African Safaris — What Are Lodges Doing to Welcome Returning Guests?
Few ardent travelers don’t have an African safari on their bucket list, and it only takes one to get you hooked for life. For many tourists, returning to Africa has become a regular pilgrimage. But if you’ve never been and are longing to go, you could well be experiencing what the Germans refer to as fernweh. Translated, it means “far-sickness” or “longing for unseen places.” While virtual safaris like WildEarth’s may have provided some distraction during lockdown, they have also served to deepen the longing.
As vaccinations progress and transcontinental flights open, what’s the outlook for safari travel in 2021? How will the pandemic affect the safari experience? And what steps are safari lodges taking to ensure their guests’ safety?
The pandemic may improve the safari experience
Safari destinations exist in sensitive ecosystems that have always had limited access to people. With wide-open spaces, remote locations, and limited guest numbers, it’s almost as if they were designed for times like these. What better way to re-engage with nature after being cooped up in lockdown?
Traditionally, tourists combine a safari with a city or beach destination add-on. South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park is a short flight to vibey Cape Town, for example. But with unpredictable COVID-19 surges, visitors may wish to limit their visits to urban areas and use the savings to upgrade or extend their safari.
Marcelo Novais, managing director of Ker & Downey Africa DMC, says they’re encouraging guests to slow down and appreciate the experience. He hopes that this will allow guests to “experience different African destinations throughout their lifetime as opposed to just a once-off trip.”
Murray Gardiner of Giltedge Africa believes the pandemic will lead to a greater focus on sustainability. “My wish is that the lessons we learned in 2020 about the importance of a greener future will remain with us going forward, that each safari operator in Africa commits to responsible and ethical tourism practices and that we take continue taking care of our communities, wild spaces, and animals.”
What countries are open for tourism?
The main safari destinations can be found in Eastern and Southern Africa. Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are all readying themselves for guests’ return.
However, the pandemic makes the travel landscape a bit unpredictable. Travel requirements vary from country to country. And for Americans returning home from Africa, requirements regarding testing and quarantine differ from state to state. This will likely change in the coming months as vaccination passports come into effect.
As of February 2021, a negative COVID test is required for all African safari destination countries (except for Tanzania). This may be required before boarding, after arrival, or both. There is no quarantine requirement, but Rwanda requires you to take a test upon arrival and wait 24 hours in your hotel for test results. (And you can only visit the gorillas within 72 hours of a negative test result.)
What lodges are doing to accommodate guests during the pandemic
Safari lodges have been quick to adjust to COVID-prevention measures. Many have established emergency health plans that ensure guests can access medical facilities within 24 hours. Others have implemented many of the following measures:
· Safari vehicles seating allowances have been halved from as many as nine to groups of four. Requests for private vehicles can be accommodated.
· Gatherings will be more intimate. Where previously members of the local community provided entertainment, this will no longer happen. Mixing with other guests and lodge staff is also limited.
· Individual servings have replaced buffet-style eating. Meals can be served privately to family groups in their quarters or outdoors on bush picnics. The traditional sundowner experience is still available, but snacks are packed in individual portions.
· Hand sanitizer is available throughout, and high-touch contact points have been replaced with alternatives.
· Lodge employees have been trained on safety measures. In some cases, lodges require staff to isolate for the protection of guests.
· Guests can choose to forego daily service if they wish.
· Masks are required to be worn by staff and guests when social distancing is not possible. Daily temperature checks can be expected.
· Dedicated suites have been set up as isolation facilities if guests exhibit symptoms after their arrival.
Tips for booking your safari vacation
If you usually book your vacations directly, this may be an excellent time to use a travel agent. Consultants are kept apprised of changes in travel regulations and have greater negotiating power when making itinerary changes.
Even when using a third-party agent, keep an eye out for the following:
· Refundable deposits. Make sure the terms for refunds are reasonable.
· Confirmation of the COVID-prevention measures in place at your accommodation and while traveling.
· Facilitation of testing and other requirements. You don’t want to waste time and money trying to arrange this yourself.
· Entry requirements for your destination country. Apart from COVID requirements, some countries require American travelers to apply for visas.
Most lodges won’t require you to have travel insurance, but it is strongly recommended. You want to be covered for COVID-19 but also pre-existing health conditions and medical evacuations.
Dawn is breaking
An African proverb goes, “However long the night, the dawn will always break.” As the world waits for the long night of the COVID-19 pandemic to break, Africa is ready and waiting to welcome back her friends.
