Fears surrounding the current outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have prompted Jenman African Safaris to update its booking and cancellation policies, and to provide precautionary health tips for Guided Group Safaris.
In terms of taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of travellers on tour, Jenman will hand out a “health passport” to each traveller. The health passport lists information provided by medical doctors on not only the COVID-19 (what it is, how it spreads and the effects of it), but also useful tips on staying healthy and ways to self-monitor.
“With our health passports, that contain only factual and practical information, we aim to be ambassadors of facts, not fear and fury [about COVID-19] and we hope this will help encourage travellers to do the same,” said Jenman African Safaris ceo Katja Quasdorf.
“People’s health is our highest priority. And we also have a responsibility to safeguard their livelihoods.”
Agents can also assure their clients that all of Jenman’s team members, including their tour guides, are constantly updated with the latest health and safety precautions provided by medical advisors. In addition, the tour guides are regularly briefed on appropriate action plans, and all suppliers are frequently advised on the best ways to increase hygiene levels across their properties and safaris.
Travellers should also know that thorough health screenings are conducted at all airports, and hand sanitisers are being used and distributed throughout the tours.
Advise for Agents – Changes to Cancellation Policy
Agents should note that the below conditions apply only to bookings confirmed on or after 28 Feb 2020 and for travel by 28 May 2021.
· Where travellers are not feeling comfortable travelling on the dates already booked with Jenman African Safaris, agents may reschedule the booking for up to 15 months from the booked date.
· Amended bookings that fall in a season where higher rates apply, travellers will be required to pay the difference from the original booking.
· Should travellers wish to cancel their bookings, standard cancellation fees apply.
· Jenman African Safaris maintains the right to change the above policy according to the best interests of its partners and clients.
To help manage travellers’ expectations, Jenman has also provided some tips to help agents combat potential cancellations. These include monitoring the situation with a live map highlighting the affected travel areas; reassuring travellers of the zero presence of the virus in Southern and Eastern Africa; and again reminding travellers that there is thorough screenings at all airports to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every traveller.
While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Southern Africa, the team at Jenman will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep all partners informed of any changes.
For more information, agents can call 1800 140 835 or email info@jenmansafaris.com.
IMAGE: Jenman African Safaris/Credit: B. Fogarty
