Given the current circumstances, many of our clients are wondering: When will I be able to travel to Africa again? The answer – NOW!
To make it easy, we have compiled a reference guide to when all your favourite African destinations are open for international visitors as well as some detailed information on what to expect for all Covid-19 travel to these countries. The situation around the world is changing constantly but our team of safari gurus will endeavor to our guests in the loop of any restrictions that may affect their upcoming bookings or plans to travel.
Most countries in Africa were very strict on containing the spread of the virus, with most of them going into complete lockdowns in early 2022. That means nobody in and nobody out. Now that case numbers are relatively low across the continent, most countries have been able to reopen responsibly. Going on safari is the perfect post-Covid trip, or even just an escape from the new normal. Out in the wilderness, travellers are away from large crowds, with very little interaction, besides with staff and guides at the camps. There is nothing but fresh, clean air, unlimited space and incredible wildlife waiting to be discovered on horseback. You can even choose to make the most of having to do your PCR tests and stay longer – we can create packages from a week to 3 months depending on how long you want to spend on our incredible African continent.
IMPORTANT: With every country seemingly applying a variety of different Covid-19 travel policies and protocols; it is difficult to keep up. Rules and restrictions may be changed at short notice, including curfews, which may be reimplemented if there is a spike in cases of COVID-19. Make sure that you keep yourself informed and use trustable sources such as the website of your home country’s Department of Foreign Affairs. Also, find out if you need a test or might need to quarantine on the way home. While is seems daunting – the journey is worth the effort!
Here are the latest news on Covid-19 travel restrictions, travel protocols as well as border statutes of the African countries we travel to (Updated 7 January 2022)
🇧🇼 Botswana – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇪🇬 Egypt – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇸🇿 Eswatini – REOPENING SOON
🇪🇹 Ethiopia – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇰🇪 Kenya – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇲🇦 Morocco – REOPENING SOON
🇲🇿 Mozambique – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇳🇦 Namibia – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇿🇦 South Africa – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇹🇿 Tanzania – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇺🇬 Uganda – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇿🇲 Zambia – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – OPEN FOR TRAVEL
Flying to/from Africa
Most international commercial airlines require passengers to produce a certificate of a negative Covid-19 PCR test that has been conducted within 72 hours of departure. The same may be required when arriving at any transit airport or back in your home country. Our teams on the ground are able to arrange in-lodge/hotel Covid-19 tests or transfer you safely to an authorised testing facility to ensure you have peace of mind while travelling and COVID doesn’t affect your horse riding holiday. While these are extra hoops to jump through, it’s 110% worth it! Please bare in mind that costs for tests vary considerably, so we can give you an estimated cost for the tests, but the exact amount will be confirmed on the ground.
Travelling to Africa After Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
While some countries across the globe have completed their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, many countries in Africa still require travellers to arrive with negative COVID-19 test certificates and follow the current health and safety protocols after getting the vaccine. This means that even if you have been fully vaccinated, you’ll still be required to produce a negative PCR test for arrival. We are keeping abreast of developments in travelling after being vaccinated and will provide updates when we have clear and conclusive information.
Botswana – Open For Tourism
CHECK OUT OUR BOTSWANA HORSE SAFARIS HERE – PLAN YOUR TRIP FOR 2022 / 2023 NOW
As of 9 November 2020 international flights resumed to Kasane, Maun and Sir Seretse Khama (Gaberone) International Airport. From 1 December land borders opened including those to Victoria Falls, Livingstone and South Africa. All safari companies and hotels are following strict protocols to ensure safety without compromising the unique safari experience that can only be found in Africa. Strict infection prevention and control measures have to be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks in public places remain mandatory. However, on safari, in the bush, social distancing is very easy and the restrictions do not negatively affect the guest experience.
Multiple direct and indirect flight options from a variety of international destinations are now being operated by carriers including Airlink and Air Botswana. As many travellers fly via South Africa, they will need to meet travel requirements in place. Should you require a test before traveling home again, you can do tests in Muan and Kasane.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa (if applicable)
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Fill out a health declaration card and give your travel itinerary so authorities can be in touch if necessary.
