For the weary, house-bound adventurer we have some great news. Leisure travel to Africa is once again a possibility and with a huge variety of incredible experiences now available. So how do you know where you should be booking? Fear not, as the authority on African travel, we have compiled a list of African countries which are open for you to visit right now. Not only are these incredible countries available to explore but, due to Covid-19, many of these destinations which normally require a booking of at least 12 months in advance, have immediate availability. There are some big-hitting, bucket-list experiences up on offer and now is definitely the time to take advantage of this. For the latest travel updates, please visit our Travel with Confidence pages.
Africa is once again a travellers playground, Photo Credit: Marc Gengler
Safety First for African Travel
The African countries which have already opened their borders have all applied stringent health and safety measures to protect both the travellers and local population. For up-to-date information regarding the individual protocols each country has imposed, please read through our Covid-19 African Travel Restrictions and Border Updates blog. Rhino Africa has also partners with Global Rescue, an industry leader in travel insurance which will provide all the safety and security when booking your dream holiday.
So, where to travel… Listed in order of their opening dates, here are all the African countries ready to welcome you right now.
Tanzania
Experience the magic of Africa as you float over the Serengeti
When did it reopen? 1 JuneWho’s allowed in?There are no restrictions for any particular countries. If a travellers’ body temperature tests normal, they will be able to enter the country without being quarantined.Why visit Tanzania now? Happening right now on the vast Serengeti plains, huge numbers of wildebeest, zebra (and the predators who follow them) are on their Great Migration. The wide open plains of Tanzania are also the perfect self-isolation holiday. We recommend taking a private hot air balloon ride as a unique opportunity to view the vast grazing herds. The months of June through to November are also the perfect time to visit the flamingo-infested waters of Lake Natron which sees upwards of two million lesser flamingos gather to nest. Further east and beyond the coastline is Africa’s own tropical paradise, Zanzibar. With palm-dusted shorelines and deserted pearly-white sands, finishing off your Tanzania safari here is pure perfection. Best Tanzania Tour:
Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Zanzibar Tour
Arusha • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti National Park • Zanzibar Archipelago
Rwanda
Witness the mountain gorilla in Rwanda
When did it reopen? 17 JuneWho’s allowed in? All tourists are welcome, but visitors must test negative for Covid-19 in two consecutive tests.Why visit Rwanda now? Rwanda is a haven for the vast majority of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and arguably the best place to witness them in their natural habitat. With some of the best gorilla trekking conditions between July and October, now is a great time to visit “The Land of a Thousand Hills”. Our recommendation would be to include a chimp trek in Nyungwe Forest National Park or add on a Great Migration tour to tick off two bucket-list items in one holiday. Suggested Tour:
Gorilla Trekking & Great Migration Tour
Rwanda • Greater Serengeti Ecosystem • Ngorongoro Crater • Zanzibar Archipelago
Zambia
Walking safari in South Luangwa National Park
When did it reopen? 27 JuneWho’s allowed in? Zambia has not placed any specific restrictions on any countries.Why visit Zambia now? One of Zambia’s biggest draw cards are the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. While 75% of the Falls may be next-door, Zambia does lay claim to Devil’s Pool, a natural “infinity pool” perched on the edge of Victoria Falls which is bound to thrill even the most hardened adrenaline junkie. With arguably some of Africa’s best kept safari destinations, Kafue National Park (Zambia’s largest reserve) and the Lower Zambezi National Park offer astounding experiences for intrepid safari-goers. Our recommendation would be to take advantage of the availability to visit South Luangwa National Park – the ‘birthplace of the walking safari’. Read why Carl, one of our Travel Experts, believes this to be Africa’s best off-the-beaten-track safari. Suggested Tour:
Discover Zambia with Matthew
Lower Zambezi National Park • South Luangwa National Park
Maldives
One of the most romantic destinations in the world
Our recommendation:
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Kenya
Maasai warriors near Lake Manyara, Photo Credit: Ws Safari
When did it reopen? 1 August 2020Who’s allowed in? All travellers from “safe countries” are allowed to enter Kenya.Why visit Kenya now? Walk in the footsteps of Maasai guides as you are led through the savannah, or stroll along the peak of Karen Blixen’s Ngong Hills, this safari destination needs no introduction. Home to an array of national parks and reserves boasting an abundance of wildlife – most notably the famed Maasai Mara National Park that runs into the Serengeti National Park in neighbouring Tanzania – Kenya is an opportune base from which to observe one of the world’s great natural wonders: The Great Migration. If you have the time, why not look to combine both safari heavy-weights, Kenya and Tanzania, in one truly wild safari itinerary?
Experience A Classic East African Safari
Kilimanjaro & Arusha • Tarangire National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti National Park
Seychelles
Arial view of one of the islands of the Seychelles
Our recommendation:
South Africa
The iconic Table Mountain
When did it reopen? 1 October 2020Who’s allowed in? Only citizens from the low or medium risk country list are allowed entry. This list is updated every 2 weeks. Please find full details on country lists here.Why visit South Africa now? From the rocky coastline of the Cape Peninsula in the south to the naked landscape of the Lowveld in the north, South Africa is a world within one country and is the perfect safari holiday destination. Add in the dense forests of the Garden Route or the quaint fishing villages of the West Coast or the breathtaking Winelands of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek and you could end up staying here forever.
Cape Town, Kruger, Victoria Falls & Botswana Tour
Cape Town • Sabi Sand Game Reserve • Victoria Falls • Moremi and Okavango Region
Namibia
The colour contrasts in Sossusvlei
Experience the Ultimate Namibian Adventure
Windhoek • Namib-Naukluft National Park • Swakopmund • Damaraland • +2
Botswana
A mokoro ride at sunset in the Okavango Delta
When did/will it reopen? 1 DecemberWho’s allowed in? Botswana has not placed any restrictions from travellers from specific countries.Why visit the Botswana now? Botswana is an African safari paradise and one of Southern Africa’s most prosperous countries. From the parched earth of the Kalahari to the teeming waterways of the Okavango – the wealth of natural treasures to thrill every traveller is astounding. Botswana is a highly seasonal travel destination with huge demand for peak periods. With Covid-19 having disrupted the usual travel cycle, there are many incredible specials to take advantage of as well as availability during times of the year which would normally require a booking of over a year in advance. There has never been a better chance to visit this natural wonderland – read more here about when you should look to book your Botswana holiday.
Adventure Tour with Iconic Landscapes & Big 5 Safari
Okavango Delta • Moremi and Okavango Region • Chobe Region • Victoria Falls
Which other notable African Countries are Open for Travel
Mauritius
Sunset over Grand-Baie in Mauritius
Reopened on 1 September 2020
Uganda
The amazing Chimps in Uganda
Zimbabwe
An African sunset never to be forgotten, Lake Kariba
Why book your holiday with Rhino Africa?
Rhino Africa was founded on an unbridled passion for Africa – its people, its magnificent wildlife and its unmatched scenery. We specialise in luxury, tailor-made itineraries, and our travel experts know Africa better than a leopard knows its spots. For 16 years we have crafted bespoke experiences for our guests from all across the globe and have established ourselves as the authority on luxury African travel.
Rhino Africa is also committed to giving back and enriching the continent we call home. Especially now, we know that travel should benefit those who have been most affected by Covid-19. By travelling with us, our guests know that they directly contribute to protecting the majestic wildlife, landscapes as well as educating and feeding the vulnerable communities of Africa.
Hi Luke, this is a really clear and helpful article. Thank you! One important thing to add would be whether there are any other significant or unusual COVID-19 restrictions in place in these countries that might effect a holiday (e.g. curfews, public transport restriction etc).