Travel is making a comeback this year and with the vaccine already rolling out throughout the United States, there is no better time to plan a trip! The truth is, travel is always going to be calling us. The pull to experience different cultures, meet people from far ends of the earth, and witness the circle of life in the depths of the African bush is just too strong to ignore. So, what will safari travel look like in 2021? We’ve got the inside scoop on the ways safari travel will change this year. And if you ask us, these are all changes for the better.

So, what will your trip look like if you travel in 2021? We’ve got some tips on what to expect from travel this year. But if you don’t need convincing, inquire now to start planning a trip.

Safari Travel in 2021

Exclusive use lodges

As we enter a new normal for travel, exclusive use lodges are sure to become not just a luxury, but a necessity. Traveling in 2021 is going to look different but more importantly, feel different. Gone are the days of meeting and greeting fellow travelers on our journeys with a kiss on each cheek. The social aspect of travel will remain, but at a safe distance if you so choose. This year, travel will be more of an inward journey and a chance to reconnect with our loved ones in a meaningful way. Many of us will choose to travel in familiar groups and surround ourselves with our loved ones for a joint experience. This could be as part of a large family get together or a group of friends joining together to feel more connected as a community. If you’re interested in traveling with those you love, we have an enviable selection of Africa’s top exclusive use lodges ready for the taking.

 

Isolated escapes

It’s no secret that we won’t be traveling to crowded major cities like Paris, London and Rome like we once used to. Even with the positive news of a vaccine, travel is going to be different for years to come. But instead of longing for the days of multiple vacations per year, we urge you to consider more meaningful trips to remote destinations.  This is a great opportunity to tick off those bucket list destinations you thought you would only ever dream about visiting! Some of the isolated escapes we’re looking forward to this year include exotic locations like the Sossusvlei Desert in Namibia, where you can hike the world’s largest sand dune and descend into the white clay pan known as Deadvlei. Or if you’re looking for a more traditional safari experience without the crowds, you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana. If you ask us, this is one of the most authentic safari experiences out there!

 

More meaningful trips

Communities and conservation have always been at the top of our list of priorities for responsible Africa travel. In 2021 we’re predicting more of our clients will seek meaningful trips including these elements, creating memories to last a lifetime. While the magic of travel really allows you to escape your own reality and enter a new one, we believe meaningful trips leave a permanent mark on the way you go about your daily life when you return home. Some of our favorite ways to incorporate purpose into your travels include animal conservation projects, community visits, and learning about cultural awareness. After all, travel is the best education of all!

 

If you are dreaming of making an impact on the ground, we take great care in matching travelers with conservation projects. Perhaps you could see yourself alongside bottle-fed rescued elephants at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. Or maybe contributing to saving the rhinos is more your interest? We partake in special projects to dehorn rhinos and save them from poaching. You can read about our most recent trip here.

 

For community projects, there is no end to the ways you can get involved on the ground. The safari travel industry is integral to vulnerable communities across Africa as this provides endless work opportunities for locals. Travelers can visit school classrooms, partake in sports activities with the kids and believe us when we say they are just as interested in you as you are in them!

 

Longer stays in one place

Once upon a time, a trip to the continent of Africa typically included a visit to a handful of countries. While this is a great way to get a snapshot of various cultures and landscapes, it is more difficult to completely immerse ourselves in one particular experience or way of living. Traveling to Africa in 2021 will be quite a journey. No matter where you are traveling to Africa from, with the various restrictions in place to protect passengers, you are likely to encounter more speedbumps. But of course, that is all part of the journey!

While multi-country itineraries are always encouraged for our adventurous travelers out there, with the added roadblocks in place to get there, we recommend staying longer in one place for anyone looking to slow things down. Instead of traveling to Africa in search of ticking off destinations, we recommend you take your time and enjoy slow travel. This is a great way to switch off from the mundane cycle of life at home and reinvigorate your senses.

 

Soulful stays

Soulful stays are another way we will travel differently in 2021. Instead of taking trips, trips will take people. Think about planning an escape to Africa that will open your eyes to new possibilities. And better yet, a new way of seeing things. This year will be a great time to embark on a once in a lifetime journey. We recommend considering a multi-day trek, like conquering the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. If you’re after something less strenuous, you might consider an escape to Mnemba Island off the coast of Zanzibar. Whatever you’re looking for, the continent of Africa offers complete serenity. So no matter where you plan to travel this year, make sure you consider switching off and tuning in to a new way of seeing things.

 

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