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours from time of departure from home country (age 5 and up)
- As of 24 December 2020 – undergo a second cost-free Covid Test on arrival
- Agree to have their temperature taken on arrival or further health screens
- Any travellers displaying symptoms of COVID during their health screening or having a positive COVID test may be subject to 14 days quarantine at their own expense.
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places, curfews, etc
Egypt – Open for Tourism with restrictions
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As of 1 July 2020, Egypt resumed international flights and tourism is was allowed in 3 seaside regions, namely Sinai, the Red Sea Province (home to Hurghada and Marsa Alam) and Marsa Matrouh. From late 2020, the entire country was open for tourists to travel freely and explore. The country believes that with strict hygiene measures and social distancing practices, tourism activities will be safe for the general public. All of our Egypt horse-riding holidays are off the beaten track and offer an authentic adventure experience away from the crowds.
Multiple direct and indirect flight options from a variety of international destinations, including the United States and the United Kingdom are now being operated by carriers including EgyptAir, Air France, and Lufthansa.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa (online visas are being issued)
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Fill out a health declaration card, issued by your airline or on the flight
- Present a negative PCR test certificate (paper not electronic) on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Egypt (for some countries 96 hours is permitted due to long travel times)
- Vaccinated passengers must have received the full course of either the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V, or Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines at least 14 days prior to arrival in Egypt and provide proof of vaccination with a QU code. While this is accepted, we still recommend travelling with a PCR test to avoid any complications.
- Tests are also available at Hurghada on arrival, but it is best not to rely on this
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Agree to have their temperature taken on arrival and if coming from an area of concern, may be willing to take a rapid test.
- At this point travellers are expected to remain in high-tourist areas and are not permitted to travel independently inwards throughout the country
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places and curfews if any.
Eswatini – Reopening soon!
CHECK OUT OUR ESWATINI HORSE RIDING HOLIDAYS – PLAN YOUR TRIP FOR 2022 / 2023 NOW
Entry to Eswatini reopened for international travel on 12 October 2020. In early January 2021, lockdowns and border closures were reimplemented which were lifted a few months later. With new developments, these measures were reinforced in late 2021. Eswatini’s tourism industry should reopen for domestic and international tourism in the next few months, following relevant safety procedures. Eswatini Airlink flights between OR Tambo (Johannesburg) and Sikhuphe International Airport should resume later this year. Currently, only essential approved cross border travel to and from South Africa with special permits will be allowed. As most tourists enter the country through either South Africa or Mozambique, travel will also be determined by travel restrictions in these countries.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Eswatini
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Agree to have their temperature taken on arrival
- Any travellers displaying symptoms of COVID during their health screening, or anyone seated on the airplane within two rows of symptomatic passengers, may be subject to 14 days quarantine
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places and curfews.
- Possibly get a second PCR test on departure depending on destination
Kenya – Open for Tourism
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President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that Kenya would reopen for international tourism on 1 August 2020. Precautionary travel measures, such as social distancing between passengers and wearing masks, are in place for all flights. There is a curfew in place and face masks in public are mandatory, but safari lodges are generally situated far away from areas with high populations. All safari companies are following strict protocols to ensure safety without compromising the unique safari experience that can only be found in Africa.
Multiple direct and indirect flight options from a variety of international destinations, including the United States and United Kingdom are now being operated by carriers including Kenya Airways, Emirates and KLM. Strict infection prevention and control measures have to be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks remain mandatory.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa (online visas are being issued)
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- All travellers will have to show their Covid-19 vaccination certificate with QR code. Vaccinated passengers must have received the full course of either the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V, or Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines at least 14 days prior to arrival in Kenya.
- Fill out a health declaration card found here. Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form and will be required to display it to a Port Health Official to proceed through immigration.
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for Kenya. no older than 96 hours prior to arrival in Nairobi. Your test centre should email the test result PCR Certificate to you. You must then log in to PanaBIOS and upload the test result to generate a TT (Trusted Travel) QR Code. Please print both the test certificate and the TT QR Code.
