Uganda Wildlife Authority re-opens savannah parks. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has issued a statement stating that the savannah parks in Uganda have been reopened for tourism. This comes after the President of the Republic of Uganda announced measures of easing the lockdown; which has been in effect since March 2020. The Primate Parks of Bwindi, Mgahinga and Kibale however will remain closed to the public until further notice.

The Savannah national parks to be reopened are Murchison Falls, Semuliki, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks. Do visit www.chigotours.com and check out our different packages to these beautiful savannah parks.

The move to re-open the parks for tourism was made after various consultations with the various stakeholders. As a result, key standard operating procedures for the containment of the possible spread of COVID-19 in the country’s protected areas are in place.

New guidelines will be put in place to ensure that all tourism activities within the protected areas are undertaken in a manner that ensures safety and health, as per the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the directives given by the president of Uganda.

Some of these measures will include but are not limited to:

1. There will be mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infrared thermometers at the key tourism gates of the protected areas
2. Mandatory hand washing / sanitizing at the entrances of all Uganda Wildlife Authority premises and protected areas
3. The government guidelines of carrying half capacity in order to observe social distancing shall be adhered to, especially in regards to use of vehicles and boats in the parks
4. Saloon cars/ vehicles shall not be permitted to carry out game drive activities in the protected areas
5. Large groups of visitors exceeding 25 people shall not be permitted in the parks at the same time for the same activities
6. Social events such as destination weddings shall not be permitted in the interim
7. Visitors and guides going to the parks are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer and facemasks.

The statement further asserts that the Uganda Wildlife Authority staff have been trained and given appropriate wear to protect themselves and the visitors from any possible infection. Staff on dutry in these protected areas will be expected to sensitise visitors on the general government approved COVID-19 operational guidelines including the ones developed and approved by UWA. The safety of all staff and visitors is very important and therefore a high degree of caution will be exercised at all times.

Detailed standard operating procedures will be available on the organization’s website (www.ugandawildlife.org) and other online platforms.

If you are interested in visiting these protected areas, do not hesitate to contact us or send us an email at info@chigotours.com. We’ll put together an exciting travel package just for you!! For now #staysafe and take care, the adventure in the wild is waiting.