With the announcement of South Africa re-opening international borders from October 1, the country is gearing up to welcome travellers once again.
Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that are deemed high risk, with a list of these countries set to be announced in the coming days, and all international travellers will be required to present a COVID-19 free certificate dated no later than 72 hours within their date of arrival or quarantine on arrival.
Kgomotso Ramothea, acting hub head UK & Ireland, South African Tourism, said: ?We are very encouraged by President Ramaphosa?s announcement that South Africa will open its borders for international flights on October 1. This is an extremely positive step in the right direction for tourism in South Africa. The UK is our number one international travel market, many of these are repeat visitors, who have an emotional connection to South Africa and we look forward to welcoming them back to experience our beautiful country once again, as well as first time travellers who have always had South Africa on their bucket list and who we hope will seize the opportunity to visit after a difficult year. With the announcement, that Virgin Atlantic plans to resume flights to the country from October 18, it demonstrates that consumer confidence is returning. ?
The British and Irish Lions international rugby union tour will take place in South Africa July 24- August 7, 2021 and see the teams play a three-match test series against South Africa in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Ticket and holiday packages are on sale now. www.lionstour.com/2021/
Located in one of the most iconic tourist destinations atop a historical bridge, Kruger Shalati the Train on a Bridge is set to open December 2020, following the transformation of 13 historical train carriages into luxury hotel accommodation. The train hotel will be permanently stationed on the Selati railway bridge at Kruger National Park?s Skukuza Camp, Kruger National Park. Your guests can watch wild animals roam freely underneath them. www.krugershalati.com/
Located in the Kogelberg Biosphere, in the Western Cape, one of the world?s richest floral reserves, the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa in Hermanus opened on April 1, and is now welcoming visitors to explore the stunning natural surroundings, modern accommodation and wellness. www.tsogosun.com/arabella
Shamwari Private Game Reserve has re-opened its wildlife rehabilitation centre which opened last year, focusing on injured or orphaned animals, enabling them to be returned to wild rather than habituated to humans. www.shamwari.com
andBeyond has launched private virtual safaris to help fund conservation initiatives and the reserves they manage. www.andbeyond.com
