African Safaris in Covid-19 Times

Posted on 1st June 2021

Africa awaits and various countries are welcoming travelers!

Many of our clients as well as potential travelers have been asking us about travel restrictions in Africa due to COVID-19. To help you with planning your safari, we have compiled this one-stop informational blog with the current updates on travel requirements to our major destinations in Africa.

These updates reflect the current information we have. Requirements are changing regularly, and we will do our best to keep you updated with the latest information.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to verify all the requirements (visa, PCR test, quarantine, travel bans, possible airline specific restrictions, inoculations, and other documents required) for their trip (for both the destination country and also the country of origin) and to ensure that all such requirements are complied with.

BOTSWANA

1. What are the current entry requirements for Botswana?

all point of entry travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 have been lifted
Visas: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but some may be required to get a visa in advance so please check the requirements for your nationality.

2. What are the current departure requirements for Botswana?

Traveller’s departing Botswana will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate or a valid vaccine certificate on departure if this is required by the airline for entry into a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in Botswana before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

This is no longer applicable.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where I can visit while I am in Botswana?

There are no such restrictions.

5. What policies has Botswana put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

It is recommended to follow simple hygiene measures. There are no mandatory policies.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in Botswana?

PCR Covid tests can be carried out in Maun or Kasane and results should be back within 24 hours. Therefore, an overnight stay in Kasane or Maun may be required. It may also be possible to get tested directly in camps in the Okavango Delta – thus avoiding an extra night in your exit town – however, in such an instance an additional cost will incur to fly the medic in.

NAMIBIA

1. What are the current entry requirements for Namibia?

all point of entry travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 have been lifted
Visas: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but some may be required to get a visa in advance so please check the requirements for your nationality.

2. What are the current departure requirements for Namibia?

Travelers departing Namibia will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate on departure if it is required by the airline or to a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in Namibia before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

This is no longer applicable.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where can I visit while I am in Namibia?

There are no such restrictions, but tourists are expected to follow normal hygiene measures.

5. What policies has Namibia put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

It is recommended to follow simple hygiene measures. There are no mandatory policies.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in Namibia?

PCR Covid tests can be carried out in Windhoek and in other major towns such as Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo, etc… . Most safari lodges will not be able to arrange testing at the lodge due to their remote locations.

SOUTH AFRICA

1. What are the current entry requirements for South Africa?

all point of entry travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 have been lifted
Visas: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but some may be required to get a visa in advance so please check the requirements for your nationality.

2. What are the current departure requirements for South Africa?

Travelers departing South Africa will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate on departure if it is required by the airline or to a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in South Africa before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

No. This is no longer a requirement.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where I can visit while I’m in South Africa?

There are no such restrictions but tourists are expected to follow hygiene measures.

5. What policies has South Africa put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

There are no restrictions. Tourists are expected to follow normal hygiene measures.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in South Africa?

PCR covid tests can be carried out in all major cities like Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg. Some lodges may also be able to arrange testing at the lodge but there will be additional costs for the medic to travel to the lodge. PCR covid tests can also be carried out at OR Tambo International Airport with a turnaround time of between 2 hours to 48 hours.

TANZANIA

1. What are the current entry requirements for Tanzania?

all point of entry travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 have been lifted
Visas: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but some may be required to get a visa in advance so please check the requirements for your nationality.

2. What are the current departure requirements for Tanzania?

Travelers departing Tanzania will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate on departure if it is required by the airline or to a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in Tanzania before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

Currently no quarantine is required.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where I can visit while I’m in Tanzania?

There are no restrictions. Tourists are expected to follow normal hygiene measures.

5. What policies has Tanzania put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

There are no restrictions. Tourists are expected to follow normal hygiene measures.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in Tanzania?

PCR covid tests can be carried out in Dar es Salaam or Arusha and there is also a clinic at Seronera in the Central Serengeti. However, results are going to take at least 48 hours to come back.

ZIMBABWE

1. What are the current entry requirements for Zimbabwe?

all point of entry travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 have been lifted
Visas: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but some may be required to get a visa in advance so please check the requirements for your nationality.

