When the corona pandemic started a little over a year ago, I was just about to leave for my annual mother and daughter trip, which fell during my schools spring break. I had purchased two flights at a discount nine months in advance and was excited to visit Charleston, South Carolina for the first time.
I wrestled with the decision on whether to make the trip. There was still little information about the virus, there was no mask mandate and no one knew what would happen. So we went ahead. The first two days of the trip were filled with trips to museums and heritage sites. On the third day, the hotel we were staying at closed the breakfast area and suspended room service. At the airport heading back, we observed closed duty-free shops and flight cancellations.
Like every other country in the world, Zambia has been hugely affected by the pandemic. As a country that relies on foreign tourists to frequent our safari destinations, we have been particularly hard hit. In response, safari operators have slashed the prices of safaris, some by as much as 50%.
Yes we’re still in the middle of a pandemic and the economy is tough, but if you CAN travel and WANT to travel safely during corona, here are some tips:
Get Tested: Yes I know the test can be a pain and isn’t cheap, but if you’re planning on going to another province or town and will be in contact with people you don’t know, you should have the PCR or rapid test done prior to your trip and carry your negative result documentation with you. This will give you peace of mind. Also, get tested soon after arriving back from your destination.
Do Your Research: Hotels /lodges are not currently requiring negative results for inter Zambia travel, but get in touch with the lodge at your destination to ask what their covid protocols are. Some lodges may require ALL guests to wear masks in public areas and on safari, while some may allow people in the same safari vehicle travelling in the same group to not have their masks on while on the safari. Check the Zambia Airports Website for updates on corona cases in your destination and possible requirements for flying within Zambia.
Transport: Speaking of transport, driving may be the safest option depending on your budget. This puts the control in your hands with regards to who will travel with you and where you can stop for bathroom breaks.
Pack The Essentials: Load up on hand sanitizer (everyone should have their own bottle), disposable masks (which should be changed every couple of hours a day) and cloth masks. Also, pack wipes and disinfectant. Some lodges may not be doing room cleanings until you check out, so be sure to carry your own cleaning materials just in case. Also, carry lots of citrus fruits for added vitamins.
Cash or Card: Some hotels/sites are requesting cards so as to limit cash changing hands frequently, so make sure you carry your card as well as some cash just in case!
Off-Season vs Peak: While there are much fewer tourists due to the pandemic, places like Vic Falls, Samfya Beach and Siavonga typically get crowded during public holidays/long weekends, so to minimize your risk of exposure to people who may be carrying the virus, plan your trip during the week if possible (plus more safari lodges have mid-week specials)
Safe travels, or as we say in Zambia, Mwende Bwino!
