On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). We know this news will be alarming, and we want to address it honestly and directly.
The safety and well-being of every guest who travels with us is our absolute priority. We are monitoring the situation closely, are in active contact with our ground operators and partners in the region, and will continue to update this page as things develop.
Travelling to Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa or Namibia? Your trip is in a country that is entirely unaffected by this outbreak. These destinations remain open, safe, and as extraordinary as ever.
Which destinations are affected?
The WHO declaration relates specifically to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If your itinerary includes either of these countries, we are reaching out to you individually and prioritising guests with the most imminent departure dates.
I have a booking that includes Uganda or DRC. What happens now?
We understand you will have questions and concerns, and we want to be transparent about our process.
Contact your travel insurer now
Regardless of any decisions you make about your trip, we strongly encourage you to contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. The WHO’s formal PHEIC declaration is precisely the trigger that comprehensive travel insurance policies are designed to respond to. Please have your policy documents and booking confirmation to hand, and let them know your departure date.
Get in touch
If you have a booking with us and have not yet heard from us, or if you have a question that cannot wait, please reach out directly. We are here.
This page will be updated as the situation develops.
Last updated: 20h00 17 May 2026 AEST.