Have you thought about gorilla trekking in Uganda during covid19 pandemic? Are you ready to visit and see gorillas in Uganda despite the continued spread of corona virus? African Apes Tours brings you detailed questions and answers about gorilla trekking in Uganda during covid19. Whereas the whole world and travel industry has been negatively affected by covid19, travel is apparently open and people allowed visiting the Pearl of Africa. Much Uganda has a lot to offer, trips to see gorillas have become a priority for mots travelers from all parts of the world. The endangered species, which live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, attract the highest number of travelers to Uganda. The Pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, which make it a premier gorilla safari destination. The other population of gorillas lives in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Potential travelers panning to come for gorilla trekking in Uganda have on several occasions asked various questions regarding post covi19 Uganda gorilla safaris. Check the questions and answers about gorilla trekking in Uganda during covid19 with African Apes Holidays.
What do I need to trek gorillas in Uganda?
Well, you need a valid gorilla trekking permit to see gorillas in Uganda. The permit is a pass to visit gorillas and anyone without it is not allowed to visit the endangered species. All permits in Uganda are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority at $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for Ugandans and East African citizens. Permits are issued on first come first serve basis hence a need for advance booking at least 6 months in advance. However. African Apes Tours & Travel can help you get last minute gorilla permit to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Upon booking, you are required to pay 30% booking fee to reserve the permit for yourself.. You are however required to pay the balance as early as possible before the permit is put back in the system for sale. Failure to top up in time leads to loss of the permit and the money paid already.
Are there restrictions in travel to Uganda?
Apparently, Uganda is open to travelers from all over the world. However, some land borders to Uganda especially from Rwanda are still closed hence road transport not allowed to cross from Rwanda to Uganda even air transport. You can therefore fly direct from your country of origin to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda in order to avoid problems.
Do I need medical reports?
YES, travelers to Uganda are required to have medical reports especially the PCR test results from a recognized hospital or medical center. The results MUST be negative taken not mire than 72 hours before arrival. If you are vaccinated, remember to carry your covid19 vaccination certificate when coming to Uganda.
Do I test again upon arrival in Uganda?
YES, travelers are requited to test again upon arrival at Entebbe International airport. However, fully vaccinated travelers with their vaccination certificates are not asked to test again upon arrival.
Where to test for Covid19 in Uganda?
The Uganda ministry of tourism has identified various hospitals and laboratory centers for testing covid19. These include Lancet Laboratories, Test and Fly and ANCA biotech laboratories and many more others located in different parts of the country. The cost of testing covid19 in Uganda is $55 in Kampala and $65 up country.
How do I access my covid19 test results?
You can access your test results by email, which you submit in on the test form. More so, your test results can be sent to your watsup number. Alternatively, you can walk or drive back to the hospital you tested from if you want to get hard copies.
Is Rwanda to Uganda gorilla safaris still available?
NO, at the moment with the closure of Rwanda Uganda land borders, Rwanda to Uganda gorilla trekking safaris are on halt. Unlike in the past when travelers could fly to Kigali Rwanda and cross to Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the system is currently not available. The shortest trip for post covid19 Uganda gorilla safari is 3 Days Bwindi gorilla tour which include 1st day of arrival, pick up and drive to Bwindi Forest, Day 2 for gorilla trekking and day 3 for departure. However, if you are already in Kabale, you can do a 1-Day Bwindi gorilla trek from kabale with African Apes Tours.
Can I cross from Uganda to Congo for gorilla trekking?
YES, double gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest Uganda and Virunga Park in Congo is allowed during Covid19 times. You can fly from Entebbe airport to Goma for your gorilla trekking. Also land borders connecting Uganda and Congo are open meaning you can drive from Uganda to Congo for your Congo gorilla safari.
Where can I get covid19 travel guidelines to Uganda?
The ministry of health in Uganda gives daily updates on covid19 status in Uganda hence it’s the reliable source for travel guidelines. Also, Entebbe airport gives guidelines for arriving and departing travelers. However, contacting African Apes Tours is the quickest way for you to get all the post covid19 travel information you require in Uganda. The fact that we are on ground, we have all answers to your pending questions on gorilla trekking and travel in Uganda.
Is there still peak and low season for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
YES, despite the hindrances of covid19 on gorilla trekking, June, July, August, December, January and February is still the peak season for gorilla trekking and tourism in general. However, due to travel restrictions during covid19 period, Uganda has experienced very low turn up of travelers to visit gorillas even in peak season. Heavy rains and fewer visits characterize low season in March, April, May, October, and November.
Is there still age limit?
YES, travelers aged below 15 years are not allowed to visit and trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. For clarification, travelers are asked to submit their passports during bookings. The endangered state of gorillas and the strenuous nature of gorilla trekking is one of the reasons why age limit is highly emphasized. Its believed that children below 15 years hardly follow the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking as well as observing the new Standard Operating Procedures.
What are the SOPs of gorilla trekking in Uganda?
In addition to the initial gorilla trekking guidelines, Uganda Wildlife Authority has put more Standard Operating Procedures for all people visiting the endangered gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These include:
1. Mandatory face masking when with the gorillas
2. Mandatory temperature screening
3. Mandatory sanitizing
4. Keep a distance of 10 meters way from the endangered gorillas
5. Keep 2 meters distance from fellow travelers
6. Do not visit gorillas when sick
7. Do not cough in presence of the gorillas
8. Spend strictly an hour with gorillas
Conclusively, gorilla trekking remains a dream come true for mots travelers on Uganda safaris. Contact African Apes Tours for more post covid gorilla trekking advice and bookings!