Looking for an epic trip that is also COVID-19 safe? An African safari is the way to go.
Most of Africa’s world-renowned parks are in wonderfully remote areas where you’ll spend most of your time outdoors in the fresh air and far away from any crowds. Many safari trips fit neatly into the sustainable travel focus for 2021, too, thanks to things like eco-friendly lodges, animal conservation projects and excursions that allow you to support local communities.
Booking a COVID-19 safe safari is also made all the more enjoyable if you choose to go during the quieter shoulder seasons. In addition to minimizing the number of people you’ll encounter, an off-season vacation is almost always better value for money and can even give you access to sights and experiences you may not get to encounter during a destination’s peak tourism months.
Whether you’re after an extremely isolated location or an exclusive lodge that provides private safaris and bushwalks, here’s a handful of places where you can safely experience the wonderful wildlife in Africa.
Tanzania
Vast and beautiful, Tanzania is a refuge for outdoor adventures and a brilliant option for COVID-19 safe safaris.
The country is home to no fewer than 16 national parks, all of which are the natural habitats of hundreds of species of wildlife. The Serengeti National Park is a great choice for an escape, although you’ll also find many other smaller parks offering private safari tours and boutique-style camping or lodge stays.
Why not combine a safari getaway in Tanzania with a relaxing beach stay on an idyllic Indian Ocean island? Our Serengeti Safari and Mauritius Beach Getaway tour merges a plethora of customizable trips with stays in COVID-19 safe accommodations.
Spend a week exploring the great outdoors, gazing at incredible landscapes and immersing yourself in local Tanzanian culture before hopping over to Mauritius for sunshine and relaxation in a secluded beach-side suite.
Botswana
Those hoping to steer clear of the crowds and secure a great deal should plan an escape to Botswana.
The nation’s wide open spaces and array of impressive safari lodges make it a fantastic option for a safari. Choose to stay at a private lodge in the lush World Heritage listed Okavango Delta or visit the arid plains of the Kalahari Transfrontier Park to spot lions and hyenas in their natural habitats.
Botswana also has a great shoulder season between late March and late May. During this time, you can expect the country’s nature reserves and attractions to be much quieter. Despite the change in seasons, you’ll still have the opportunity to see all manner of amazing wildlife. For example, the Kalahari desert comes alive in the rainy season and attracts a diverse range of animals, from huge herds of wildebeest to fearsome predators like lions and hyenas.
All of our itineraries are tailor-made, but take a look at some suggested Botswana itineraries to get a sense of everything the country has to offer:
- Victoria Falls, Botswana and Mauritius – Visit a trio of amazing African countries, including Zimbabwe, and its magnificent Victoria Falls, Botswana, with its numerous national parks, and Mauritius, that’s blessed with miles of golden sand beaches.
- Road Trip: Desert Adventure, Waterfalls and Safari Magic – Combine a journey through the legendary Kalahari Desert and a boat safari down the Chobe River with a road trip through Namibia’s bountiful wildlife spots.
COVID-19 safe safaris in East Africa
East Africa has some of the most varied and untouched scenery in the entire continent and is always a popular region for safaris!
Uganda and Kenya are absolutely teeming with wildlife, with the former well-known for its gorilla trekking adventures in the thick rainforest of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Kenya is another major location for a safari getaway, with interactions with the welcoming Maasai and walking safaris topping many people’s bucket lists of things to do.
To immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of East Africa and enjoy intimate wildlife experiences without the stress of crowds, consider a safari between November and March. These months (excluding Christmas and New Year) are considered some of the quietest and most affordable times to book. Major activities (such as gorilla trekking) also tend to be less busy, meaning you’ll be set up for a magical – and COVID-19 safe safari experience. Another top tip? Book your trip early to avoid disappointment, especially when it comes to activities where a permit is required.
Rating 5/5A group of 6 of us traveled to Tanzania. Everything was great! My husband and I went to Nairobi for a couple days first and loved the tour of the elephant orphanage and giraffe center as well as the city. Corin who set it all up and Ridhi our contact in Africa were spot on in every way!!! It was the best trip and we can’t wait to go back. We booked for 2022 in South Africa this time and I’m sure it will be as good or better. We are still in touch with our guides and made a friend from our hotel in Zanzibar. I can’t say enough about the team at Enchanting!!
Jill GallagherUS
Embark on COVID-19 safe safaris with us
We’re experts when it comes to COVID-19 safe travel. When you embark on an Enchanting Travels tour, our trip coordinators will be there to guide you and keep you safe throughout your journey of a lifetime. Get in touch and let our Africa experts take you on a dream safari with extra safety precautions in place for your peace of mind.