Located on the banks of the Kafue River, the camp will feature 12 spacious tents, including a 600-square-meter Presidential Villa. Suspended 3.5 meters above the ground, this location offers guests an immersive experience in the wilderness with unobstructed access to the bush and river for wildlife.

Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp is located between two islands, featuring a spa and wellness area, a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, a lounge and a traditional African boma. The camp aims to provide an intimate and exclusive retreat, embodying luxury in the wild.

Plenty to do

Activities at the camp include nature-centric experiences such as canoeing, fishing, bird-watching and boat safaris. Each luxury tent will feature a plunge pool and a boat with a skipper, strategically positioned to maximize privacy and immersion in the surrounding landscapes.

Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest reserves, spans nearly 9,000 square miles and boasts a diverse range of wildlife and birdlife. The camp will be easily accessible, located approximately three hours from Victoria Falls or Lusaka, and is also reachable by helicopter.

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The granite islands of Seychelles harbor natural riches, including roughly 75 endemic plant species. Visitors can see curiosities like the tiny Seychelles frog (about the size of a pinky finger) and the giant tenebrionid beetle, the world’s biggest flying insect. About 335,000 visitors come to Seychelles yearly, attracted specifically by these extraordinary ecological treasures, which the Seychelles government is working hard to protect and preserve.

• Related: Tribute Portfolio resort opens in the Seychelles

In August, the government introduced an environmental sustainability levy for travelers that will help safeguard the destination’s natural beauty for future generations. The levy is part of a broader strategy by the Seychelles government to promote responsible travel. With this approach, the Seychelles is not only preserving its rich environmental heritage but also offering travelers a chance to be part of a larger, global conservation effort.

“Fifty percent of our landmass and 30% of our sea territory is protected, because we are not just safeguarding the islands for future generations but also making sure we are taking care of our bread and butter,” said principal secretary of tourism Sherin Francis. “Our strategy going forward is to build a better kind of tourism for Seychelles. Higher value, lower impact.”

It’s not only the government that understands the importance of investing in sustainability” the country’s hotels and other stakeholders are actively contributing, too.

Committed to community, conservation

At the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa, located on Silhouette Island, the aim is not just to provide spectacular beaches and unforgettable luxury experiences but also to empower local island communities. The on-site hospitality training college enables Seychellois youth to develop careers in tourism, with placements at Hilton resorts worldwide. By investing in local talent, Hilton fosters economic mobility and pride in the tourism industry, which it says is critical to preserving the islands.

When Hilton built its resort on Silhouette, it decided to leave the original homesteads on the land untouched. The hotel maintains those homesteads for the original owners, who tend to work on the main island of Mahe, so that they can return for weekend stays or vacations.

Rebuilding reefs

Club Med Seychelles has an enviable location on Saint Anne Island, which is the first island in Seychelles that settlers put down roots. It became a marine national park in 1973 and was the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean to offer protection for wildlife.

Club Med has taken significant steps toward environmental conservation. Recognizing the critical state of the coral reefs surrounding the islands, Club Med has launched a program to rehabilitate the fragile ecosystems, partnering with marine biologists and local experts to restore damaged reefs and protect the marine life that relies on them.

The rehabilitation of coral reefs not only contributes to Seychelles’ ecosystem health but also ensures the long-term sustainability of snorkeling and diving experiences, which are integral to the tourism industry.

Another ecofriendly decision: You won’t see personal watercraft roaring through the waters at Club Med. Only nonmotorized sports are on the activity menu.

Choosing nature reserve over resorts

At the Cap Lazare Nature Reserve, sustainability shapes everything. The 150-acre, family-owned refuge is found in the wilderness of Baie Lazare, Mahe. Despite substantial resort interest (there have been many offers to buy the land), the Albert family instead invested in more land. They acquired neighboring plots to establish a nature reserve focused on preserving biodiversity and celebrating Seychellois culture.

Cap Lazare now provides a sanctuary for giant Seychelles tortoises to roam freely. It also hosts events, from private launches to yoga retreats to weddings, where the Unesco-listed Moutya dance and Creole restaurant enable visitors to experience conservation and culture in one location.

