Destinations Africa

18/05/2024

This trip to SA is totally jinxed!! Right knee for injured on flight over making it very hard to walk around. Bought a knee support that does very little. Then I got this dreaded lurgy. Horrible cough and chest infection. Also have conjunctivitis now. My eyes are deep red and producing prodigious amounts of "gunk". No sleep as a result. Mazlow is the second hotel that does not have hot water. A luke warm shower last night and only a cold wash this morning. Then to cap it all off I lost my passport!! Not handed in anywhere and made a police report. I contacted Kristy at SOA to try and find the driver who delivered us to the airport this morning. After a while she got hold of him and asked him to check the car. He said it was not there! Then the phone rang and Kirsty said the driver has found it behind and under the seat. Whew!! What a relief.
Anyway we are now at the boarding gate to Skukuza. So what can go wrong.? Plane crash, Elephant take us out, Lion jumps into the vehicle. Oh hell bu**er it. We will just carry on.!!😵‍💫🥴😉😡🤔

26/04/2024

Bear this in mind always. Be kind to animals and respect their right to life.

Sir David Attenborough

25/02/2024

We have a vacancy for an experienced full time travel consultant. You have Africa experience. Position is based in Nelson Bay. NSW. Remuneration and terms are negotiable.
For more information:

Contact: John Mitchell-Adams
[email protected]
+61 411 749627

28/10/2023

Well done and well played South Africa. Rugby World Champions. Be proud of yourselves - another single point victory to this magnificent team. Now you can celebrate and relax. 🤗👏

25/06/2022

Africa is fully open to travel again. Most Covid-19 restrictions are now removed. Flights from Australia are increasing and Qantas Perth/Johannesburg direct from November. Contact us now for your personalised safari. +61 411749627

08/06/2022

Safaris to Africa are back again and we are fielding enquiries at an encouraging rate. As a result we are recruiting again. We are looking for a special person to fill the role as a full time Africa specialist consultant with management skills. You know Africa because you have either lived there or travelled there extensively. You also have travel/ tourism experience. You will need to be available to travel on educational trips to Africa as required. You will work from our base in Nelson Bay, NSW. Flexible hours and negotiable salary. To find out more call John Mitchell-Adams on +61 411 749627..

25/05/2022

Victoria Falls, otherwise known as “The Smoke That Thunders”, is the world’s largest waterfall and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of The World. The attraction is not only to go and witness the mighty Victoria Falls but the variety of other activities that both Zambia and Zimbabwe have to offer.

Whether you're looking for a lodge beside the Zambezi River amidst trees in Zimbabwe or a grand hotel where white-gloved waiters serve G&Ts on manicured lawns, Vic Falls caters to every style and budget. But knowing when to go and what to expect is important for planning your trip. For more information on planning a safari contact us at +61 411 749 627

25/05/2022

Now that International travel has returned we are receiving more enquiries for safaris. Sue is going flat out serving clients who postponed earlier bookings and I am doing the rest including all new enquiries. We will be needing an additional travel consultant soon so if you know Africa and know the industry we would love to hear from you. Can you refer someone? Contact: John Mitchell-Adams on +61 411 749 627.

06/05/2022

Can anyone who attended Indaba 2022 give some real feedback? How many exhibitors and from which African countries? How many "buyers" and again from which countries? What was the general satisfaction level? Was it worth the cost to exhibitors and buyers? Were there many new "products" and services to be found? How good was the organisation? Interested to know as we could not attend due to very short notice and timeframe from the organisers but next year could well be different. Thanks!🤔🤔🥴

28/04/2022

International travel is back! Africa is open and we are receiving new requests to plan safaris. Clients who recently travelled and returned tell us that there were no issues at all and everything ran very smoothly without undue delays. Sounds a lot better than traveling in Australia!! So why wait? We can get you great safaris this year and, of course, into 2023, We are always available to discuss your plans so don't hesitate to call any time - day, night, week-ends are all good. 0411749627 or check our website: www.destinationsafrica.com.au

07/02/2022

Africa is open. It is time to book your safari!


