2024 Travel Trends
Pack Your Curiosity: Top 10 Travel Trends for 2024
Dust off your passport and awaken your wanderlust, because 2024 promises to be a year of transformative travel experiences. The world is reopening its arms, and travellers are eager to reimagine their adventures. But this year, it’s not just about ticking off bucket-list landmarks. It’s about diving deeper, connecting more authentically, and leaving a positive footprint on the planet.
So, what are the travel trends waiting to be embraced in 2024? Buckle up, globetrotters, because we’re about to unleash your inner explorer:
1. Wellness Safari
Reconnect with your inner rhythm and rediscover the meaning of “safari” – meaning “journey” in Swahili. Ditch the stress and embrace holistic rejuvenation. Imagine yoga overlooking the Okavango Delta, spa treatments with indigenous African ingredients, or guided meditations amidst the soundtrack of lions. Southern & Eastern Africa offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to recharge your body and soul:
– Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge – this luxury lodge is located in the renowned Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in Greater Kruger, South Africa. Enjoy relaxing beauty treatments at their in-house Amani Spa. Indulge in every moment.
– Ghoha Hills – a classic safari lodge in Botswana, Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge has a spa with fabulous sweeping views of the wilderness, perfect for a detoxing massage in between game drives.
– Entim Main Camp – for an authentic camp inside Masai Mara National Reserve with a dedicated spa, this is our recommendation. They provide massages, body treatments and facials. Safari and spa is the best combination.
2. Sustainable Safari
Travel with a conscience and choose experiences that minimise your environmental footprint. Opt for eco-friendly lodges powered by renewable energy, support local communities through cultural immersion, and even participate in conservation initiatives like wildlife tracking or tree planting. Safari365 proudly partners with responsible operators who share your commitment to protecting this precious ecosystem.
For every new booking, Safari365 will contribute a minimum of $30 USD to a charity in Southern Africa or East Africa, depending on the destination of each itinerary. You can view the charities on our website.
A lodge that is fully ecotourism certificated in Botswana is Chobe Game Lodge. In fact it has been awarded the highest ecotourism level in the country, which shows their commitment to responsible travel.
3. Solo Safari
Escape the ordinary and embark on a transformative solo adventure. Our chosen African destinations welcome solo travellers with open arms, offering a safe and empowering environment for self-discovery and unforgettable memories.
It’s becoming the norm, with properties increasingly catering to solo experiences. Embrace the freedom to explore at your own pace, whether you’re seeking solitude or connecting with like-minded safari goers.
Our expert team is always on the lookout to provide lodges that have no single supplements.
– If you are considering a Zambian safari and are considering a walking safari, we have a 7 night mobile safari which includes 2 authentic camps Nkwali and Nsefu.
– For Zimbabwe John’s Camp which is an en-suite tented camp doesn’t charge any single supplements and operates from 1 May – 15 November.
– As the Serengeti, Tanzania is on everyone’s bucket list – Lemala Kuria Hills also has no solo extra charge from 1 January – 30 June and 1 November – 31 December.
4. Culinary Safari
Go beyond the boma and tantalise your taste buds with a culinary journey. Savour authentic dishes bursting with fresh, local flavours, learn traditional cooking techniques from village elders, and discover the vibrant tastes that define each region. From succulent seafood on the Swahili coast to hearty stews in the bush, a culinary safari is a feast for the senses.
Culinary safaris are becoming more popular as places cater to these experiences.
– Gold Restaurant in Cape Town provides a unique authentic African dining experience with 14 dishes and entertainment. We feel this is a great addition to any Cape Town stay before your culinary safari.
– Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa. We recommend staying in their exclusive villa which provides a private chef for up to four guests. The chef has a daily-changing menu. Did we also mention the dedicated massage suite? Combine a wellness and culinary safari.
– While sightseeing in Victoria Falls before a Botswana safari, we would suggest a meal at The Boma Restaurant. This is a dinner and drum show for a spectacular African experience with excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes.