- You will also need to fill in International Traveller Surveillance Forms (we’ll send you all the information closer to your time of travel)
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Agree to have their temperature taken on arrival or undergo a rapid Antigen test
- Travellers originating from or transiting through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria within the previous 14 days will undergo a free Rapid Antigen test on arrival.
- Any travellers displaying symptoms of COVID during their health screening, testing positive, or anyone seated on the airplane within two rows of symptomatic passengers, may be subject to 10 days quarantine
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places and curfews
Morocco – Reopening soon
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The partial reopening of Morocco’s borders started in July 2020, first to allow Moroccan residents to return home and foreign citizens to depart the country. In October 2020 the countries borders were again open for international travel for 67 countries. This included the EU, UK and USA, although we do recommend checking with the embassy in your own country before travelling. With the new outbreak of Covid taking place, strict measures have been implemented and international travel is more restricted – keep up to date here.
The Moroccan Government has extended the suspension of all flights and ferry services into and out of Morocco until 31 January 2022. After the resumption of flights, travellers will have access to Moroccan under certain conditions. To implement this procedure, a classification of countries into 3 lists (A, B and C) has been adopted following the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Travellers from List A countries must present a certificate attesting that the person is fully vaccinated. Travellers from list B must present a certificate attesting that the person is fully vaccinated and a negative PCR test less than 48 hours old. The C-list lists all high-risk countries whose travellers are not allowed to enter Morocco directly or by transit.
Travellers will have to:
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Fill out a health declaration card
- Download the tracking APP on their phone
- All travellers are to show their Covid-19 vaccination certificate with QR code. Vaccinated passengers must have received the full course of either the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V, or Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines at least 14 days prior to arrival in Kenya.
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Morocco
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Agree to have their temperature taken or other health check on arrival and possibly undergo a Rapid Antigen Test.
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places and curfews
Mozambique – Open for travel
Mozambique’s borders are open for international travel and flights have been approved from Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa. Land borders are also open for self-drive travellers. Mozambique offers a tropical paradise like no other, and it’s easy to fall in love with the barefoot beach luxury that Vilanculos provides.
There are limited flights available, with airlines such as Airlink, LAM, and Ethiopian Airlines. Land borders are open again between South Africa and Mozambique. As many travellers enter the country through South Africa, they will need to follow entry guidelines for both countries. It’s best to enquire about Visas before travel as there are limited Tourist Visa’s being issued at this point in time.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Fill out a health declaration card
- Provide full travel itinerary
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Mozambique
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places
Namibia – Open for Tourism
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After a trial period implemented in August 2020, Namibia’s Hosea Kutako (Windhoek) International Airport reopened and is allowing foreign tourists to arrive once again. Namibia is open for travel and is known for its endless open plains and low population. Our horse safaris take you far off the beaten track, and there is not better way to escape from the world!
Hosea Kutako (Windhoek) International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport are accepting international flights, and most road borders are open. There are a number of airlines operating flights, including Airlink, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Zimbabwe and Lufthansa.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa (if applicable)
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Fill out a health declaration card
- Provide full travel itinerary
- Before arriving in Namibia, all travellers older than 5 years must take a PCR test within 72 hours from when the test sample was taken and upload it onto the Trusted Travel (TT) platform. Visitors will also be required to present the negative test certificate upon arrival in Namibia. Travellers with results from non-TT compliant labs must upload results to the Global Haven system. From 15 January 2022, only test results from the Trusted Travel platform or results that have been verified on the Global Haven system will be valid for entry.
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places
South Africa – Open for Tourism
CHECK OUT OUR SOUTH AFRICA HORSE SAFARIS – PLAN YOUR TRIP FOR 2022 / 2023 NOW
We’re thrilled to announce that there was an easing of restrictions placed on international travel from 1 October 2020. Travellers will be able to travel to/from OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka (Durban) International Airport. 18 Land borders including those with Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique have reopened.
