We want you to book & travel in confidence

+ Is travel to East Africa possible?

Yes, it certainly is! The entry requirements and Covid-19 regulations for each country differ and are evolving with time, but Africa awaits to welcome travelers. Especially small groups of travelers looking to explore remote, pristine, uncrowded areas in the wild while on safari/trip or holiday at quiet islands and beaches.

Generally, all countries require a negative Covid-19 certificate, among other documents. Upom making a booking with Watatu, our team will aid you in checking for the latest updates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and state departments, to ensure the safest way to travel.

+ How do current Covid rules affect my travels?

For those traveling to Tanzania, you will be expected to do the following:

• Show a negative Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival
• Fill in a Health Declaration Form upon entry

Travelers arriving from countries with new Covid-19 variants may be subject to additional regulations set by the Tanzanian government and authorities.

Before leaving Tanzania and for those going back home to Spain, you must do the following:

• Register for and get a negative Covid-19 PCR test done in Tanzania no later than 72 hours before departure (be mindful of where you will be on the last 2-3 days of your trip and book your testing in/near that region). Travelers are advised to book their slot at an authorized medical center/lab. Results can be obtained online. Alternatively, Watatu team can help you register, if required. Here are some helpful links to book your PCR test:
  • online booking portal for north or mainland Tanzania
  • online booking portal for Zanzibar
• Fill in the following form on return to Spain

+ Do I need to be (Covid) vaccinated before I travel?

As of yet, it is not absolutely mandatory to be fully vaccinated before one travels. But in general, depending on which country you are traveling to, you may be exempted from quarantine. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend you check such requirements before you travel.

Fully vaccinated travelers (with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization) are less likely to get and spread COVID-19, but they must still follow all standard recommendations for traveling safely.

+ What is my duty as a traveler?

During such times, all of us are required to be more mindful and independelty responsible when it comes to ensuring safety and well-being for all. The CDC recommends the following for all travelers:

• Before you travel

Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine. Information about travel during these times is changing regularly, so make sure to check the current Covid-19 situation in your destination before traveling. Especially if you haven't been vaccinated, get a viral test done.

• While you are traveling

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth to protect yourself and others. Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).

• After travel

Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel. Stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel. Stay especially far away from people who are at increased risk of severe illness, whether you tested positive or not. Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

+ How is Watatu making sure I'm safe from Covid?

We recognize that the Covid-19 virus has required all of us to be more mindful as we go through our regular activities. At Watatu, health and safety will always remaing a top priority, and we are now intensifying our measures to ensure stringent adherence to recommended guidelines and doing our part in minimizing the risk of Covid.

You can be rest assured that our staff and local partners have all been briefed on Covid-19-specific training. The accommodation, transportation, food and beverage providers that we partner with have everything in place to protect our travelers and staff, and to ensure that they meet the latest guidance from the WHO and other international organisations on hygiene and cleaning. You can find out more about our Covid-specific health and safety measures when speaking with our team on a call and planning your Watatu trip.

+ What is the cancellation policy if I get Covid?

If a traveler cancels due to any other Covid-19 related reason, the following terms and conditions apply:

• A full refund can be granted if the cancellation request is relayed to us 30 days before arrival to the destination. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of cancellation notice. Refunds will be sent by the same method in which payments were made.
• A 50% cancellation charge applies if the cancellation request is relayed 29 – 14 days before arrival. Alternatively, customers can choose to postpone their trip to future dates (move the full amount paid to the new dates).
• A 100% cancellation charge applies if the cancellation request comes 13 days or less before arrival.

In order to fulfill our responsibilities to our guests in upholding our standard as well as special Covid-19 related safety protocols, a lot goes into preparations for every trip. Multiple reservations, mobilization of staff, quarantining them, ordering necessary supplies, etc. are all unrecoverable costs for Watatu Travel within the short period of time before arrival. For this reason, we charge the cancellation rates.

Important note: All travelers are required to assume full, non-financial and financial responsibility for any medical requirements related to Covid-19, medical tests, investigation report fees, etc. asked of them before traveling to their destination, during their trip at the destination and before returning to their residing countries.

+ Can I postpone my trip?

If there is an official ban or advisory outbound from a country where a guest is based or inbound into the part of Africa where they are due to travel, the following exceptions to our terms and conditions apply:

• Bookings confirmed and secured with a deposit will be eligible for postponement of travel for up to a year in advance on a rolling 60-day basis, but changes and final confirmations must be made no later than 60 days before arrival or before the new arrival date.
• Bookings that are postponed within the above-mentioned 60-day window will be honoured at the same rates if traveling within the same season and if the trip scope remains unchanged. All long-stay rates, discount rates and any other value-adds will also be carried over to the new dates. In the event of any significant changes to governments or local fees that are out of the control of Watatu Travel or the agreements Watatu Travel has with its partners, the change in rates will be communicated immediately to the client.
• Multiple postponements are permitted if the new travel dates continue to be impacted by Covid-19 related travel restrictions, but within 60 days of arrival.
• If any postponements are requested after a one-year period from the original arrival date, new 2022 rates will apply.