A New Era of African Tourism

After an unprecedented year, African stalwarts are relating to travellers in a different way.

15 March 2021

The collapse of tourism in Africa in 2020 and its devastating effects on the community and conservation projects, has prompted a shift. With the global recalibration of travel, what’s emerging on this continent is a focus on slowing down, spending more time in one location, rather than racing from camp to camp, thus becoming more connected to the place, the people, and the wildlife.

Sustainable Safaris

Astride the great migration routes in the western Serengeti in Tanzania, Singita’s renowned Sabora Tented Camp has undergone a remarkable transformation. For years, Singita has set the gold standard due to the architectural elegance of its lodges and the farm-to-table approach of its kitchens. Furthermore, there is a new emphasis on guests taking more time, engaging more meaningfully with its conservation and community programmes. This mindfulness is also seen in South Africa, where longer stays at recently opened Marataba Conservation Camps provide education on land and species protection. Guests can actively participate in tracking cheetahs, compiling elephant identikits, and assisting with rhino ID notching.

Importance of Community and Wildlife Support

In Botswana, Jack’s Camp is reopening in the vast Makgadikgadi salt flats. This unique destination allows visitors to witness the majestic wildlife, such as cheetahs and lions pursuing wildebeest and zebra, amid the immense silence that emphasizes the need for protecting such an extraordinary environment. In the post-Covid era, both the communities and wildlife of Africa require our support. Following a challenging year, this new meditative pace of safaris may be what we need too.

Conclusion

As travel resumes, a focus on sustainable tourism and deeper engagement with the natural world can create positive experiences for both visitors and local communities. Exploring Africa with intention not only enriches the traveller’s experience but also plays a vital role in conserving the diverse ecosystems and supporting the local cultures.