Statement Regarding Ebola and East Africa Travel Operations​

An outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain has been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and in Uganda.

As of 9th June, Uganda has reported a total of 19 confirmed cases within Kampala and Wakiso District. 14 cases are linked to the DRC and 5 cases were locally transmitted in Uganda. Contact tracing has been conducted with high-risk individuals identified and put in isolation for monitoring. There are currently 13 people admitted to hospital, 4 recoveries and 2 deaths. The Ugandan Ministry of Health has strict protocols in place and has closed its borders with DRC and suspended all flights between Uganda and DRC.

There are no cases of Ebola reported in Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania.

All tourism operations, including safaris and primate trekking activities continue to operate normally across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Our teams and partners on the ground remain fully operational and all trips are proceeding as planned.

Understanding the Context

Ebola is not an airborne illness. It is not like Covid or flu, and it cannot be caught by breathing the same air as someone else or by being in a public space. Transmission requires direct, physical contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is actively symptomatic.

The safety, security and wellbeing of our guests remain our highest priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely in consultation with local authorities and partners.

Health and Entry Measures Implemented

• Rwanda: All foreign nationals who have travelled to, or transited through, the DRC within the last thirty (30) days prior to their intended travel to Rwanda will be denied entry.

• Uganda: All arriving passengers must complete a Traveller Self-Declaration Form on arrival and departure.

• Kenya: Travellers arriving from, or transiting through Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC Congo), Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Angola, Zambia, Burundi, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, South Sudan & Somalia must complete an Electronic Traveller Surveillance Form.

• Tanzania: All Travellers arriving from, or transiting through, the DRC and Uganda must complete a Traveller Surveillance Form

• Zanzibar: All Travellers arriving from, or transiting through, the DRC and Uganda must complete a Traveller Surveillance Form

Please note: Airlines or any transit countries may have their own requirements; please check directly with them for confirmation.

Booking Policies and Travel Advice

• For guests travelling to Uganda in the next 4 weeks, should they be unable to travel due to travel restrictions imposed by their government, we are reviewing requests on a case-by-case basis and are recommending postponement rather than cancellation.

• For guests travelling to countries not affected by Ebola, standard cancellation and postponement terms will apply.

• Travellers are reminded to maintain good hygiene practices, including hand-washing, and to avoid contact with anyone visibly unwell. 

• At least 6-8 weeks before departure, travellers should consult their local health care provider or travel clinic to discuss any personal health concerns.

• Health protocols and travel regulations are subject to change and may be updated at any time before or during travel. At all times, travellers are responsible for their own health and wellbeing and must comply with all rules, regulations, laws, and requirements imposed. 

• All travellers must ensure a comprehensive travel insurance policy is in place for the duration of the trip.

• Always check and monitor the latest travel advice provided by local government authorities, including country-specific recommendations for all chosen destination(s).