Imagine relaxing by the fire with a refreshing drink in your hand, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. During your latest game drive you saw a large pride of lions lazing about the shade of a massive tree while their cubs played among them. You cannot wait to share this anecdote with your family and friends when you return home…
Well the time has come for you to book your holiday, pack your bags and purchase your flights. Africa is open and cannot wait to welcome you to its shores.
It has been a long time coming for Australians to visit South Africa again. Qantas made an exciting announcement when their flights between Sydney and Johannesburg resumed earlier this year. This popular route commenced with three weekly flights between the two major cities.
Upon entry to South Africa, you need to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before your departure for South Africa and confirm that you are fully vaccinated against Covid -19.
Restrictions on returning to Australia from South Africa have been eased. Even though a negative PCR test is still preferred, a negative RAT test taken 24 hours before your departure to Australia will also be accepted. Citizens who contracted Covid-19 while visiting Africa, can now be cleared to travel to Australia after 7 days of testing positive. This has been reduced from 14 days.
Several other countries and airlines have also eased their restrictions on travelling to South Africa.
The Zimbabwean Government has also jumped on board with easing their restrictions to enter the country. They announced on 28 January that there will be no more mandatory quarantine for travellers who enter Zimbabwe. Only a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before departure for Zimbabwe will now be necessary.
This comes as great news to the tourism industry, as it is the fourth pillar to the Zimbabwean economy. With April 2022 seeing a rise in tourists who are booking lodges and who are eager to visit the Victoria Falls and surrounding areas, it will have a positive impact on the communities, conservancy, and it will benefit the economy of the country.
There are a number of airlines that will resume flights to Victoria Falls including British Airways (operated by Comair), Kenya Airways and Airlink. Emirates is to resume flights to Harare.
30 June 2022 will see the introduction of four weekly Fastjet flights between Victoria Falls and Maun – the gateway to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Fastjet will also introduce flights from Victoria Falls to Nelspruit, which is in close proximity to the greater Kruger National Park Conservancy. These flights link the region’s prime tourist destinations.
In addition, the latest available official figures show that 86% of the adult population at Victoria Falls are vaccinated.
There is no time like the present to book your holiday to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Other Southern African countries have followed suit with easing their restrictions. The likes of Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia all require a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. None of these countries expect tourists to quarantine. However, you will have to be vaccinated to enter Botswana.
Travel to East Africa.
You are not the only one. East Africa has been attracting tourists from all over the world for many years. The Masai Mara and Serengeti have been attracting thousands of visitors every year prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. If the Wildebeest and Zebra migration has been on your bucket list, the time has come for you to experience this natural wonder.
Kenyan borders are open to all nationalities. Their tourism industry is booming once again with lodges filling up quickly from June 2022 onwards.
A full Covid-19 vaccination certificate is required upon entry. You will also have to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to your departure. There is no need to quarantine upon your arrival.
Trekking the Gorillas is also on the cards for those who want to travel to Rwanda to see these magnificent beasts. The Rwandan Government announced their easing of Covid-19 restrictions at the end of January this year, following the decline of infections in Rwanda.
Travellers to Rwanda will no longer have to quarantine when they arrive in the country. However, they will need to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken 72 hours before their arrival. An additional PCR test is mandatory upon arrival and travellers will have to take a RAT test three days after arrival.
What if I test positive for Covid-19 whilst in Africa?
Rest assured that the safety of our clients has and always will be the main priority of Destinations Africa. That is why we work with hands-on, competent ground operators who are able to assist if ever and whenever a crisis arises.
Should you, at any time, test positive during your itinerary, our ground operators will arrange transfers to and accommodation at a registered quarantine hotel. These hotels will have the necessary protocols in place to act as a quarantine facility.
In the severe case where you need to be hospitalised, you will be transferred to a private hospital to ensure the best possible treatment.
Restrictions are being lifted. Protocols are in place for your safety. More and more people are being vaccinated by the day. Flights are resuming and lodges are filling up fast. Now is the best time to consider your trip to Africa in 2022 and 2023. Book now to avoid disappointment!

