As we look toward the 2026 and 2027 seasons and beyond, Africa is opening up in some truly beautiful ways, but with a few new logistical checkpoints to keep in mind. Since we’re on the ground here, we’ve rounded up the most important updates to ensure your journey remains as seamless as a sunset over the Luangwa.
1. The Zanzibar Safety Stamp
If your heart is set on a Bush & Beach finale in Zanzibar, there’s a new detail for your travel prep. Since October 2024, Zanzibar now requires all foreign visitors to hold mandatory inbound travel insurance provided by the local government.
- The Edit: Even if you have a world-class policy from home, this local cover is required for entry. It is sorted online via the official portal before you fly, and it provides coverage for the duration of your stay. We’ll guide you through the process during your booking to ensure it’s one less thing for you to think about.
2. Visa (EATV)
For those dreaming of the ultimate East African circuit, perhaps tracking gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi before heading to the Mara for the Migration, the East Africa Tourist Visa is your best friend for 2026 and beyond.
- The Edit: This single visa covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for up to 90 days. It saves you the border-post shuffle and is much more efficient than applying for three separate entries. Just remember: you must apply through the country where you’ll be landing first.
3. Botswana’s New Wild Luxury Icons
If you’ve already fallen in love with the Delta, 2026 is the year to return. We are particularly excited about the opening of Singita Elela and Sediba Sa Rona in the Khwai Concession.
- The Edit: These lodges are redefining low impact, high sensory travel. Think private plunge pools that double as elephant watering holes and a level of silence that’s becoming the rarest luxury of all. Because these are already the talk of the bush, we’re recommending a 14-month lead time for these specific gems.
4. Direct to the Dust: New Airstrips
Getting to the remote corners of Namibia just got a little more elegant. New airstrips in the Hoanib Valley will be operational from May 2026, cutting down transfer times significantly.
- The Edit: This means more time with the desert-adapted wildlife and less time in the transfer lane. It’s the kind of small infrastructure win that makes a big difference to your daily rhythm on safari.
