Uganda Wildlife Authority has reopened savannah parks for tourism after close to three months of temporary suspension. Effective from March 2020, the Uganda Wildlife Authority suspended all travels to all national parks to prevent the spread of the deadly virus to wildlife. Travelers and animal lovers can now visit and do game drives in the open savannah parks across the country. The national parks open for tourism are Murchison Falls National park, Queen Elizabeth National park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National park. These are the top game parks in Uganda sheltering a high concentration of wild animals. After close to three months of no tourism in all Uganda National Parks and protected areas, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has re-opened savannah parks for tourism. However, primates National Park which including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Kibale Forest National Park are still closed to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees from catching the deadly coronavirus. Part activities such as destination wedding, giveaway, birthdays, and all related activities will not be allowed in the parks. However, all travelers to open parks Must follow the new rules and regulations as out by the Uganda Wildlife Authority as directed by the Ministry of Health and the president
Guidelines for Visiting Savannah Parks in Uganda amidst Corona Virus
- Mandatory washing of hands using soap and sanitize for not less than 20 seconds. Hands must be continually washed after every few hours to keep clean
- Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at every entry point to the National Park. If a client moves out of the park, he/she will be screened again on the return
- All vehicles into the national park must carry half the carrying capacity. This is to ensure the social distance between the clients to avoid close contact
- Salon cars will not be allowed to do game drives in the park
- Boats for those doing launch cruise in Murchison Falls, Kazinga channel and Lake Mburo will only carry half the carrying capacity
- All travelers must wear face masks every time they are in the open. Remove face masks only when in the room
- Keep a distance of at least 4 meters from each other
- Travelers are also advised to carry personal sanitizers
- Large travel groups for more than 25 people are not allowed in the parks
- Destination parties such as weddings are not allowed till further notice
In the same way, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) gave directives for all hotels, lodges and restaurants which must be followed.
In general, the atrial opening of Uganda National Parks to tourism gives hope for tourism in the Pearl of Africa in the near future. Travelers planning to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga National parks plus Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National parks are urged to keep prepared, plan ahead and be ready to ensure this lifetime experience soon after the defeat of corona Virus in Uganda.
