As a tourism entrepreneur, I have experienced the depths of the challenges first hand. 2020 was going to be our busiest year ever! On 13th March 2020, we called our entire All Out Africa staff together across 3 countries for an emergency meeting: How to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 as a tourism business? What to expect? Wow, it has been tough! Looking back there is not much we could have done differently.

COVID-19 in Southern Africa and Emotional Wellbeing

With the travel restrictions and lockdowns implemented across the world, everyone has experienced emotional downs and ups. Anxiety, depression and mental health have deteriorated (https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/05/04/mental-health-coronavirus/).

All Out Africa went from a thriving growing travel business to one where income suddenly crashed to zero overnight. I recall sitting with my head in my hands wondering how we would stay afloat. We have had to make some very tough decisions. With no government relief for salaries, our staff team has dwindled. We’ve struggled to cope with the economic and social challenges this has placed on us, our beneficiaries and associated communities. Uncertainty has been the order of the day.

COVID-19 and Tourism Restrictions in Southern Africa

Lockdowns in southern Africa happened quickly. Travel halted and a lot of economic activity came to a grinding halt. The discovery of the 501Y.V2. variant in South Africa has resulted in it being labelled the “South African Variant” although it is present worldwide and it is not certain where it originated. This discovery has led many countries to impose special restrictions on travellers from South Africa.

As infections receded the lockdowns eased in southern Africa and the economy breathed. The second wave of infection spread and travel restrictions were again implemented. The longer it went on the harder it has been for tourism businesses to stay afloat. I remember thinking surely the restrictions would not last longer than a year – little hope! Now I find myself hoping it won’t last longer than 2 years!

COVID-19 and Tourism in 2021

Early 2021 has been a time of introspection, grit and crystal ball gazing. As the All Out Africa family, we are immensely proud of what we have managed to accomplish during this time and how our team has coped through the challenges. We are hugely grateful to our supporters and partners who have enabled us to continue so much of the good work we do. Thank you, without you, it would not have been impossible.

All Out Africa Team

The vaccine rollout has been encouraging although it has been desperate to see Africa last on most distribution lists. It has been heartening to see the growth in local travel and All Out Africa has used the chance to launch some new experiences which add some exciting diversity to our products. We remain hopeful of travel opening up in the second half of 2021 although it is likely to be slow in recovering.

Tourism Recovery in Southern Africa

So how will the recovery be? Likely slow since many tourism businesses from airlines to travel agents to hotels and activity companies have failed. It does seem clear that people are eager to travel and when they can, they will. We’re hopeful that being largely in the youth market and being focused on experiential travel and longer trips All Out Africa will be at the front of the recovery line for tourism in southern Africa. When exactly tourism bounces back for good and how quickly is anyone’s guess at this stage.

All Out Africa Coping and Evolving

What’s keeping us going you ask? Well, our projects have become even more important and necessary as the socio-economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown. Our social projects in Eswatini have tackled hunger, poverty, education and life-skill development.

All Out Africa doing food parcel deliveries

Our Savannah Conservation project has produced a wealth of important field progress. This is despite the research camp being flooded out as the Mbuluzi River burst it’s banks during Cyclone Eloise.

The Savannah Research Centre camp being flooded

Our Marine Conservation project has gone through some exciting changes in office, accommodation & dive partners that we feel will help raise it to the next level.

Tilak Lodge new volunteer accommodation

We’ve had to get creative with our experiences and tailor some to the local market. We’ve added some great new hiking and day tour experiences to our Eswatini tours. We’ve been limited by restrictions on our South Africa and Mozambique tours, but have been making some good preparations for future trips.

All in all, we are optimistic about the future and grateful for what we have, despite the current challenges.

Written by Kim Roques, Founder and Director of All Out Africa.

Where are you from?

Denmark

What project did you sign up for?

Brian: Building

Camilla and kids: Sports education

What do you do for a living?

Brian: Building consultant

Camilla: High school teacher (biology and sports-science)

What does volunteering mean to you?

Making a difference for people in need, and in this case, as a bonus, experiencing and learning about another country and culture.

Reason for choosing All Out Africa?

Inspired by the information we were given by our travel agency, Travel Alott. As a family with 2 kids, we thought it was meaningful to work with and help, other kids.

Your experience as a volunteer, did it had any positive impact on your life?

Travelling and experiencing other countries and cultures, will almost always have long term positive impact. It is in our opinion essential, in order to learn and understand the world we live in. Through volunteering for All Out Africa, we were given the privilege of meeting many local people, hearing their story and learning about their life. Yes, we as Europeans, have many privileges, but do we live a happier life? Not necessarily!

Click here if you would like to know more about our SPORTS DEVELOPMENT and Build A Future

Where are you from?

I live in Holland but I am British.

What project did you sign up for?

I signed up for the 6 weeks Kruger to coast  project and chose childcare as my voluntary work

What do you do for a living?

I am just finishing my gap year but I worked at a wedding venue for 7 months.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Bringing a smile on people’s faces to those that are less fortunate, working side to side with others and connecting with others to work towards a goal, being able to give your own time and attention for the benefit of others, showing you care and wanting to make a difference and also I wanted to explore and experience a culture/country that I didn’t know much about.

Reason for choosing All Out Africa?

I signed up for Kruger to Coast via a Dutch agency, so I didn’t actually know I would be working with All Out Africa. I found out when I arrived in Eswatini. I now will definitely recommend All Out Africa!

Your experience as a volunteer, did it had any positive impact on your life?

It had a huge impact on my life. I appreciate the things I have in life so much more than I did before coming on this trip. My experience as a volunteer allowed me to connect with new people and learn new skills. This trip will be a memory that I will cherish forever.

Click here if you would like to know more about our Childcare (Eswatini)