Can You Trek Gorillas If You Have a Cold or Flu?

If you have a cold, flu, or another potentially contagious illness, you should not assume you can go gorilla trekking. Human respiratory infections can pose a health risk to endangered mountain gorillas and park authorities may refuse access to visitors who are sick.

This matters whether your trekking permit is for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. A mild illness for a person can still create a potential risk for wildlife.

If you become unwell before your trek, contact your tour operator immediately and explain your symptoms honestly and ask the relevant park authority about your options. Do not rely on a mask or medication to make trekking while ill acceptable.

In this guide, we explain the health precautions, what to do if you develop symptoms, how Uganda and Rwanda address illness, and what to know about permits and possible refunds.

Can You Gorilla Trek With a Cold or Flu?

You should not trek while you have a potentially contagious respiratory illness. Uganda Wildlife Authority’s published tracking guidance says visitors who show signs of illness before tracking are not allowed to visit the gorillas or chimpanzees and may be referred for medical assessment. Rwanda Development Board’s official gorilla-tracking information warns that visitors with a cold, flu or another contagious illness may be denied access.

The correct procedure is to notify your operator before departure and follow the instructions of the responsible authority.

If you feel unwell before your trek:

• Contact your tour operator as soon as possible.
• Report symptoms such as coughing, fever, a runny nose, or a sore throat.
• Ask whether medical assessment or documentation is required.
• Confirm whether rescheduling is possible and what fees or refund conditions apply.
• Do not conceal your symptoms or travel to the gorilla encounter hoping you will be allowed to participate.

The priority is to protect the gorillas, other visitors and yourself.

1. Why Is Trekking While Sick a Risk to Mountain Gorillas?

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) share many biological similarities with humans. Some pathogens that cause illness in people can also infect gorillas, including certain respiratory viruses.

Scientific research has documented human respiratory viruses in mountain gorillas experiencing respiratory illness. This is one reason wildlife health experts and conservation authorities take visitor illness seriously.

A person may experience only a mild cough or runny nose but that does not establish that their infection is harmless to another species. The risk depends on the pathogen, how it spreads and the circumstances of exposure.

Gorilla trekking brings visitors into the forest near habituated gorilla families. Without sensible precautions, an infectious person may expose animals to pathogens they would otherwise be less likely to encounter.

Preventing exposure is especially important because mountain gorillas are endangered and live in social groups where infectious disease can affect more than one individual.

For more detail, read our related article: Can Gorillas Catch Human Diseases?.

2. What Symptoms Mean You Should Contact Your Trekking Operator?

If you develop symptoms that could indicate a contagious illness before your trek, contact your operator rather than deciding on your own that you are fit to participate.

Symptoms worth reporting include:

• A persistent or new cough
• A runny or blocked nose
• Fever or chills
• A sore throat
• Sneezing associated with an illness
• Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, or body aches
• Other symptoms that a healthcare professional has advised you could be infectious

This list is a practical guide, not a medical diagnosis or a complete list of symptoms covered by park rules.

Not every cough or sneeze is caused by an infection. Allergies, for example, can cause similar symptoms. However, visitors should not assume that symptoms are non-infectious without appropriate assessment when that distinction matters for access to a gorilla encounter.

Tell your operator what is happening and ask whether the park requires a medical assessment. Follow the decision made under the applicable park rules.

What if your symptoms are very mild?

Do not use symptom severity alone to decide that trekking is safe. A mild illness can still be contagious, and visitors cannot reliably determine the risk to gorillas simply by judging how well they feel.

The responsible approach is to disclose your symptoms and obtain guidance before proceeding.

3. Can You Trek Gorillas With a Runny Nose or Cough?

You should contact your operator and the relevant park authority before trekking if you have a runny nose or cough that could be caused by an infection.

These symptoms do not always indicate contagious illness, but they can be associated with respiratory infections that may pose risks to mountain gorillas.

If you have a cough:

• Tell your operator before the trek.
• Explain when the symptoms started and whether they are changing.
• Ask if medical assessment is needed.
• Follow the park authority’s instructions about whether you may participate.

Do not assume that wearing a mask will automatically allow you to trek. Masks can help reduce the spread of respiratory particles, but they do not eliminate all transmission risk or override an authority’s decision to deny access to a sick visitor.