2. What are the current departure requirements for Zimbabwe?

Travellers departing Zimbabwe will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate on departure if it is required by the airline or to a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in Zimbabwe before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

No, this is no longer a requirement.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where I can visit while I am in Zimbabwe?

There are no such restrictions, but tourists are expected to follow hygiene measures.

5. What policies has Zimbabwe put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

There are no restrictions. Tourists are expected to follow normal hygiene measures.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in Zimbabwe?

PCR covid tests can be carried out in Victoria Falls and Harare and results should be back within 24 hours. Most safari lodges will not be able to arrange testing at the lodge due to their remote locations.

KENYA

1. What are the current entry requirements for Kenya?

Covid Negative Test
All non-vaccinated travellers must have a negative PCR result not older than 72 hours before their departure. This PCR test needs to be able to be verified digitally through the Trusted Travel Initiative (TT) system and the PanaBios system.
In addition to the COVID-19 negative certificate, a Trusted Travel Code is needed for entry. The Ministry of Health has published this Travel Guide on how to apply. Here is a step by step guide on Jitenge Retrieving QR Code Process by the Kenyan Ministry of Health.
Health declaration
Prior to arrival in Kenya, travelers must fill the International Travelers Health Surveillance Form. Upon submission of the form a QR code will be emailed to the registered address. This QR code will need to be presented to Port Health Officials on arrival in Kenya.
Visas
An e-visa is required before entering Kenya. Visa on arrival will no longer be available. Obtain an e-visa at http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

2. What are the current departure requirements for Kenya?

Travelers departing Kenya will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on departure if it is required by the airline or to a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in Kenya before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

There are currently no quarantine requirements in place.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where I can visit while I am in Kenya?

There are no restrictions as to where you can travel in Kenya.

5. What policies has Kenya put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

There are no restrictions. Tourists are expected to follow normal hygiene measures.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in Kenya?

Covid PCR tests can be carried out in Nairobi and results should be back within 24 hours. Some safari lodges may be able to arrange testing at the lodge but this will be very limited and there will be additional costs for the medic to come to the lodge.

ZAMBIA

1. What are the current entry requirements for Zambia?

The Zambian Government announced on 22 March 2023 that all point of entry travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 have been lifted with immediate effect.
Visa
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival. However, some nationalities may need to apply for a visa in advance. It is therefore important to check the requirements regarding your nationality.

2. What are the current departure requirements for Zambia?

Travelers departing Zambia will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate on departure if it is required by the airline or to a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in Zambia before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

There is no requirement for visitors to self-isolate.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where I can visit while I am in Zambia?

There are no restrictions as to where you can visit.

5. What policies has Zambia put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

None at this stage.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in Zambia?

PCR Covid tests can be carried out in Lusaka and results are usually back within 24 hours. It may be possible to get tests done at lodges in South Luangwa but only if they are near the main entrance gate and there are additional costs for this.

UGANDA

1. What are the current entry requirements for Uganda?

Covid Negative Test
- All travelers must produce a Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Uganda. The time begins from the day the sample is collected for testing. Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt.

Visas
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival but some may be required to get a visa in advance so please check the requirements for your nationality or to avoid disappointment contact this website before departure visas.immigration.go.ug

2. What are the current departure requirements for Uganda?

Travellers departing Uganda will only be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate on departure if it is required by the airline or to a country where this is required.

3. Will I need to quarantine in Uganda before I can enjoy my holiday? If so, for how long?

There is no mandatory quarantine requirement for passengers that are vaccinated, or have a valid negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate on arrival and do not show any symptoms of COVID‑19.

4. Are there any restrictions on what I can do and where I can visit while I am in Uganda?

There are no restrictions as to where you can visit but all visitors are expected to follow personal hygiene measures.

5. What policies has Uganda put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

There are no restrictions but all visitors are expected to follow personal hygiene measures.

6. Where can I do a Covid-19 PCR test in Uganda?

PCR Covid tests can be carried out in Entebbe / Kampala and results should be back within 24 hours. It is unlikely that tests can be carried out in any other areas in Uganda.

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