Coronavirus Measures/ Standard Operating Procedures for Gorilla Trekking

The following preventive measures have been designed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to contain the spread of the Coronavirus during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. They include: –

1. Washing and sanitizing hands as well as having one’s temperature taken during the briefing
2. Ensuring that the briefing is done in groups of 8 instead of the having crowds of trekkers all gathered in one place
3. Ensuring that any sick porter, tourist or park official is not allowed to tack the primates.  The Park officials will look out for symptoms of malaria, stomach upsets, diarrhea and flue among others.
4. All tourist, porters and park Rangers must wear masks while tracking the primates.
5. Only 8 visitors are allowed to track one gorilla group in a day.
6. Only 6 visitors are allowed to track one chimpanzee group in a day.
7. In order to avoid disease transmission, tourists must keep at least 10 meters away from primates.
8. Staff from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will ensure that tourists keep a distance from each other – 2 meters preferably.
9. Once chimpanzee or gorilla trekking is complete, all those who participated should sanitize their hands once again.
10. Travelers should carry light bags and equipment to avoid the need of hiring porters during gorilla or chimpanzee trekking.
11. Tour operators should encourage their clients to travel with latex/leather gloves to avoid touching trees or leaves along routes/trails that have been used by other tourists.
12. There will be several breaks to allow tourists take in fresh air. This is because putting on masks for long periods and in high altitude can be very discomforting. Social distancing will be a must during the breaks.
13. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has a first aid and evacuation plan in case a member of the tracking team encounters a problem.

Note: For more information, read our articles about the gorilla trekking rules and what to pack for gorilla tracking. You might also want to read issues concerning gorilla trekking ethics or where to get the latest updates on COVID-19. For more measures and standard operating procedures, read our article about gorilla trekking and the Coronavirus. Thank you for reading.