It’s important to us that you feel safe when travelling to our camps and that you’re informed about all certain tests or documentation you may need as you plan your African safari.
We’ve done some research on your most frequently asked questions around the Coronivirus (COVID-19) and answered them in this comprehensive blog.
Now you can simply enjoy your safari and escape from all the stresses back home, with no travel jitters.
Our In-Camp COVID-19 Safety Protocols
- Is there a trained health liaison officer at our camps?
Yes. A trained health liaison officer has been appointed in each camp and will be responsible for enforcing all COVID-19 procedures.
- How often will I be screened at camp?
Temperature checks are done and recorded twice daily for all staff as well as guests. Anyone showing unduly high temperatures will be asked to isolate in their rooms and await further guidance.
- What other hygiene protocols are in place at camp?
Hand sanitizer is available throughout the camp and on our vehicles.We use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a supplement to proper hand-washing techniques and sanitary wipes are provided in all public areas to allow guests to wipe down personal items before use. Bottles of hand sanitizers are placed in all public areas, guest rooms and game vehicles. Our staff will be wearing masks at all times; we are particularly sensitive to this and take great care during hosting and activities.
- Are buffet meals served at camp during this time?
No – we have discontinued buffet meals and will be serving individually plated meals, unless traveling in a group or close family bubble.
- How will meal times work with seating arrangements?
African Bush Camps will be providing individual meals at socially distanced table setups.
- How many people do you allow on your game vehicle?
We’ll will allow up to 6 guests on a game vehicle at a time unless guests are traveling in a private group and wish to stay together.
- What protocols will be in place for recreational activities?
Game drives are considered open air activities and therefore relatively safe. A game drive vehicle is highly unlikely to result in the passing on of any respiratory and airborne germs. We will, however, adhere to all normal preventive measures. Guided walks will be restricted to people within the same travelling group and have no more than six guests at once.
Canoes will be restricted to a max of two people per canoe. During this time, we ask all guests to provide all their own clothing whilst moving around. Regrettably, communal ponchos, warm clothing, rain-wear, and blankets will not be provided.
- Will my room still be cleaned daily?
Yes, staff will sanitize before entry into any rooms, they will wear masks and will sanitize before leaving the room. There will be a dedicated housekeeper assigned to each room to reduce staff moving between rooms.
Bookings & Cancellations
- What are the flexibility of cancelling a booking?
You may cancel the booking by notifying us in writing African Bush Camps at least 45 days prior to travel, in which case the Guest will be refunded in full any monies paid, less the Foundation Contribution of 2.5% on the total booking value. This will be paid to the African Bush Camps Foundation to fulfill its financial commitments to our Community and Conservation projects.
- Can I easily change my dates?
Guests may postpone their trip free of charge by notifying African Bush Camps at least 45 days prior to travel. Assuming availability, African Bush Camps will honor the same rates per the original booking for travel up to the 1st of January 2022. Any changes beyond this time will be subject to annual price increases, and seasonal and special package rates.
Travelling to Botswana
- Is Botswana on the Red List?
No, Botswana is not on the Red List.
- Has air travel resumed in Botswana?
Yes. Air travel has resumed to and from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Maun International Airport, Kasane International Airport and G. Matante International Airport in Francistown.
- Do I need to present proof of a PCR test on arrival in Botswana?
Yes. Travellers coming from the US and UK, who are fully vaccinated must still present proof of a negative Coronavirus(COVID-19) PCR test which was performed no more than 72 hours prior to your arrival in Botswana.
- Will I be retested once I arrive in Botswana?
Yes, guests will be tested upon arrival in Maun. Once you disembark, you will be directed to an outside seating area where you are allocated a number. Two passengers then make their way to the testing tent at a time. It’s is a quick test and once this has taken place, passengers are directed to another outside waiting area for their results.
The results take about 15 minutes to receive and if the result is negative you are permitted to make your way through to the airport. Please note that it’s is an outside waiting area, and it can be incredibly hot.
- Can I provide my NHS test as proof in Botswana?
No. You cannot use your NHS test. You must use proof or documentation from a private test provider.
- If I am fully- vaccinated, will I need to quarantine after arrival in Botswana?
No. You won’t have to be in quarantine at a hotel or alternative accommodation for 14 days, before you can go on safari. However, you will have to remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days for self-monitoring.
- Will I still have to wear a mask and be screened when arriving at my destination?
Yes. As an added security measure, you’ll be screened at various entry points and all Coronavirus(COVID-19) protocols will be adhered to. A mask must be worn by all travellers, even those who are fully vaccinated.
