your faces when sneezing or coughing
7. Do not use flashlight cameras
Are there some safaris running in Uganda as of now?
As of 29th April 2020, all Uganda safaris for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tours, and bird watching and game safaris are temporarily suspended. All movements by public and private means have been restricted to prevent chances of spreading the virus from one place to another. However, travelers and all wildlife lovers are assured of the reopening of all national parks in Uganda in a short time to come.
Conclusively, get ready and prepare for your postcoivid19 gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Gorilla National Parks will be reopened soon to allow normal gorilla encounters for a lifetime experience.
