Gorilla Trekking in Uganda -Rules and Guild Lines SOPs-Covid-19
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda -Rules and Guild Lines SOPs-Covid-19 :Due to this pandemic of Covid 19 the world is facing which we all know that has affected people’s life, economy, families the same goes to the living creatures. Of which the best way to prevent of transmission of Covid 19 to mountain gorillas is put in place strict rules and guide line-SOPs by Uganda wildlife Authority.
The Uganda wildlife Authority Covid- 19 protective measures ‘’SOPs’’ standard operating procedures, has truly put guide lines to help keep our creatures safe, secure and healthy and the same applies to the gorilla family visitation. There are number of human illnesses and such respiratory diseases include COVID-19 which can be transmitted to them.
It is simple to follow Gorilla trekking rules, during this post Covid pandemic times. The Gorilla trekking rules and guideline have been updated by ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority to protect both the great mountain gorillas and Humans.
It is well said that gorillas share 98% DNA like that of Humans. They are also prone to COVID-19. At present about 20% of mountain gorillas die of respiratory diseases.
However, gorilla tourism impacts a lot to the gorilla conservation efforts. For this case has not related to the Corona virus affect or shutdown but due to the conservation efforts that tourism directly supports. Gorilla conservation is at the forefront. The trekker is secondary regarding in the funding of the conservation efforts of our critically Mountain gorillas.
Wearing a face mask is mandatory for Gorilla Trekking –Covid 19 protection
This is one of the best way to prevent the risk of Covid 19 and other diseases to affect gorillas while trekking. It’s not only protecting mountain gorillas but same applies to you and others. The face mask is the mandatory gear on primate treks in Uganda, it protects primates from human respiratory diseases like flu, diarrhea, malaria that human can pass to these great apes, that’s why it’s one reason to keep a ten-meter distance rule.
The masks must properly be worn to protect the endangered primates as they help prevent the transmission of micro-organism like droplets, splatters, sprays and splashes. It also reduces the likelihood of hand to face contact. It is a mandatory to all those visiting primates wear masks to reduces the risk of transmission of respiratory diseases to Gorillas, Chimpanzees and other small primates like monkeys.
Our safari company we do supply face masks and sanitizer to our guests, including small sanitizer bottles for your Gorilla trek.
Gorilla trekking –Rules and guide lines have been undated to meet the safety of Covid -19 and protection standards. The same applies to the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience which can be conducted in Rushanga region of Bwindi Impenetrable national park Uganda and only four individuals allowed to participate in this activity. The minimum age for Gorilla trekking remains at 15 years and above.
Procedures for Gorilla Trekking ‘’SOPs’’ /COVID-19
Proper Gorilla Trekking Wear and Gear
Travelers your advised to wear long trousers, cotton socks, along sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking boots as well as a wide brimmed hat. You have to tuck your socks into your long trousers for safety. Extra face mask will be needed. You will be provided by the walking stick for the trek.
Cancel the Trek if you are ill
If you’re sick in the body such as flu, cough, diarrhea, you will not be allowed to trek. We do this for the sake of our gorillas, that’s why your day can be cancelled.
Have a comfortable waterproof Daypack
It is advisable to carry a light daypack where you can put your lunch that you obtain from the lodge, other things to carry are two liters of water, cameras, insect repellent which repels the mosquitoes, small bottle of sanitizer, you have to keep it light since you will carry to and fro.
No porter unless necessary
The Uganda Wildlife Authority is in arrangement to minimize the number of participates during the post Covid-19 times on gorilla trek in both Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. This is likely to reduces the number of porters on a hike. For this matter, if you have a physical condition, then the porter will be arranged. Also sedan chair for the impaired client can be arranged.
Briefing and Orientation –Gorilla Trekking
Your Gorilla trekking experience starts with a briefing and orientation. Besides that, wearing the proper clothing of the trek inclusive with the face masks. You will also have to wash your hands because handwashing stations are provided and you are required to wash your hands with soap or sanitize them upon arrival. Then temperature screening will be taken, assign in a gorilla family that fits with your body physically, take briefing about dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, you will sanitize your hand once more and then after head out on the trekking trails.
During the Trek in and Out
Follow the instructions of the Rangers
The best way to enjoy this activity is to follow ranger’s instructions given to you while in the wild. You will follow the tracking trail heads with the stick for your safety, you can trek while listening to him when explaining the attractions seen along the way such as various notable bird species, plants, monkeys among others animal species.
Keep your voice low
Trekkers are requested to keep your voices at a low volume as you trek the mountain gorillas in their nature inhabits, even quieter when you meet them.
Keep a distance from others on the trails
You will have to keep a distance of 2 to 4 meters away from each other.
Break on the trail
Wearing a mask on a longer hike it might exhaust some, for this case you can take fresh air on the way in and out of the forest but on social distancing each other.
Do not pick flowers or plants
On your experience of gorilla trekking, do not pick flowers, plants, roots. Just leave everything as you find it, the only thing you should do is to take pictures.
Final instruction before the trek
You will be given some last minute instructions as you will be asked to sanitize your hands once again.
Medical Issues
If a traveler or a driver guide experiences a health related problem, Uganda wildlife Authority staff shall apply the evacuation and first aid guideline to move the expected individual from the park.
Do not litter rubbish in the park; If you have garbage with you, you will just trash into your backpack if you have it. Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park are ecotourism sites that need to be kept free from litter.
Use of the Toilet on the Trail: If you’re in need of toilet, please to talk to the ranger to advise you on how to do it ecologically.
When you are with the Mountain Gorilla Family
Keep a ten-meter distance; When you are with mountain gorillas, you are required to keep a distance in order to reduce the chance of transmission of diseases like Covid-19. This infection can spread from mountain gorillas to humans.
Do not eat or smoke within the gorillas is totally prohibited.
No Flash Photography; Flash discs are not allowed in here because they scare these apes.
Time spend with the Gorillas; You will be given an hour to spend with mountain gorillas as you sight them playing, foraging as well as picture taking. Then you will be required to leave the family.
After the Gorilla Trek
Debriefing; You will ascend to the park headquarter to receive your Gorilla trekking certificate for your completion.
Return to Lodge; Your safari driver –guide will pick you and drives you back to the lodge. Early and make a visit Here-Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for incredible activity.
