Wearing a Mask is now the order of the day! In most countries across the globe, it is an offence not to have one. For travellers intending to visit either Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking, wearing a mask is compulsory not because they care so much about you but because we care about the welfare of the mountain gorillas that you are coming to visit.
In the whole world, there are only 1,063 mountain gorillas spread across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The Virunga Massif gorilla Population ( Shared by Rwanda, DR Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) has grown to 604 individuals, up from 480 individuals in 2010. The remaining 459 mountain gorillas live in the secluded Bwindi impenetrable forest block in Southwestern Uganda.
Why wear a Mask during Gorilla Trekking?
Before the outbreak of COVID-19, wearing a mask during gorilla trekking was not compulsory. All that was followed were a set of gorilla trekking rules that clearly stipulated how tourists were expected to behave during their encounter with the mountain gorillas. Most emphasised was the rule of distance where all tourists were expected to maintain a safe distance of 7 meters from the gorillas. However, in the wake of COVID-19, quite a few other sections in the previous gorilla trekking rules & regulations have been amended and one or two others made compulsory in order to protect the mountain gorillas from contracting COVID-19.
Mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human disease – they share 98.4% DNA similarity with humans.
Recent additions to the Gorilla trekking Rules & Regulations
Among the recently added gorilla trekking rules is;
- Wearing of face masks.
Wearing a face mask was not compulsory in the past (before COVID-19) but a few tourists especially Chinese on a few occasions were seen wearing face masks during gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and their reason was to reduce allergic reactions from breathing in dust & pollen during the trek.
Bringing & wearing a face mask is now “the rule of the day” for all persons intending to go gorilla trekking.
Did you know: face masks may reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms through altering the humidity and temperature of breathed air.
- Disinfecting Footwear before the trek
There was not any such thing before COVID-19. Now it is compulsory for every tourist intending to go gorilla trekking to dip their shoes into disinfectants (Jiks & water) provided by park authorities before embarking on a guided tour to see the gorillas.
Tip: Bring waterproof shoes for your gorilla trek so that your feet don’t get soaked in disinfectant.
Which is the best Mask for gorilla trekking?
Honestly speaking, this might perhaps be the most interesting subject we’ve had to discuss thoroughly prior to writing this article. Enjoy the read!
One thing for sure that you should focus on when choosing the best mask for gorilla trekking is the comfort that the mask delivers – remember you are going to be wearing it for a great deal of the day.
Secondly, breathability. Choose a mask that freely lets in plenty of air for you to breathe well while on the trek to the mountain gorillas.
Thirdly, ensure you choose a mask that is washable – if you opt for a disposable mask, then this means you will need to bring quite a few masks for your gorilla trip to Africa which generates a lot more waste management issues for the destination.
Recommended Masks for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
Luckily, there’s an array of face masks that take into account comfort, breathability, and washability. Most of these masks are built out of lightweight fabrics that don’t restrict airflow to keep you cool and comfortable during hours of the day. For the sake of this article, we will mention just two options, but you can make time and dig up some more options on Amazon.
- EnerPlex Premium Face Mask: With this mask, you won’t have to compromise protection for breathability. it is designed with 3 layers of fabric—including 2 layers of cotton and a polyester exterior—that not only keeps virus droplets from escaping but delivers comfort by preventing you from overheating. Already a favourite of hundreds of reviewers, the reusable face mask has stretchy ear loops and comes in 4 different sizes to ensure it properly fits your face. You can buy this on amazon.com for $19.
- Koral Netz Face Mask: This mask comes with a sleek design that maximizes comfort, breathability and is washable. It’s made with the brand’s unique Netz performance fabric, an antimicrobial blend of polyamide and spandex that’s fast-drying, stretchy, and breathable. This mask can be bought on Koral.com for $20.
Can I locally buy a mask in Uganda or Rwanda?
Yes. Travellers can locally purchase breathable cloth masks made out of beautiful African fabric for their stay in Uganda & Rwanda. However, these masks are not clinically safe and may not safeguard you from COVID-19 during your transit travel, and while on the Trek to the gorillas. For the love of supporting the charities that do make the African-style breathable masks in Uganda & Rwanda, we recommend visiting and doing some onsite shopping for alternative fabric creations like table cloths, African dresses, bags etc – this will be a perfect way of supporting as opposed to buying an unsafe mask.
