Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda 2021? – 2021 Gorilla Tours amidst COVID 19

Since gorilla trekking involves moving within the forests that are dense many people frequently ask whether it is safe to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda in 2021 into the jungles of Volcanoes national park. The answer is yes, a gorilla trekking tour is safe even amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

The joint security force of military, tourism police and armed rangers guarantee travelers of safety during their gorilla trekking safaris. Safety during gorilla trekking is a concern for all security forces in the countries.

Client safety is guaranteed by ensuring that the parks have armed park rangers. A total of 8 trekkers are allocated one gorilla family to trek and they go along with two armed rangers to ensure that tourists are not harmed by any wild animals.

Armed rangers keep clients safe during the entire gorilla trek and ensure that travelers are safe from any harm. Ahead of the clients is an armed ranger as well as another one behind.

To maintain the safety measures, domestic tourists opting to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park are required to have a COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to visiting these parks. The results should test negative for one to be allowed to visit the parks.

This is because primates are much more susceptible to contracting human diseases including viruses. For tests, a private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, by appointment only.

Tourists, traveling by charter flight are expected to test negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. All tourists will take a second test prior to visiting any tourist attraction.

All visitors are required to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters at all times while visiting primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

Selfie taking tourists could also possibly spread the virus to these already imperiled great apes and therefore it is very important to strengthen tour regulations in order to keep the gorillas safe.

Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda 2021

Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda in 2021

It is advised that, if you are a tourist planning to go gorilla trekking, the following are the most effective actions you can take to protect them.

While these measures may seem simple, they can have a significant impact on minimizing the transfer of infection while we are guests in their home environment;

Follow tourism/gorilla trekking rules and regulations

During gorilla trekking, you are advised to maintain a distance of at least 7 meters (21 feet) from gorillas at all times. If the gorillas move closer to you, follow your guide’s instructions to move away.

We understand the desire for closeness and even contact with these extraordinary animals, but even if you do not feel sick, it is possible you are carrying a virus or bacteria without exhibiting symptoms, so any contact could place the gorillas at risk.

Do not go gorilla trekking if you are sick

If you or anyone with you is sick (e.g. coughing, sneezing, feverish, suffering a sore throat) do not put the gorillas at risk by visiting them. If you feel sick with these diseases volunteer to stay behind and save these rare apes.

Practice hygiene

If you have to sneeze or cough while in the presence of gorillas (even if wearing a mask), cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow; do not use your hands. If you must use your hands, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you to disinfect immediately after.

It is advised that, if you are a tourist planning to go gorilla trekking, the following are the most effective actions you can take to protect them.

Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda 2021? – 2021 Gorilla Tours amidst COVID 19

Do not worry about planning your Rwanda gorilla tour because the trips are very safe. However, also do your best to keep these gorillas safe and protect a population that has taken much effort to conserve.

Safety measures have also been set for Uganda gorilla safaris to ensure that these great apes are safe. There are also set guidelines for tourists who want to undertake Kenya safaris and Tanzania safaris.