Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari tour Coronavirus (Covid-19) Updates ,Travel advice safety measures,Frequently Asked Questions and Precautions to guide you on a safari in Uganda,Rwanda ,Tanzania and Congo.
The spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) has once again tested our ability to recover and every traveler needs no reminder on what a hard time we are all facing as we are stuck in our homes trying to practices social distancing. The world is more like a small tiny box but at the same the same world is not going anywhere.
At Engabi Tours and Travel we would like to take this opportunity to extend our thoughts to all travelers who have been affected and to remind them that the most energizing thing is that we know this situation will pass and those of us who love adventure and safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania will once again get onto the planes and travel again. It might be later this year or early 2021 but the fact is it will come and once again we will come face to face with Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Volcanoes National park, we will witness the great Migration in the Serengeti and most importantly we will once again get up close with Africa’s famous animals in their natural habitat and experience the hospitality of East Africans towards strangers.
As safari travelers around the world are practicing social distancing measures, there is a need to protect the wildlife we all await to see after the lock down and most importantly the endangered mountain gorillas from getting infected with the deadly Coronavirus and as a result gorilla and wildlife national parks in Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania have been temporarily closed for gorilla trekking and other tourism activities. We will keep you updated on any new developments concerning Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) frequently Asked Questions to guide on your next gorilla trekking and wildife safari to Rwanda,Tanzania,Uganda and Congo
What is Novel Coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has never been identified before. Its cause is different from the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild cold. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes
According to Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), a diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Below are the most common symptoms:
Fever.
Dry cough.
Tiredness.
Less common symptoms:
Aches and pains.
Sore throat.
Diarrhea.
Conjunctivitis.
Headache.
Loss of taste or smell.
A rash on skin, or discolorations of fingers or toes.
Serious symptoms:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Chest pain or pressure.
Loss of speech or movement.
Can the Coronavirus be spread through food eaten on a Gorilla trekking and Wildlife safari?
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently according to CDC, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food although you should ensure that you always wash your hands before you eat and throughout the day use a tissue to cover sneezing and wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging.
What temperatures can kill the Coronavirus?
Generally coronaviruses survive for shorter periods at higher temperatures and higher humidity than in cooler or dryer environments. However, there is no direct data for Covid-19.
Can Mosquitoes Spread Coronavirus?
At this time, according to CDC there is no data to suggest that this new coronavirus or other similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes. The main way that COVID-19 spreads is from person to person. See How Coronavirus Spreads for more information.
Can Gorillas and wild animals cause the spread of Coronavirus?
Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that wildlife might be a source of infection for people in the world. The first case of a wild animal testing positive for the virus in the United States was a tiger with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City. However, this tiger was in a captive zoo environment, and public health officials believe the tiger became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was infected and spreading the virus.
In Africa, no wild animal has tested positive for the virus and in order to protect wildlife in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, different measures have been put in place including closure of national parks to travelers until further notice.
In addition, in Rwanda and Uganda there are gorilla trekking rules that ensure safety of the gorillas and tourists and eventually help to minimize the spread of diseases if any.
You can also take the following steps to prevent getting sick from wildlife on you Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Safety measures and precautions to take on your next Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda .
- Keep away from wildlife.
- Carry face masks
- Carry hand sanitizers
- Do not feed wildlife or touch wildlife droppings.
- Always wash your hands
- Do not approach or touch a sick or dead animal
- Always follow guidelines given to you by your safari guide. .
- Keep a distance of seven meters’ away from the gorillas to avoid close contact
- Avoid direct contact with gorillas. This makes them scared and uncomfortable
- Do not trek gorillas while sick. Any traveler with any sign of cold, and flu is not allowed to trek gorillas
- Keep your voices low. Do not make noise while with the gorillas
- Do not use flashlight cameras
- Keep within your group (Do not move alone in the jungle)
- Keep calm when gorillas charge at you, step back and move away slowly
- Do not litter in the park, Leave only the footsteps
- Do not touch the gorillas
How can I stay informed about COVID-19 on a Gorilla trekking and Wildlife Safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania?
When planning for a gorilla trekking and wildlife safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania make sure you search for travel advisories and guidelines and always stick to the facts. Trusted sources of information for Africa travel advisories should be government websites, including the following:
Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories
United Kingdom: Foreign Travel Advice
Is it safe to go on a Gorilla trekking and Wildlife safari tour in Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda?
Going for a gorillas trekking and wildlife safari in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania is considered to be low risk due to the fact that you are unlikely to spend much time in overcrowded cities and you are more likely to be outdoors in wide open spaces where the virus has less chance of direct contact.
On the other hand, the virus is not resistant to fevers so combined with the warm climate of Africa, the likelihood of combating the virus with these factors in play is higher the reason we recommend that before you go on or book a gorilla trekking and Wildlife safari with Engabi Tours and Travel, ensure to check the Global Health and Travel Advisories for your intended destination
What should I do when I finally get back on a plane to go for a gorilla trekking safari?
Ensure that you travel with hand sanitizer, wipe your hands regularly and try not to consume open foods while in the plane. Wear a mask at all time and wipe all surfaces, glasses and even fruit before contact. On your arrival in your safari destination always follow the guidelines set by public health officials and government and above all always listen to your safari guide.
Our hope is that you will soon start travelling and Engabi Tours and Travel is ready to book your Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari tours for the remaining Months of the year or for the year 2021
We stand with you and the rest of the world in the battle against an invisible enemy and should you need an African safari inspiration,information or any Covid-19 updates Contact us and we will be happy to respond .
In the meantime, keep dreaming, keep planning,stay safe and Book your safari now to Travel in 2021.