*A version of this article originally appeared in the September 2021 Bush Telegraph newsletter. You can read our recent newsletters and sign-up to receive these in your inbox on our Bush Telegraph newsletter page.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that travel during a pandemic is harder. With apologies to Jane Austen, it is as simple as that.
For a long time, many of our travellers were unable to travel and disappointment and uncertainty reigned. Our team spent their time rearranging complex itineraries while getting to grips with myriad global regulations. Travellers faced a host of obstacles, including nagging safety doubts, ever-changing and even contradictory ‘official’ advice, reams of bureaucratic paperwork and medical testing.
And yet, for many of us, the desire grew ever stronger to venture far and wide, to immerse ourselves in wild landscapes, seek out unusual creatures, meet new friends and expose ourselves to diverse cultures. We wanted to travel. And now that we can, we just need to balance our wanderlust with added practicalities and care – and that’s why safari travellers contact Expert Africa.
For us, the joy of safari planning has returned. More than ever, it’s the depth of our team’s destination knowledge and our longstanding partnerships on the ground that give us a head start. Never has our experience and attention to detail been more important.
Expert Africa’s promise to you is that we will not only provide superb bespoke safaris, but that we will hold your hand as much as you need through the travel process and ensure you are free to simply enjoy your holiday.
On the ground in Africa, the bushcamps, safari lodges and beach retreats that we work with have implemented comprehensive Covid-19 health and safety policies, from social distancing protocols to intensive cleaning programmes. Their regimes include disinfecting vehicles, requiring all staff in camp to wear masks and sanitising when moving between rooms.
Tourism staff from guides to chefs have been prioritised in the vaccine rollout of many African countries, and the practicalities of arranging Covid-19 tests for travellers are all in place. Nurses fly into remote bush airstrips to conduct tests, allowing travellers to continue on safari while test results are produced for their flights out.
For all our travellers, you can rest assured we’re here to help handle the complexities and organisation. There’s a good reason we’re called Expert Africa: if ever travel required expert guidance, it is now.
The Okavango Delta….at that price?!
Loved by wildlife enthusiasts, wilderness-seekers and documentary film-crews alike, the Okavango Delta is a magical, watery wonderland. The world’s largest inland river delta, its papyrus-lined channels are enchanting and its palm islands and floodplains teem with wildlife. From freshwater turtles to wild dogs, it’s a veritable African Noah’s Ark, punctuated with superb safari camps.
The luxury of this pristine environment and exclusive lodges come at a price though: the Okavango is usually very expensive. So we’re enormously excited to announce a phenomenal 2021 end-of-year offer to indulge in all the wonders of the Delta for a fraction of the usual price.
For the rest of this year, our fantastic 8-night Pangolin Safari is available for any bookings made within 30 days of travel for an incredible US$4,100 (£2,982/€3,470) per person sharing. The usual price for this time of year is US$10,590 (£7,695/€8,953) per person sharing – a saving of US$12,980 (£9,426/€10,975) per couple.
This is an extraordinary offer: contact us now if you can travel in the coming weeks. It’s an amazing opportunity.
If you’ve been inspired and want to find out more, give us a call or enquire now to speak to an expert.
