Update information for travellers departing South Africa from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport: you can get COVID-19 PCR-tests and collect your certificate at the airport prior to departure.

National Health Laboratory Service (www.nhls.ac.za/) is operating three mobile COVID-19 Test Units in clearly identifiable vans located opposite the InterContinental Hotel, in front of the Police Station, on the lower level of the airport complex.

The service is available 24/7 according to Port Health Services, at a cost of ZAR600 (cash, cheque cards and credit cards are accepted, except American Express) per person. Children under five years old do not require a test.

Results are available in four to six hours and the traveller is advised by SMS that the test result and certificate are ready for collection. After testing, travellers can wait for the SMS at the airport or nearby, collect the certificate, and proceed to fly. Alternatively, the test may be done a day or two prior to departure if preferred, and the certificate collected on the day of departure.

We have now received official notification... as of today, 09 November the airports at Gaborone, Maun and Kasane are open to commercial flights again.

As of 01 December, most of the land borders will also re-open (including Kazungula,  and Ngoma - both essential for tourists travel from to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.

All visitors need to present a valid negative Covid-19 test (PCR) no older than 72 hours prior to arrival in Botswana. All arrivals will also be screened for Covid-19 symptoms.

Some more good news - it looks as if Botswana is opening fully to visitors on Monday, 09 November. At present only Maun and Kasane Airports are open to charter flights.

With the further opening for Tourism, this means some exceptional arrangements are on offer for Safari visitors. Now, more than ever, it may be time to plan a visit.