Uganda Re-open All It’s National Parks to Tourists

Earlier in July, 2020, Uganda through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), only opened tourism activities in the savanna national parks but the primate protected areas especially Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where mountain gorilla trekking adventures are conducted remained closed. Kibale Forest National Park, one of the premier chimpanzee tracking safari destinations also remained closed till on Saturday when all the national parks were re-opened to tourists on Uganda safari holiday to explore.

There are 10 national parks for tourists to explore and experience the difference on Uganda safari. They include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Mount Elgon National Park.

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Mountain Gorilla 

In the statement released by UWA, the Uganda safari parks have been reopened following the consultations with different stakeholders. The move was taken considering the strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that all tourists, park staff and others must observe while on a Uganda safari tour in anyone of the country’s national parks. This is aimed at limiting the wide-spread of corona virus.

According to UWA, all the tourism activities withing the parks shall be conducted while observing the set guidelines by the Ministry of Health and the president’s directives which include among others;

  • Temperature screening is a must-do and this should be by use of non-contact infrared thermometers at the respective park gates.
  • A face mask is a must to wear while you are in the park/protected area.
  • Hand washing or sanitizing is mandatory at the entrance of all the UWA premises and parks/other protected areas. A visitor should also have his or her personal sanitizer.
  • Social distance should be well-observed.
  • All visitors on Uganda safari especially those on primate tracking tour should have at least 2 N95 masks, surgical masks/double layered cloth masks with filters.
  • Saloon cars shall not be allowed to conduct game viewing/game drive activities in the parks.
  • Government guideline of carrying half capacity shall apply to cars/boats within the park (especially for delivery vehicles and concessionaire).

Tourists have been assured of a memorable and safe holiday by UWA since its staff have been trained and availed with recommended wear not only to safeguard themselves but also to ensure safety of tourists from any likely infections. According to UWA, staff shall sensitize travelers/tourists/visitors on the overall government covid-19 operational measures and also the ones stipulated by UWA management.

The set SOPs cover key areas such as research activities, tourism information centres, reservation office, park access and exit, briefing of tourists, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, boat cruise, game viewing, accommodation, tourist vehicles in the parks, restaurants, curio shops, wearing of masks plus several other activities in the protected areas.

The re-opening of Uganda safari parks comes at a period when Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have had mountain gorilla baby boom. In a period of about 7 weeks, about 6 gorilla births have been recorded with the current recorded on 2nd September, 2020 in Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Every gorilla tracking permit in Uganda can be obtained at $700 if you are a foreign non-resident, $600 foreign resident and Shillings 250000 East Africa Community citizens. You can book one through Maranatha Tours and Travel reservation team or directly through UWA.