A sustainable success story

Seychelles has struck an innovative balance of conservation and business through sustainable harvesting of the iconic coco de mer nut. This rare palm tree nut, weighing up to 80 pounds, is native only to two protected islands in Seychelles. Local lore traces the curious shape of the male and female nut to the forbidden love between ancient gods immortalized in the palms. Following strict governmental oversight, a small harvest ensures future yields are unaffected. Selected female nuts are replanted or left undisturbed, while only certified nuts can be sold, supporting regeneration processes critical to this endemic species’ survival.

Nothing is wasted. The kernels are processed for cooking and health products, while artisans craft perfumes at an on-site factory that subtly capture the nut’s essence. This creative enterprise spotlights Seychelles’ pioneering green models linking tourism to heritage and ecology. It also enables locals’ incomes while respecting biodiversity.

Widespread efforts to support these sorts of conservation efforts, empower local communities, and promote cultural heritage will no doubt help preserve the unparalleled beauty of Seychelles.

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Sustainability has been a hot topic in tourism to Africa for the past decade. Trade shows, magazines and newspapers have discussed the topic at length, covering everything from greenwashing to greenhushing — when companies or organizations keep quiet about their sustainability efforts to avoid scrutiny — and green technology. And with COP28, the U.N.’s annual climate change conference, about to begin in Dubai, the focus on sustainability may be at an all-time high.

However, the question arises: Do travelers really care about sustainable travel when planning an Africa trip? Is it a deciding factor when they choose their accommodation and destination?

Most travel agents and tour operators in the U.S. seem to agree that travelers are not actively asking about sustainability when they inquire about Africa and are not prepared to pay a premium for more sustainable accommodations options. The focus is currently still more on the wildlife experience.

“My clients don’t ask about sustainability — it is more of a bonus when they are there and learn about it from their guides,” said Peggy Purtell, a Travel Experts affiliate in Milwaukee.

Jim Holden, president of Holden Safaris, also finds that clients don’t so much ask about “sustainability” as to the presence of all of Africa’s iconic wildlife. “Clients want to know what they will see if they visit a certain safari destination and if they’ll see all of the same animal species they see on documentaries such as National Geographic,” he said.

The fact that they don’t actively ask about sustainable options doesn’t mean travelers don’t care about sustainability. Theresa Jackson, a Travel Experts affiliate in Allendale, N.J., pointed out that although travelers don’t want to compromise what they dream of seeing, they are intentional about their travels.

“I am seeing that clients are grateful to know the ecofriendly measures their accommodations take, and this becomes a way into a more immersive journey for them,” Jackson said. “They come home talking about the wildlife, yes, but also the communities they learn about from staying on conservancy land and/or in places staffed by locals.”

Don Scott, owner of Tanda Tula, said that while people are certainly first thinking about what they are going to do on their trip, making the experience itself the No. 1 priority, sustainability is more than just a buzzword.

“The awareness and concerns about overtourism in the safari sector, people’s genuine interest and their questions about what we are doing to help preserve the regions in which we operate, shows me that it is important to them when making their travel choices,” Scott said. “I think if travelers have to choose between two similar products offering the same type of experience, they are more likely now to choose the one that has an authentic and proven sustainability track record.”

Relying on travel advisors

According to Mefi Pishori Alapat, owner of Journey to Africa, travelers rely on their travel advisor to help them make the right choice. “Sustainability is still important for us, and we look out for partners who participate in that,” Alapat said. “Our guests don’t really ask for that, but we let them know that we choose partners who are involved in sustainable practices.”

Tate Hallford, a Travel Experts affiliate in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., has seen a desire to experience our world in its most primitive state.

“Being immersed in nature, getting up close and personal with animals in their natural habitat and seeing the circle of life firsthand will not be possible without sustainability efforts. Clients are expecting advisors to direct them to partners doing their part for the world,” she said.

