As of mid to late May 2020 Covid lockdowns in Africa are ending (see chart below) and some areas are reopening to tourism. Many areas remain in phased re-openings that do not include international tourist arrivals.

As of May 17, 2020 Tanzania unconditionally re-opened to all tourists. Tanzania’s president Magufuli said “foreign visitors landing into Tanzania will not be placed under quarantine and will only undergo temperature tests before being cleared to travel.” He noted that protective measures against Covid-19 spread should be observed by tourists. These measures include the wearing of a mask, washing hands with flowing water and soap, hand sanitizing, and distancing by at least one meter. With a population of 55 million Tanzania has recorded only 509 Coronavirus cases and 21 deaths.

Uganda is opening their international airport on June 9, 2020 and gorilla trekking 21 days later.

In southern Africa Victoria Falls on the Zambian side is reopening and Ehtiopian Airlines is flying into Lusaka, Namibia’s national parks have reopened following their April closure and domestic flights are operating, and Botswana has entered phase 3 of opening and its parks opened May 15. Game reserves and museums are also open. Rwanda is looking to reopen mid June 2020 and South Africa is looking for a September 2020 re-opening.

Stay well,

Ian Proctor
Ultimate Africa President
“I first visited Africa in the late 1980s. I came face to face with a wild elephant, and fell in love with being on safari! I made it my goal to create an African travel company that was all about authentic wildlife experiences. Many years later we are one of the top African travel companies in the Americas – known for arranging custom safaris to East and Southern Africa; personal trips, no cookie cutter stuff.”