Demand spikes for luxury safaris

Demand spikes for luxury safaris
By admin


Botswana, Madagascar and Zanzibar have emerged as hot African destinations this year as travellers increasingly look to mix luxury travel with safari experiences, according to Intrepid Travel.

The operator has seen passenger numbers lift 10% across East Africa, but the clear stand-out destination is Botswana, where bookings have doubled year-on-year.

Intrepid spokesperson Jo Stewart said the surge reflects Botswana’s reputation as a safe, stable country. “It has also become known as a premium destination to view wildlife, [where] you’re more likely to see all the animals you want,” she said. This shouldn’t come as a surprise given the number of appealing attractions located in such close proximity, she added.

Stewart was more surprised by the sudden peak in popularity for Intrepid’s Madagascar tours, which the company started running last year. After a “modest” start, the East African island has seen great traction in the new year, with the first departure for 2012 sold out.

“Travellers are always looking for that next destination and Madagascar ticks most of those boxes – it’s remote, biologically diverse and not visited by most people,” she said.

For similar reasons, Intrepid travellers have looked to Zanzibar, where Stewart said they can experience remote seaside relaxation after “roughing it” on a safari.

Intrepid introduced five-day Zanzibar beach breaks from $645 last year, which are now gaining momentum. “Forward bookings for these are particularly good right now,” Stewart said.

“Zanzibar’s proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it a simple transfer in and out, so it’s a convenient choice for international travellers.”

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]

  • Tour Operators

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge celebrates 25th anniversary with new adventures

Baillie Lodges has announced that it is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge with a range of new helicopter experiences for the 2025 season. Kicking off on 22 May, the 2025 season promises five months of generously inclusive luxury adventures for guests in nature’s own playground where black bears forage shoreside, whales, […]