Coronavirus and Tanzania Safari: What You Should Know

As the fight for slowing down the coronavirus pandemic and probably putting it in total control through vaccines continues, we thought the following questions & answers regarding your safety during a Tanzania safari should be handy in planning for your next Safari in Tanzania;-

Qn 1. What is the current Covid– 19 situation in Tanzania?

Ans. Following the peak periods in the country between April & May 2020, then May, June & July 2021, the situation has improved massively. There’s still patients in the hospitals, although, very few.

The vaccination program started in August and people are still being given vaccines. 16 of our 20 guides have already received their Janssen jabs so far

Qn 2. Have you received the tourists recently?

 Ans. YES, along with direct individual bookings, we have also successfully operated a few groups from our travel agents from August 2020. Feel free to read our recent reviews here.

Qn 3. Is there a quarantine after entering Tanzania prior to safari?

 Ans; the answer is NO, there’s no quarantine, however, the following should be met;

• Visitors must have Covid-19 PCR tests negative certificates prior to arrival, those that do not will be subjected to testing on
• All visitors shall be subjected to screening by public health officials to detect high body temperature and other Covid– 19 symptoms

Qn 4. How safe are the vehicles & driver/guides?

 Ans. National Standard operating procedures for managing Covid– 19 strictly requires the tour operators;

To vaccinate their staff members including the tour guides. Furthermore, the guides need to be tested before going to do provide any tourism-related service to the

• To ensure the guides maintain a distance of not less than one (1) meter from a visitor
• To make sure each guide exercises and adhere to the best sanitation
• To assert that all staff use recommended protective gear e.g. masks when attending guests and servicing guest
• To arrange that all vehicles get sanitized with recommended solutions and sprayed between each.

Qn 5. What are the procedures around the accommodations I will be staying at?

Ans. National Standard operating procedures for managing Covid– 19 has laid down the safety measures and in combination with your own self-awareness in protecting yourself, a safe trip is more than possible. Below are the accommodation facilities safety measures;

• Screening at hotel facilities for temperature done at points of entry
• Accommodation staff should wear protective gear including face masks and
• Accommodation staff should make sure they don’t come 1 meter less close to the guests
• All accommodation facilities should frequently clean surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, light switches and doorknobs
• Dining and breakfast facilities should limit the number of guests to adhere to the safety distance required with tables also hosting a limited number of
• Buffet style meals should be avoided
• Guests should be managed to be spread out at all
• Items that guests handle regularly must be sanitized

Qn 6. Is there any rescue plan by Earthlife expeditions?

Ans. YES, in fact, we’re members of AMREF Flying doctors in case of emergency.

On the other hand, every tourism entity is required to have in place an insurance mechanism for assisting guests to reach a designated hospital as approved by the Ministry of Health or to enable evacuation arrangements. I am happy to assure you that we already have that plan in place.

Qn 7. What are the safety measures at Tanzanian Airports?

 Ans. National Standard operating procedures for managing Covid– 19 requires the Airports Authority to assure that;

• Screening for temperature is done at every entry & exit
• Check-in distancing should be observed
• All protective measures like; distancing, sanitization, the number of people in the lounge area should be exercised for both visitors and

Qn 8. What is the best decision, cancelling or postponing my trip?

 Ans. We strongly advise that our customers who are not in the position to travel in their initial booking time POSTPONE their holidays rather than cancelling. We’re dedicated to assisting with postponements of bookings for up to 12 months

 Qn 9. What is the monitoring plan?

• All tourism entities will be monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Health and together they will ensure;
• Each facility, car, the entity has on public display contact numbers of the Rapid Response
• Guests and residents are encouraged to contact the Rapid Response Team on any occasion should they feel that a person, facility, or entity is not adhering to the safety measures.
• Each tourism entity should have a protocol in case of an emergency. This should explain if anyone becomes ill for example, – where does he go if high fever, or if tested positive, etc.

Qn 10. What if I book and fail to travel due to different reasons?

 We have two different cancellation & refund policies that make us the most flexible operator in the industry.

1. Rescheduling: We give you the opportunity to move the full payments of your booking to the future. Without additional funds. This is valid for 24 months since postponement).
2. Refunds resulting from, and/or happening during unforeseen circumstances beyond our control mentioned under the section LIABILITY 7.4 in our TERMS & CONDITIONS may take prolonged processing time than usual.
3. On the occasion that a client uses our recommended accommodations (we have a plethora of properties to choose from), the properties that have flexible cancellation policies;-

• • Cancelling up to 14 days before your arrival, the total amount of the reservation will be refunded.
  • Cancellation within 7 days before your arrival 50% of the total amount of the reservation will not be

4. On the occasion that a client uses own selected accommodations, the properties that have no flexible cancellation policies;-

• • From 63 – 49 days before your arrival full amount will be
  • From 49 to 35 days before your arrival, 25% of the total amount of the reservation will not be refunded.
  • From 35 to 21 days before your arrival, 50% of the total amount of the reservation will not be refunded.
  • From 21to 7 days before your arrival, 75% of the total amount of the reservation will not be refunded.
  • No refund will be provided for No Show or cancellation made from 7 to 0 days before your

A final word,

Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner is quoted saying;-

“We all need a break, especially after this confinement, we want to enjoy summer holidays, we would like to see our families and friends even if they live in another region, in another country” 

Lastly, to those who have lost their beloved ones, please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family. We wish you comfort and peace.

Stay safe

Catherine D. Haule

Managing Director

Earthlife Expeditions.