COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Gorilla Treks

Gorilla Treks have since mid-2020 resumed for local and foreign visitors although threats of Covid-19 are still high, especially with the second wave in Africa. The three countries sheltering mountain gorillas-Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo opened their doors to travellers interested in encountering the Great Apes. However, the activity is conducted with strict Standard Operating Procedures to warrant the safety of these endangered creatures.

Mountain gorillas are close relatives to mankind with 98.2% relatedness in DNA, hence making them vulnerable to human communicable diseases like colds, coughs and flu. It is also a known fact that Coronavirus (Covid-19) presents flu and cough-like symptoms which if not prevented can also affect the Giant Apes. Intending Gorilla Trekkers are therefore advised to first understand the prevailing Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures before booking for a Gorilla Tour in any of the three mentioned countries. 

The following are therefore the important Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures for Gorilla Treks;

• Temperature checks will/are conducted at the entrance of the Mountain Gorilla National Parks. 
• Intending Gorilla trekkers are advised to first test and then present negative test results for Covid-19 at least 72 hours before jetting into the country. These results will be asked for at the respective points of entry including the Airports. 
• Wearing face masks are mandatory for both Park rangers and travellers planning to undertake the Gorilla Trek. However, occasional breaks will be allowed for visitors to briefly get off face masks and grasp some air. 
• A minimum distance of 10 meters has to be maintained by travellers and Rangers when in the presence of mountain gorillas.
• Regular hand washing with clean running water and soap is advised when accessing the National Parks. Alternatively, Travellers can use alcohol-based sanitizers before and after touching surfaces used by many people. 
• Visitors with corona virus-like symptoms such as fever, cough, flu, headache and body weakness are advised to stay away from mountain gorillas. Instead of cancelling, you can postpone or reschedule your gorilla tour for another day when you are not well. 
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief and turn away from the mountain gorillas when sneezing or coughing to avoid spreading germs. 
• Observation and photography time with the habituated gorilla groups is limited to one hour to avoid stressing them. 
• A maximum of 8 persons are allowed to trek each habituated gorilla group in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo National Parks sheltering the Great Apes. 
• Park rangers and travellers on gorilla treks are advised to maintain a distance of 2 meters from each other when trekking and observing or taking photos of Great Apes in their natural habitats. 

Other important Gorilla Trekking guidelines

Besides the strict Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures, travellers are also issued with other guidelines to be followed during gorilla treks and these include;

Mountain gorilla treks are limited to travellers above the age of 15 years. However, exceptions are made for 14-years old visitors with a few days to make 15. 

The use of flash cameras during photography is prohibited because it scares the mountain gorillas and sometimes makes them aggressive. 

Keep Mountain gorilla habitats clean and free from rubbish because these act as breeding places for germs. 

Trekkers are advised to always stay/keep in their groups during gorilla treks. Each habituated gorilla group is visited by only 8 persons and thus joining other groups is not allowed.

Avoiding touching mountain gorillas and even when they come close, slowly step back from them to avoid scaring them. 

Avoid making noise during trekking or observing the mountain gorillas because noise definitely irritates the Giant Apes. 

Important things to pack for gorilla treks during Covid-19 period

For gorilla treks in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo or Rwanda, your packing list must include a First Aid kit for emergency response during falls and muscle strains, a hat, warm sweaters for cold mornings and nights, long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses, bottled water, snacks, rain jackets, hiking boots, insect repellant, gardening gloves and toiletries among others.