You can go on safari. And that's official. The countries we operate in are all open for business and ready and able to welcome travellers from across the world. This means that a safari is not just possible but also the best way to escape lockdown and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of the African wilderness.

While many countries still have South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique on their "red lists" of countries to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to give you much-needed information from "ground zero" here in Africa to allow you to assess the real position where travelling to and from South and Southern Africa is concerned.

THE "SOUTH AFRICAN" VARIANT

There is a lot of misconception surrounding the "South African variant". Firstly, this is NOT a uniquely South African variant or strain of the COVID-19 virus. It is more accurately called the 501Y.V2 variant. It was first identified in South Africa's Eastern Cape but did NOT originate there. In fact, this variant has been identified in more than 60 countries across the world with no links to South Africa or history of travel to the country.

It’s important to understand that all viruses constantly mutate into new versions or variants and that there are many new variants of COVID-19 that have been identified around the world. Age and co-morbidities still increase a person’s risk but this has remained the same from the original variant to the 501Y. V2 variant.

South Africa's general COVID-19 protocols have been successful in keeping the number of overall cases in the country significantly lower than elsewhere in the world. Likewise, in Botswana the number of cases has been significantly lower than in the US, UK and parts of Europe, as have Mozambique's.

South Africa's borders, as well as Botswana's and Mozambiques, are open for international travel and all health and safety protocols are in place to ensure your holiday or vacation is the safest possible. 

We take the health and safety of our clients exceptionally seriously and assure you that we personally vet every single lodge and camp we use, having close personal relationships with all of our suppliers and service providers to maintain the high levels of service and attention to detail that we include in our itineraries.

No travellers are banned from entering any of the destinations we offer. However, there are some entry requirements that will affect the way you travel and which have to be taken into consideration when planning your African safari. And subject to the requirements of their home countries, travellers who have visited South Africa may be required to go into quarantine on their return home. 

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE TRAVELLING

First of all, just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has at least two empty facing pages so that there are no problems with immigration. 

If you have been vaccinated, bring your original vaccination certificate with you as well as certified copies. Unfortunately, you will still be required to undergo PCR tests for entry into South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique, even if you have been vaccinated. These need to be no older than 72 hours prior to arrival in your destination. PCR tests will also be required on departure, again no more than 72 hours old. 

Most of these can be arranged at your lodge and we will take care of the logistics on your behalf. You have to have the original PCR test certificate AS WELL as your vaccination certificate. Please note that a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is not acceptable for travel purposes.

While it's not mandatory to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 tests and quarantine costs, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance is absolutely critical.

Please ensure you have completed the mandatory Traveller Health Screening Questionnaire and have it with you, in hard copy, on entrance into South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

It's important for you to stay abreast of your own country's re-entry policies as these often change as different levels of lockdown and new travel advisories come into effect. Also be aware of transit protocols in countries you may be passing through en route to Africa and on the way home.

ARRIVAL IN SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA AND MOZAMBIQUE 

In public areas, it is mandatory to wear a mask and observe social distancing and hygiene measures at all times. South Africa is very strict about these measures which have been a major contributing factor to our lower COVID-19 case numbers. 

In South Africa, on arrival at the airport terminal, you will pause at an infrared thermal scanner to check body temperature and an airport official will request your COVID-19 test certificate/vaccination certificate. 

In South Africa and other countries, upon arrival at the port of entry, travellers will be asked questions from health authorities and will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and ensure they have not been in contact with infected persons.

If a traveller shows COVID-19–related symptoms or has been in contact with an infected person(s), they must take a COVID-19 test at their own cost. If the COVID-19 test comes back positive, the traveller will undergo a 10-day quarantine at a designated site at their own expense.

* Please note: We are currently operating in Southern Mozambique around the area of Vilanculos, the Bazaruto Archipelago and Maputo.

Terms and conditions

The above information is the most up to date that we have available to us concerning current entry and travel requirements. It will change from time to time and in different areas of the respective countries of origin, transit or destination. 

The measures and requirements highlighted here may or may not be applied uniformly. 

If there are any changes to this information we will endeavour to update you via this page as soon as those changes become apparent to us. However, Best African Safaris cannot be held liable for any impact to your journey should these be changed by the authorities or measures and requirements are not applied in accordance with the advice Best African Safaris has been given, or if there is any delay in the communication of changes to these measures or requirements to you/your guests or any members of the travelling group.

* Disclaimer: Please note that travelling during a worldwide pandemic is entirely at your own risk.