COVID-19 Information
As vaccine rollouts continue, there is light at the end of the coronavirus pandemic tunnel. Here, we've outlined how a Kusini Safaris adventure will look post COVID in 2021, 2022 and beyond.
The New Normal for Luxury Safari Travel
With coronavirus under control in African safari destinations, international flights are back and borders are open for tourism. With new government health and safety protocols in place, you can safely explore Africa and Tanzania with Kusini Safaris.
We understand the importance of remaining vigilant during these times, and with this, the new reality will work differently from now on. Safaris are no exception.
With thanks to our guests and partners, Kusini Safaris have rescheduled almost all our 2020 safaris to 2021. We have learnt that when faced with a situation as unpredictable as this, our guests didn’t want to cancel or refund. For many, a luxury safari adventure is the trip of a lifetime. All our postponed trips have since gone ahead successfully.
As a small independent operator with excellent relationships with our suppliers, we act as principal and take care of your safari adventure from start to finish. This means we take full responsibility for making sure your safari trip goes ahead successfully, you deal with us throughout and we do the ground work for you, not a series of agents and separate bookings.
Booking your Luxury Safari Break during COVID-19
If you’ve booked a luxury African safari with us and you experience COVID-19 related complications leading up to your trip, we can reschedule your safari up to 12 months ahead, free of charge. Your deposit will remain and the balance is paid in time for the new dates.
If you switch from low season too high season, there will be a charge for the difference. Rescheduling within 60 days may incur a charge, so the more notice you give us, the better.
For example, if you book a safari for July 2022 and there is a coronavirus spike where you are prior to the trip, resulting in travel restrictions, you can rebook your safari with us for an appropriate date up to July 2023.
Make sure to keep up to date with any travel restrictions where you are coming from. Be sure to check with your airline for the latest news and what their rescheduling terms are, most airlines are offering credit flexibility. We are recommending guests obtain a PCR test between 48-72 hours of departure. Get a visa online before departure to smooth the arrival process. It is your responsibility to know what the re-entry requirements are for your country. We can facilitate PCR tests in country for return travel, in most cases you will require an extra two nights on an existing itinerary. Testing is available in Arusha, the Serengeti, Karatu, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. As well as other major safari hubs and national parks.
There are various companies now offering COVID cover as part of their travel insurance policies. Please check here for more on travel insurance.
Keeping you Safe on Safari
There are a wealth of health and safety procedures in place to keep you safe whilst travelling through the airport, at your hotel, on light aircraft bush flights and out on safari. We will brief you on these procedures before you go, to keep you and your family safe and informed.
Staff on the ground have been thoroughly trained and are carrying out deep cleaning throughout the camps, with temperature checks being taken on arrival. There will no longer be buffets until advised it’s safe, and there will be a limit to the number of people on a game drive. Social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitising and all the measures you would expect are in place.
To further keep you safe don't forget that on safari you will be in small camps, outside, in the wilderness, located away from the hustle and bustle of the world, especially so on our privately guided safaris.
For more information on our coronavirus safety procedures, be sure to download our COVID-19 Safety on Safari guide.
* May 21' update: Tanzania now has strengthened COVID-19 screening measures on arrival and departure. A negative PCR test is required taken up to 72 hours before arrival in Tanzania. A health surveillance form must be filled out within 24 hours of arrival. Rapid antigen tests are being administered on arrival and departure. For more information please see our arrival and departure guide.
Enquire about your Bespoke Safari Trip
It's never too early to plan for your dream, luxury safari experience with Kusini Safaris.
For additional information on the latest updates concerning the COVID-19 situation in Tanzania and elsewhere:
US Department of State Tanzania Travel Advice
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tanzania Travel Advice
* This information was correct at the time of writing. With such an ever changing situation please check back here and contact us directly for the latest.