In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dancing Zebra Safari is doing all we can to ensure the safety of our travelers which is always our #1 priority. We are in the process of postponing several safaris which were scheduled to occur this summer. While it is disappointing for our guests not to visit Africa as soon as we all had planned, we recognize the seriousness of the situation, and we have no hesitation in helping our guests follow the advice of the experts to keep everyone safe at home and abroad.
We thought now would be a good time for general tips about how to stay healthy while traveling even in the best of times.
1. Always get enough rest.
This tip is one of the simplest, but also one of the most important. Some travelers prefer to spend their vacations relaxing, while others love to pack in as much activity as they can. You are in a new place, after all, and you'd like to see it all!
However, particularly if you are traveling into a new timezone and are likely to feel jet-lagged, it can be easy to neglect proper sleep. At Dancing Zebra Safari, we love to build itineraries that balance your taste for new adventures with an appropriate amount of downtime to maximize your enjoyment. Lack of sleep and overactivity make one especially susceptible to illness, and it's difficult to enjoy the trip of a lifetime if you spend it sick in bed. Proper sleep is one of the best and easiest ways to avoid that.
2. Get the recommended vaccines and medicines.
Many African countries have required vaccines. Many will are included in your routine vaccinations. However, we advise consulting with your doctor for specific medicines and vaccinations recommended for you.
3. Carry wet wipes on you at all times.
Just as the CDC has been reminding us lately, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is always the most reliable way to kill germs on your hands. However, out in the bush or exploring a foreign city, you may not know exactly when you'll be back at your accommodation or the next time you'll be around a sink with soap and water. Carrying wet wipes on your person is a great way to make sure you have something to sanitize your hands with when you need it. And the best part? Unlike bottles of hand sanitizer, you won't have to worry about the ounces that you can carry onto the plane. You can take them right in your carry-on without issue.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Especially on a safari, when you may be out on a game drive for hours at a time, staying hydrated is top priority. We will always have water available to you, but no matter where you are going – whether on an African safari or a walk around your neighborhood – carrying a water bottle is a great habit to get into. It's great for your body and your immune system. It also helps you keep up your energy during long, sunny days.
We know that these are trying times. But we are glad to be doing what we can to make sure you will have the opportunity for the trip of a lifetime once things settle down. For now, we're following expert health guidelines and rescheduling accordingly, doing our part to flatten the curve. We look forward to making more unforgettable memories!