Travel Update

Due to the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19, official travel advice is constantly changing. We’re sure you’re keen to find out what this means if you’re thinking about travelling with us or for your booked trip. You’ll find all the information you need to know below.

African Conservation Experience has teams in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and in South Africa and closely monitors the impact of the COVID-19 virus on global travel. We follow updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UK government travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the IATA Travel Centre and the local government advice from the countries where our projects are located.

In addition, as a member of the trusted travel brand ABTA, we’re able to provide you with up-to-date advice and information which on how the virus and government restrictions might affect your travel plans.

We continue to keep the health and safety of our travellers, staff, community members and the animals in our care at the forefront of all of our decisions. 

Will I be able to travel?

We are continually monitoring travel restrictions both into and out of the countries where we operate. Different countries have different entry requirements, so we are following these closely.

When you apply, we will offer you a personal telephone consultation, during which we can provide personal advice and answer all your questions, such as:

• Will I be able to get into my destination country?
• Will my travel insurance be valid?
• Will I need to get a COVID-19 test before I travel?
• What happens if government advice changes during the trip?

Throughout your booking process and before you depart, we will advise you if and when you can travel. 

Will I be safe during my trip? What precautions do I need to take?

Your health and safety is our biggest priority. Together with our partner conservation projects, we follow the government advice of the countries you would travel to. Our team in South Africa will meet you when you arrive and will keep in contact throughout your trip.

When you apply, we will offer you a personal telephone consultation, during which we can provide personal advice and answer all your questions, such as:

• Will I have to wear a face mask?
• Will I be able to share accommodation with my friend?
• What happens if I get COVID-19 during the trip?

After you book, before you depart and during your trip, we will also keep you updated with any changes in regulations and advice.

Is the money I pay for the trip financially protected?

Yes. All money paid to us is financially protected either through ABTA or ATOL, giving you full peace of mind when booking with us that your money is safe.

How are our partner conservation projects affected?

Without the support of our hard-working volunteers and the financial support we normally provide, many of our conservation projects are having a tough time right now. 

Thankfully some of our projects are being supported by donations or sponsors, while we provide them with as much financial support as possible. Where necessary their dedicated teams have been temporarily supplemented by extra people from within their own networks including ex-staff members that have joined the teams for the duration of the lockdown.

Can I still contact African Conservation Experience?

Yes! We still provide you with all the support and service you would expect. You can still call and email us as normal. Please feel free to reach out to us, we look forward to hearing from you!