Rwanda’s government becomes the first in Africa to restart additional primate and wildlife tourist operations as well as gorilla trekking activities in Volcanoes National Park. Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo closed their respective mountain gorilla parks of Bwindi, Mgahinga (in Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (In Rwanda), and Virunga National Park (In Democratic Republic of Congo) following the out break of the lethal and wild spreading corona virus in 2020 Rwanda Development Board stressed in announcing this that gorilla trekking and other primate safari activities would be carried out under tight restrictions (SOPs) to stop the transmission of COVID 19 to mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Plans for reopening Boarder and Airport in Rwanda

Beginning with allowing citizens and residents of Rwanda as well as those able to charter into the nation, the government of Rwanda began by promoting tourist activities. This unfortunately left commercial planned flights under uncertainty.

The good news is that Kigali international Airport will open to commercial private flights beginning on August 1, 2020, thereby helping more visitors to come and see Rwanda. On the same, not the following rules were decided upon as the SOPS into the new normal

Both local and foreign visitors visiting national parks in Rwanda will obey many rules set by New Normal Tourism guidelines and Gorilla Trekking SOPS Rwanda Development board.

RDB has published these policies for all tourism operations in Rwanda to help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 therefore safeguarding humans and animals.

Particular policies for foreign guests

Traveling on charter flights—individuals and groups—visitors will be greeted by the nation.

Visitors must show negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before arrival.

Before visiting any tourist site, visitors will undergo a second Covid-19 test. The following choices are at hand:

72 hours before travel, visitors may take the first Covid-19 RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test at an ISO accredited laboratory; the second test will be conducted upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.

Before leaving and likewise upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, they are obliged to provide the initial test results to lab@rbc.gov.rw. For results of the second test, they will be asked to wait eight hours in approved Rwandan hotels. Direct flights only apply here.

Those visitors unable to test in their own country have the choice to be tested twice in Rwanda: Arriving at Kigali International Airport will mark the first test; the second will be taken 48 hours later. Only after two consecutive negative tests will visitors be expected to visit tourist destinations; they will wait for their results at assigned accommodations.

Visitors leaving will also be given a COVID-19 exam at the airport.

Tour packages will have the cost of the COVID-19 exam included.

Visitors and aircraft crew members are required to follow policies of the Health Ministry and particular requirements for attractions such National Parks while in the nation.

Call toll-free number 114 for any emergency, questions and/or comments about COVID-19.

particular policies for domestic visitors

Domestic visitors to Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks must test negative 48 hours before their arrival. The Parks’ reception should have the findings displayed.

Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium now hosts a private test facility. Testing will take place scheduled for appointments.

The permit pricing of the parks will reflect the cost of the Covid-19 test for the local market (Rwandans and Foreign Residents).

Encouraged to take advantage of reduced and diverse tourism packages involving visiting different tourist spots and lodging in hotels around the nation are Rwandans and Foreign Residents.

Public Parks Nationwide

Apart from broad rules, the following suggestions specifically address the national parks:

• For Akagera National Park, visitor shoes and car tires have to pass an entry disinfection bath. Visitors to the park should have hand sanitizers in their cars.

Furthermore guaranteeing physical distance are other activities available in Akagera National Park:

Boat excursions will allow a maximum of six (six) persons together including the guide.

Only one group—with a maximum of six (six)—will be allowed night rides.

Day directed game drives: maximum six (six) persons per car permitted.

• Visitors of Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park must keep a minimum distance of at least 10 meters at all times.

Six (six) visitors will be allowed for a maximum one (one) hour for each gorilla visit. A group of fifteen (twelve) visitors will be allowed for a maximum of one (one) hour for every visit for golden monkeys. For chimpanzees, eight (eight) visitors will be allowed for a maximum one (one) hour per visiting.

How should you schedule your Rwanda safari to see mountain gorillas and other species?

Emphasizing customer interests, money, and time, Katland safaris plans incredible custom-made safaris to Rwanda to visit mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, animals, and Rwandan culture.  We will handle all of your trip plans, including lodging, transportation, reserving and getting your gorilla and chimpanzee permits, plus all park admission costs.

Why should you schedule an Katland Post COVID 19 shutdown safari?

For the last fifteen years, Katland safaris has effectively planning and running Rwanda safaris. As we accomplish this, we have given Rwanda unforgettable experiences and helped to preserve the environment and cultural legacy.

We take great satisfaction in having a vibrant team of you and in enthusiastic team members who are always eager to serve you. For more details, kindly review our travel adviser and Safari reservations page.