August 2020
Safaris Adapt to Covid-19 As Kenya
and Tanzania Open to Americans
By Ramsey Qubein
Safari travel in the age of Covid-19
MICATO SAFARIS
With Kenya and Tanzania reopening to tourists, including Americans that present a
negative Covid-19 test from the past 96 hours, safari travel is back on the table for many
who are looking for adventure without the crowds. Like other segments of the travel
industry, safari companies paused operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
To restart safely, they have made several changes to meet new health protocols and
assure travelers that the experience will be safe. Naturally, safaris provide ample
opportunity for social distancing with guests often sleeping in luxury camps away from
crowds. Dennis Pinto, managing director for Kenya-based Micato Safaris, shares the
steps and protocols his company is implementing to navigate this strange time.
Dennis Pinto and Joy Phelan-Pinto of Micato Safaris
MICATO SAFARIS
What did it take to restart safari operations after the pause?
We began a ramp-up of our East African operations last month in preparation for
the fall season. In May and June, our ground teams implemented sanitation and
health protocols to ensure the safest possible experience for our guests. That
included sending teams on safari to “test drive” the procedures. In the coming
weeks, we will be doing the final reconnaissance trips to be ready to welcome
travelers to East Africa starting in mid-September.
Safari game drive
MICATO SAFARIS
Are Americans traveling right now on safari?
Kenya and Tanzania are both open to Americans. Kyle McCarter, the U.S.
Ambassador to Kenya, recently said that “the greatest opportunity the United States
has right now to travel internationally is to Kenya,” which has been awarded the
“Safe Travel Stamp” by the World Travel and Tourism Council for adopting global
health and hygiene protocols successfully.
We are also hearing from our local offices that many Kenyans and Tanzanians are
enjoying going on safari right now, too. This is our normal high season, and we have
had reports of amazing animal sightings and an unprecedented migration. The
animals seemed to have enjoyed their “time off” and are moving in great numbers
now. Visitors can experience this if they travel now; they’ll have the Masai Mara
seemingly to themselves.
The Micato Safari staff is cleaning commonly touched surfaces regularly.
MICATO SAFARIS
Many hotels are implementing safety protocols including the addition of
onsite hygiene managers. Have you made changes at any of the camps or
lodges you visit?
Safaris are ideally suited for social distancing since there is nowhere more private
and isolated than the African bush. Since every safari we operate is escorted by one
of our “Safari Directors,” they will ensure that the camps and lodges are providing
the safest possible experience for our guests. Since we have full-time staff on the
ground, we’ll ensure Micato’s safety and sanitation protocols, as well as those of the
camps and lodges, are enforced as strictly as possible.
Guests will have their temperatures taken regularly.
MICATO SAFARIS
Typically, we always have a large supply of complimentary amenities for our guests
(over-the-counter medications, power strips, candy, books, bug repellent, hats, and
pre-stamped postcards to mail home). We’re adding face masks and hand sanitizer
to the lineup now, too. Guests will have their temperatures taken regularly,
including upon arrival at all properties and before boarding any flight (including in
the bush).
When social distancing is not feasible, guests and staff must wear masks.
MICATO SAFARIS
Are there changes to housekeeping and staff interactions?
Our staff wear masks at all times and will limit their interactions with hotel and
camp staff. The “Safari Director” will gauge guests’ comfort level and adjust
accordingly. For example, in terms of housekeeping, guests may opt to forego daily
service if they wish.
Guests dine at private tables.
MICATO SAFARIS
Will travelers intermingle with many other guests?
No. Once you have started the safari, there are no crowds (except for the animals, of
course). Staff can also assist to keep travelers as isolated as possible should they
wish at the camps. Many of our safaris are custom trips, which include private
vehicles, but even if someone books one of our Classic (regularly scheduled) safaris,
guests can book a private vehicle for themselves.
Are guests required to wear masks?
Yes, guests will need to wear masks if they are somewhere where social distancing is
not possible. But while in the bush, this is infrequent.
Travelers see a variety of animal life on twice-daily game drives.
MICATO SAFARIS
Do travelers need any form of health insurance?
It is not required, but we strongly encourage our guests to purchase trip insurance
prior to traveling with us. This covers guests for pre-existing health conditions as
well as medical evacuations.
A safari is, naturally, designed around social distancing.
MICATO SAFARIS
What would you say to someone nervous about travel, but considering a
safari?
Keep updated on any changing travel restrictions. The U.S. Embassy still requires
Americans from California, Florida, and Texas to quarantine for 14 days upon their
arrival into Kenya. For everyone else, temperature checks and a health surveillance
form are part of the arrival process.
Based on web traffic and trip request information, we are seeing significant interest in
safaris, but it has not yet converted into actual bookings at comparable levels to years
past. This leads us to believe that travelers fall into three categories. Some are waiting
until a vaccine is available while others are interested now, but have some questions.
The third group is ready to go soon and doesn’t want to wait. For those with questions,
our safari specialists are available before and during any trip. Once people arrive in East
Africa, a Micato “Safari Director” is there to take care of them and anticipate their
wants and needs every step of the way.
A typical game drive on safari.
MICATO SAFARIS
If someone books a 2021 safari, are there any restrictions if they change
their mind?
Most of our customers for earlier this year postponed their trips to later this year
and next year; those that canceled were given full refunds even though we had
already paid non-refundable deposits to camps, airlines, and other suppliers. We
will continue to adapt our cancellation policies to be flexible given the current
situation so that people can make the travel decisions that are right for them.
Like other international airlines restarting U.S. service, Kenya Airways
will resume its nonstop flight from New York in late October. Is this the
easiest option for safari travel going forward?
It is certainly a good option – and one that our U.S. team uses frequently. We have
also seen an uptick in guests opting to fly via private aircraft. Other airlines have
restarted flights to Nairobi via their European hubs including KLM and Lufthansa.
Guests enjoy sundowner cocktails after a private game drive. Staff wear masks, and sanitizer is readily available.
MICATO SAFARIS
Will the popular safari tradition of “sundowners” continue?
Yes, absolutely. One of the great experiences of safari life is enjoying your drink of
choice while watching the sun set over the savanna. Snacks are now individually
wrapped and presented (rather than buffet-style), and there will be plenty of hand
sanitizer. As they say, the show must go on.
