African countries re-open for tourism

We have compiled a list of countries in Southern and East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands who have opened their borders again for post Covid-19 travel. We will update this list as new information for each country is made available.

List of African countries re-open for tourism

Tanzania is open for tourists to visit.

Tanzania and Zanzibar opened their borders in June, with international airlines returning to Dar es Salaam International Airport and Zanzibar. More flights are starting soon into Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar International Airports as demand increases. Local charter operators are back in the air ferrying guests from Dar es Salaam to various airstrips around the country. Tanzania required all tourism operations to apply for a Covid-19 Certificate ensuring compliance with strict health and safety guidelines.
Airports open: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and soon to follow will be Kilimanjaro.
Quarantine: No
Safety protocols on arrival: Masks mandatory, temperature and screening at the airport. Anyone showing signs of illness will be required to take a Covid-19 test and perhaps quarantine
Lodges open: More and more lodges are reopening with the majority of hotels and lodges to be open by 1 September.

Kenya will reopen for tourists in August.

Kenya will allow international flights to resume on 1st August 2020. The World Travel and Tourism Council has given Kenya the Safe Travel Stamp, acknowledging that Kenya has adopted the global standards in health and hygiene in a post Covid-19 world.

Airports Open: Nairobi International on 1 August
Quarantine on arrival: To be advised
Safety protocols on arrival: To be advised, but should include: Masks mandatory, temperature and screening at the airport. Anyone showing signs of illness will be required to take a Covid-19 test.
Lodges open: Many lodges are open to locals and ready for the international visitors to arrive.

Rwanda will open for tourists in August.

Rwanda has opened their borders to all countries, however with some very strict rules. These protocols are in place to protect the Rwandans and the wildlife like Gorilla’s who can pick up many of the viruses humans carry.

Airports Open: Kigali International on 1 August
Quarantine on arrival: 24 hours
Safety protocols on arrival: All visitors are to bring proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken just before they left their home country – not more than 72 hours old. On arrival all visitors will be given another test and be required to spend 24 hours in a hotel in Kigali waiting for the results.
Lodges open: Hotels and lodges are ready for the international visitors to arrive.

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Michael T 06/June/2021

TripAdvisor

Above & Beyond
Review of: 3-Day Gorillas trekking and Batwa Experience
Sedrick went above and beyond to accomodate our request for an itinerary alteration due to our compressed time in Uganda. He also compeltely took care of scheduling our covid 19 testing and drove us to the site on arrival.

Our driver/guide Ben was also outstanding!

**We highly recommend using a porter during gorilla trekking as their are some complex parts to the trail/terrain. This also benefits the local people by providing them work.**

David 24/June/2021

Seeing Lots of Animals and Uganda
The schedule suited my time in Uganda exactly and was a great opportunity to view some of the top wildlife and natural wonders of the country. Lodgings range from mid-range to near upscale and are in beautiful locations. Food is good and ample. My driver, Stanley, was expert at spotting wildlife and, very importantly on the Ugandan roads, a careful and skilled driver. You see various parts of the country on this tour, and due to distances, be aware you'll spend quite a few hours on the road. One thing they might add is an itinerary going into more detail ahead of time on each day's activity and suggested things to bring. I was concerned about the needed COVID test for return home, but they took care of arranging that, and it turned out successfully. Overall the tour was a real highlight and is highly recommended.

Justo Nov 18, 2019

Safaribookings

I went on an 11 day safari visiting Kampala, Jinja, Lake Mburo NP, Bwindi NP, Queen Elizabeth NP and Kibale NP. Communications with Ngoni were prompt and easy from the start. As soon as I made my booking, Sedrick contacted me through WhatsApp and guided me through the rest of the process. Leading up to the tour he made sure I was well-prepared to begin. He was always very clear and friendly. Service was exceptional. I had the pleasure of going on this safari with three members of Ngoni's staff - Sedrick, Nelson and Joel. These guys made my comfort their priority from the moment we met. Whether it was checking if I was okay with the accommodations or making sure I always had a bottle of water, I always felt like I was being well taken care of. Nelson is an excellent guide. His knowledge about the flora and fauna of Uganda was extensive, always able to answer any questions I had and was eager to teach - it's obvious that he has a great love for his country and it's environment and is eager to share this love with his clients. My experience with Ngoni and Uganda surpassed all expectations I had. Absolutely amazing, and thanks to the guys at Ngoni it feels like a new home - can't wait to come back and visit. Webale, brothers!

Stephany Aug 13, 2019

https://www.safaribookings.com/operator/t17733

Sedrick was unique and stood out from the rest in the high quality communication he provided since the first inquiry. He called me to provide information about the itinerary and see if I had any questions even before booking the tour. We communicated through WhatsApp for any other questions that came to mind after that call. After picking me up from the airport, he and Pilot (additional tour guide) provided plenty of information about the country to give me some context and we started our long drive to the impenetrable forest. The food was delicious with many options; the accommodation was very clean with exceptional service; and the transportation from Entebbe to Bwindi park was very comfortable (although long). As a solo female traveler, both tour guides (Sedrick and Pilot) did an exceptional job at enduring I accomplished everything intended to in Uganda, and always made me feel safe. I highly recommend to book your safari with this company because the quality and professionalism will not let you down.

Shakira Dec 14, 2018

Ngoni safaris uganda is the best tour operator in Uganda. A few weeks back we traveled to Bwindi impenetrable with sedrick to explore the beauty that is Uganda. This company took care of us . with most comfortable car , Great guide .We highly recommend it to the next travelers

Winnie Dec 19, 2018

I was going on a gorilla safari with my friend and this was going to be the first ever safari for the both of us. Luckily, the communication with the office was super easy and we got answers to all of the questions we needed. The driver / guide (Sedrick) was very professional and funny and made our time very pleasant. Also, he had a proper knowledge of the local area close to the Mgahinga national park and he promptly spoke some 7 languages which we thought was super positive. The safari was surely the highlight of out East African trip!

Ritah Jan 2, 2019

My Team and I did a five day trip, including Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls and Kidepo. It was truly an incredible experience. Our guide, Sedrick, was knowledgeable, skilled in driving in some challenging settings and just plain fun to hang out with for five days. The lodging was perfect, especially Savannah Lodge. The tents and beds were high quality. The views were spectacular. Meals were delicious and varied. I recommend Ngoni safaris Uganda with all my heart and soul!

Pilot May 28, 2019

Our six days trip was amazing. The driver/guide had an incredible knowledge of animal and bird-life and are so interesting to talk to. His driving skills through lashing rain and massive puddles was admirable! The cooks managed to produce varied and delicious meals from the kitchen, which we ate both at accommodation or roadside when we were travelling from one place to another . At all times we felt safe and well-looked after. All in all, an incredible experience, due not only to the abundance of wildlife we were lucky enough to see, but also to the great efforts put to have our Safari a better one . The safari was full of fun. Traveling with ngoni safaris is my life time memorable experience and I highly recommend it to travellers who would love to visit uganda or EastAfrica for holidays, vacations or Adventure.. Even five stars are too small .

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