06/01/2022

Exciting news!! We are delighted to note that Qantas recommenced its service between Sydney and Johannesburg yesterday. We have waited so long for this and it is an important step in the process of us being able to get you to the worlds best wild life safaris in Africa.
With the omicron version of Covid now well established globally it is also very pleasing to see that South Africa has peaked and the numbers of positive cases are reducing rapidly. The Covid protocols in Africa have proven to be exceptionally effective in protecting you from catching the virus whilst on safari.

So come on and talk to us about planning your personalised safari whilst space is still available this year. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

19/12/2021

What a year it has been! Now that it is nearly over we stop and think of family, friends and the many others who have crossed our lives during the last year. We have not been able to see so many of you due to the lockdowns and other restrictions that we have faced - but you have never been forgotten. All of us at Destinations Africa wish you a Blessed Christmas filled with love and family and friends with you. We also wish you an amazing 2022 with all our troubles left behind as we reconnect again. ❤

01/12/2021

We know there’s been much hype over the last few days with regards to the latest developments for travel to Southern Africa with regards to the most recent COVID announcements, however despite the impulsive decision taken by Australia against allowing travel, we remain hopeful that Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa will remain open and international travel will continue to our special part of Africa as things become more clear. At this stage, as we have learned over the past two years, we can only work off of the information we have for now and as things continue to change so too can we adapt, either way.

For now we are handling the situation as follows:
• All upcoming tours for December 2021 and January 2022 we are handling on a case by case basis
• Any new bookings will be treated with the same flexible COVID Terms and Conditions and all bookings will be handled individually to best accommodate our guests
• For all other bookings confirmed for 2022, we ask that for now, you hang tight and bear with us. Things may look very different within a few days, weeks and months. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We will keep you posted as we know how things are developing and stay on top of the latest changes that may well affect your travel closer to your travel dates.
• What we have learnt is that a holiday has never been more necessary given the current times, so we continue to take new enquiries and bookings and we remain flexible to ensure you get the holiday you deserve.
We are always on hand and ready to assist. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us. [email protected]
+61 2 49849747
+61 411 749627
With thanks to Sense of Africa - our trusted African partner.

28/11/2021

South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has noted the latest reports of a new Covid-19 variant (B.1.1.529) by South African scientists. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) yesterday, advised that 22 positive cases of the B.1.1.529 variant have been recorded in the country.

SA Tourism applauds diligence and swiftness of local scientists who quickly discovered the variant through collaborative efforts with laboratories and the Network For Genomic Surveillance In South Africa. South Africa’s epidemiological reputation is world-class, and South African Tourism has complete confidence in the country’s health sector, which has demonstrated resilience, competence and excellent expertise since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020.

Although there is limited data at this stage, experts are working around the clock, using established surveillance systems to understand the new variant and to allow for the most effective interventions.

The country’s National Coronavirus Command Council, decision making body informing government’s response to curb the spread of Covid-19 and to deal with the consequences of the pandemic, is planned to meet in the next few days, to discuss further interventions to curb the spread of the variant. South Africa’s scientist as well as government health officials and authorities will also soon meet with the World Health Organisation in this regard.

South African borders remain open and South Africa is ready to welcome leisure tourist and business events delegates from all over the world who wish to come to South Africa. Inter-provincial travel also remains in place so people in South Africa can continue to explore and enjoy the many varied and fun things to do in the country.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, South Africa’s businesses have provided safe tourism products, venues and establishments by implementing and adhering to globally-benchmarked health and safety protocols. The importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as compulsory wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and regular washing of hands as well as socially-distanced limited gatherings in well-ventilated spaces remain in place. The safety of South African residents and all visitors to the country remains of the utmost importance.

South Africa’s sunny summer climate allows for outdoor activities and fun experiences in wide open spaces. Whether it is a safari game drive in open-air vehicles, a hike or camping under the glorious African skies, a wine tasting in the vast wine lands, South Africa has lots of safe tourism products and experiences to create memorable moments and experiences.