Ryan Powell, AndBeyond’s COO for sales and touring, put the responsibility with tour or lodge operators to make the right choices on behalf of guests.

“What we are seeing, which is incredibly uplifting, is the increase in travel companies that are including sustainability in their dialogue,” Powell said. “Without a doubt, this is planting the seed in the consumer — and as we all know, growth has to start somewhere.

“What we hope for is that this seed will help the consumer focus on choosing the right travel partner, one that truly helps make the world a better place through the initiatives and projects it supports. When given the option, travelers do want to make a positive contribution and want to give back.”

Tour operators have noticed that once travelers are in Africa, their interest in sustainability peaks.

“Overall, we are finding that there is a definite increase in consumer interest when it comes to sustainability and positive impact. Sometimes this is spoken about upfront during the booking process, other times this is something that a guest will engage with only during their travel experience when they can see firsthand the work in sustainability, conservation, community development, and land care,” said Powell.

Signs of changing priorities

Adrian Kaplan, executive head of marketing at Singita, has seen more environmental awareness from younger guests.

“These guests often inquire about where the fresh produce comes from and about the solar power or how we are supporting conservation and what projects they could help support, such as the rhino dehorning initiative in the Kruger National Park or supporting the students of the Singita Community Culinary School,” he said.

According to Beks Ndlovu, CEO of African Bush Camps, there has been a shift where travel in Africa is becoming less about consuming and more about how one is adding value in a meaningful way through how guests participate and travel. “Guests are consciously thinking about how their buying behaviors, travel and stay while on safari in Africa are contributing to the local community, the environment and conservation,” he said.

Immersive sustainability experiences on the ground in Africa are also definitely gaining traction.

Robert More, custodian and CEO of the More Family Collection, reported that guests are interested in seeing how the lodges and hotel operate, how the staff live, work and play. “They are less interested in being served luxury and have a growing interest in how luxury is created,” he said.

According to Liesel van Zyl, head of positive impact and product development at Go2Africa, travelers are starting to ask if they can volunteer for a day on their safari.

“Our clients look for experiences that foster authentic community engagement during their trip to Africa,” she said, adding that Go2Africa has launched “positive impact safaris” specifically with this in mind.

With its new collection of Impact Safaris, African Bush Camps has also picked up on this trend and is offering opportunities to participate in sustainable travel to aid rural communities located on the outskirts wildlife reserves. Combined with safari experiences in some of the least-touched areas of the continent, Impact Safaris offer avenues for travelers to immerse themselves in natural beauty as well as in local culture and communities.

It is clear that the key to nurturing a deeper interest in sustainability among travelers to Africa lies within the hands of the tourism industry itself. While Africa’s wildlife remains the primary draw, there is a clear shift in traveler engagement with sustainability once they arrive. This presents an opportunity for the industry – from travel agents to lodge operators – to plant the seed of sustainability early in the traveler’s journey. By actively discussing ecofriendly practices and conservation efforts, the industry can both educate and influence traveler choices, ensuring a more sustainable and responsible travel experience.

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The Radisson Hotel Saint-Denis is ideally positioned, facing the Barachois waterfront between the old town of Saint Denis and the main highway, offering easy access across the city. The hotel features 124 rooms, ranging from standard and superior rooms to suites, including accessible rooms. Travelers can relax and unwind in the hotel’s outdoor pool or work out in the modern fitness center. The hotel is ideal for bleisure guests with its co-working area, business center and versatile meetings and event spaces offering flexible setups and the latest audiovisual technology.

The hotel also offers several restaurants as well as a rooftop bar, Sunset Lounge.

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Showcasing a fresh approach to safari lodge design, each suite has been designed as a private sanctuary, featuring a personalized drinks cabinet, butler’s lobby, writing desk and a dressing area connecting the bedroom to the bathroom, featuring a double vanity and a double shower. The floor-to-ceiling, screened doors lead to a private patio with a lounge area and an outdoor shower. A set of outdoor rocking chairs, an Angama signature, invites guests to linger and revel in the natural beauty of the Kimana Sanctuary and its views of Mount Kilimanjaro. (In addition to elephant dung, the suites were constructed using a combination of canvas, concrete and rattan.)

