No More PCR COVID Testing For Visiting Volcanoes National Park
PCR COVID testing for visiting Volcanoes National Park is no more. With effect from 27th May 2023, the requirement of having a negative COVID-19 test no longer applies to tourists (including children over 5 years where applicable) visiting Rwanda’s National Parks, including Volcanoes National Park. This comes after a tweet on the Rwandan Development Board’s official platform (@RDBrwanda) in the wee hours of 26th May 2023. Book Now
From this date, travelers do not have to worry about not trekking the endangered Giant Apes in their natural habitats for failure to fulfilling the requirement of providing proof of a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours prior to trekking. With this new development, you can proceed with plans of meeting face-to-face with one of the most adorable creatures as long as you have your valid Gorilla Trekking Permit. However, wearing face masks is still mandatory if you are planning to do a gorilla trek in Rwanda/primates (mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys) and not when planning to undertake other activities such as the Dian Fossey Gravesite hike, Volcano climbing, bird watching, or even if planning to enjoy the cultural experiences at the Gorilla Guardian Village.
Regardless of the opening of Rwanda’s National Parks to tourists in 2021 following the lifting of COVID-19-related restrictions, visitors were still required to present proof of negative COVID-19 test results taken at least 72 hours prior to the trek which proved a huge challenge to many visitors. However, with this news, it is a sigh of relief to many intending Gorilla trekkers.
In addition to wearing face masks, other guidelines for trekking and spending time with mountain Gorillas should be followed as per the briefing provided by Park Rangers before beginning the Adventure. For instance, continuing to maintain a distance of 8 meters while watching and photographing the Giant Apes as they go about their daily routines.
Also, while COVID-19 testing is no longer mandatory, you would be protecting these Giant Apes by postponing your trek after testing positive for the Virus or any other communicable diseases such as Cough, Flu, Colds, Tuberculosis, Measles, or Scabies. This is because they are closely related to humans (sharing 98.2%) DNA and thus susceptible to those diseases.
Always cover your mouth and turn away from the mountain gorillas when coughing or sneezing to avoid infecting them.
Avoid touching the mountain gorillas when watching or photographing them.
Visitors aren’t allowed to eat, smoke or drink while in the presence of Mountain Gorillas as it is likely to spread diseases.
Only visitors aged 15 years and above are allowed to visit the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
Visitors are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour/60 minutes to watch and photograph these Giant Apes.
PCR COVID testing for visiting Volcanoes National Park has been finally called off and guests should have ease in booking their primate safari experiences. It is time to experience the vibrant Volcanoes in all ways be it tracking golden monkeys or simply a hike to Bisoke Mountain.
