African Travel impacted by COVID-19
African Travel, the longest established luxury safari operator focused exclusively on the African continent, has released updates on the travel restrictions placed on African locations and their impacts on planned Safaris.
Impacts by region as of June 15, 2020:
Botswana: The Government of Botswana has banned entry of all individuals (except Botswana and Botswana residents) from entering Botswana.
Egypt: Egypt has implemented a 14-day quarantine period. Normal commercial air passenger service remains suspended.
Kenya: The Kenyan government has a ban on all international flights in and out of Kenya. All who arrive within the last 14 days must self-quarantine.
Madagascar: Commercial passenger flights are suspended until April 20. Self-quarantine for 14 days for travelers who have recently been in affected countries. Strict confinement measures are in place.
Mauritius: On March 24, the Prime Minister of Mauritius announced that the country will be on lock-down and access to Mauritius for all passengers will be denied until further notice.
Mozambique: All arrivals to Mozambique require a 14-day self-quarantine and all visas have been canceled.
Namibia: The country has suspended the issuance of visas on arrival and implemented a ban on travel from affected countries.
Rwanda: On May 18, the government of Rwanda advised borders remain closed and movements are prohibited except with permission.
Seychelles: Seychelles has all restricted citizens from any country (except returning Seychellois) to enter and is closed to all international flights. On May 4, the gradual easing of confinement measures was implemented.
Tanzania: Effective 18 May 2020, the government, has lifted the suspension of international scheduled passenger flights into and out of the country. Upon arrival, travelers are subjected to enhanced screening and complete a Traveller Surveillance Form. There is no longer a fourteen-day quarantine upon arrival.
Uganda: On 18 May 2020, President Yoweri Museveni announced that the strict lockdown and nationwide curfew would start to ease on June 2, 2020.
Zambia: While the country has not closed its borders, there are strict quarantine measures of 14-days at one’s own expense (see Botswana above for those crossing the border), additional testing, and a lockdown of Kafue on April 15. The country has suspended all international flights, except for those arriving and departing from the international airport in Lusaka. There are also restrictions for public gatherings, restaurants are only doing takeaway/deliver and most businesses are closed.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe’s borders are closed to all human traffic except for returning nationals and permit holders.
African Travel has announced that for the majority of bookings, members will now have the option to postpone travel for up to 1 year from your travel date, without penalties Provided that they are notified at least 7 days before your departure. Nearly all of the programs can be re-booked to a future date of the exact same safari (up to 1 year from your original travel date). If deciding to re-book your safari, you have up to 60 days from the date that you notify the provider to rebook and to confirm new plans. As always, there are terms and conditions that your AAA Travel Agent can help you navigate.
To speak to a AAA Travel Counselor call 1-800-222-7448
For those who haven’t booked a trip yet to Africa but are considering travel in the next year, we advise you to remain flexible. African Travel has pledged to continue to evaluate possibilities and provide flexibility in changing plans with no change fees. Your AAA Travel Agent can help with your arrangements and once booked if restrictions are still in place or situations arise, AAA Travel will work with African Travel to adapt programs to provide options to other less-restricted African destinations.