Corona-virus and its impact on Uganda tourism
Until April 30th, all foreign flights were grounded.
There have been fourteen confirmed instances of the virus in the nation, prompting the government to outlaw all visits to any primate, including gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and others, in an effort to contain the spread of the disease.
Primate DNA is quite similar to human DNA. The absolute prohibition on visiting the primates will remain in effect until April 30, 2020, in an effort to limit the issue, since these animals are susceptible to human-borne infections, including the flu-like COVID-19.
Staying home and taking precautions is our company’s top priority during this epidemic. Only by doing so can we limit the spread of the virus and put an end to this outbreak.
“What happened to my trip that I booked months ago?” is the burning question on everyone’s lips. Unfortunately, your trip won’t be able to go forward as planned, but the Uganda Wildlife Authority has made arrangements to make sure you don’t miss out.
Trips that were planned at this period. Travelers are being asked to put off their scheduled travels until the situation improves. Tour operators are being asked to hold customers’ safari credit until it’s safe to go. Even then, precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of both customers and tour providers. There will be hand sanitizer and face masks on the road and at the lodges until the epidemic is officially over.
Get your gorilla permits rescheduled. You may reschedule your tour whenever it’s clear, up to 2022, so there’s good news for everyone who booked during the epidemic or isn’t sure they’ll be able to make it before the outbreak ends.
The COVID-19 epidemic has increased the number of possible reschedules, from one to two, for the gorilla permit, which was previously only allowed once. If you purchased your gorilla permit before July 1st, when the fee will be hiked to USD800.00, you will still be able to reschedule at no additional expense; the pricing will remain the same.
Everyone showing symptoms of the virus should undergo a preventive test to determine their status, and the travel restriction will help us control the spread of the disease. In light of the current pandemic situation, we invite you to peruse our safari packages, choose the one that best meets your needs, and then contact us to make arrangements for a trip in late 2020 or early 2021. We look forward to working with you and will get through this challenging period as a team.
In preparation for your potential return to Uganda after the lifting of the travel restriction, the government has imposed a number of safety precautions.
Safari suggestions for the Ugandan tourism industry
Anyone from impacted nations with travel plans today or in the next several days is strongly encouraged by the ministry and the government to postpone or reschedule their journey until the situation settles down. Your credit and services will be held until it is more convenient for you to travel again. Additional factors that should be considered by anybody planning a trip;
Every single tour operator, travel agency, and lodging establishment has soap and water available on-site and in all of their cars and boats.
There will be new rules provided to inform you of how the situation will be handled after the current 32-day lockdown in Uganda ends on April 30th and the situation is evaluated to see whether it is safe to travel.
It is advised that tour operators, agencies, and housing facilities have a supply of recommended masks (N95) for their guests in order to increase sector-wide preparation.
It is highly suggested that all tour operators and travel firms remind their guests to bring their own masks (N95) while visiting Uganda.
Travel companies, tour organizers, and hotels all have a responsibility to inform their customers and employees on how to avoid getting Coronavirus.
Among these precautions are the following: not shaking hands or embracing one another; constantly washing hands with disinfectants; and routinely cleaning and sanitizing surfaces that are handled often, such door knobs.
Your safety and the safety of the nation you are visiting are our top priorities. We look forward to working with you again when things settle down and things return to normal. Be well and avoid harm.