Dear Africa Friends
After the unprecedented times we have all seen in the past few months, we are happy to announce, that most countries in the African Moments portfolio: Tanzania, Zanzibar, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Uganda have all re-opened their borders and are thrilled to welcome international guests back to their shores again! Botswana, Mauritius and Mozambique are expected to follow soon. We have long awaited this joyful news and we have missed you dearly! We are back in the starting blocks, full of energy to create extraordinary African Moments for you, while bearing the necessary Covid-19 hygiene protocols and entry requirements in mind.
It is with a sense of pride, that we look to South Africa and the African continent, as well our own Tourism Industry for a sense of common cause and leadership in a time of crisis. With all the negative predictions for Covid-19 in Africa, for the most part, the very opposite proved to be true. Far lower than expected infection rates, hospital teams with vast experience in dealing with epi-/pandemics and quick reactions by our governments are among the factors that helped us manage the situation in the best way possible. These past few months have once again shown us, that this continent and its people can overcome any bleak scenario with its usual strength, courage, foresight, resilience, and sense of common humanity or “Ubuntu”.
As is so often the case, it was music and dance that helped this continent maintain a sense of calm, humour and a positive outlook. Created in South Africa, it was so touching to see the rousing “Jerusalema Dance Challenge” trend around the world and lift our communal spirits amid the battle against COVID-19. On South Africa’s Heritage Day, our own President, Cyril Ramaphosa, called on South Africans to dance to the tunes of Jerusalema in solidarity with one another. Amongst our favourite videos, were those made by the inspirational Ndlovu Youth Choir, as well as the staff of the Londolozi Lodges, who filmed their cheerful performance in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Reconnect to Africa
When news of the pandemic hit, adhering to strict lockdown, hygiene and social-distancing rules immediately became an accepted way of life for us here. As such, we can now open our doors to you, thanks to the ever-decreasing number of Covid-19 cases. This is great news all round – for you, our dear clients, as well as for all those who depend on Tourism to sustain their livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities. While Covid-19 is by no means over, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and hopefully a green light for your next trip!
From the ocean to the bush, the Tourism industry has rallied together to show that this continent has it all: majestic beaches, wildlife and nature in abundance, people from different cultures and backgrounds and that touch of magic you will only ever experience when you visit Africa! We are travel ready and we cannot wait to welcome you back with safety and confidence!
From 01. October, travellers from medium- and low-risk countries will be able to enter South Africa for leisure travel via three airports: Johannesburg OR Tambo, Cape Town Int’l and King Shaka (Durban) Int’l Airports. International guests will need to present a certified copy of a negative PCR COVID-19-test not older than 72 hours from time of departure from their home country; will be screened on arrival for symptoms and will be asked to install the South African government’s Covid Alert app. App registration is anonymous and is merely a measure to protect guests and citizens by identifying possible hotspots early on. The list of high-, medium- and low-risk countries will be reviewed every 2 weeks. Mandatory travel insurance will be required for all guests visiting South Africa.
When travelling to Namibia, you should inform your local Namibian embassy of your travel plans two weeks prior to departure. A negative PCR Covid-19 test as well as a copy of your travel itinerary will be required upon arrival at Windhoek or Walvis Bay airport.
For those of you who are not deterred by these formalities, our destination portfolio offers the ideal conditions for travel during this time! With our wide-open spaces, lack of mass tourism and remote locations, social distancing is a breeze. With well-trained staff and strict hygiene protocols in place, you can be assured that everything is being done to protect you against the risk of Covid-19 infection – all done with the usual warm African hospitality to boot! Game Rangers have been anticipating this moment eagerly and simply cannot wait to show you incredible wildlife experiences in the most magnificent of wildlife reserves!
Contact us or your nearest embassy for more information on the latest entry requirements or as to the risk category of your country.
Pack your Bags!
Now that restrictions have largely been lifted, we will soon be heading out on our next site inspection journey. We can’t wait to discover exciting new African Moments for you! Keep an eye out for our next newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates. We also look forward to sharing this inspiration with you via various virtual platforms, where you get to ask all your travel related queries directly to the African Moments Team!
For our intrepid international guests, who are inspired to book a trip to Southern or East Africa in the upcoming months, you will be rewarded with fantastic early-bird price offerings, flexible booking terms, as well as a very favourable exchange rate! For residents of Southern Africa, there is no better time than now to pack your bags and head out to explore your city, region, or country! You too benefit from incredible special offers that have been introduced for the local market to kickstart Tourism again! Contact us for tailormade itinerary options.
For your peace of mind, many travel insurance policies have now increased their benefit inclusions, which would cover you more comprehensively when travelling in unpredictable times such as these.
The African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” couldn’t be more fitting in such a time. While no-one can predict when the pandemic will exactly end, we will all come out of it stronger together and with a sense of purpose for a hopeful future. No doubt, we all feel a sense of gratitude for the things we might have previously taken for granted, such as precious time with loved ones, our health, and the freedom of movement to travel and explore.
With this in mind, and whenever you are ready to put on your travel wings again, we fondly look forward to welcoming you back to Africa in the near future!
May you all be healthy and well in this time!
With warmest spring greetings from South Africa,
Nicole, Dennis, and the African Moments team.
