Gorilla Trekking and Covid-19 Virus
Keeping the precious African apes protected from the most dangerous scourge in modern history the Covid-19 virus is the mind boggling question. With the mountain gorilla numbers growing steadily at 1064 individuals and still listed as endangered answers to that question are vital to their continued existence.
The Corona virus or COVID-19 Novel Corona virus is a family group of viruses that cause severe health conditions such as the common cold to the deadly disorder of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [MERS-Cov19] and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS-Cov19] which broke out in Asia.
The deadly corona virus is transmitted through human beings and Its spread through the negligence of human beings like not being hygienic, touching a transmitted surface which have the virus and touching their eyes, nose and mouth.
The main symptoms of the Corona virus are; cold, fever, cough shortness of breath, muscle ache and diarrhea.
The Ugandan government since the corona virus outbreak has banned all public gatherings as well as closed schools and institutions of learning, bars, night clubs plus travels in and out of the country to stem the Corona virus spread.
The conservationists have also warned about the risks of the vulnerable wild life species and the endangered mountain gorillas. Hence Uganda has barred visitors from visiting the different National Parks as per the advice of scientific experts who said there are risks of complications arising from COVID19 for primates including mountain gorillas.
Recent Tourism Updates in Uganda due to COVID19
- a) Due to the outbreak of the Novel Corona Virus in Uganda, the management of Uganda wildlife authority has come up with different measures that will serve to protect Uganda’s wildlife, staff, visitors and heritage.
- b) The primate tourism and Research Centre which is the main tourism attraction of Uganda, the Filming of primates in Uganda and the wildlife protected areas in Uganda are all suspended.
- c) The primate trackers who are responsible for looking after the primates have been provided with Personal Protective equipment [PPE] to avoid any kind of possible infection and passing to primates the virus.
- d) All kind of commercial vehicles and bicycles are prohibited in the protected areas as per the safety precautions.
- e) A COVID19 task force was formed to work closely with the National Task Force to update and guide management on day to day development regarding the pandemic and are also required to check the corona virus implications on wildlife conservations and tourism protected areas and National Parks in Uganda.
Options one has for booking tickets
The rules have been relaxed as regards to the rescheduling of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking and this offer is valid even for those who booked with 30% down payment.
By giving this offer tourism will be given a boost as well as the primates, wildlife and nature in the conservation areas. This offer is for all the visitors but a reschedule of booking rather than cancelling the trips which one has booked is necessary.
All the staff in the tourism business have been directed to be vigilant, wear masks, wash their hands thoroughly, use hand sanitizers or hand creams and maintain social distancing as mitigating measures.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
June to August and December to February (All parks)
High Season
June to September (It’s rarely crowded, but you’ll need to book your gorilla permits long in advance)
Low Season
March, April, May, October, November (Some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down; roads and forest trails can be in poor condition)
Best Weather
June-July and January-February (Little rainfall)
Worst Weather
March, April and May (Peak of wet season)
