Plan Your Safari to Limit Exposure Risk

With many countries’ COVID-19 rates decreasing and international borders starting to re-open, it is looking like safari dreams could soon become a reality again. But with the prospect of travel to Africa looking brighter, practical questions arise – how will I be able to social distance in airports and on planes? What will hotels, camps and lodges do to keep me safe in Africa? What will happen if I get sick when I am there?

Safety during travel through international airports and on international flights will be impacted by many entities – airport authorities, municipalities, specific airlines, etc. Travelers will have little say on how things go, but they can book flights on airlines that are adjusting seating arrangements or capacities, requiring personal protection gear like masks and offering safer food and beverage services.

Once in Africa, there will be extra safety precautions in place, such as masks, enhanced cleaning procedures and spaced out dining. Check back soon for more information about these precautions. But what can you do before you step foot on an airplane to limit your exposure risk? Our expert Journey Specialists have compiled their Top Tips to Limit Exposure Risk while Planning Your Safari.

• Choose international flights carefully. Pick flights with fewer connections on airlines that have committed to spacing out seating, selling fewer seats, installed protective equipment, require personal protective gear and practice frequent and thorough cleaning of planes.
• Request private transfers. AAC already books private transfers for 99% of our guests as standard practice but check with your Journey Specialist to make sure all your transfers are just for you. It costs a bit more, but it is worth it.
• Upgrade from shared flights to private charters. In some cases, the increase may not be as much as you think to upgrade to a private charter for your camp-to-camp small plane flights!
• Visit fewer camps for longer periods of time. Not only will you decrease your exposure risk, but you’ll also have more time to enjoy wherever you are!
• Upgrade to private game drives throughout your safari. Not only will upgrading to private game drives limit contact with other guests, but it will also give you more one-on-one time with your guide and allow for more flexibility during your game drives.
• Book a private villa or exclusive use of a camp or lodge. Many of our preferred properties have private house or villa options. For inspiration, check out our South Africa Private Villa Safari.

We are mindful of the many challenges you currently face and are committed to your health and safety. As we continue to monitor and learn about COVID-19 and how it affects travel these statements are subject to change. For a frequently updated comprehensive list of how to protect yourself and others while traveling please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) site and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) site.

Let us know which options and upgrades you may be interested in so that your Journey Specialist can incorporate them into your customized safari itinerary.