Your clients may have ‘done’ South Africa, but it’s less likely they’ve seen Namibia, Botswana,Ethiopia or the Gambia.
The African continent has a number of emerging destinations perfect for customers who want a return trip but are already familiar with the Cape.
So if your clients have dived with sharks in Mossel Bay, drunk pinotage by Table Mountain and seen the big five from a Land Rover, try recommending one of the following…
Namibia
Several Africa operators are tipping neighbouring Namibia as the next big thing, with Somak launching a dedicated brochure. The country offers amazing activities in the vast Namib desert, such as quad-biking and sand boarding.
The most popular part of the Namibian desert is Sossusvlei, a huge clay pan surrounded by the world’s tallest sand dunes – a spectacular sight in the glinting sun.
Somak commercial manager Chris Parker said: “There’s so much to see and do. As well as desert, there’s game watching in the Etosha National Park – 3,000 sq miles of lions, rhinos, elephants and birdlife.”
For experienced Africa visitors, Parker recommended the Desert Express trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund, an overnight train ride across the Namib Desert with sand dune excursions and a game drive.
Acacia Africa marketing manager Kate Plummer also tipped Namibia for a bright future. She explained: “A lot of people have yet to discover it. Suggest the coastal town of Swakopmund, where you can go deep-sea fishing, sky diving, quad-biking on the dunes or just chill in the European-style cafes.”
Madagascar
Cox and Kings is seeing interest in Madagascar. Product manager Louise Stanion said: “There are 108 species of lemur scattered around the national parks, plus amazing bird life, unusual reptiles and, from July and September, humpback whales.”
Ethiopia
Stanion also rated Ethiopia for its wildlife and historical sites. She said: “This is not a safari destination. The wildlife is different. There is stunning bird life, antelopes roaming around and huge troops of gelada monkeys, which can only be found in the Simien mountains.”
Ethiopia also has a wealth of fascinating historical sites, such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the obelisks, royal tombs and castle ruins of the ancient city of Axum, close to Ethiopia’s northern border.
Botswana
Clients looking for a safari without the crowds should head to Botswana. The main destination is the Chobe area, reached from Victoria Falls and a good add-on to any tour of the area.
CC Africa is planning to expand its product in Botswana. It recently launched its Savute Under Canvas and Chobe Under Canvas programmes and will open two more lodges in the Okavanga Delta in June.
Sales and product director Paul Bauer said: “People will have the opportunity to combine luxury lodge accommodation with exclusive wilderness camping, along with mekoro rides and game viewing.”
Mozambique
Beach bums looking to experience sunbathing without the hordes will love Mozambique, according to Acacia Africa’s Plummer.
She explained: “People think of war and an under-developed country when they think of this destination but that is all changing, particularly in the south where there are some fantastic, empty beaches. We offer dolphin diving at Ponta Mamoli too.”
She added: “Maputu has a great Portuguese/African cultural feel to it, with Spanish music playing and a lovely cafe culture.”
The Gambia
Serenity Holidays, which specialises in West Africa, suggests second-timers try the Gambia.
Serenity spokesperson Jenny Adams said: “The Gambia is a great introduction to West Africa. It’s less than six hours from London, in the same time zone, has English-speaking locals and great winter sun – average temperatures reach the early-mid 30s.
“The beaches are vast and it’s good value for money – luxury need not cost the earth.”
The other Big Five
Great activities beyond South Africa
1. Take a three-hour lunch on the five-star steam train, the Royal Livingstone Express, as it winds its way beside the Zambezi River from Victoria Falls in Zambia. Stay five nights at the Royal Livingstone Hotel overlooking the Falls from £1,560 per person twin-share with Elegant Resorts, including flights. The train excursion costs £78.
2. Explore the coral ridges and reefs on a diving expedition at the stunning Indigo Bay resort on Bazaruto Island, Mozambique. Rani Resorts offers seven nights at £1,155 per person twin-share any time this year, not including flights. Rani is giving the top-booking agent seven nights for two people at any of its properties, including Indigo Bay, from now until June 30.
3. Take in the spectacular dunes at Sossusvlei in Namibia. Somak offers its 10-night Namibian Discovery Trip from £2,087 per person in March, not including flights. The tour visits Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund.
4. Stay in one of the four, two-bed tents at the Chimp Rehab Trust Camp in the Gambia. The Gambia Experience offers a seven-night twin-centre holiday at the end of April combining the Chimp Rehab Trust and the Mandina Lodges at Makasutu from £1,237 per person, including flights and transfers.
5. Go fishing in one of the least tourist-infested spots in the world – the silent Okavanga Delta. Acacia Africa offers a five-day Delta Dawn trip in the Okavanga Delta from £295, excluding flights.
