How to travel safe in Uganda during COVID-19
How to travel safe in Uganda during COVID-19: Uganda reopened its doors to international tourists in October 2020 which came as a sign of relief for many service providers in the Tourism and hospitality sector. Due to the coronavirus pandemic which was first detected in China in November 2020, a lot of tourism activities and travel had to be halted and many travellers had to postpone their travel plans.
However, with the development of vaccines for COVID-19, quite a number of people are rethinking their travel plans and even some are travelling during the pandemic. Uganda not being an exception, is receiving both domestic and international tourists visiting her national parks during this pandemic.
Uganda, also referred to as the “Pearl of Africa”, proudly boasts having 10 national parks with Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Murchison falls national park being among the top most visited parks in the country. Due to its large number of the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national park, Uganda attracts a large number of international tourists annually. The country generates about 70% of its revenue from gorilla trekking alone thus making it one of the top earning activities in the country.
If you are planning a vacation to Uganda amidst this pandemic, here are some tips on how you can travel safe to and within Uganda;
Travel and Testing
Testing before and after travel to Uganda is mandatory with international tourists expected to present a negative COVID test one or three days prior to your travel. Visitors are advised to delay travel plans in case you are still awaiting your results. You will also be required to take another COVID test before you leave the country.
Travel within Uganda.
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible.
- Always carry with you a mast and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid contact with anyone showing signs and symptoms of the coronavirus and always keep away from anyone who is sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Always cough or sneeze into your elbows.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Before booking your stay in any hotel, first check the facility’s website for SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
Travel to Uganda’s National Parks.
- Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the key entry gates of the different national parks.
- Mandatory hand washing or sanitizing at the entrance points of all UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) premises and protected areas.
- All tourist vehicles and boats in all the national parks shall carry half capacity. This will also apply to concessionaire delivery vehicles entering and exiting the parks.
- Saloon car vehicles shall not be permitted to carry out game drives activities in the protected areas.
- Large groups exceeding 25 people are not be permitted in the parks at the same time for the same activities.
- Events such as destination weddings are not be permitted in the national parks till further notice.
- Tourists visiting the national parks are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer and facemasks.
Activities Done by Tourists in Uganda.
There are so many activities for visitors to do while on vacation in Uganda and some of these include; gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park, guided game drives, boat cruises, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth national park, sport fishing, community cultural tours, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park, hot air balloon tours in Murchison falls national park, bird watching, mongoose tracking, city tours and so many more.
