Uganda is opening all 10 national parks for tourism after five months
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) media statement issued on Saturday 03 September 2020 said, that all Uganda National Parks and Protected areas are now open including Apes and Primate National Parks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mount Mgahinga Gorilla, and Kibale Forest National Parks which had remained closed to tourism when the rest of the savannah parks were reopened in July.
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority, the national parks were opened after consultations with various stakeholders and putting in place standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the containment of the possible spread of COVID-19 in protected areas.
The statement reads in part: “All tourism activities within the protected areas shall be undertaken in a manner that ensures that all guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and the directives by His Excellency The President are adhered to. These include but not limited to;
i.) Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infrared thermometers at the key tourism gates of the different protected areas
ii.) Mandatory hand washing /sanitizing at the entrances of all UWA premises and protected areas.
iii.) Wearing a face mask while inside the protected area
iv.) Observing social distance.
v.) All tourists going for primate tracking activities should carry at least two N95 masks, surgical masks, or double-layered cloth masks with filters.
vi.) Uganda Government guidelines of carrying half capacity in order to observe social distance shall apply to the use of vehicles and boats within the park. These include concessionaire and delivery vehicles
vii.) Saloon car vehicles shall not be permitted to carry out game drive activities in the protected areas.
viii.) Visitors going to the parks are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer
The state-run conservation agency has assured tourists that it has trained its staff and provided them with appropriate wear to protect themselves and visitors from any possible infection.
“Staff on duty shall sensitize the visitors on the general government-approved COVID-19 operational guidelines including the ones developed and approved by UWA management. All visitors into the protected areas have been advised to take personal precaution to prevent the spread of the Corona-virus “ends the statement signed off by Bashir Hangi, Communication Manager
Full details are contained in a 14 paged document accessed by Responsible Tourism Co. titled ‘Standard Operational Procedures ( SOP’s ) for tourism services and research activities in UWA estates and the reopening of the protected areas to the general public during the Covid-19 Pandemic’.
The scope covers SOP’s for: Tourism information Centers and reservations office, for research activities in the protected areas, for national park access and exit, overland and tourist vehicles and safari boats within the protected areas, for specific tourism activities, Briefing of tourists, mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking, Safari Game Drives, Launch Trips / Boat Cruises, large groups and events, accommodation operators, restaurants operators and curio shops, guidelines while using surgical face masks and other activities
The reopening comes at a time when the wild gorilla parks are experiencing a baby boom with both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla National Park and Mt. Mgahinga Gorilla National registering a total of six baby gorilla births in the space of seven weeks, the latest being on 2nd September with the birth at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Nyakagezi family by mother Nshuti meaning “ the friendly one “.
They have really taken advantage of the lockdown’ so said a colleague on hearing the news.
UWA closed protected areas in March following the announcement of COVID-19 outbreak in the East African country. Re-opening all wildlife parks for tourism safeguarding health and preserving employment is much welcomed among the tourism stakeholders. Uganda is among the top ranked African destinations with a higher dependency on tourism as a central pillar of employment, economic growth and development.
In the new normal, overseas and domestic guests can look forward to enjoying new nature and community based itineraries for sustainable holidays with Responsible Tourism Co >> https://responsibletourismcompany.com/ >> one of East Africa’s leading eco-tour operators specialized in providing private and group responsible, ethical and authentic tours within the region..
