Vaccinations recommended prior to going on the trip in Uganda

Are you planning to visit Uganda and you want to know what vaccinations are recommended prior to going on the trip in Uganda, in this article we share with you the main Vaccinations recommended prior to going on the trip in Uganda? These include;

Yellow Fever inoculation is required should you travel between East African countries, and should you be flying into SA after visiting East Africa.  This must be done no later than 10 days prior to your departure.  If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis etc) you must consult your physician first.

Typhoid may be requested from the authorities when crossing into Rwanda, although it is unusual for it to be requested.  This can be done by your local GP or through a travel clinic. There is also the tablet form available – only available from certain pharmacies.

Tetanus is also recommended, as is Cholera, but are not compulsory. 

Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler. 

Malaria prophylactics are a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy.  Please consult your pharmacist/doctor. It is also a good idea to bring some insect repellant with you to spray on yourself in the evenings and early morning when mosquitoes tend to be about.

Diarrhea / Guardia etc – good personal hygiene and control over the quality of your drinking water should avoid this, bottled water is readily available throughout the country, but take along some medicine in case, particularly if you are planning to spend some time traveling alone and not with a tour.  We recommend that guests either buy bottled water, or take along water purification tablets and look after your own drinking water.

Vaccinations recommended prior to going on the trip in Uganda. As with all medical requirements, your doctor or travel clinic will provide the most up to date information – the above is a guide only. 

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Health Requirements

Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human diseases including flu and colds.  If you are participating in a gorilla / chimp trek then you need to be free of any visibly contagious diseases and this is checked at the start of the trek by the Park Authorities. If they are in any doubt of your condition, they reserve the right to prevent you from continuing on the trek.  Our advice is that if you feel you are worried about this aspect, you please inform your safari guide as soon as possible, and he will seek advice as to the best way to manage the situation.

Vaccinations recommended prior to going on the trip in Uganda. If you are participating on a NGAMBA ISLAND SANCTUARY CHIMPANZEE INTERACTION (NOT the day visits – the actual INTERGRATION WITH THE CHIMPS or CAREGIVER PROGRAMMES where you overnight on the island) please refer to the documentation provided on booking regarding which SPECIAL, ADDITIONAL vaccines and health certificates are required to be presented to ensure participation.

What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

The best time to do a gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown

What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots.  Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous.  It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants.  Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;

•            Insect Repellent                      

•            Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries

•            Wet Wipes                             

•            Water Bottle                                 

•            Camera, lenses etc

•            Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks          

•            Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking

•            Sandals/strops/walking shoes    

•            Hat and Sunscreen

•            Rain Jacket

•            Sweater/fleece

•            Swimwear

•            Binoculars (game/bird watching)

How hard and challenging is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be very strenuous it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions therefore please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible.

Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla trekking.

In the northern part, in Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman among others, In Ruhija you can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp among others.

Which sector is best for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

Many tour operators and tourists choose Rushaga sector as the best sector for gorilla tracking in Bwindi because of the many habituated gorilla families here it is easy to get the gorilla tracking permit here compared to other sectors, however according to the nature/elevation Buhoma is the best sector for gorilla trekking given the fact sometime you can only spend 3-4 hours on your trek and some trackers are already done by 11am in the morning. Among all the sectors it is Nkuringo sector that has a higher elevation making the treks strenuous. For gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest which ever sector you are booked for your trek you will be able to see the mountain gorillas and you have 99% chances of seeing them on your trek given the fact this is a very well organized activity. 

Why Book with Eco Adventure Safaris your Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trekking permits trekking in Bwindi Forest contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us. Contact us here for more information about Vaccinations recommended prior to going on the trip in Uganda