International travel has come to an abrupt halt all over the world meaning we have been stuck in our homes for the past six months and we are all itching to get out there and travel again. With all certainty, we will travel again, and truth be told we all deserve an unforgettable vacation after this.
When done sensitively and with an open mind, there is enormous value in planning a 2021 African luxury safari vacation now. You may not be able to jump on a plane right now but planning and booking your 2021 Africa safari is one of the best things you can do right now. Also, the dreaming and anticipation of looking forward to a safari is just as good for your soul as actually being there.
Here we provide valuable reasons for you to consider Africa as your first-choice post-lockdown safari destination and why we highly recommend that you plan and book your 2021 Africa safari now.
Opening Soon – African Countries are Already Starting to Open for International Guests
Africa has started to open their borders for both local and international travel, and the current situation in the countries where we book tours are as follows.
As of 1 September 2020 Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda and Namibia are open for international travel, with country-specific safety measures put in place for each country for guests’ arrival and stay. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Uganda and Mozambique’s borders still remain closed. However, domestic travel is already up and running in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, with selected airlines, including Emirates hoping to start flying to Harare, Zimbabwe early September.
As infection rates continue their downward trend, we remain hopeful that South African borders will open by the end of 2020, followed by our regional neighbors, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique.
Safety First – African Countries and Cities receive Global Safe Travels Stamp
The World Travel and Tourism Council have developed a global Safe Travels Stamp system, the world’s first global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel and Tourism. These stamps will allow travelers to recognize destinations and companies around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols. These protocols will be used by the travel and tourism sector as best practice guidelines to help restart and speed up the recovery of the sector in the wake of COVID-19.
These protocols are aimed at rebuilding confidence among travelers, and within the sector, so safe travel can resume once restrictions are eased. They also provide consistency to destination authorities as well as guidance to travel providers, operators & travelers, about the new approach to health & hygiene in the post COVID-19 world while taking into account the current guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of 1 September, several African countries have received this Safe Travel Stamp, including South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. In South Africa, the Western Cape is at the forefront of this movement, with the city of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek also receiving this stamp of approval. In Cape Town, the famous V & A Waterfront has become the first tourist attraction to adopt these protocols, which will allow tourists to enjoy their shopping and dining experience here as safely as possible.
The Luxury of Space in Nature – Africa offers Wild, Untouched Destinations & Wide-Open Spaces
Get away from the city and crowds and experience the luxury of space. Africa is perfect as it offers a wide range of wild, untouched destinations, wide-open spaces and secluded, luxury private lodging in pristine wilderness areas.
Besides Africa being enormous and diverse it also offers a variety of meaningful and immersive life-changing experiences that vary from country to country and region to region. From extraordinary wildlife encounters to vast tracts of beautiful wilderness areas Africa offers the travelers of today the perfect opportunity to disconnect in order to reconnect – with themselves, with nature and with their families, while also getting to know Africa’s beautiful people, heritage and culture.
Africa’s lodges embody the idea of space and seclusion, with most wilderness-based lodges offering no more than 12 rooms each, allowing only 4-6 people per game drive vehicle as well as comfortable dining options in well-ventilated inside and outside dining areas.
However, to experience true luxury, you do not have to stay at a five-star lodge. Luxury in Africa is all about nature and reconnecting with its beauty, and like they say, nature heals. What becomes the real luxury is the experience of that moment in time. Especially when you see and smell the animals and bushveld and become part of their world. Or, when you hear a lion roar at night, see an African sunrise and sunset from a boat on the Zambezi River, or stand in the spray alongside the mighty Victoria Falls.
Space is Filling up Fast – Everyone is Postponing their 2020 Safaris to 2021
Africa has enough space for everyone, but currently accommodation availability is filling up fast as most guests’ 2020 safaris and tours have been postponed to 2021. This means that the most renowned safari destinations in Africa may not have availability when you wait until the last moment to book your safari for 2021.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend you book your safari to Africa soon. But do not fret, Jewel of Africa Safaris will put in a massive effort to find you space, according to your schedule and in your destination of choice. And, if this does not work, we will look forward to welcoming you to Africa in 2022.
Very Affordable – Rates Freeze, Special Deals & Favorable Exchange Rates
Most of Africa’s safari lodges have decided to honor current rates and have kept their 2021 (and even 2022) rates the same as in 2020, to keep your safari at an affordable rate and provide you with more value for money and more reason to travel here in 2021. Lodges and hotels are also offering exceptionally good deals on stays in 2021, offering great savings and more certainty when planning your safari.
Also, have a look at the current US$/Euro/Pound to South African Rand exchange rate. The weakened South African Rand is very favorable for making more affordable bookings from abroad right now, especially for a South Africa safari.
Booking Peace of Mind – Enjoy more Flexible Booking Terms
In the current travel climate, all lodges and hotels are offering flexible booking and cancellation terms and conditions for your peace of mind. Therefore, if you book for 2023 and you still cannot travel to Africa, these companies will postpone your stay to new dates at no extra cost.
Most hotels have also provided travelers the option of cancelling at short notice with no penalties incurred. You are generally able to defer your trip up to 1 year from your travel date without penalty. We recommend you speak to your trusted luxury tour operator about these terms and conditions and we will try our best to make the process as stress and hassle-free as possible.
Speak to the Experts in Tailored & Personalized Luxury Africa Safaris
Now is the perfect time to plan and book your 2021 Africa safari, so contact us, the experts in tailored and personalized luxury Africa safaris, and let us welcome you (back) to magical Africa soon!