• Related: Go2Africa says its safari is the most expensive in the world

The lodge’s dining area, managed by chef Sarah Saleheen, offers flexible indoor-outdoor dining options. Additional facilities include a games room, art gallery, weaving studio and a photographic studio. Angama Amboseli’s infinity pool and the new Mnara viewing tower offer great views of the wildlife and landscape.

Angama Amboseli offers an intimate experience with the elephants with exclusive traversing rights and unrestricted game viewing in Kimana Sanctuary; the “Super Tuskers” are known for tusks that can weigh in excess of 100 pounds each and often are so long they almost touch the ground. The Kimana Sanctuary boasts the area’s greatest habitat diversity and wildlife density. Guests can also take half- or full-day excursions into nearby Amboseli National Park.

• Forum: It’s all about partnerships, really

The lodge is a vital part of the Kimana Sanctuary, a key wildlife corridor linking Amboseli National Park to the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West National Park. Angama Amboseli partners with the Big Life Foundation to support local conservation efforts and community empowerment.

Rates start at $1,650 per person, per night, covering guided safaris, walking tours and on-site experiences. Angama Amboseli is accessible by daily flights from Nairobi or by car from the city.

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“Trevor Noah is a true South African at heart and having him as the voice of the South African tourism sector will have great benefits for the sector. He is a global brand loved by people all over the world, and his partnership with the TBCSA is a major coup. I am confident that Trevor will help us to position South Africa as the destination of choice for global travelers,” said council CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.

There have been some rumors around the price tag that came with having a world renowned star promoting the destination. However Tshivhengwa set the record straight and said on local radio station Cape Talk that “whatever was announced as the amount of money paid to Trevor is false. It’s far from the truth. Trevor has been generous to us. He agreed to do this [the ad] for a very small fee. Even though he’s an international star who charges in international currencies, he agreed to do this as part of promoting the country that he loves and we paid him a small fee to do that.”

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Kibale Lodge is strategically located to offer travelers chimpanzee-trekking experiences in Uganda’s Kibale National Park. Recognized as one of Africa’s prime destinations for chimpanzee viewing, the lodge promises to be a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.

The lodge will feature eight deluxe rooms. Amenities such as a spa, sauna, and pool are set to enhance the guest experience. Initial plans include the launch of three deluxe bandas (African huts) by May; five additional units are expected to be ready by year’s end.

The lodge features views of the Queen Elizabeth plains and the Kazinga channel as well as the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as “The Mountains of the Moon.” Located just an hour’s drive from the town of Fort Portal and the Kasese airstrip, Kibale Lodge is conveniently accessible. The lodge is also within a 30-minute drive of the Kibale Forest, the primary site for chimpanzee tracking.

Rates for Kibale Lodge start at $1,200 per person, per night, which includes meals, a range of beverages including premium wines and whiskeys, laundry services, spa and massage treatments and lodge activities. Additionally, a $50 community fee is levied per person, per night, which goes to support the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust. Since 2009, this nonprofit has been instrumental in implementing sustainable projects that benefit local communities and conservation efforts and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

The Trust, in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, is set to embark on community-based conservation projects in Kibale Forest, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives at Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Guests at Kibale Lodge will have the opportunity to engage in these projects, participate in walking safaris and visit local homesteads.

Bookings for Kibale Lodge will open in early 2024. As an introductory offer, guests combining their stay with gorilla trekking at Bwindi or Mount Gahinga Lodge will be eligible for a five-night package at the price of four nights. For more information or reservations, contact the Volcanoes Safaris sales team at [email protected].

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And yes, travel agents, the package is commissionable.

The safari company conducted a study analyzing over 134,000 inquiries to their website and found that the most popular locations safari lovers want to visit are Kenya (23%), Tanzania (22%) and South Africa (21%). The most popular attractions included seeing the Big Five (26%), visiting Victoria Falls (14%), meeting locals (10%), visiting Cape Town (9%) and gorilla trekking (8%).

