News and Notes

Kenya eVisa

Beginning January 1, 2021, Kenya's electronic visa (eVisa) became a mandatory entry requirement for all travelers wishing to visit the country. There is no longer an option to obtain a Kenya visa in-person on-arrival, making it compulsory for all travelers to have an eVisa prior to boarding the plane for their safari adventure.

Maun Airport Revamped

The new Maun Airport is operational and provides a much improved experience for travelers. While some features are yet to be added (such as restaurants on the departure side) the entire facility is now air-conditioned, with ample space, additional check-in counters, and larger departure and arrival areas.

In-Camp Testing in Botswana

Subject to onward destination and/or airline requirements, guests may be required to have a negative COVID-19 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test prior to their departure from Botswana. As an added service for guests staying at Wilderness Safaris, andBeyond, African Bush Camps and Great Plains properties COVID-19 testing will be available.

South Africa No Longer Requires Test for Re-Entry

Per a Government Gazette South Africa will no longer require travelers who re-enter the country within 14 days of their initial arrival to be re-tested for Covid-19. All travelers must show a negative Covid-19 PCR test (not older than 72 hours from the date of departure from country of origin) upon initial arrival in South Africa. Travelers may now leave South Africa and re-enter using the original PCR test result, as long as the re-entry is within 14 days of initial entry.

Expanded Testing Capacities in Southern Africa

As travel to southern Africa resumes, there is a growing need for PCR COVID-19 testing facilities to enable travelers to move between African countries, as well as meet requirements to board international flights and/or re-enter their home countries. Recognizing a market, medical companies in South Africa and Botswana have started offering rapid PCR tests at Johannesburg, Maun, and Kasane Airports. Turnaround times for test results are 2-4 hours. More airports are likely to join the list in the coming weeks.

Flights Resume

Kenya Airways has resumed its direct service between Nairobi and New York (JFK). The airline is currently operating the flight twice a week, departing Nairobi on Wednesday and Saturday, and returning from New York on Thursday and Sunday. United's much-anticipated daily, direct flight between Newark and Johannesburg is scheduled to begin operating on June 3rd, 2021, providing a very convenient option for travelers based in the northeastern United States, with extensive connections throughout the country. Delta's direct flight between Atlanta and Johannesburg is scheduled to resume service on March 28th, 2021. In Further good news, United also announced that it plans to re-launch its non-stop service from Newark to Cape Town in October 2021. The service was introduced on a trial basis in 2019 but was suspended in response to the pandemic.