There are regular international flights with Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Qatar Airways and Emirates. Airlink, Air Botswana and Air Zimbabwe have re-established flights to Nambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe for onward travel within Southern Africa. In December 2021, a new variant caused some additional flight restrictions, but these were lifted after less than 14 days.
Find out more on the South African Government Website
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa (if applicable)
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Fill out a health declaration card and download a Covid Alert App
- Provide a full travel itinerary
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in South Africa
- Agree to health screening on arrival – Arriving passengers showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested for COVID-19. Should they display any symptoms, they will be required to enter quarantine for 14 days at their own cost.
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places
Tanzania – Open for Tourism
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As of June 2020, Tanzania has been accepting tourists under normal and regular ‘pre-covid’ border rules. Health screenings before boarding flights are mandatory and temperatures are taken on arrival. All safari companies and hotels are following strict protocols to ensure safety without compromising the unique safari experience that can only be found in Africa.
Multiple direct and indirect flight options from a variety of international destinations, including the United States and United Kingdom are now being operated by carriers including Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa (online visas are being issued)
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- All passengers travelling to Tanzania must complete an online Traveller’s Surveillance Form
- Provide full travel itinerary
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Tanzania.
- Agree to health screening on arrival – Arriving passengers showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested for COVID-19.
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places
Uganda – Open for Tourism
CHECK OUT OUR UGANDA HORSE SAFARIS – PLAN YOUR TRIP FOR 2022 / 2023 NOW
After all airports and road borders closed in March 2020, international Entry to Uganda resumed from 1 October 2020. The Ugandan Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has announced a set of standard operating procedures which includes tour operators and hotels following strict protocols. There is a curfew in place and masks need to be worn in public, but our horse safaris are generally in very low-density areas and the magic of a holiday in Uganda is not affected by these restrictions.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa – available on arrival
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Fill out a health declaration card
- Provide full travel itinerary
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 78 hours prior to arrival in Uganda
- All arriving passengers (except children under 5 years) at Entebbe International Airport are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at a designated testing facility at their own cost (USD 30 per test). Tests must be registered and paid for online in advance.
- Agree to possible health screening on arrival – Arriving passengers showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested for COVID-19.
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places
- Be aware that they may be required to get tested in Uganda before boarding their return flight
Zimbabwe – Open for Tourism
CHECK OUT OUR ZIMBABWE HORSE SAFARIS – PLAN YOUR TRIP FOR 2022 / 2023 NOW
Zimbabwe imposed a country-wide lockdown on 30 March 2020, with strict protocols followed throughout the country. Domestic Flights resumed from 10 September and the first international flights landed on 1 October 2020 with much excitement! All tourism activities such as game reserves, visits to the Victoria Falls, helicopter flights, horse safaris etc are fully operational. There is currently a curfew in place from 8PM until 4AM but this only affects those in towns such as Victoria Falls, but not those staying at the safari lodges.
While Zimbabwe has few international flights, Air Zimbabwe connects Harare with Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, Fastjet connects Harare with Johannesburg, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and Ethiopian Airlines connects Harare with Addis Ababa.
Travelers will have to:
- Have a valid visa – available on arrival
- Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
- Possibly fill out a health declaration card
- Provide full travel itinerary
- Present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and the test must be taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Zimbabwe
- All travellers older than 18 years who arrive via the Kazungula and Victoria Falls land borders must produce proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as negative PCR test results no older than 48 hours. Children under 18 years are only required to have negative PCR test certificates. Children younger than 5 years do not require PCR test certificates.
- Zimbabwe has announced its intention to use the African Union Trusted Travel process for validating COVID-19 tests for passengers but this has not come into effect just yet. From early 2022, all passengers arriving in, departing from or transiting Zimbabwe should validate their COVID-19 RT PCR test via the African Union Trusted Travel or UNDP Global Haven systems (you will need to register an account on one of these sites). These systems will generate a digital Trusted Travel reference code for your test, which should be presented upon request.
- Agree to possible health screening on arrival – Arriving passengers showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 will be required to undergo enhanced health screening and may be tested for COVID-19.
- Show proof of travel health insurance
- Respect local/regional laws with regards to wearing masks in public places
