Coronavirus – what it means for your safari
Summer 2022 update
We have been pleased to see a sensible relaxation of the rules across Africa, the Indian Ocean and for return to the UK. While arrival testing is still required for those not fully vaccinated, including some teenage children, most countries have removed the need for PCR tests for those with up to date vaccinations.
We will continue to work with clients due to travel in 2022 to help explain the current rules around testing and any paperwork required for them or their children.
Our clients who have travelled in the last year have had a great time. To reiterate the point we make in the round up below “There are strong protocols in place to keep people safe as they travel, and the camps and wildlife are as good as ever – in some cases even better as properties took the opportunity of fewer visitors to upgrade facilities and undertake enhanced staff training.”
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In March 2020 non-essential travel effectively shut down, with Governments worldwide advising their citizens to stay at home. This advice was then updated several times with corridors opening and closing.
Finally in October 2021 the UK government ‘red list’ was significantly reduced. Travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean is allowed once more without quarantine or isolation on return.
In Africa, the lodges and camps did a brilliant job of hibernating, protecting wildlife and communities, until travel from the US and EU started again. They also started vaccination programmes, with hospitality staff in many African countries third in line for jabs behind healthcare and emergency workers. Although they had enjoyed some international visitors, it’s fair to say the excitement was palpable when the UK’s ‘red list’ changes were made. We received many celebratory texts and messages from our friends in Africa.
We are now confident that the safari and beach stays we have postponed over the last eighteen months can actually go ahead and people can enjoy the trips they have planned with us. There are strong protocols in place to keep people safe as they travel, and the camps and wildlife are as good as ever – in some cases even better as properties took the opportunity of fewer visitors to upgrade facilities and undertake enhanced staff training.
Finally, a big thank you to all those who have been in touch to offer the Aardvark Safaris’ team and partners on the ground in Africa their support; it’s very much appreciated. We have been delighted by our clients’ enthusiasm to travel to Africa – bookings for 2022 are really encouraging, people are obviously keen to get their Africa fix and we look forward to the increase in the number of people enjoying the safaris and beach holidays we offer once again.
Hi, we are in Ohio, USA, and we were looking to take a 30 Years Married Anniversary trip to Africa on Safari. We are hoping to travel this July 20201. Is this currently possible? If so where would you recommend considering Covid, weather, etc.
I realize that is a lot to unpack but I am hoping we can at least get your thoughts on this.
Thanks so much 🙂
Thanks for your question; we can certainly help with travel arrangements and make some suggestions and recommendations. I’ll ask one of our travel experts to get in touch with you