Uganda Urges Hotels to Educate Tourists on Gorilla Tracking Rules

The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) are calling on hotel and lodge operators to consistently educate tourists on gorilla tracking guidelines. The primary goal is to safeguard endangered mountain gorillas from human-transmitted diseases. This initiative was highlighted during a recent sensitisation workshop for hospitality providers in Kisoro Municipality.

Henry Mutabazi, IGCP Country Coordinator, emphasized that hotel and lodge operators are often the first point of contact for tourists. Equipping them with accurate information about conservation regulations is crucial for reinforcing compliance. These rules, established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), include maintaining a minimum distance of seven to 10 meters from gorillas, wearing face masks, refraining from tracking when unwell, and avoiding flash photography.

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The rules were established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to protect gorillas from diseases transmitted by humans. They include maintaining a minimum distance of seven to 10 metres from gorillas at all times, wearing face masks during tracking, refraining from tracking gorillas when feeling unwell, and avoiding the use of flash photography.

Geoffrey Twinomuhangi, Senior Warden of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, urged nearby hotels and lodges to avoid planting crops that could attract gorillas, as this increases disease transmission risk. He also appealed to residents to report stray wild animals to UWA for safe relocation instead of harming them.

Twinomuhangi noted that Uganda's tourism sector is experiencing a peak season, with increased bookings attributed to the country discharging its last confirmed Ebola patient. He highlighted tourism's benefits, including improved mental well-being, broader worldviews, and skills development, while positioning Uganda as an affordable destination for both international and domestic visitors. Yuventine Ochwo, Assistant Tourism and Hospitality Officer at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, encouraged operators to stay updated on conservation guidelines through the UWA Information Centre, recognizing accommodation facilities as vital links for safe and responsible tourist experiences.

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The tourism sector is currently in its peak season, with increased bookings following Uganda's discharge of its last confirmed Ebola patient. Tourism continues to provide benefits such as improved mental well-being, broader worldviews, and skills development, while Uganda remains an affordable destination for both international and domestic visitors.