Ebola Outbreak and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Ebola outbreak and gorilla trekking in Uganda. There is no need to worry about visiting Uganda for a gorilla trekking safari. With the outbreak of Ebola, many may wonder if they can still travel to Uganda to enjoy their gorilla safari. YES, gorilla trekking in Uganda is still very safe including other tourism activities in other National Parks or tourist destinations.

Uganda remains a safe gorilla trekking destination, thanks to the government’s quick response to contain the Ebola. Often primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas are considered to be carriers of the diseases like Ebola, but its spread occurs when you get in contact with infected bodily fluids. The likelihood of you contracting or gorillas infecting a client is extremely unlikely.

First, during gorilla trekking, there are standard measures including maintaining a distance of 8-10 meters away from these apes among other measures. These safety measures will be briefed to you by the park office before an actual visit to see mountain gorillas and the park guide will also remind you to observe.

 How Ebola transmits

Ebola spreads through close & direct physical contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Considering the safety measures designed in the protected areas where tourism activities such as gorilla tracking or gorilla habitation are carried out, there is no likelihood of getting in contact with these apes. Besides, no cases of infections have been reported in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – in Uganda, or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Who is at risk of Ebola?

The hospital staff and other teams involved in the treatment of infected persons with Ebola are at a higher risk. However, safety means have been put in place including disinfecting, vaccination, and provision of operating equipment to ensure the team is kept safe. Even the burial of persons who die of this pandemic, it is done with maximum care from trained personnel.

Can Ebola be contained?

It is not the first time an Ebola case has been recorded in Uganda or Africa. Amazingly, the Ugandan health team and Africa at large have the best experience on how the disease can be contained. In 2014, there was an Ebola outbreak and it was contained by health experts and this didn’t stop tourism activities from being conducted. Even during the outbreak of coronavirus, Uganda is among the top countries that recorded low fatalities thanks to its quick response and active health team.

Are tourist destinations affected by the outbreak of Ebola?

No tourism areas have been affected by the outbreak of this disease. The affected areas include Mubende and Kassanda which the government has put on lockdown to help contain the disease. This being the main route to chimpanzee tracking destination- Kibale National Park, doesn’t mean chimpanzee safaris have come to a halt. Tourist vehicles are free to drive through Mubende town to Fort Portal-Kibale.

Is Bwindi & Mgahinga safe for gorilla trekking?

Yes, Bwindi National Park & Mgahinga are all safe and secure for gorilla safaris. There are already guidelines set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure the safety of tourists and gorillas. They include keeping a strict distance from gorillas at all times, no body contact, and so on.