Near-term Safari Opportunities 2020-2021
We’re excited to see African countries safely reopening and welcoming international travelers back to their borders. With a careful understanding of new protocols and entry requirements, it may be a great time for some travelers to take advantage of a safari in the near-term over the next 3-9 months.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRAVEL IN THE NEAR TERM
Pros:
Uncrowded parks and nearly-exclusive wildlife viewing and trekking
Great value especially during the green season
Plenty of availability at preferred camps
Guides and camp staff are eagerly awaiting guests
Camps can pull out all the stops with upgrades and added value experiences
Your presence safeguards wildlife and benefits community programs in the areas you visit
Cons:
Navigating flight and airport protocols is more onerous and uncertain
Countries have implemented advanced health screenings and entry requirements
Reduced options for multi-country itineraries
Some camps and domestic flights have not yet resumed operations
Travel insurance policies vary by provider and specific coverage and benefits can be unclear
The following countries have now opened their borders with responsible Covid protocols, and commercial international flights have resumed:
Kenya – Rwanda – Tanzania – Zambia
TIPS FOR DEVELOPING AN ITINERARY IN THE COMING MONTHS
Single country itineraries are key
Reduce interactions with other guests through:
Less moving around in country
Longer stays at fewer camps
Private charters for transfers
Families or groups of friends can take advantage of exclusive-use of camps, lodges and safari villas.
Get familiar with the risks associated with air travel
Review the specific health protocols at the camps. Some examples below.
The camps and communities in these destinations have done an incredible amount of work to sustain vital services in the absence of tourism and to prepare for the resumption of tourism through extensive staff training and implementation of stringent new protocols.
Here are some favorite achievements and messages from our colleagues who are keen to welcome guests back to their countries:
Kenya
RWANDA
TANZANIA
ZAMBIA
Enhanced health protocols at safari camps and lodges:
Safaris are inherently a lower risk travel option as good quality safari experiences steer clear of crowds and offer intimate camps, small professional teams and wide open spaces. However, our colleagues have gone above and beyond to design and implement the highest health and safety protocols. Here’s a few examples:
