Primate Parks Re-open In Uganda amidst Covid-19

September 6, 2020 4x4 Uganda
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Gorilla Tourism

Uganda Opens All Its National Parks Again

On 5th June 2020, the Uganda Wildlife Authority; the body in charge of all National parks and wildlife reserves in Uganda issued a press release informing the public about the reopening of all Savannah national parks and the mountainous parks. These included; Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National park, Semuliki national park, Kidepo valley national park, Mountain Elgon national park, Rwenzori mountains national park, and Lake Mburo national park.

During this time, the primate national parks which include; Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, and Kibale forest national park all remained closed until 3rd September 2020 after the Uganda wildlife authority had completed its inquiries with a number of stakeholders.

From their inquires, they came to a consensus to open the primate national parks again to make it possible to enjoy some of the most popular wildlife adventures in Uganda including gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.

Uganda wildlife was able to come up with the following guidelines for anyone considering a trip not only to the savannah national parks in Uganda  but also to the primate national parks to follow the guidelines below;

Uganda Wildlife Authority SOPs

  • Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the key tourism gates of the different protected areas
  • Mandatory hand washing/sanitizing at the entrances of all UWA premises and protected areas
  • Wearing a face mask while inside the protected area
  • Observing social distance
  • All tourists going for primate tracking activities should carry at least two N95 masks or surgical masks or double-layered cloth masks with filters.
  • Government guidelines for carrying half capacity in order to observe social distance shall apply to the use of vehicles and boats in the parks. These include concessionaire delivery vehicles.
  • Saloon car vehicles shall not be permitted to carry out game drive activities in the protected areas.
  • Visitors going to the parks are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer.

How are the Market prices amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic?

The prices have not escalated that much, in case you had already planned your trip to Uganda, you do not necessarily have to adjust your budget.

Gorilla Tourism
Gorilla Tourism