What mandatory vaccines are needed to visit Virunga national park?
What mandatory vaccines are needed to visit Virunga national park? Virunga National Park is home to the main primates of the world, that is to say, the Mountain Gorillas, Lowland Gorillas, and Chimpanzees.
Most travelers who visit the park come to get into contact with either the chimps or the mountain gorillas. All these are endangered primate species; consequently, Virunga national park put together the following mandatory vaccines to be acquired by all tourists looking at visiting the park for safari activities;
Yellow fever vaccine.
All visitors must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate with their name, date of birth, and sex before entering the Democratic Republic of Congo for any tour in Virunga national park. Yellow fever vaccine must be administered 10 days prior to entering the country.
Other vaccinations you may need are before traveling to Virunga national park include; Hepatitis A, Diptheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Malaria.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is within the tropical region and receives a lot of rainfall and there is a lot of stagnant water in most areas and thick forests which are home to mosquitoes, therefore there are high chances of malaria; therefore, always carry Anti-malarial medication such as Doxycycline OR Atovaquone/Proguanil OR Mefloquine.
If all other antimalarials are not deemed suitable, Chloroquine and Proguanil can be used though less effective.
We can’t talk about the mandatory vaccines needed to visit Virunga national park and fail to give an update on COVID 19. During the tough times of the COVID 19 pandemic, the following procedures are in place for visitors who encounter Mountain Gorillas and/or Chimps however these are subject to change. We recommend seeking guidance from us in case of any updates.
All tourists must provide a certified negative PCR test for COVID 19 taken in the last three days or a COVID vaccination certificate
A rapid COVID-19 test prior to departure for Kibumba or Mikeno Lodge will be compulsory for all visitors and administered at Grande Barriere.
On arrival at all locations and daily whilst they are in the park, visitors will have their temperature taken. If they have any symptoms of COVID 19 or stomach issues, they are requested to please inform the management.
Visitors are asked to bring their own facemasks and hand sanitizer.
Visitors will have to maintain social distancing during all treks and throughout their stay in the park.
All rangers and trackers who will accompany clients on gorilla treks will have a rapid COVID-19 test every two weeks or will receive vaccines as soon as possible
COVID 19 testing for Departure
All visitors should be aware of the COVID 19 test requirements to leave DRC ahead of arrival
PCR testing is available in Goma at Hospital General. There is a fast track line at a cost of $50.
COVID 19 tests in DRC can take up to 48 hours to be processed. Depending on their requirements, visitors should anticipate their tests for before the departure to their lodge of choice, after their return from Nyiragongo or on the way to Tchegera
