Africa – it’s one of the world’s most fascinating continents, with exotic animals, rare fauna and incredibly colourful cultures that create unique and memorable experiences for all types of travellers.
With all that good comes some bad – as Africa is often at the tip of everyone’s tongues for ongoing political and religious disruptions.
For travellers, the unsteady political climate can be a deterrent from following through with bucket list holidays featuring safaris, game parks and more.
However, in recent correspondence with KarryOn, Bench International’s General Manager Martin Edwards says the continent is still popular amongst Australians.
He told us of new trends in the region and new destinations becoming Aussie favourites as well as the return of Egypt.
Which countries are trending in Africa at the moment?
Over the last few years we have really seen and increase in demand for travel to both Zimbabwe and Zambia, not only home to one of the Seven natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, but also some of the best game viewing and walking safari experiences on offer.
Which destination has experienced the biggest growth? Why?
Undoubtedly the greatest growth over the last few years has been in Southern Africa, but primarily South Africa.
The growth of travel to South Africa has been assisted by many factors. Firstly, there are direct flights with South African Airways from Perth and Qantas from Sydney.
Secondly, South African Tourism has done an exceptional job at promoting the destination.
Every two years South African Tourism host incredible Roadshow events where 100’s of travel agent consultants are invited along to learn more about the destination from passionate suppliers from South Africa (as well as passionate african Wholesalers).
Furthermore, with South Africa playing host to the FIFA World Cup in 2010, Hollywood movies such as Blended and more recently The Bachelor and Channel 10’s, I’m a Celebrity, it really is starting to become a much more sought after destination.
Are there any Australians are still discovering?
It’s not so much the destination that people are discovering, but the Specialist Safari opportunities available to them.
These can range from horse riding safaris, walking safaris, flying safaris, Rail Journeys to culture & history tours and honeymoons. Africa really has so much to offer.
As people get to know South Africa and Kenya, which other African destination are they adding to the bucket list?
To go hand in hand with a safari in a private game reserve in South Africa or a traditional African safari experience in Kenya’s Masai Mara, the next most popular spot is Victoria Falls, and more often than not, the Zimbabwe side of the Falls.
Tanzania is gaining some attention – how has it developed?
Tanzania has so much to offer from incredible safaris, to ascending to the roof of Africa when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or just relaxing on the white sandy beaches on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar.
Safaris in Tanzania were typically a combination of the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area on its Northern Circuit but now we receive enquiries from the more inquisitive who wish to venture to the South and visit Selous and Ruaha or further afield to Tanzania’s West with a visit to Katavi and Mahale.
Tanzania offers something for the first time to the frequent traveller.
And how are sales to Egypt?
The start of the New Year has brought with it a new lease of life for Africa enquiries following the drop off towards the end of 2014.
Thankfully Ebola seems to be under control in West Africa and is much less of a talking point in the media which has certainly helped consumer confidence for travel to Africa.
It has not just been enquiries for safaris, but in particular there has been a bounce back in enquiries for Egypt. Whilst Bench has continually sent passengers to Egypt since the Revolution of 2011, albeit on a very small scale, there has been a real turnaround in interest and this hasn’t gone unnoticed.
