Tourism has been on a halt for the last months, suspension of activities, and lockdowns imposed by governments to stop the virus from spreading since the epidemic struck the planet.  They have also started gorilla tourism in the national Volcanoes Park of Rwanda.

One of the East African nations, Rwanda is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Often referred to as “the gentle giants of the forest,” gorilla tourism is the most popular adventure trip there that has drawn many tourists.

Guidelines or SOPs developed by the Rwandan government provide a framework for many kinds of tourist activities, operators, and attractions including national parks, boat rides, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, museums, culture, and legacy sites. The government will change the policies in accordance with Rwanda Ministry of Health recommendations as the COVID-19 epidemic develops.

 

Daily visitation count authorized for each gorilla family in Rwanda

Rwanda cut the numbers of visitors for each gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park from 8 visitors to a group of 6 (six) visitors accepted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for each day to ensure social distancing and help to control congestion, so safeguarding both the gorillas and visitors. Every visitor will be required to abide by Parks SOPs and policies developed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health.

 

In the new normal of Rwanda, what gorilla Permit discounts are offered?

Discounts for travel activities in the new normal issued by Rwanda Development Board are inclusive of COVID-19 test fee and will be available until December 31, 2020; purchase is subject to availability. For inhabitants of East Africa and Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park now costs USD300; foreign visitors still pay USD500.

Families additionally receive 15% discount for family visits (couples and children over 15 years old), while corporations/organizations get 10% discount on bulk purchases for say 30 permits. Tour/Hotel Operator Rates also receive 15% discount for every permit acquired including one night in lodging and tourist activity. Plan your gorilla safari today to get some savings.

 

Regarding gorilla treking in Rwanda

Famous feature in volcanoes national park, the mountain gorillas are visited daily all year round by gorilla trekking. Visiting the habituated endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat allows you to observe their feeding, movement, rest, and harmonic living. Ten habituated gorilla families from Volcanoes National Park undertake daily hiking; according to COVID 19, only six people per gorilla family are allowed each day.

As trackers, guides, and park officials lead you, the odds of sighting the mountain gorillas are 99%. Though the gorillas share 99% DNA like the humans, they stay wild and encourage you to obey the dos and don’s from the guides. Every day in Kinigi, gorilla trekking begins at 7:00 am with a briefing on recommendations to follow while on the trip. Depending on the activity and position of the gorillas in the jungle, the gorilla walk might last thirty minutes to several hours.

 

What are the rules for New Normal gorilla treking in Rwanda?

Reference materials ranging from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Global Association for Attractions Industry, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Rwanda Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines on COVID-19 prevention have helped to compile guidelines.

The policies provide a structure for restarting the travel sector after the COVID-19 epidemic. For your own safety and the protection of others, we strongly advise you to follow the recommendations for trip recovery.  See directives;

 

Masks: Always wear your mask on your safari and make sure service members and tourists utilize masks correctly everywhere.

Sanitation and hygiene: The vehicle will be cleaned on often touched places and we will give ways to wash or disinfect hands often during the safari in the Vehicle.

Our guide will make sure they maintain a distance while on safari with you and also guarantee physical distance in the Lodge/hotel minimum of one to two meters.

Hotels and other travel places will guarantee that every arriving visitor undergoes temperature screening and notify health authorities on toll-free number 114 in should of any aberration.

Highly advised are cashless ways of transaction. These covers bank transfers, debit and credit cards, and mobile money.

Before and after usage, we will clean and sanitize boats and visitor vehicles. For proper physical distance, keep 50% occupancy.

Visitors arriving on charter aircraft—individuals and groups—will be admitted to the nation for now until further 1st August when commercial flights start.

Within 72 hours before arriving at Kigali international Airport, Rwanda expects all tourists to test negative for COVID-19.

Before visiting the national Park for gorilla trek, visitors will undergo another Covid-19 test. One has the following choices:

72 hours before travel, visitors may take the first Covid-19 RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test in their place of origin at an ISO recognized laboratory; they will then take the second test upon arriving at Kigali International Airport.

Before travel and also upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, they must provide the initial test results to the following address: lab@rbc.gov.rw. Government expects them to wait eight hours for findings of the second test at approved Rwandan hotels. This relates exclusively to direct flights.

Those who cannot test in their place of origin have the opportunity to test twice in Rwanda: they will take the first exam upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and the second test 48 hours later. The government only expects visitors to visit tourist destinations after two consecutive negative tests and will wait for their findings at approved hotels.

On request upon departure, Rwanda government might provide an optional exam.

The COVID-19 exam will be incorporated into gorilla permits and travel packages.

Visitors and flight crew members have to abide by policies established by the ministry of health as well as additional rules established by certain tourist attractions, locations, and national parks.

Please contact toll-free number 114 while in Rwanda with emergency inquiry and/or comments about COVID-19.

Where should one stay in Rwanda in the new normal when hiking gorillas?

For an amazing safari, staying in a decent, neat, comfortable, and gorgeous lodge or camp is perfect while on your visit to volcanoes national park. From budget to luxury, there are numerous lodges and hotels in volcanoes national park; Bisate lodge and Virunga lodge are luxury options; Sabinyo silverback lodge; five volcanoes lodge; Le bamboo Mountain gorilla lodge; Kinigi guesthouse; Hotel Muhavera and gorilla volcanoes lodge are some of the budget hotels. The hotel rooms sell fast, particularly during the peak season; thus, your lodging option must be reserved in advance for your trip to the national park including volcanoes.

 

Why would one purchase Katland safaris to hike gorillas in Rwanda under the New Normal?

For prior years, Katland safaris have given volcanoes, national parks, and Rwanda great experiences.  For our reduced packages as well as custom-made gorilla excursions, birdwatching, cultural encounters, and treking Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, get in touch.

Our magic in arranging real experience comes from the fact that we have gradually established a team combined with young and eager workers mentored by a well-experienced Team and driven by what they do. Travel Advisor and safari reservations show great ratings and reviews for Katland Safaris.