Africa The inside track
Sarah Gilbert lifts the lid on exciting developments in sub-Saharan Africa, from increased airlift and new transport links on the ground to recently launched lodges and resorts
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ub-Saharan Africa packs in everything from the watery wilderness of Botswana’s (AF531)
Okavango Delta and tracking gorillas in the misty mountains of Rwanda (AF750) and Uganda (AF640) to exploring the Namibian desert and lounging on Kenya’s (AF655) Indian ocean beaches. Visitors are now opting for multi- destination safaris thanks to an increase in international and regional flights, and multi-generational travel is on the increase, with more lodges accommodating families in multi- bedroom suites and villas. Safari-goers are also becoming more eco-conscious, encouraging lodges to have a light footprint, utilise renewable energy and ban single-use plastics. There’s greater focus on experience too, including getting involved in wildlife conservation projects such as rhino tracking or even rhino notching. The demand has also increased for more active game-viewing activities, including walking, horse- riding and canoeing.
“We’re seeing the majority of our guests come from Europe and the USA, which have remained the main markets for safaris for many years. We are, however, seeing more interest from various emerging destinations, such as Latin America and the Far East, and are extending our sales reach accordingly,” says Dave Bennett, Wilderness Safaris’ (AF531) chief sales officer. “The most popular safari destinations are Botswana and South Africa. Namibia has also grown in popularity over the past few years for its spectacular landscapes and desert-adapted wildlife. And Zimbabwe is definitely on the rise, with many travellers putting it back on their bucket lists.”
56 06.11.2018
An elephant wades in the Zambezi river
Increased airlift
In March, Ethiopian Airlines – which hit record profits this year – launched flights to Buenos Aires, with Geneva and Chicago following in June. And from December 1, the carrier will be flying direct from Manchester to Addis Ababa four times a week and onward to more than 58 destinations in Africa – more than any other carrier. RwandAir (AF750) has announced plans to fly to new destinations, including Addis Ababa, Guangzhou, Tel Aviv, Guinea and New York. They will bring the number of destinations the airlines flies to from Kigali to 31. British Airways launched thrice- weekly flights between London and Durban on October 29, as well as
Stargazing tents at Olakira Migration Camp, Tanzania
adding four more flights per week to its existing twice-daily London to Johannesburg service, bringing the total weekly frequency up to 18.
New products
In Kenya, the recently opened Madaraka Express train line has made travel from Nairobi or Mombasa to the game reserves around Tsavo and Amboseli national parks much easier and quicker, and Kuoni has launched a new touring itinerary for 2019 named Kenya Beach and Safari.
Uganda currently offers the best value chimp trekking in Africa. The Budongo Central Forest Reserve is home to 700 chimps habituated by the Jane Goodall Institute and
New accommodation Hoanib Valley Camp, Namibia
After years of political and economic uncertainty, Zimbabwe is now a country to watch. Recent political changes appear to have been positive – the only proviso from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office is to exercise caution and avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations. Wilderness Safaris (AF531) is returning to Chikwenya in Mana Pools national park. The elegant new Chikwenya Camp, at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi rivers, opened for guests on October 1. African Bush Camps is also opening two new camps in the Nyamatusi Wilderness Concession in the east of Mana Pools on April 1, 2019. Nyamatusi Camp has six luxury tents and the family-focused Nyamatusi Mahogany has two tented suites and two family suites. In Victoria Falls, the stylish 16-suite Stanley & Livingstone is the town’s first boutique hotel, just 10 minutes from the namesake falls. In Uganda, new boutique hotel Latitude 0 opens in Kampala this month, joining sister hotels in Lusaka and Lilongwe in Malawi, with more city hotels to follow, and Uganda
a Chimp Habituation Experience is available in June and September. A former research centre has also been transformed into the Budongo Eco Lodge.
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