Had you booked a chimpanzee trekking safari before the outbreak of Corona Virus, or are you planning to visit chimpanzees after the lockdown? Gorilla Trek Africa brings you details on how the postcovid19 chimpanzee trekking in Uganda will be like. Following the outbreak of the deadly Corona Virus which impose a high risk to the endangered chimpanzees, Uganda Wildlife Authority rushed to suspend all chimpanzee tours in Uganda to prevent the spread of the deadly disease to the endangered chimps. All safaris to see chimpanzees to kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park were canceled and others postponed. Travel operators and travelers were advised to postpone the already booed chimpanzee tours till further notice. Fortunately, Uganda Wildlife Authority relaxed it chimpanzee permit policy allowing rescheduling of chimpanzee permits to any later date within 2 years with no penalty of cancelation fee. The amendment of chimpanzee permits and rescheduling policies aims at supporting travel operators and protect them from incurring unnecessary losses. The new permit rescheduling policy also applies to new bookings and those who had paid 30% booking fee.
Postcovid19 Chimpanzee trekking
Whereas we are not certain when the poctcovid19 chimpanzee trekking tours will resume, the magical adventure awaits. We are pretty sure that the once in a lifetime chimpanzee trekking will resume at any future date after the defeat of the deadly disease. Primate lovers are therefore advised to keep ready and prepared for this adventure that awaits. Book your permit, save the date and keep ready.
Postcovid19 Chimpanzee tour costs
Like before the virus, all travelers who will visit chimpanzees after covid19 will be required to have valid permits. A chimpanzee permit is a must have for anyone visiting chimpanzees. Anyone without a permit will not be allowed to trek the endangered species. The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park $200 for foreign nonresidents, $150 for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 for East African Residents. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge cost $50 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African residents. The primate walk in Toro Semuliki Valley cost $30 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 200,000 for East African Residents. The permit costs is inclusive of park entrance fees, guide fee, and community Development Contribution, and nature walk. If you want to spend ample time with chimpanzees, book a 4 hours chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park. A permit to habituate chimpanzees of $250 for foreign non residents, $250 for foreign residents and UGX 200,000 for East African residents. Children below 15 years are not allowed to trek chimpanzees in the whole of East Africa.
PostCovid 19 Chimpanzee trekking rules in Uganda
At the start of the chimpanzee trekking day, travelers are gathered at Kanyanchu information center for a briefing on the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking. These rules are categorized into rules before meeting the chimpanzees and rules while with the chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee trekking rules before meeting chimps
1. Sanitize while at the park headquarters
2. Wear a muse and nose mask
3. Do not trek chimpanzees when sick
4. Wash your hands when going to see chimpanzees
5. All travelers must be aged 15 year and above
6. A maximum of eight travelers visit a chimpanzee community
7. Keep within your group, do not move alone in the jungle
8. Any human waste should be buried at least 30cm deep
Trekking rules while with chimps
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from the endangered chimpanzees
2. Do not eat or drink in the presence of chimps
3. Don’t smoke while with chimps
4. Avoid direct eye contact
5. Do not use flashlight cameras
6. Strictly spend an hour with the chimpanzees
7. Don’t touch or come in close contact with the endangered chimpanzees
8. Cover yourself when sneezing or coughing
How to book a postcovid19 Chimpanzee tour
Experienced staff at Gorilla Trek Africa is at your service to book and arrange a tailored Uganda chimpanzee trekking tour to Kibale Forest, Kyambura gorge or any other chimpanzee destination in the pearl of Africa. Contact us today, tell us about your desired travel dates, the number of days, number of people and leave the rest for us. Alternatively, you can book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government body for the issuing of permits and wildlife conservation in Uganda. Chimpanzee permit bookings are required at least 6 months in advance to allow timely planning.
What to Pack for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
When coming to trek the chimpanzees, endeavor to pack the essentials. Your Chimpanzee trekking packing list must include:
• Hiking boots/shoes to ease movements in the jungle
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands from getting dirty
• Rain jackets to deal with unpredictable forest weather
• Long sleeved shirt/blouse
• Long pants
• Scarf and sweaters
• Bottled drinking water
• Energy giving snacks
• First aid kit
NOTE: Hiring a porter and walking stick is highly recommended to ensure a less challenging chimpanzee trekking experience.
The postcovid19 chimpanzee trekking experience will surely be amazing. Book now, reserve your permit, wait to enjoy this magical experience in a covid19 free environment with Gorilla Trek Africa.
