Do I Need A Negative PCR Test For Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Since Rwanda’s National Parks were re-opened for tourism in June 2020 following the Covid-19 outbreak, having a negative PCR Test was one of the requirements that every traveler would fulfil before trekking primates/or even just visiting certain destinations. This was mainly applicable for travelers visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
This changed from 25th May 2023, after Rwandan Development Board announced through their official Twitter handle (@RDBrwanda), that all visitors including children above 5 years (where applicable) exploring Rwanda’s National Parks were no longer required to show negative COVID-19 PCR test results. While negative PCR test results are not needed, visitors will still be required to wear face Masks, especially when planning to track primates- Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other monkey species.
Do I Need A Negative PCR Test For Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The current lifting of this COVID-19 related restriction (not presenting a negative PCR test result) came as a huge relief for many travelers, one being saving extra $50 which was the cost of a PCR test in Rwanda. Also, the COVID-19 test needed to have been taken at least 72 hours prior to visiting the Park thus if the test result came out positive, it would mean cancelling or postponing the activity to a later date. Therefore, presenting a negative PCR test was a big inconvenience to many travelers. Nothing is more discouraging than paying for a flight, accommodation and gorilla permit, only to test positive for COVID-19 and therefore this is a great relief.
Primate Trekking (Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and golden monkeys) is the main driver of Rwanda’s tourism with more than half the travelers visiting the country visiting these adorable creatures. The lifting of covid-19 test results for travelers visiting Rwanda’s National Parks comes barely a year after the country announced that no testing was required for fully vaccinated travelers to and from the Land of a thousand hills (unless when their next destination requires it).
Besides the good news of not presenting negative COVID-19 PCR test results before visiting Rwanda’s National Parks, discounted gorilla permits are still offered in this country, for certain visitor categories. Until December 2023, East African Citizens will still pay $200 person, Foreign Residents will still pay $500 per person, and African travelers (not within East Africa) will still pay $500 per person to trek the mountain Gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
July to September and December to February are the driest months in Rwanda, and particularly Volcanoes National Park. These months provide more ideal gorilla trekking conditions marked by reduced precipitation levels, sparser vegetation, less muddy/slippery conditions hence making it less challenging to walk through the jungles while searching for the endangered mountain gorillas. These months are also considered the high season for Volcanoes National Park, thus rates for accommodation are at their highest and gorilla permits are on high demand thus booking in advance is recommended, especially if you are looking for specific Safari Lodges
