Uganda’s Tourism Sector Fully Opens after Four Months of Lockdown

Uganda’s Tourism Sector Fully Opens after Four Months of Lockdown. All tourism sites and national parks in Uganda have today 24^th July 2020 been opened up for tourism following a four-month lockdown due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The reopening of all tourism sites in Uganda was announced by Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime the minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities in Uganda.

The Minister made the statement during a meeting with the European Union (EU) Heads of Mission who started their retreat at Queen Elizabeth National Park on Thursday as they assess the impact of COVID-19 on the country’s tourism sector.

Birds are seen along the Kazinga Channel at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tourism came to a standstill in March this year after the country’s president announced the closure of all borders when the country had just registered its first case of COVID-19. This followed suspension of public and private transport which made even domestic tourism impossible.

Uganda safaris

Earlier on, in June only wildlife safari parks were opened up for Uganda safaris by the Uganda Wildlife Authority leaving out primate parks and conservation areas. However, visiting any Uganda tour park is only possible for domestic tourists as well as international tourists who are already in the country.

Today as the Minister of Tourism announced that the entire tourism sector is now reopened to tourists, this is on condition that tourists and operators follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and COVID-19 prevention guidelines by the Ministry of Health. The set guidelines include;

Having mandatory temperature screening at all entrances of protected areas
Mandatory hand washing and sanitizing

With all national parks in Uganda now opened up to domestic tourists and all other travelers already in the country take advantage of this time to visit the parks and enjoy the beauty that the wild has been holding through the lockdown time. Uganda gorilla safaris, chimpanzee trekking, bird watching as well as wildlife safaris in Uganda can now all be tailored to create a memorable trip at affordable costs.

Top Activities to do in Uganda – Uganda’s Tourism Sector Fully Opens

These top activities to include in your trip to Uganda are one of the guides you need to help you better plan your safari in Uganda or Africa at large. These are the activities that are memorable and offer the feeling of an authentic African safari and with a lot of cautiousness, we help you identify those activities that you should include in your itinerary for 2020 trips. Here are the activities to choose from;

Mountain Gorilla trekking

Gorilla safaris are one of the trending African safari activities. Uganda gorilla trekking safaris are done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Gorilla safaris in Uganda started way back in 1993 when gorilla trekking was opened to tourists after a gorilla habituation process. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 700 for each permit sold to only individuals above the age of 15.

Game drives/wildlife viewing

Game drives are an up-close way of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Uganda is home to a diversity of wildlife ranging from the “Big five” something that has made wildlife safaris in Uganda a top choice for tourists that tour Uganda.

Uganda is home to about 345 mammal species found in the 10 national parks, wildlife reserves, and sanctuaries. These mammal species comprise of East African and West African species found in forests and especially savannah plains.

The top wildlife viewing parks in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park. In Rwanda, the best park for game viewing in Akagera National Park. Masai Mara Game Reserve and Serengeti National Park come in handy for Kenya and Tanzania respectively.

Birding/bird watching

Birding Uganda should be a top option for all passionate birders since the country has more than 1,080 confirmed bird species within its boundaries. This is almost half of the bird species in Africa’s reason for Uganda birding safaris to be at the top choice on any birders on Africa bird watching tours.

Uganda is home to forest, woodland, water, and savannah bird species. The top bird-watching spots include Mabamba wetland, Bwindi forest, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking – Uganda’s Tourism Sector Fully Opens

One of the most interesting primates to trek while on safaris in Uganda is the Chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is almost the second popular tracking activity after gorilla trekking. Uganda has a high population of chimpanzees with close to 5000 of them in the county most of them in their natural habitats.

The chimpanzee trekking spots include Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest. In Rwanda, Nyungwe forest national park is the best spot for chimpanzee trekking.

Cultural tours – Uganda’s Tourism Sector Fully Opens

One perfect way of understanding and appreciating a nation is by learning about the people. In Uganda alone there over 52 tribes each with different traditions and cultures with lifestyles that are unique to each.

No matter where you are having your Uganda safari, taking time off for a cultural tour is what will make you understand better the people. On a Kenya safari or safari in Tanzania, a cultural tour is perfect to include on your trip.