Based on that information, Go2Africa decided to curate the world’s most expensive safari, visiting six countries over an action-packed 24 days and costing $172,545 per person. Important to note: This is a first come, first served opportunity. Only one party will be accommodated.

The vacation takes guests on a tour of Africa’s most exotic locations where they’re almost guaranteed to see the Big Five. The itinerary offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in Africa, from tented safari camps to riverside treetop villas and private islands as well as the most exclusive activities with expert guides.

The itinerary

Travelers will spend over three weeks exploring the highlights of Southern and East Africa while enjoying private charter flights between each location. Locations include Kenya, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Volcanoes National Park, Serengeti and the white sands of the Seychelles.

Prior to the trip, travelers will receive their own personalized and locally made leather luggage. There’s also the option of a private film crew to document the entire trip with a fully edited video to look forward to when returning home.

Throughout the trip, guests will experience local life by visiting numerous positive impact projects, including Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Alfajiri Foundation and Maunga Village Primary School as well as contributing to the conservation of each park. Go2Africa will also fully offset the carbon footprint of your trip.

“The Ultimate African Safari is a one-of-a-kind itinerary that we’ve spent years perfecting. Every activity, location and accommodation has been hand-selected by our team of local experts with decades of on-the-ground experience,” said Lee-Anne Kock, head of product at Go2Africa. “The itinerary focuses on private and exclusive travel where we’ve crafted curated experiences that are unique to each destination. Guests won’t just see Africa, but experience the heart of its culture as they visit each location and become involved in the community projects that make the continent so vibrant and welcoming.”

The Ultimate Safari starts at $172,545 per person.  Visit Go2Africa for more information.

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The superyacht can accommodate up to eight people on overnight cruises and larger parties on daytrips. Three of the cabins are configured with double, queen and bunk beds. The Master Cabin features a king-size bed and large windows to take in the 180-degree Atlantic Ocean views. All four of the cabins have ensuite bathrooms with showers while the Master Cabin has its own bathtub.

The Hazendal Yacht — Princess Eve also boasts extensive outdoor deck areas and a rooftop jacuzzi as well as an indoor lounge.

A variety of Western Cape itineraries are available for charters. These include excursions up the west coast to Langebaan and Saldanha Bay; sunset cruises around Robben Island; trips along the Atlantic Seaboard to Clifton or Hout Bay; and cruises around the Cape Peninsula, passing Simon’s Town and the scenic Cape Point Nature Reserve.

The vessel can also be booked for private functions. These can be held in the harbor waters or at the yacht’s permanent docking station at the V&A Waterfront, opposite the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, where guests are treated to views of Table Mountain.

Guests can enjoy fine dining options onboard or opt for a more casual dining experience with a barbeque on the roof deck. A canape menu is available for elegant outdoor events as well as an onboard mixologist.

The Hazendal Yacht — Princess Eve is the first cruising product to form part of the Newmark Hotels & Reserves portfolio.

“Cape Town has firmly established itself as a sought-after cruising destination since the launch of the city’s cruising terminal. However, despite more than 190,000 big-ship cruise passengers docking at Cape Town harbor this year, the region remains largely unexplored as a superyacht destination,” said Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves. “We look forward to tapping into this new market.”

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The new journeys range from nine to 20 days and explore South Africa’s natural wonders and culture while treating guests to five-star accommodations and service onboard.

Itineraries include stops at Kruger National Park for safari expeditions to see the Big Five, visits to Victoria Falls and tastings at local wineries. Excursions to gem mines and other quintessential South African activities are also available.

“We’re seeing high demand for South Africa rail vacations,” said Jim Marini, senior vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Railbookers. “Our experts have crafted comprehensive itineraries to showcase the best of South Africa’s luxury trains and destinations.”

The company provides end-to-end planning and booking for independent rail vacations worldwide. Itineraries are now bookable for up to two years in advance with low deposits. South Africa is Railbookers’ first destination in sub-Saharan Africa (the country offers itineraries in Morocco).

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