Post COVID19 Mountain Gorilla trekking
Post COVID19 Mountain Gorilla trekking: Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most sought after tourist activities in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These three countries are privileged to be the only three countries in Africa and the world with mountain gorillas living in their natural habitats. And it’s for that reason that travellers from across the world are normally flocking these countries to catch a glimpse of these great apes in their forested mountainous homes.
Mountain gorillas are trekked in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These parks receive hundreds of guests monthly that take park of mountain gorilla trekking experiences to see the different mountain gorilla families in the different parks.
Well since the Covid19 outbreak that caused a global pandemic and brought about lockdown on almost everything including national parks, mountain gorilla enthusiasts have not had a chance to trek mountain gorillas for over 6 months now.
However as the world slowly returns to normal the all national parks in all the three countries have been opened including the mountain gorilla parks and this means the mountain gorilla enthusiasts can now take in their mountain gorilla trekking adventures once again.
However it’s important to note that since we have all been on a lockdown, a lot of things have changed about mountain gorilla trekking and below we highlight some of the things your will expect during your mountain gorilla trekking experience post Covid19.
First we should all acknowledge that though the mountain gorillas in these different locations have been habituated for mountain gorilla trekking purposes; the mountain gorillas have spent over 6 months without seeing large groups of people which may make them shy when they see large numbers of people once again.
This is not to that the rangers have not done a great job in preparing these gorillas for re-mountain gorilla trekking activities; all we are saying beware that this may happen on your trekking experience so that if it happens you are not surprised.
The other thing is because mountain gorillas share almost 98% of their DNA with humans, it’s very likely that humans can spread any disease or infection to the mountains gorillas and in a bid to protect the mountain gorillas from contacting the deadly coronavirus, the mountain gorillas trekking rules and requirements have been adjusted and they are:-
Acquiring a mountain gorilla trekking permit
Like before you will need to book your mountain gorilla trekking permits in advance at least three months prior to you intended time of trekking. This is done either online or through a tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris.
Mountain gorilla trekking permits cost differently for each of the three countries and each country offers different discounts under specific terms and conditions. You should cross check with the tour operator for more information.
COVID19 Status
Before embarking on a mountain gorilla trekking experience, you will be required to present a negative coronavirus test done within 48 hours prior to the trekking experience. This though shows you don’t have the deadly virus doesn’t guarantee admission to the trekking group if you present with flu-like symptoms before the trek or even during the trek.
Covid19 related symptoms
If you present with covid19 related symptoms, before or during the trek; you will immediately lose your admission to the trek and you will be taken into isolation. Whether it’s a false alarm or not this is what will happen for the safety of everyone including you. You will then be subjected to Covid19 test that will further give light to your situation.
If your test results are negative you can appeal to the tourism authorities in either country to give you another trekking chance or opportunity.
Social distancing
On your mountain gorilla trekking experience you will be required to social distance as much as possible even in the forest, so that the chances of spreading the virus are minimised. You will be required to keep about a 6 feet distance between you and the other trekkers and 7 meters or more from the mountain gorillas.
Other Covid19 preventive measures
Other Covid19 preventive measures like washing hands regularly, sanitising your hands and wearing a face mask will also be followed, still to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. Though during the trekking activity when you climbing up the mountain you may be allowed to keep the mask off as long as you are social distanced; and you will be required to put the mask back on when you stop to take a break and even in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
Other mountain gorilla trekking rules
Other mountain gorilla trekking rules will also be followed in addition to these rules. Rules like not feeding the mountain gorillas, not doing anything that will irritate the mountain gorillas, not using flash cameras and many others. Your tour operator will be in position to advice you on all these different rules.
Though it’s the post Covid19 era, mountain gorilla trekking remains one of the most amazing adventures to take on in your life, so contact Achieve Global Safaris and making your mountain gorilla trekking booking today.
