Why Africa deserves a place on your travel wish list
Africa’s appeal for 2027
Africa is firmly on the travel radar for 2027. The latest figures from Travel Counsellors show demand for African holidays is up 24%, with South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania leading the way. Bookings for Zimbabwe have surged by 252%, while Uganda has seen growth of 143% for travel next year.
Having travelled through Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe before finishing in Cape Town, I can understand the appeal. My own adventure included trekking to see mountain gorillas, searching for the Big Five, standing on the equator, spotting penguins on the South African coast and enjoying rather a lot of wine in Stellenbosch. It was a brilliant reminder of just how varied Africa can be.
And you don’t have to be planning a safari to fall in love with it.
Safari, with a little extra luxury
For wildlife lovers, Kenya remains a wonderful choice. New for 2026, Little Elephant Pepper Camp offers an intimate tented safari experience in the Mara North Conservancy, while Bushtops Camps is celebrating its 20th anniversary with added benefits for guests booking for two or more travellers, including a private 4x4 safari vehicle and dedicated guide.
Further south, Zimbabwe offers the drama of Victoria Falls. At Albida, guests can combine a luxurious lodge stay with experiences including a guided Falls tour, a scenic helicopter flight and a day trip to Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana.
Zanzibar: beach escape or something more?
Not every African adventure needs early-morning game drives and a packed itinerary. Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, fascinating history and spice plantations make it an escape in its own right.
There’s exciting news for beach lovers, too. TUI is introducing non-stop flights from London Gatwick to Zanzibar from November 2027, making it easier to plan a winter-sun getaway without having to combine the island with a safari. The new seasonal service is scheduled to operate twice weekly through to March 2028.
For those seeking something different, the boutique eco-luxury retreat Ma’a Salama opened on Zanzibar’s south-east coast in 2026, with just seven villas and a commitment to supporting a local hospitality school.
Cape Town and beyond
Cape Town is a destination that deserves time of its own, from its dramatic mountain backdrop and lively food scene to the vineyards of the Cape Winelands. At Ellerman House, a new eight-course dining experience celebrates South African ingredients, complemented by wines from its impressive collection.
And for travellers who want to combine wildlife with meaningful conservation, Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve is renowned for its leopard sightings, while the story of Sabi Sabi’s reserve offers a fascinating look at wildlife protection and rehabilitation.
Make Africa your own
What makes Africa so special is the freedom to shape a trip around what matters to you. It could be a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a relaxing beach holiday, a food and wine adventure or a multi-country journey that brings several experiences together.
As a Travel Counsellor, I love helping people turn those ideas into a holiday that feels personal, with the details taken care of along the way.
Could 2027 be the year you discover Africa?