For more information about masks, see Why Do People Wear Masks for Gorilla Trekking?.

4. What If You Develop a Cold or Flu the Day Before Your Trek?

Finding out that you are sick just before a long-awaited gorilla encounter can be disappointing particularly if you have already paid for your permit and accommodation.

Even so, the right first step is to contact your tour operator immediately.

Step 1: Report the illness

Explain your symptoms and when they began. Do not wait until the group arrives at the park to disclose an illness that you already know about.

Step 2: Ask about medical assessment

Uganda Wildlife Authority’s published tracking guidance states that visitors who show signs of illness before tracking are not allowed to visit the gorillas or chimpanzees and are referred to a nearby health facility for assessment. The guidance also describes medical documentation in connection with illness-related permit decisions.

Ask your operator what documentation is required under the current rules.

Step 3: Ask whether your permit can be rescheduled

Do not assume that a permit can automatically be moved to another date because you are ill. Changes depend on the authority’s current procedures, availability, permit conditions, and the circumstances of the case.

Ask your operator to contact the relevant authority and explain your options before making further arrangements.

Step 4: Review your travel insurance

If your illness prevents you from trekking, your insurance policy may be relevant. Check whether it covers trip cancellation or interruption due to illness, what evidence is required, and whether any exclusions apply.

Keep your medical documents, permit confirmation, receipts, and written correspondence.

5. What Happens If You Are Sick Before Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Uganda’s mountain gorilla trekking takes place in:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages these protected areas and publishes guidance for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.

UWA’s published tracking guidelines state that visitors who develop or show signs of illness before tracking are not allowed to visit the gorillas or chimpanzees. They may be referred to a nearby health facility to assess their condition.

The guidelines also describe a process involving a medical report and possible permit cancellation and partial refund for a visitor confirmed to be unfit to track. This is not a guarantee of an automatic refund, and visitors should confirm the applicable terms with UWA or their licensed operator.

Official reference: UWA Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Guidelines, July 2024.

Does Uganda refund your gorilla permit if you are sick?

UWA’s published guidelines describe a possible partial refund for a visitor who is medically confirmed to be unfit to track. The decision and applicable conditions must be verified with the authority.

Before relying on a refund, ask:

• Is medical assessment required at a designated health facility?
• What medical report or documentation must be submitted?
• What refund or cancellation provisions currently apply?
• Who must submit the request?
• Can your permit be rescheduled instead?

Do not rely on a travel blog or assume that the same outcome applies to every illness-related cancellation. Confirm the current procedure directly.

6. What Happens If You Are Sick Before Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, near Musanze in the northwest of the country.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) provides official gorilla-tracking information through its booking portal.

RDB’s official mountain gorilla tracking page states that visitors may be denied access to the park if they are sick with a cold, flu, or another contagious illness. It also instructs visitors to maintain a distance of 7 metres from gorillas and to cover their mouths and turn away if they need to cough.

If you become ill before your Rwanda trek contact your operator and ask RDB about the applicable procedure.

Official source: RDB — Mountain Gorilla Tracking.

Will Rwanda refund or reschedule your permit if you are sick?

Do not assume that illness automatically entitles you to a refund or a new date. Rwanda’s booking system provides permit-related services, including rescheduling, but eligibility and conditions depend on the current rules and your specific booking.

Ask your operator or RDB to confirm:

• Whether a date change is possible in your circumstances.
• Whether a fee or deadline applies.
• What medical evidence is required.
• Whether any refund provision applies if you are refused access due to illness.

Get the answer before relying on a particular outcome. A permit’s cancellation and rescheduling conditions can have significant financial consequences.

7. Uganda vs Rwanda: Illness Rules at a Glance

Question	Uganda	Rwanda
Can you trek when you have a potentially contagious illness?	UWA’s published guidelines say visitors showing signs of illness before tracking are not allowed to visit	RDB warns that visitors with a cold, flu, or another contagious illness may be denied access
Is medical assessment relevant?	UWA’s published guidelines describe referral for assessment and a medical report for illness-related permit decisions	Ask RDB or your operator what assessment or documentation applies
Is a refund guaranteed?	No; confirm the current conditions and required documentation	No; confirm the current permit terms and applicable procedures
Can you ask to change your date?	Ask UWA or your operator about eligibility and availability	Ask RDB or your operator about eligibility, deadlines, and fees
Where should you verify the rules?	Uganda Wildlife Authority	Rwanda Development Board tracking portal

The conservation principle is the same in both countries: visitors should not expose gorillas to avoidable infectious disease risks. The administrative processes and permit terms may differ.

