Prior to the pandemic, African travel was booming. Once considered a destination for the super-adventurous, safaris were becoming far more popular amongst mainstream travellers. The strength of the Australian dollar against currencies like the Rand worked to dispel the myth that Africa was expensive.
Covid, of course, put the brakes on growth for a few years, but the region is now well into travel revival mode. Why is Africa 2022's Hottest Destination, you ask?
Rather ironically, the way the pandemic changed travel tastes is largely the reason. We’ve all done big city travel. It’s fast-paced, exciting and stressful. 4 years ago you wouldn’t think twice about jumping on a New York Subway train and feeling the warm breath of a local on your neck. Well… maybe a little! In 2022, though, that coughing local well shy of 1.5m from you may lead to horrific 2020 flashbacks! How about a packed Eiffel Tower? Tourists from around the world leaning across you for that perfect selfie. I’ve been there, I’ve done it, but after everything we’ve been through over the last two years, it’s not quite so appealing right now.
Africa offers unique travel experiences that simply cannot be replicated anywhere in the world. Had I told a friend 10 years ago that I was “going camping”, they’d have spat their inner-city latte on me. Sure, there are plenty of rustic camping options if that appeals, but this is a market that rather uniquely caters for all tastes. From tents under the stars to lodges that make the Waldorf Astoria look like an Ibis Budget. The one thing they all have in common, however, is an emphasis on outdoor activities and vast, wide open spaces. There are no tightly packed trains, just open vehicles and dinner under the stars.
Make Africa your 2022 Adventure!
With direct flights to South Africa available again and easy transit options via Singapore and the Middle East, now is the time to bring your bucket list adventure forward and see why Africa is 2022's Hottest Destination.
