Good News! All Uganda National Parks are now open for tourism. Uganda Wildlife Authority informs the general public about the reopening of all national parks and protected areas in Uganda for tourism. This relief comes after 5 months of no tourism in Uganda national parks since March 2020 when the country was locked down to control the spread of the deadly corona Virus. Entebbe international airport and all border entry points to Uganda were also closed restricting all visitors from outside countries from entering into Uganda. The reopening of Uganda National parks started in June 2020, when Uganda Wildlife Authority reopened Savannah parks of Murchison Falls Park in North western Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park in north eastern Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semliki Valley National Park. However, the primate national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla safaris in Africa and Kibale Forest National park home for the endangered chimpanzees had not officially been opened for tourism until 3rd September 2020 when UWA officially declared Primate parks in Uganda open for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tours giving travelers chance to meet the amazing primates in their natural habitats.
In the same way, Entebbe International Airport is set to reopen on 1st October 2020 allowing check ins for all travelers from all parts of the world. The good news for the reopening of Entebbe International Airport was announced by the government on 3rd September 2020.
We therefore call upon all travelers who had cancelled and postponed their trips to rebook and get ready for Uganda safaris with African Apes Tours & Travel.
Guide to Visiting Uganda National parks amidst corona Virus
Whereas Uganda Wildlife Authority reopened national parks for tourism, all visitors to these protected areas MUST adhere to the following guidelines to ensure safety of wildlife and prevent the further spread of the deadly virus. The rules to follow when visiting any of Uganda National Parks include:
1. Mandatory wearing of face masks when inside the park. A face mask is a must have for anyone visiting the national park. Travelers are advised to keep on their masks when with the animals
2. Mandatory temperature screening with the anti-contact infra-red thermometers at all entrance points into national parks. Anyone who measures high temperatures is not allowed to enter.
3. Mandatory hand washing with soap and sanitizing at all entrance points to national parks and other protected areas across Uganda.
4. All visitors must have tested negative for corona virus within 72 hours before coming to Uganda
5. Keeping social distance is highly recommended. For those going to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Parks, you must keep a distance of 10 meters away from the primates
6. Salon cars are not allowed to do game drives in savannah parks of Uganda
7. Travelers are advised to carry extra masks
8. Any traveler with any signs of sickness, fever, cold and cough will not be allowed to enter into the park
9. Visitors to national parks are also reminded to carry personal sanitizers
How to book a Uganda safari?
You can book your Uganda safari directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala. Alternatively, you can book through African Apes Holidays, the ultimate safari company offering tailor made Uganda safaris and other related tour packages across the country. If you are visiting to see gorillas and chimpanzees, permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning
The state of Corona virus in Uganda
Uganda registered her first positive corona virus case in march 2020. In a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, the government rushed to lock down the whole country including a ban on all travelers to and outside the country. Thereafter, the government eased the lock down to allow businesses operate and avoid the rapid fall of the country’s economy. As of 3rd September 2020, Uganda has registered 3353 positive cases, 33 deaths and 1564 recoveries. Great thanks to the Ministry of health and Uganda’s at large who have worked together to stop the spread of the deadly corona virus.
Conclusively, the reopening of Uganda National Parks for tourism is great news for the country. Tourism is the major source of foreign exchange earning for Uganda which contribute over 45% of the country’s gross domestic product. Book now, come and experience the pearl of Africa with African Apes Tours
