New Insider Access Experiences in South Africa

We are excited to launch two new experiences in Constantia and Franschhoek.

Constantia Wine Walk & Story Telling

A journey through the Constantia Valley, Cape Town’s oldest wine region. This unique “Sip-and-Stroll” experience combines a scenic walking tour along private vineyard trails connecting three iconic wine estates, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, and Buitenverwachting. Immerse in the captivating history and stories of Constantia and its people and explore the picturesque landscape nestled amongst majestic mountains. Indulge in curated wine tastings that highlight the region’s unique terroir and a harvest platter lunch. This immersive experience offers a blend of gentle exercise, stunning scenery, rich history, and exquisite wine, creating lasting memories of Cape Town’s renowned wine heritage.

Meet photojournalist – Mark Peters

In Franschhoek, starting at the historic Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison), meet photojournalist – Mark Peters, the renowned photojournalist who captured the iconic first photograph of Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison. The statue of Nelson Mandela at the prison entrance is a replica of that very photograph, as Mark shares the extraordinary story behind this pivotal moment in history. He will recount his personal encounters and share stories from his distinguished career as a photojournalist during a transformative era in South Africa. This exclusive experience offers a personal connection to a significant historical event and a unique opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from someone who witnessed it all. We can also arrange a lunch or dinner with Mark Peters in Cape Town.

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South Africa remains OPEN to International guests

On 11 January 2021, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that South African land borders would be closed until 15 February 2021 which means travel across borders by vehicle would be prohibited however air travel is still allowed. Therefore, International travel is still allowed and Akorn guests are not affected by this ruling as they always fly between South Africa and Namibia, Botswana Zimbabwe and or Mozambique. 

Please click here for up to date information for South Africa including International travel status, access, entry requirements and PCR Testing options. 

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South Africa is Travel Ready

South Africa has opened its borders to all International Travellers and we look forward to welcoming guests back to our beautiful country.

Click here to see our COVID-19 protocol.

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Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required for entry into South Africa

When planning your next holiday, please make sure that you have read all the health entry requirements for your intended destination. Due to the high incidents of yellow fever in other countries along with other infectious illnesses, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) South Africa has introduced a strict programme to control the importation of these diseases. Warnings have been issued to all border officials and foreign affairs missions to enforce stricter control. 

A valid international yellow fever certificate is required for all passengers over the age of one, travelling from a yellow fever risk country or having been in transit exceeding twelve hours, through the airport of a country with risk of Yellow fever transmission. 

Passengers who are unable to produce a valid international certificate of vaccination on arrival in South Africa will either be placed under quarantine surveillance until their certificate becomes valid or a period not more than six days or refused entry into South Africa. Please note that passengers in transit in Dakar and Accra (not leaving the aircraft), do not require a certificate. The yellow fever certificate becomes valid/offers protection 10 days after date of vaccination.

Please note the new regulations are valid with immediate effect. It is important that you check with a qualified health professional for the most current information concerning your travel itinerary and personal health history.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into South Africa when travelling to, via or from any of the below mentioned countries: 
Central and South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela
Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cote D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Liberia, Mali, Muritania, Nigeria, Niger, Panama, Senegal Sierra Leone, Southern Sudan, Sudan, Togo and Uganda.    

Travellers from Zambia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Somalia, Sao Tome and Principe will no longer be required to produce proof of the yellow fever certificate when coming to South Africa after they were included on the World Health Organization Low risk yellow fever countries list. 

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