Many of our clients are eager to travel as soon as possible to the pristine beauty and healing of the African wilderness, and we are delighted to bring that dream to fruition. Countries comprising safari Africa have taken independent approaches to mitigating virus spread, and these are constantly changing. We keep abreast of requirements on a daily basis, and are pleased to share the current protocols at press time:
Kenya – open to all visitors on the condition that the individual is able to show a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours (4 days) of arrival in the country. Kenya has recently been awarded the WTTC Safe Travel Stamp in recognition of the destination's implementation of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols.
Tanzania – open to all visitors without any testing requirements. Arrivals are required to complete a Health Surveillance Form attesting to their health, and may be screened for body temperature.
Rwanda – open to all visitors on the condition that the individual is able to show a negative PCR test taken within 120 hours (5 days) of their initial flight. Visitors are tested again (at their expense) on arrival in Kigali, and must spend 24 hours in a designated hotel while awaiting the results. Another PCR test must be conducted within 120 hours of departure from the country (the lodges are usually able to assist with this).
South Africa– open to all business travelers, requiring special application. Open to leisure travelers from "safe" countries, but the USA (and most European countries) remain on a "red list" of countries whose nationals are not allowed into the country. The "red list" is reviewed and updated every 14 days. Anyone entering the country must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their initial flight.
Zambia – open to all visitors on the condition that the individual is able to show a negative PCR test taken within 14 of arrival in the country.
Namibia - open to all visitors on the condition that the individual is able to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their initial flight. On day 5 in-country, visitors must test negative in another PCR test.
Zimbabwe – open to all visitors on the condition that the individual is able to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Mozambique - open to all visitors on the condition that the individual is able to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their initial flight. All arrivals then must self-quarantine for 10 days and then pass a second PCR test.
Botswana – remains closed to all foreign visitors.
East Africa currently has the most lenient entry requirements, and is the most accessible region in "safari Africa." Anyone considering a safari in the next few months is encouraged to take advantage of the region's incredible wildlife and the unparalleled level of privacy afforded by low tourist volumes. Feedback from returning travelers has been extremely positive in terms of both the overall experience as well as the adherence to social distancing, mask wearing, and other health protocols. To simplify testing requirements, we recommend focusing on single-country itineraries for travel in the near-term.
10/30/2020
Dreaming About Your "Reward Safari?"
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