It’s not hard to drum up excitement for news about Africa, especially from specialists Bench Africa, experts since 1969. Their latest brochure features itineraries filled with expansive scenery, extraordinary wildlife experiences, and colourful cultures. With their brochure tweaks and digital investments, could this be Australia’s most trade-friendly Africa brochure?!
With knowledge about Africa as vast as the Sahara, Bench long ago proved their mettle. As Australia’s first Africa travel specialist, they have sent thousands of Aussies on jaw-dropping adventures across the Mother Continent, from Morocco to South Africa.
With the release of their new brochure and a raft of tech and business investments and upgrades, Bench Africa prove they’re ready to send thousands more!
Enquiries made easy
You roared; Bench listened. Actually, it was more like a ‘meow’, but still Bench heard you and adapted.
Based on your feedback, you’ll find new trip codes against each product and itinerary. These will ensure quick and easy searching on the all-new upcoming website (more to come on that!), leading to efficient reviewing of seasonal pricing and departure dates. QR codes are still included for phone users.
You’ll also find new travel style tags on each itinerary to assist with simple identification of Bench’s small group tours and independent tailormade journeys! Know at a glance if a trip can be customised to better suit your clients!
New brochure goodness
It seems fitting that the Bench brochure cover this year is the elusive and majestic leopard. Much as a leopard navigates its domain with confidence and precision, Bench Africa continues to lead travellers on expertly crafted safari experiences.
Alongside their popular itineraries created from over five decades of knowledge and passion for Africa, you’ll also discover complementary new private and small group itineraries across Southern and East Africa.
Here’s a sample of what’s new this year:
- The luxurious 8-day Valley Safari visiting Zambia’s authentic and untouched regions of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi.
- The exclusive Discover Kenya Scenic Air Safari. On this 8-day adventure, guests enjoy scenic flight transfers in Bench-owned lavish Cessna Grand Caravans between Ol Pejeta, the Masai Mara, and Amboseli.
- The brand-new Northern Circuit in Kenya is an affordable alternative for clients keen to explore destinations off the tourist trail. Alongside travelling through diverse landscapes, guests also engage with conservation projects at Ol Pejeta.
- Dedicated Family Safaris pages with suggested itineraries and lodges in malaria-free safari regions most suited for families with young children.
Africa trends
Staying on the pulse of trends is not easy when juggling multiple countries and continents. Thankfully, Bench has got you covered for Africa!
Reporting the strongest sales results in Bench history, revealing how much Africa is in demand right now, there’s also a swell in multigenerational family and female solo travel.
Bench also informed us that Australians are seeking better value destinations, due to the AUD-USD exchange rate, with South African countries high on the list.
Tour-wise, check out these Bench best-sellers:
- Highlights of East Africa: Bench’s #1 selling trip, this small group tour wows at every turn. Mesmerising game viewing at Tanzania’s spectacular Serengeti National Park and the world-famous Masai Mara in Kenya, plus the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli National Park, standing in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Trekking through the heart of Volcanoes National Park to find a family of gorillas is one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring African experiences. Discover this Tailormade itinerary on Bench’s redesigned brochure pages; choosing your client’s lodge selections based on their preferred property star rating has never been easier.
- South Africa Odyssey: On this small group adventure, your clients can revel in the wonderful contrasts and highlights of South Africa. There are the mind-boggling vistas at Blyde River Canyon, ‘Big Five’ game viewing at world-famous Kruger National Park, and cultural and historical experiences in Eswatini (Swaziland) and Zululand on a 14-day South Africa extravaganza.
- River & Delta Wilderness Safari: Botswana’s abundant wildlife and postcard-perfect landscapes make for an idyllic safari destination. Alongside thrilling game drives, there are also large elephant herds and game that wow along the Chobe River. The Okavango Delta’s diverse wildlife holds great appeal, too, as visitors glide the tranquil waterways in a mokoro (traditional canoe).
Bench Africa upgrades
Unlike the leopard who never changes its spots, Bench is focused on innovation and investment to enrich your experience – and your client’s.
Your feedback has been appreciated at Bench HQ for the newly launched online interactive quotes and dynamic platform. The immersive client experience has been praised as a win, especially the scrolling image galleries that elicit greater excitement for the trip to come.
You’ll also notice handy notifications when your clients open their quote links (great for sales follow-ups), and you’ll soon be witnessing Bench’s sleek new website with refreshed brand colours, and intuitive navigation!
On the ground in Kenya, Bench have also invested in a new luxury model of 4WD vehicles. These 4-seaters make for their most comfortable off-road experiences yet. Suitable for smaller, more intimate groups, with more luggage space and larger windows for unobstructed wildlife photography.
Discover more
To speak to Bench’s African experts, call them on 1300 AFRICA (1300 237 422) or email agents@benchafrica.com.au. Alternatively, reach out to your local BDM.
Explore the full range of Africa small group and Tailormade tours at benchafrica.com.
Have you got the new Bench Africa brochure yet? Check your stock room as distribution is underway. Order extra copies from Tifs.
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