Safari so good
From Covid protocols to private safaris, don’t plan your dream bush trip without these essential tips.
Flexible booking terms
Many camps and lodges have flexible terms for new bookings and will offer 100 per cent cancellation or postponement if you are directly affected by Covid or the government has to close borders and prevents you from travelling.
Covid Safety measures
Most lodges are geared up for Covid safety: limited people on safari vehicles, staff wearing masks, no communal dining, regular sanitising of vehicles, rooms and hands. Worth noting is that being on safari in the open air is one of the safest places to holiday at this time.
Special rates for South Africans
Many luxury safari camps in South Africa are offering incredible promotions, some up to 75 per cent off. Most of these deals are valid until the beginning of December when it’s hoped international travel will have resumed, so it’s a great time to take the family on a bush trip.
Private safari houses
If you prefer to keep it exclusive and only mix within your own party, then private house safaris are ideal. They’re also a great option if you want to include grandparents and are concerned about exposing them unnecessarily. You can find some really affordable options online or through travel specialists.
Beyond borders
If you want to venture out of South Africa to experience a safari in countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Zambia or Kenya, there are currently no restrictions apart from a Negative PCR test before you travel. Many of the camps are offering great deals at the moment as Europeans are not able to travel to Africa due to their government’s travel restrictions. If you’re travelling to one of the neighbouring countries, be sure to check how easy it is to get a negative PCR test before you fly back into South Africa. Most of these countries are well set up and it can easily be done with minimal disruption to your trip. There are either testing facilities in the main cities near the airports or you may even be able to have one at the camp and get the results sent to you 24-48 hours before flying.
Keep it simple
If you are flying to Southern or East Africa, try to keep to just one country. Avoid taking too many Covid Tests to cross borders and minimise your risk. Subhead: What to pack Most of the lodges have everything you need, but during these times, keep a handful of face masks and pocket-sized hand sanitisers on you, make a few copies of your negative PCR test and remember to ask your travel clinic about malaria precautions.
It’s in the detail
Contact a specialised travel consultant to help you plan your trip; they know the best safari camps and lodges to suit your needs, where to get the best deals and can answer any of your questions on Covid safety.
* Source: sarahjamestravel.com
