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17 June 2021

Tourism continues in Namibia

By Birgit Mohrmann, Ultimate Safaris Namibia

The Namibian government have just announced their latest plans to curb a centralized spike in Covid-19 cases, and imposed additional restrictions as from 17 June 2021. These new restrictions are mainly intended to restrict movement of residents in and out of the Windhoek area. However, tourists are exempt from this 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. As a result, these restrictions should have little or no impact on the arrangements made for holidays in Namibia.. 
 
The area that is affected covers Rehoboth, Windhoek, and Okahandja and the roads between them, including that to Hosea Kutako International Airport. However, 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).
 
We understand the concerns about the recent increase in numbers of Covid cases in Namibia, but would like to reassure the guests concerning the possible impact of that on their travel arrangements. The majority of recent infections have been identified as being connected with the re-opening of schools after our Autumn break and the current ‘spike’ in cases is fairly localised, and it has not occurred in the remote areas in which the guests will be staying. In fact, that very remoteness is part of the reason the lodges they will be staying at have remained fairly immune. Added to that, most of the people the guests will be coming into contact with will either be other travellers 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. 
 
We are fortunate in that 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 re-open 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 – please see the link to “Covid Safety Measures”. As 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, you can contact us at Ultimate Safaris at info@ultimatesafaris.na