Travelling to Zimbabwe
- Is Zimbabwe on the Red list?
No. Zimbabwe has never been on the red list of countries.
- Has air travel resumed in Zimbabwe?
Yes. International travel from UK and US is permitted in Zimbabwe.
- Will I be Rested Once I arrive in Zimbabwe?
Travelers may be requested to undergo a further PCR test on arrival if officials believe they are symptomatic. Symptoms include, but are not restricted to, a fever and a dry cough. Travelers are advised to carry their own thermometer.
- Do I need to present proof of a PCR test on arrival in Zimbabwe?
Yes. Before arriving in VFA International, Zimbabwe, you are required to submit your Coronavirus(COVID-19) test certificates to THE TRUSTED TRAVEL PLATFORM and generate a Trusted Travel (TT) code.
Submitting your documentation
-Visit PanaBios to create a Trusted Travel account.
-Upload PCR test certificates and generate a TT code.
-Travellers with test results from non-recognised laboratories are required to submit their test results to Global Haven for validation.
- Can I provide my NHS test as proof in Zimbabwe?
No. You cannot use your NHS test. You must use proof or documentation from a private test provider.
- If I am fully- vaccinated, will I need to quarantine after arrival in Zimbabwe?
If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized by emergency use by the World Health Organization. You do not have to spend time quarantine in Zimbabwe. However, you will be screened at all entry points and out camps.
- Will I still have to wear a mask and be screened when entering arriving at my destination?
Yes. As an added security measure, you will be screened at various entry points and all Coronavirus(COVID-19) protocols will be adhered to. A mask must be worn by all travellers, even those who are fully vaccinated.
Travelling to Zambia
- Is Zambia on the Red list?
No. Zambia has never been on the red list of countries.
- Has air travel resumed in Zambia?
Yes. International travel from UK and US is permitted in Zambia.
- Will I be tested once I arrive in Zambia?
Travelers may be requested to undergo a further PCR test on arrival if officials believe they are symptomatic. Symptoms include, but are not restricted to, a fever and a dry cough. Travelers are advised to carry their own thermometer.
Do I need to present proof of a PCR test on arrival in Zambia?
All travelers will be required to have a PCR Coronavirus(COVID-19) Clearance Certificate issued by a
recognized facility within no more than 72 hours before arrival in Zambia.
Submitting your documentation
-Visit PanaBios to create a Trusted Travel account.
-Upload PCR test certificates and generate a TT code.
-Travellers with test results from non-recognized laboratories are required to submit their test results to Global Haven for validation.
- Can I provide my NHS test as proof in Zambia?
No. You cannot use your NHS test. You must use proof or documentation from a private test provider.
- If I am fully- vaccinated, will I need to quarantine after arrival in Zambia?
If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized by emergency use by the World Health Organization. You do not have to spend time quarantine in Zambia. However, you will be screened at all entry points and out camps.
- Will I still have to wear a mask and be screened when entering arriving at my destination?
Yes. As an added security measure, you will be screened at various entry points and all COVID-19 protocols will be adhered to. A mask must be worn by all travellers, even those who are fully vaccinated.
Additional FAQs
Returning to the UK & US From Your African Safari
- Do I need to take another PCR tests before travelling back to the UK?
Yes. All air passengers coming to the U.K, including U.K. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel.
- Do I need to take another PCR tests before travelling back to the U.S?
Yes. All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel.
- Do I need to book another PCR test once I arrive in the UK?
Yes. However, you’ll will need to book this test 48 hours before you arrive in the U.K. It’s is important that you have a valid test booking reference ready, so that you can complete your passenger locator form accurately. Find a testing station in the U.K.
- Do I need to book another test when I arrive in the U.S?
Yes. You should get tested with a viral test 3-B5 days after travel. However, you won’t have to provide proof of this test booking on your arrival. All you will need to do before you arrive in the U.S, is complete this passenger attestation form.
General FAQs
- What is a PCR test?
PCR test were originally conducted for people with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). However, it now used as a means to detect COVID-19 in individuals who wish to travel and this documentation is needed before you travel to certain countries and once you arrive.
- What does PCR stand for?
PCR refers to a polymerase chain reaction. It’s a test to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. In this case, it is widely used to detect the COVID-19 virus.
- How long does a PCR test take?
You should receive your PCR test results as early as 24 hours after your test has been conducted. In some cases it can take up to 72 hours, however, this is a very rare occurrence.
All the information provide aligns with regulations issued by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention.