Covid-19 SOPs for trekking gorillas in Uganda are set to help save the gorillas from contracting the virus from humans and also keep Uganda open for international tourism and travel to help recover the industry after a standstill of 2020. If you are planning a Uganda gorilla safari during COVID-19 you will require that you adhere to the prevailing stringent standard operating procedures that will keep you and the primates protected yet still delivering that same authentic African wild experiences that has made the pearl of Africa famous to may travellers from around the globe.
SOPs for Mountain Gorilla Trekking During Covid-19
Stay home if you feel ill: The first and most crucial gorilla protective measure is to stay home if you feel ill. Not just with Coronavirus but any sickness that can infect anyone else. Gorillas share 98% of our DNA and can easily get infected with our diseases, which could be a fatal blow to years of conservation. Uganda Wildlife Authority guides will not allow anyone into the gorilla forest if they suspect them of any sickness.
Negative PCR Covid-19 : Secondly, you should have tested negative for COVID-19 and at least fully vaccinated before you make it to the gorilla park. Besides, it’s one of the main requirements to enter the country. Carry a valid NEGATIVE PCR COVID-19 TEST certificate issued not more than 72 hours beforehand, and you’ll have jumped the greatest stump to see the incredible mountain gorillas in Uganda. Note that it does not matter whether you’re fully vaccinated or not. Either way, plan on having your VALID test certificate for your Uganda gorilla safari during COVID-19. Otherwise, the only Uganda primates you may see could be the immigration officers.
Your gorilla safari driver-guide will have tested negative for the virus within 48 hours before they pick you up at the airport. They must carry a valid document to that effect and wear a facemask at all times when with you.
Licensed safari vehicle: The Ministry of Transport and Uganda Tourism Board will have licensed your safari vehicle to be on the road for the gorilla safari. It will be disinfected regularly with a minimal number of occupants to avoid overcrowding and observe physical distancing.
Wear a facemask & Sanitize: According to general procedures, you’ll be required to wear a facemask in all public places, allow your temperature to be checked at all access points, and disinfect your hands and footwear whenever necessary.
At the gorilla trailhead, you’ll be asked to wear a facemask and carry an extra one for when you meet the mountain gorillas. Your footwear will be disinfected, and you’ll be asked to keep your hands sanitized with a portable hand sanitizer spray.
When hiking in the jungle, you’re allowed to put off your facemask before you meet the primates to enjoy the natural forest air. It could take from 30 mins to 4 hours under the forest canopy tracking the mountain gorilla family; make sure you’re in good physical form to take on the uneven terrain in the thick misty forest for long hours.
The 10-meter safe distance: When you meet the gorillas, your guide will ask you to leave everything else you carried, except your camera/phone, about 50 meters away and approach the gorilla family, not beyond 10 meters. The 10-meter safe distance should be maintained even if the curious little ones approach you. There should be as little to no contact with the gorillas as possible. Seek the guidance of your guide or rangers during this period.
During COVID-19 and any other time, trekkers are allowed only one hour with the mountain gorillas. It’s only with the habituation experience when trekkers are allowed at least four hours with the mountain gorillas. Primatologists came up with this time duration to avoid discomfort in the wild creatures because of alien presence and minimize disease infections.
Don’t liter in the park: After you spend your allotted time with the magnificent forest giants, your guide will quietly lead you out of the forest and find a good serene spot to have your packed lunch and exchange experiential vibes. Please don’t liter or leave whatever you came with in the forest; gorillas could pick them up and get sick from whatever you carry around.
At the trailhead, your lead guide will award you a certificate for trekking Uganda’s gorillas during COVID-19. A souvenir to show off your brevity and once-in-a-lifetime experience that only a countable few get to have. Show it off when you get home to initiate memorable conversations in your home.
Before you get on your flight to head back home, you’ll need to take another COVID-19 PCR test. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to fly.
That is just about it on the Covid-19 gorilla trekking operating procedures. The government could make changes to the guidelines, and Eyalama Adventures will be there to have your back when you book your Uganda Gorilla Safari with us during this Covid-19 period. We have the capacity to postpone your trip in case of any development and also make sure you have your money’s worth. Send us an email at info@eyalamatravel.com to book your gorilla safari.