Uganda Wildlife Authority has issued a statement announcing the opening up of all national parks for tourism – Primate parks inclusive. This follows consultations with various stakeholders; and putting in place Standard Operating Procedures for the containment of the possible spread of COVID-19 in the protected areas. Since June 2020, only savannah parks have been open for tourism purposes. The borders and airport currently remain closed.

The following are the preventive measures put in place as Uganda opens national parks for tourism:

1. There will be mandatory temperature screening by use of non-contact infrared thermometers. This will be done at the key tourism gates of the different protected areas
2. Mandatory hand washing / sanitizing at the entrances of all Uganda Wildlife Authority premises and protected areas
3. Wearing a face mask while inside the protected area
4. Observing social distancing at all times
5. All tourists going for primate tracking activities should carry at least two N95 masks or surgical masks or double layered cloth masks with filters. All other primate tracking rules still remain in place
6. The Government of Uganda guidelines of carrying half capacity in order to observe social distance shall apply to the use of all vehicles and boats in the protected areas. These include concession delivery vehicles.
7. Saloon cars / vehicles shall not carry out game drives / safari activities in the protected areas
8. Visitors going to the parks are to carry their own hand sanitizers.

As Uganda opens up national parks for tourism, all UWA staff have received training and given appropriate wear to protect themselves and the visitors from any possible infection. In addition, staff on duty at the UWA premises and gates of protected areas will sensitize the visitors on the general government approved CIVD-19 operational guidelines.

Uganda Opens National parks for Tourism:

The team at Chigo Tours welcomes our clients and visitors back into the beautiful national parks of Uganda. Safety of our staff and visitors is a matter of priority. We have therefore formulated a COVID-19 Travel Safety Protocol, which we will use hand in hand with  the UWA and Government of Uganda Standard Operating Procedures. Your Safety is important to us and our visitors can expect a great wildlife experience in Uganda. Lastly, we encourage all people to take personal precaution to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.