The South African vaccination program has retained a steady momentum and as of 25th of November over 25 million doses having been administered. The country’s goal is still to vaccinate 70% of the adult population. The vaccination of 12-17 year olds is also proceeding steadily.

As the 25th of November, there were 2 465 new COVID-19 positive cases over a period of 24hours with a daily death rate of 114 while the recovery is at 96.3%.

10/11/2021

Destinations Africa welcomes our newest travel consultant, Stephan Fanoy, who joined our team this week. A born and bred South African, Stephan has a background in marketing, public relations, and copywriting. Since his favourite type of holiday is going on safari, he is looking forward to helping you create the African holiday that you have always dreamed of. We are excited to have him on board.

Get in contact with Stephan via phone (61 2 4984 9747) or email ([email protected]).

22/10/2021

BREAKING NEWS!!!!

As promised, following on from the announcement of Australia’s international borders opening from 1 November 2021 to Australian citizens and their families, we now have updates to share on connectivity.

Excitingly, Qantas – currently the only airline offering direct flights from Australia into South Africa - has today announced it will bring forward the resumption of its Sydney – Johannesburg services to 5 January 2022.

Airlines offering services from Sydney via other countries will recommence from 1 November 2021 including Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and Qatar Airways (via Qatar).

The mobilisation follows confirmation from the Federal and New South Wales (NSW) Governments on the reopening date of international borders and the NSW government’s decision to remove quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated arrivals, which is anticipated to significantly increase travel demand.

Have a great weekend.

07/10/2021

With our borders about to re-open soon Destinations Africa has a vacancy for a full time and experienced Africa travel consultant based out of Nelson Bay, NSW, Australia. If you would like to be considered for this role please contact:
John Mitchell-Adams. +61 411749627. [email protected].

07/10/2021

The UK has removed Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe from their list of ‘red’ countries allowing for quarantine-free travel. This follows dramatic reductions in Covid-19 infections throughout the Southern African region. The UK’s new strategy focuses on vaccination status and infection rates in destination countries to reduce risk. We are delighted at this positive step forward which will allow these magnificent destinations to once again be experienced with ease. We are excited to welcome guests back to African soil and offer safe and unforgettable experiences in these regions.
All we need now is for Australia to do the same as Qantas has opened bookings for flights to Johannesburg from early next year. Come on Oz lets get this going!

05/10/2021

With Australia about to open its borders to International travel again soon we anticipate that there could well be a heavy demand for travel due to pent up pressures! Covid disrupted us very badly - not least the loss of staff due to no travel. If things move, as we think they will, we will be in a position to employ one or two experienced travel consultants again in the near future. If any of you is, or knows of, a person who is very knowledgeable about travel to Africa and its wildlife destinations and is interested in a travel consulting role please let me know. Comprehensive training will be carried out but one thing we cannot do is "train you on the Africa experience". You need to have experienced it personally. It so exciting to be able to look forward again!!
[email protected]. +61411749627

01/10/2021

Whoo hooo as Scot Morrison said! He states, after todays cabinet meeting, that Australia will now open our borders to international travel from November. Excellent news and some bright lights at the end of what has been a very dark and long tunnel. Fully vaxed travelers will be able to travel subject to conditions imposed by countries to be visited and airlines and will only have to do a 7 day home quarantine on returning. Unvaxed travelers have much greater restrictions and must quarantine for 2 weeks at a hotel. Also our African destinations will not allow unvaxed visitors to enter. There are also many airlines that will require passengers to be vaccinated. All the documents to prove you are vaccinated are in the process of being prepared to facilitate travelers on arrival in other countries. More to come as details emerge!
I checked on the Qantas web site today and I can book a return flight to Johannesburg in April at a sensible price so that augers well for our guests who want to travel next year. We are open for bookings now and stand ready to do all your planning for you including navigating the plethora of information regarding Covid in each country. Give us a call to chat about it.

24/09/2021

International Travel Update - September 2021

For nearly 19 months we have been anxiously awaiting the Government to open up our International borders and allow us to travel once more!
Well it seems as though we are now getting very close to seeing this happen and so we, at Destinations Africa, are making certain that we and you, are fully prepared to make your safari dreams come to fruition.

