Longing for some more sun and itching to get out? Then why not travel to South Africa! South Africa’s borders are open for international travel (January 2021), and the country offers some of the best ways to holiday in a socially distant way. In this blog, we tell you why South Africa is the ideal post lockdown destination and how you can travel safely to this beautiful corner of the world.
Travelling safely during Covid-19: Open-air safaris in South Africa
A safari in South Africa comes with wide-open spaces and a low density of people – exactly what you’re looking for when travelling during Covid-19. Safaris are by definition a “physical distancing” holiday: You are out in the wild, away from civilization, scouting for animals. To make your safari even safer, stay at small, owner-managed safari lodges that offer separate dining and opt for a tour operator that lets you travel in small groups. When going on safari in South Africa, you are not just doing something for your own body and soul. You are also actively contributing to sustaining communities and protecting the environment. Take the chance to slow down, relax and soak up South Africa’s beautiful nature.
There are many great safari spots in South Africa. The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Southern Africa. It is known for its black and white rhino breeding project. Join a guided tour to learn more about the flora and fauna from an experienced guide or go on a self-drive safari and discover the park in your own time. Or maybe you want to visit South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary, the Kruger Park? In this park, which is huge in size and boasts a variety of landscapes and wildlife, you find all animal species of Southern Africa. South Africa is not your average destination: Here you can enjoy captivating wildlife and unique adventure offerings.
Safe ways to travel during Covid-19 (Corona):
- Road-tripping at its best
South Africans favourite way to travel their country is to go on a road trip, and for a good reason: The country has a great network of roads, many interesting small towns, and an incredible diversity of landscapes with magnificent sceneries. Road tripping allows you to explore South Africa off the beaten track, and in your own time. And the best thing is that you can reach almost all destinations without a 4×4. Take a trip along the famous Garden Route or discover South Africa’s highlights.
- Hiking is the way to go
If you want to step out of the car and enjoy exploring on foot, you should consider going on a hiking tour. Enjoy dramatic views from South Africa’s impressive mountains, or take a walk along beautiful, golden coastal beaches. On a hike, you will be far away from any civilization, get active in nature and connect with your surroundings. Whether you want to take a day hike, a multi-day trekking tour or a combination with a safari, we’ve got you covered. Explore the beautiful Wild Coast, Drakensberg and Kosi Bay areas on foot, safe and away from people.
Travel in South Africa done right during the Covid-19 pandemic
With the coronavirus changing our way of doing things globally, we understand that travelling can feel a bit daunting. But there is a way to travel and be safe. In these times, it is important to do your homework before visiting a country. Being informed and making sure to adhere to the recommended precautions is the best way to travel safely during Covid-19. South Africa, with its warm climate and abundance of outdoor adventures, is the ideal post lockdown destination. South Africa has put in place specific guidelines for tour operators, accommodations, and restaurants to further contain the spread of coronavirus and ensure that South Africa remains one of the world’s safest travel destinations.
Someone you can trust
South Africa was one of the first countries to implement early measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus. After a six-month lockdown, the country reopened its borders on 1 October, subject to certain restrictions. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) has issued protocols for the tourism industry, such as the sanitisation of all vehicles and additional protocols for guides and drivers. While most accommodations already have their own Covid protocols in place, the SATSA guidelines ensure a general standard of health and safety measurements regarding check-in, food handling, dining, and public areas as well as rooms.
When planning your trip to South Africa, make sure you have the right people on your side. We from SouthAfrica-Experience live, work and travel in South Africa. We know what’s happening on the ground, because we are on the ground. We keep track of the latest developments in South Africa and incorporate that into our itineraries – even at short notice. With us you can be sure that your once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa is safe and that you can concentrate on the most important part: To relax, take a break from the rest of the world and discover a world you have yet to uncover.
We’re here to help you make your adventure happen. Speak to one of our travel experts to find out more about how you can travel safely post lockdown.
