Recently we received a lot of questions about the Corona situation in South Africa, particularly in and around the village (Hoedspruit) where the Homes of Africa holiday homes are located. We asked two homeowners who are currently residing in South Africa about their experiences. Read their report and findings below.
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Last Saturday we were back in Hoedspruit after 9 months. We are Marjon Jager and Harm-Peter Post from Villa Impala. At the end of last year we received the key and planned to go here a number of times with friends and family this year. We rented out our house for 21 weeks in mid-February. Unfortunately Covid-19 threw a spanner in the works. On November 12, 2020, South Africa has reopened its borders to foreign tourists. We booked a ticket the next day.
When we arrived at Johannesburg airport last Saturday, we immediately had to show our negative PCR test (mandatory) and our temperature was measured. It is mandatory, as in the Netherlands, to wear a mouth mask at the airport. It always takes a while to get through customs. You will receive a stamp with the date in your passport. There are several car rental companies at the airport, where you will always receive friendly assistance. It is not necessary, but if you want to go to the viewpoint Mariepskop, for example, a 4×4 is recommended. An SUV is always nice, especially if you want to go to Kruger Park. Because you are higher up, you can see the wild animals better
This time we drove a new route with our rental car via Pretoria, Polokwane, Tzaneen to Hoedspruit (500 km). We drove it for 5.5 hours. It is a beautiful route and there are no potholes in the way.
We arrived at our villa at 7:00 PM and could just watch the sun set behind our beautiful marula tree. Afterwards we went for a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant The Hat & Creek. Here too, your temperature will be measured and your hands will be disinfected at check-in. It is not mandatory to wear a mouth mask. The operators do wear a mouth mask. It is so nice to be able to go out for dinner and to be back in Hoedspruit. In the supermarket everyone wears a face mask and you can disinfect your hands and the shopping cart upon arrival. The Kruger Park is open for visitors, your temperature is also measured and you have to fill in a questionnaire. You are not allowed to enter the park at a temperature higher than 37.3. Today we saw another new Covid-19 overview and there are currently 2 active cases in Maruleng Municipality with a population of 95,000 residents. It feels safe and pleasant here and the average temperature of 28 degrees is wonderful.
This blog post was written on December 6, 2020 by home owner: Marjon Jager