8. Can Wearing a Mask Make It Safe to Trek While Sick?

No You should not assume that a mask makes trekking while ill acceptable.

A well-fitting mask can reduce the release of respiratory particles, depending on its type and how it is worn. However, it does not remove every transmission risk and it does not replace the park’s health rules.

If you have symptoms that may indicate a contagious illness, report them and follow the official decision about whether you may participate.

A mask is a preventive measure for situations in which it is required or recommended. It is not a substitute for staying away from a wildlife encounter when you are potentially infectious.

For the full guidance on mask precautions, read Gorilla Trekking Mask Rules in Uganda and Rwanda.

9. How Can You Prepare for Your Trek and Reduce the Risk of Illness?

You can make responsible choices before, during and after your trip.

Before travelling

• Review your itinerary and permit details.
• Confirm the current health rules with your operator.
• Carry appropriate travel insurance and understand its illness-related coverage.
• Contact your operator promptly if you become unwell.
• Ask in advance about the procedure for medical assessment, rescheduling or cancellation.

On the day of your trek

• Be honest about any symptoms.
• Follow the ranger’s briefing.
• Maintain the prescribed viewing distance.
• Cover your mouth and turn away if you need to cough, following the park’s instructions.
• Wear a mask when required and use it correctly.
• Avoid touching gorillas or attempting to approach them.

After the encounter

Continue to follow the guide’s instructions and respect the forest environment. Responsible gorilla tourism means putting animal welfare ahead of the desire to complete a planned activity.

These precautions complement wider conservation work, including veterinary monitoring, habitat protection and community conservation initiatives.

Learn more in How Gorilla Trekking Protects Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you trek gorillas if you have a cold?

You should not assume you can trek with a cold. Uganda Wildlife Authority’s published guidance says visitors showing signs of illness before tracking are not allowed to visit, while Rwanda Development Board warns that visitors with a cold may be denied access. Contact your operator before your trek.

Can you trek gorillas if you have the flu?

Do not plan to participate while you may have a contagious flu infection. Notify your operator, follow the park authority’s instructions and ask about medical assessment or changes to your booking.

What if I only have a mild cough?

Report it before trekking rather than deciding for yourself that it is harmless. A cough can have different causes, and the park authority will determine the appropriate procedure under its current rules.

Can I wear a mask and still go gorilla trekking while sick?

Do not assume that a mask permits you to trek while ill. Masks reduce some respiratory exposure but do not eliminate all risks or override health-related access restrictions.

Will I lose my gorilla trekking permit if I become sick?

Not necessarily, but you should not assume you will receive a refund or a new date. The outcome depends on the destination’s current permit terms, the circumstances, and any required medical evidence.

Does Uganda refund gorilla permits if a visitor is medically unfit?

UWA’s published tracking guidelines describe a possible partial refund when a visitor is medically confirmed to be unfit to track. Confirm the current requirements, documentation and decision process directly with UWA or your operator.

Does Rwanda refund gorilla permits if a visitor is sick?

Do not assume a refund is automatic. Contact RDB or your operator to confirm the current conditions that apply if illness prevents you from tracking.

Should I buy travel insurance for gorilla trekking?

Travel insurance that covers trip cancellation or interruption due to illness may help protect your wider travel costs. Read the policy carefully: coverage is not guaranteed, and insurance does not change park health rules.

What should I do if I get sick on the morning of my trek?

Contact your operator immediately, explain your symptoms, and follow the authority’s instructions. Do not conceal your illness or travel to the encounter expecting that a mask will automatically allow access.

Protect the Gorillas and Your Safari

Getting sick before a gorilla trek is frustrating, especially when you have planned the trip for months. However, exposing endangered mountain gorillas to a potentially contagious illness is not a risk to take lightly.

If you develop a cold, flu, cough, fever, or other symptoms that could indicate an infection, contact your tour operator before the trek. Follow the relevant park authority’s instructions, ask about medical assessment and confirm any permit or refund options rather than relying on assumptions.

Whether you are visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga in Uganda, or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, responsible trekking begins with protecting the animals.