Remember when international travel meant Europe, the US, Thailand or Bali? In 2025, African destinations are flipping the script. Perfectly positioned to meet some of this year's top travel trends, Africa is primed for luxury, adventure and heritage travel. And the best past? Not only are these destinations quieter (great news in a world where many destinations suffer from overcrowding), but many are also relaxing (or waiving) visa requirements to boost tourism. ) I did!
We caught up with Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Center Travel Group South Africa, to find out what African destinations should be on your radar this year.
Phenomenon Travel | Zambia
Phenomenon tourism refers to trips that are planned around extraordinary, often fleeting, natural events, such as solar eclipses, meteor showers, and wildlife migration. Africa offers large wildebeest migrations in East Africa and zebra migrations in Botswana, but have you heard of the Kasanka bat migration in Zambia? The planet's largest mammal migration takes place between October and November each year, giving visitors a spectacular show as up to 10 million African straw-colored fruit bats descend on Kasanka National Park. Masu.
“It's one of nature's best-kept secrets,” says Turner. “And when combined with a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, you have two wildlife experiences that cannot be matched.”
According to Turner, Proflight Zambia has increased its domestic network over the past few months and also operates direct flights between Lusaka, Johannesburg and Cape Town. We put Zambia's wildlife, waterfalls and hidden gems out of reach for South African travelers.
“Zambia is visa-free for South Africans,” says Turner. “However, the country has also just announced the waiver of visa requirements for nationals of an additional 53 countries, which is a significant boost to tourism in the region.”
Sports Tourism | Seychelles
Sports tourism (travel to attend or watch sporting events) is on the rise. Valued at USD 58.314 billion in 2024, the latest Sports Tourism Global Market Report reflects a compound annual growth rate of over 11%.
This year's sporting highlight is a first for Africa. 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
“Seychelles already has the best beaches in the world,” says Turner. “Why not expand into Victoria in May 2025?
Gees of the FIFA Beach World Cup, beautiful weather (about 25-30°C) and all the joys and surprises of one of the smallest capitals in the world. ”
Responsible Tourism | Rwanda
Overtourism continues to be a massive problem around the world, with international travel guides publishing both 'No Lists' and 'Go Lists' for 2025. 'NO LIST' asks travelers to avoid crowded destinations such as Barcelona, Mallorca, Canary Islands, Canary Islands and Venice. Lisbon's 'Go List' encourages travelers to seek out quieter destinations like Rwanda's Western Cape and Hermanus, Kigali.
“It's great to see South Africa on this list,” says Turner. “And Rwanda is a great option for travelers keen to explore Central Africa's gems, or for those with gorilla trekking on their bucket list. South Africans require a visa, but it's free on arrival .”
Soft Travel | St Helena Island
Like slow travel and mindful travel, soft travel is an antidote to a busy and stressful life. Crammed and squeezed itineraries are replaced with opportunities to savor simple pleasures, prioritize rest and well-being, and escape, reset, and rediscover what's important, for slower trips that unfold organically. I will.
“St. Helena Island is a bucket list destination for many people,” says Turner. “Visitors are fascinated by the island's history, heritage and unique ecosystem, but many are also looking for a real escape from everyday life, surrounded by nature and incredible scenery. Perfect for walking, birdwatching, and just being. ”
Turner explains that Airlink currently has seasonal flights between Cape Town and St Helena (until the end of March 2025).
Heritage Revolution | Ghana
Some of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in Africa. Stone Town in Zanzibar, Taifertontoin in the Kunen region of Namibia, Akum in Ethiopia, and the amphitheater of El Jem in Tunisia.
As heritage tourism grows in popularity, Ghana is just one example of African destinations working hard to illuminate their rich cultural heritage. Their “Ghana, Wear Ghana, Ghana Experience Ghana'' and “December in Ghana'' campaigns effectively showcase the country's diverse attractions, from the beaches of the Volta Region to the historic sites of the Central Region and the Ashanti Kingdom. did. Travelers looking to immerse themselves in Africa's music, history and cultural festivals.
Beyond the safari in 2025
“According to the United Nations Tourism Report, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Eswatini, and Seychelles welcomed more than 50 million visitors last year,” says Turner. “They're all worth a visit and all promise a transformative travel experience. If you haven't discovered the joys of African travel yet, maybe you will in 2025!”
Flight Center Travel Group South Africa
South Africa's Flight Center Travel Group (Pty) Ltd ('FCTG') is wholly owned by Flight Center Travel Group Limited, an Australian-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Stock price of AU$16.70 as of January 22, 2025. FCTG has two Level 1 B-BBEE subsidiaries: FCTG Corporate and FCM Travel Solutions. FCTG consists of two main brands: Flight Center and Corporate Traveler. FCTG has been recognized as one of Deloitte's best companies working in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.
