In this article we look at which countries in Africa are open to tourists, focusing on where our volunteer programmes are based. We will also give you guidance on the latest Covid-19 figures and what you need to know before you book your project and your flights.
We’ve tried to be as comprehensive as possible but we recommend that you also look at your own national government’s requirements for returning travellers, as these will vary according to different countries and individual US states. You should also take a look at your planned flight schedule to see if it includes a country which could necessitate a quarantine on your return.
Can I travel to South Africa?
Yes! As of 11th November 2020, South Africa reduced their travel restrictions to allow nationals of all countries to enter. South Africa has recorded 18.5 new daily Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days (at 17th November).
There are a number of entry requirements in place for international tourists visiting South Africa:
- On arrival, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
- You will be screened on arrival at O.R. Tambo International to check for Covid-19 symptoms.
- All travellers must install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.
- There is a curfew from midnight until 4am daily.
- Masks must be worn in all public spaces, both inside and outside.
Visas for South Africa:
US, UK and some European citizens may still enter South Africa without a visa, for tourism purposes, as long as your stay is less than 90 days.
Travel corridors with South Africa (UK nationals):
Unfortunately, at the moment South Africa does not have a travel corridor with the UK, but we do expect that to change soon, given that cases are so low. The South African government assures travellers that the country has sufficient hospital capacity, including beds, ICU space and ventilators.
Volunteer Projects in South Africa – now open!
We’re delighted that you can now travel to South Africa and experience our volunteer programmes again – it’s definitely one of our favourite and easiest countries to travel to! We are also delighted to announce that our Wildlife Warriors Anti-Poaching Training Course has 20% off bookings made between now and April 2021!
Find out more about volunteering in South Africa.
Can I travel to Zimbabwe?
Yes! Travellers from all countries can enter Zimbabwe at either Victoria Falls International Airport, Bulawayo International Airport and Harare International Airport. As of 17th November, Zimbabwe’s total Covid-19 cases stood at less than 9,000 country-wide, and are recording approximately 40 new daily Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people (at 17th November). As with South Africa, the country enforced a very strict initial lockdown to control cases.
There are a number of entry requirements in place for international tourists visiting Zimbabwe:
- On arrival, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 48 hours from time of departure. Note – there is some flexibility on this, please get in touch if this is a barrier to your travel.
- You will be screened at your arrival airport to check for Covid-19 symptoms. If you test positive, two-hour testing is available at Harare International Airports to get a second PCR result.
- Completion of a health questionnaire, which will be given to you on your final flight into Harare, Bulawayo or Victoria Falls.
- Masks must be worn in all public spaces, both inside and outside.
Visas for Zimbabwe:
US, UK, Canadian and most European citizens may still enter Zimbabwe without a visa for tourism purposes. Tourist visas are available for those citizens upon arrival at the airport.
Travel corridors with Zimbabwe (UK nationals):
Unfortunately, at the moment Zimbabwe does not have a travel corridor with the UK, but we hope that will change soon, given that cases are so low. Zimbabwe has excellent hospitals and testing facilities and we are able to isolate people at our projects should the need arise.
Volunteer Projects in Zimbabwe – now open!
We’re delighted that you can now travel to Zimbabwe and experience all of our wonderful volunteer programmes again – it’s been absolutely far too long in coming! We are also delighted to announce that our Rhino & Elephant Conservation Programme and our Horse Riding & Conservation Programme have a massive 30% off bookings made for travel before the end of 2020! These projects are open for Christmas and New Year!
Our Primate Conservation & Wildlife Sanctuary Programme also has 25% off for bookings made this year! It’s never been a better time to come and enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush!
Find out more about volunteering in Zimbabwe.
Can I travel to Namibia?
Again, yes you can! Namibia was one of the first African countries to reopen for tourism, and tourists are able to enter the country through Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Namibia’s total Covid-19 cases stood at less than 9,000 country-wide, and has recorded approximately 40 new daily Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days (at 17th November). As with South Africa, the country enforced a very strict initial lockdown to control cases.