A little background first!
Covid forced those of you who had a booking for 2020, to postpone to 2021. Our staff worked very hard to make sure that we did the very best possible for you by trying to replicate exactly what was booked – although it was not always possible to do so. The pandemic continued and we were, once again, forced to postpone all 2021 bookings to 2022. Then we were faced with further uncertainties and had to postpone some 2022 bookings to later in the year or, in some cases, to 2023!!
This process has not only occurred with us, but all countries of the world, so there has been unprecedented pressure placed upon the Game Lodges, Hotels and Resorts in Africa, as far as availability of accommodation is concerned. They are filling fast and we need to capture as much of the available space as we can.

What does this mean to you? Well, under normal circumstances, our clients tend to book their safaris anywhere from 6 months to 18 months ahead. Safaris take planning and that takes time.

Tourism Minister Dan Tehan has stated:

“Australia is on track to lift travel restrictions by the end of the year”.
“I do empathise with the Australians who have been denied the opportunity to travel overseas this year,” Tehan said.
“It’s another reason why everyone should get vaccinated.”

After initial speculation hinted that Queensland would only open at 90% vaccination, the state yesterday confirmed they would follow the National Cabinet’s plan to open when the country hits its 80% target of vaccinated Aussies over 16 years old.
And Tehan was clear that this was the only way to open our borders.

“We have to stick to the national plan that will see our international border open up – at this rate by Christmas at the latest.”
“People will be able to freely travel outside of Australia, with no restrictions or no limitation,” he said.
“Obviously, it will be dependent on the requirements that are put in place of the countries that they are travelling with.”

According to Tehan, Australia’s vaccination certification QR code system is being tested for compatibility overseas.

“What we've seen so far and all the reports back, is that the QR code system – which has obviously been modelled on the international aviation organisation’s model of what they think is needed in a QR code – seems to be interoperable with most of the countries that we’ve been dealing with,” he said.
“So that when those international borders open and as I said in my speech, hopefully at the latest by Christmas, that Australians will be able to travel with a QR code link to their passport which will be able to show a proof of vaccination.”

This is perhaps the most positive indication that we have had from Government as to when we will be able to travel internationally again. It is good news!

Qantas have said that they will open flights to Johannesburg from April next year. Bookings are being taken already.

All the above adds up to Australians being able to travel to Africa again from April 2022. Of course you will have to be fully vaccinated and comply with any Covid protocols required by the county you visit, however none of them are too onerous to comply with. We are fully informed as to exactly what is required by each country so that we can make all the arrangements for you and avoid you falling into any traps along the way. All our African destinations are open to international visitors and some countries, such as Germany, already have two-way travel with no quarantine requirements.

What should you do? If you are thinking of going on a safari to Africa within the next 18 months or so, then you seriously need to start planning now or we risk not being able to find the space we want. We are ready to help you find your dream holiday.

Contact us now ( see our details below) to have a chat and tell us your African travel wishes. We are available 24/7 so please don’t hesitate to call/contact us at your convenience.

Contact us:
+61411749627
[email protected]

Visit our website : www.destinationsafrica.com.au

02/08/2021

The drums of Africa still beat in my heart. - Mary Bethune

30/07/2021

One cannot resist the lure of Africa. - Rudyard Kipling

29/07/2021

All your African travel dreams can come true! Visit the most spectacular African destinations with accommodation options to suit both discerning clients who expect the very best, as well as those who appreciate quality experiences and 5-star customer service. 👉 www.destinationsafrica.com.au

29/07/2021

🦓 Zebra, like many other large African herbivores, are constantly on the move in search of water and food.

28/07/2021

🦒 Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth. Their legs alone are taller than many humans.

28/07/2021

Batswana are a mesh of many different tribes, the main ones being the Tswana (79%), Kalanga (11%) and Basarwa (3% - these are the bushmen). Others include Bayei, Ovaherero (Herero), Basubiya, Hanbukushu, Bakgalagadi (Kgalakgadi).