The government of Rwanda becomes the first African countries to reopen gorilla trekking activities in Volcanoes National Park as well as other primate and wildlife tourism activities in the country. Following the out break of the deadly and wild spreading corona virus in 2020, 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) While announcing this, Rwanda Development Board emphasized that gorilla trekking and other primate safari activities will be conducted following strict guidelines (SOPs) in order to prevent the spread of covid 19 to mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Boarder and Airport reopening plans in Rwanda

The government of Rwanda started by opening up tourism activities to Citizens and residents in Rwanda as well as those who are able to charter into the country. This however left commercial scheduled flights in suspense. The good news however is that effective 1^st August 2020, Kigali international Airport will be opened to commercial private flights to assist more tourists to come and visit Rwanda. On the same not the below guidelines were agreed upon to be the SOPS into the new normal

New Normal Tourism guidelines and Gorilla trekking SOPS

Rwanda Development board provided several guidelines that will be followed by both domestic and international tourists during their visits in the country’s national parks.

Here is the list of guidelines released by RDB for all tourist activities in Rwanda to protect both people and animals from the spread of Covid-19.

Specific guidelines for international visitors

• Visitors travelling by charter flights (individual and groups) will be welcomed to the country.
• Visitors are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival.
• Tourists will take a second Covid-19 test prior to visiting any tourist attraction. The following options are available:
• Tourists can take the first Covid-19 RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test in the country of origin at an ISO certified laboratory, 72 hours before departure and the second test will be taken upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. They are required to submit the results of the first test to the following address (lab@rbc.gov.rw) before departure and also upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. They will be expected to wait 8 hours for results of the second test at designated hotels in Rwanda. This is applicable to direct flights only.
• Tourists who are not able to test in their country of origin have the option to be tested twice in Rwanda: The first test will be taken upon arrival at Kigali International Airport while the second test will be taken 48 hours after arrival. Tourists will only be expected to visit tourist sites after two consecutive negative tests and will wait for their results at designated hotels.
• Departing visitors will also be offered a COVID-19 test at the airport.
• The cost of the COVID-19 test will be included in tour packages.
• While in the country, visitors and flight crew members are expected to abide by guidelines of the Health Ministry and specific guidelines for tourists’ attractions including National Parks.
• For any emergency, question and/or feedback related to COVID -19, please call toll-free number 114.

Specific guidelines for domestic tourists

• Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are required to test negative 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. The results should be presented at the Parks’ reception.
• A private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium. Testing will be done by appointment.
• The cost of Covid-19 test for the domestic market (Rwandans and Foreign Residents) will be included in the parks’ permit prices.
• Rwandans and Foreign Residents are encouraged to take advantage of discounted and diversified tourism packages including visiting various tourist attractions and staying in hotels at various tourism destinations in the country.

National Parks

• In addition to general guidelines, the following recommendations apply to the national parks:
• • For Akagera National Park, vehicle tyres and tourist footwear must go through a disinfection bath at entrance. Tourists should carry hand sanitizers in their vehicles whilst visiting the park.
• Other activities in Akagera National Park will also ensure physical distancing:
• Boat trips: will accommodate a maximum of 6 (six) people and the guide
• Night drives: only 1 (one) group will be permitted, with a maximum of 6 (six) people.
• Day guided game drives: maximum of 6 (six) people per vehicle allowed.
• • Tourists are required to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters at all times while visiting primates in Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park.
• For gorilla visits, a group of 6 (six) tourists will be permitted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for every visitation. For golden monkeys, a group of 12 (twelve) tourists will be permitted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for every visitation. For chimpanzees, a group of 8 (eight) tourists will be permitted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for every visitation.

How to book your Rwanda safari to see mountain gorillas and other wildlife

Encounter Africa safaris organizes amazing tailor-made safaris to Rwanda to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife and culture of the Rwandese putting emphasis on client’s interests, budget and time.  We will take care of all your travel arrangements including booking and securing your gorilla and chimpanzee permits, accommodation and transport plus all park entry fees thereof.

Why book your Post covid 19 lockdown safari with Encounter Africa

Encounter Africa safaris has been successfully organizing and executing Rwanda safaris for the last 12 years. While doing this, we have provided memorable experiences and contributed to the conservation of cultures and nature in Rwanda. We pride ourselves in having a dynamic team of you and energetic team who are always passionate about serving you. Please visit our trip advisor and Safari bookings page for more information.