There are a number of entry requirements in place for international tourists visiting Namibia:
- Prior to arrival you must inform, in writing, the relevant Namibian embassy or consulate in your country of departure of your intention to visit Namibia. This must be done 14 days prior to your departure and is simply an administrative task.
- On arrival, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
- If your PCR test is more than 72 hours but less than 7 days, you will still be allowed to enter, but you must spend 7 days in your first destination (one of our projects). Our projects are all Government approved facilities so you may stay there and participate in all daily activities as normal.
- If your PCR test is more than 72 hours but less than 7 days old, you must get a re-test on Day 5. This can be done at the project (additional fee).
- Completed health questionnaire (we will supply this prior to departure) and copy of invitation letter (we will also supply this)
- Masks must be worn in all public spaces, both inside and outside.
Visas for Namibia:
US, UK, Canadian and most European citizens may still enter Namibia without a visa for tourism purposes. Tourist visas are available for those citizens upon arrival at the airport. Please check your visa requirements prior to departure. These can be found on our Volunteering in Namibia page.
Travel corridors with Namibia (UK nationals):
Hooray! Namibia has a travel corridor with the UK which means you will not need to quarantine on your return, as long as you fly via a country which also has a travel corridor.
Volunteer Projects in Namibia – now open!
We’re delighted that you can now travel to Zimbabwe and experience all of our wonderful volunteer programmes again – it’s been absolutely far too long in coming! The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary is open as normal over Christmas and New Year! The Carnivore Conservation Research sites will only open for volunteers from February 2021 – please get in touch to check that this is still the case.
Find out more about volunteering in Namibia.
Can I travel to Mozambique?
Mozambique’s air borders are also now open for international tourists. Our Marine Conservation Programme is based in Inhambane, which will require an international transfer via South Africa. Mozambique’s Covid-19 cases have totalled just over 15,000, thanks to a strict lockdown and immediate closure of all land and air borders.
Entry regulations for tourists visiting Mozambique are as follows:
- On arrival, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
- If you are planning to stay longer than 14 days in Mozambique, you must take a further PCR test prior to your departure. This is inexpensive and rapid PCR tests are easy to arrange locally.
- If you are travelling via Johannesburg in South Africa, you will be screened on arrival at O.R. Tambo International to check for Covid-19 symptoms and you will be required to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.
Visas for Mozambique:
Most international visitors require a tourist visa prior to entry into the country. In addition to these requirements, if you are planning to stay longer than 30 days in Mozambique, you must request an extendable tourist visa from your local Mozambique embassy or consulate. Please check your visa requirements prior to departure. These can be found on our Volunteering in Mozambique page.
Travel corridors with Mozambique (UK nationals):
Unfortunately, at the moment Mozambique does not have a travel corridor with the UK, but we hope that will change soon, given that cases are so low. The project is remote and volunteers are able to isolate in comfort on-site should the need arise.
Volunteer Projects in Mozambique – now open!
Our Marine Conservation Programme is now open and very keen to have volunteers back to assist their lonely researcher! The project is open year-round, and we can’t think of a better place to spend the winter, than in the Indian Ocean surrounded by amazing marine wildlife.
Find out more about volunteering in Mozambique.
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What are we doing to ensure your booking can be made with confidence?
Flexible bookings:
We have amended our terms and conditions to reflect the uncertainty about travel – please read our updated Covid-19 booking policy here. Placements can be cancelled or postponed at any time due to Covid-19 issues. We are offering low deposits of $300 to confirm your place, with final payments only due 30 days prior to travel. We are here to assist you every step of the way with flights, insurance, visa and other travel advice. We want to get you travelling as soon as possible!
Health & Safety
The safety of our volunteers, project staff, animals and communities is of the utmost importance. We are working with all our projects on detailed health and safety policies, to ensure that you remain safe and secure while still enjoying your project. Please ask us for details of any project’s policies.
