How has Africa been able to mitigate the effects of COVID-19?
What specific steps are engidatravel employees taking to stay safe?
We’re proud to say that the engidatravel family of companies were “early adopters” of self-quarantining. For months, our worldwide team have worked from home, supplied with new laptops, technical support, training, and all the other infrastructure in place at our offices. All of our field staff are also tested before travel and staff temperatures are be taken daily.
In the field, our Safari Directors, Guides, Drivers, and Concierges are well trained and frequently wash their hands with soap and water, wear quality masks provided by engidatravel , carry personal hand sanitizer, and frequently sanitize their mobile devices and any other surfaces with which they come into contact.
Will I need to be tested for COVID-19 prior to flying Africa, and before returning home?
Yes and yes. As of this writing, upon arrival in Africa, international travellers need to present documented results of a negative Covid-19 PCR test conducted within a specified amount of time before departing the USA. Testing timeline requirements vary between countries and airlines, and your engidatravel representative can advise you on the requirements for your itinerary. You will also be required to have in hand the results of a test conducted within 72 hours of landing in the United States. Before you return to the U.S., engidatravel will arrange your COVID-19 PCR test and cover all costs. We’ll figure out exactly when you need to take your test and will have it done in the most convenient location possible – in your departure city or the bush, where we’ll send a technician to administer your test so your safari continues uninterrupted. And we’ll ensure you have your test results in time for your return flight home.
What is the mask-wearing policy for guests on safari?
Each African country engidatravel visits has government-mandated mask requirements in place. These laws require the wearing of masks in specific situations, whether you’re vaccinated or not, and your Safari Director will keep you up to date on local stipulations.
Has your non-profit work in Africa continued during the pandemic?
Because engidatravel-AmericaShare has been embedded in African communities for decades, it has been heartbreaking to see so many unemployed and in need of food and safety supplies, like masks, for their families. Using our resources and infrastructure, AmericaShare launched an emergency food programme and partnered with sister nonprofit Huru to distribute tens of thousands of reusable cloth face masks to the community. For more about our pandemic response, see this article about engidatravel AmericaShare and Huru in the June issue of AFAR Magazine.