5. Off-the-beaten-path Safari
Venture beyond the mainstream and discover hidden gems. People are increasingly seeking quieter experiences away from crowds. Explore the rugged beauty of Africa and tailor your itinerary to uncover the lesser-known wonders:
– Rwanda: Trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of the elusive silverback gorillas.
– Zambia: Embark on a river safari in the Lower Zambezi, spotting hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
– Namibia: Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Namib Desert, including Sossusvlei’s towering sand dunes.
6. Active Safari
Fitness and physical strength are becoming a bigger trend, and people are looking to incorporate their fitness activities with their vacations. Get your adrenaline pumping with an active safari:
– One of the first properties that comes to mind is Chem Chem in the Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. Here you can run with the Maasai, Join a Maasai warrior and run across the plains for an outdoor fitness experience like no other. You don’t need to forgo your daily run while on safari.
– Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the iconic Kruger National Park, South Africa provides a fully-equipped gym with a view of the bush.
– Thornybush Game Lodge in Greater Kruger, South Africa also has a state-of-the gym with a view and overlooks the Monwana Riverbed.
7. Cultural Safari
Dive deeper than the typical tourist experience and embrace cultural immersion in the rich tapestry of African cultures. Learn traditional dances from Maasai warriors, visit ancient rock paintings, and participate in vibrant local festivals. A cultural safari is a chance to connect with the heart and soul of these diverse communities.
– For something special including an anniversary, the expert team at Safari365 can arrange a Maasai blessing ceremony in Kenya and Tanzania.
– When travelling to Botswana Jack’s Camp informative two-hour walks with the local San Bushmen trackers.
– Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, located in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in South Africa, provides the opportunity to visit a local family and learn about basket weaving and daily family life.
8. Astrotourism
Forget fancy gadgets and guided tours. The new safari trend? Astrotourism. Stargazing is a soul-soothing escape from the digital world. This celestial trend isn’t just for lone wolves: dedicated stargazing safaris and Dark Sky Reserves like Namibia’s NamibRand offer unparalleled views of the night sky. A Dark Sky Reserve is an area with zero light pollution, purposefully protected to preserve the night sky for stargazing.
Escape the city glow and reconnect with the cosmic canvas above. Imagine slumbering under a canopy of stars in a Botswana tent, or whispering goodnight to the Milky Way from a sleep-out deck in South Africa’s Kalahari.
9. Multigenerational Safari
Bring the whole family together for an unforgettable adventure. Multigenerational travel is gaining popularity, offering a way to connect with loved ones across age gaps. Share the thrill of game drives with grandparents, learn from local elders, and create stories that will be passed down for generations. A multigenerational safari is a unique opportunity to forge lasting memories.
– Riverdene Family Safari Lodge, at the world-renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa, is the ideal lodge for all members of the family.
– Madikwe Safari Lodge is located in the malaria free Madikwe Game Lodge in South Africa and is recommended for the entire family.
– Thorntree River Lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi in Zambia, offers the chance for a water and land based safari and a chance to visit one of the 7-natural wonders of the world – Victoria Falls. This lodge also has an in-house kiddies club.
10. Photographic Safari
Capture the magic of Southern & Eastern Africa through your lens. Guided by expert photographers, learn the art of wildlife photography, capture breathtaking landscapes, and return home with a portfolio of unforgettable images. A photographic safari is a chance to tell your own story of this incredible region.
Embrace the Safari365 Difference:
At Safari365, we believe in crafting personalised safaris that reflect your unique desires and values. We are committed to responsible tourism, supporting local communities, and minimising our environmental impact. Whether you’re seeking a rejuvenating wellness retreat, an off-the-beaten-path adventure, or a cultural immersion, we’ll help you design the perfect safari that resonates with these top travel trends and leaves you with a lifetime of memories.
Ready to embark on your 2024 safari trip? Contact Safari365 today and let us tailor your dream journey!
