The Namibian government has just announced their latest plans to curb a centralized spike in Covid-19 cases and imposed additional restrictions. The changes are mainly intended to restrict movement of residents in and out of the Windhoek area. Tourists are exempt providing they can show a copy of the negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test they provided when they entered the country and proof of holiday arrangement such as an itinerary or vouchers for accommodation. Tourists are free to move in and out of the region as per standard entry requirements by the Namibian government. All Windhoek hotels remain open for tourism, and restaurants are also open although subject to curfew regulations which have been in place for the last 6 months (curfew is from 10pm to 4am).
The tribe at Ultimate Safaris understands the concerns about the recent increase in numbers of Covid cases in Namibia, but would like to reassure guests concerning any possible impact on their travel arrangements. The majority of recent infections have been identified as being connected with the reopening of schools after autumn break and the current spike in cases is localized. No spike has occurred in the remote areas that guests visit. In fact, that very remoteness is part of the reason the lodges have remained fairly immune. Added to that, most of the people the guests will be coming into contact with will either be other travelers who have recent negative Covid test results on arrival in the country, or lodge staff and guides who have now largely also been vaccinated – as well as being tested regularly.
The majority of those involved in the tourism industry have already been vaccinated as the Namibian government had to foresight to give vaccination priority to those in the industry, precisely to give the sort of reassurance that is being sought here. Namibia was one of the first counties in Africa to reopen for tourism, and the fact that the number of visitors started low and has climbed significantly since then has given plenty of time for tourism practitioners to get their protocols properly in place – Ultimate’s COVID safety measures can be reviewed here. Note that from June 2021, Ultimate Safaris has achieved herd immunity with the majority of all tribe members now fully vaccinated.
Ultimate Safaris will ensure as always that all ground support is in effect to ensure that seamless travel is possible for all those guests whose entire safari arrangements have been booked with us. Since opening its borders late in 2020, travellers continue to praise Namibia as being the ideal destination to visit with its open spaces, sunny days, sparsely populated wilderness areas and low tourism density.
Should you have any questions on the latest announcements regarding Namibia’s Covid-19 protocols, reach out to your Journeysmith for more information.
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