Here, we look at the top safari travel trends. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on travel and tourism. Before the pandemic, this sector was doing quite well across the world. It was accounting for 1 in every 4 jobs. This was about 10.3% of jobs created across the world. International visitors played a major role in improving global GDP. According to World Travel & Tourism Council, in 2019, they spend about USD 1.8 trillion. This was about 6.8% of the global exports.
The pandemic had a negative impact on this trend. About 62 million people lost their jobs. Overall, the sector lost about USD 4.9 trillion. Its contribution to GDP was reduced by more than half. Since 2021, the sector has reported some recovery. According to UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, more tourists travelled in Africa and other regions in 2022. About 474 million tourists traveled between January and July 2022. This is compared to 175 million who traveled in the same period in 2021. This shows that international tourism is quickly recovering from the impact of the pandemic. Let’s look at what is changing in the tourism and travel sector.
Top safari travel trends
- Safe travel
Tourists are now more hygiene conscious. This is after witnessing the radical impact of COVID-19. They are traveling with safer tour companies. These are companies that guarantee health and safety. Tourists are demanding strict hygiene. They also want to see safety measures put to ensure their health. In response, governments and tour operators in Africa have put safety as a priority. Regulations have been put to protect locals as well as travelers. This includes COVID-19 testing among other regulations.
- Eco-travel
This is among the top safari travel trends. Awareness of climate change is quickly growing. Today, more people have seen the impact of climate change. In response, they are taking any step that can have a positive impact on the environment. This is aimed at reversing climate change. It is becoming a trend in African travel 2022. Travelers are more involved in protecting the environment. This has led to eco-travel.
Eco-travel means responsible travel. It focuses on improving the local environment and community. It is playing a key role in protecting natural environments. More tourists are volunteering in environmental projects. Others are supporting conservation efforts. Some travelers are practicing hands-on conservation. For example, after their game drives, they are taking part in planting trees. Most travelers are supporting eco-tourism efforts. For example, they are visiting wildlife conservation areas. They are also choosing safari lodges that are eco-friendlier. Such lodges use renewable energy. They also have other initiatives to promote wildlife conservation.
- Exploring the wilderness in Africa
Exploring Africa is among the top safari travel trends. More tourists are traveling Africa. Their goal is to explore wilderness areas and have a closer view of wild animals. There is a growing demand for African travel 2022. Egypt is the most visited country in Africa 2022.
Let’s look at some of the best places to visit in Africa 2022. You can visit Morocco for hiking to waterfalls, desert treks, and beach days. You can visit South Africa to see diverse wildlife, great landscapes, and stunning coastlines. You can visit Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. They are known for their great wildlife, amazing landscapes, and beautiful beaches. Every country in Africa has something unique and fascinating for travelers.
- Family travel
COVID-19 showed us the importance of having quality time with family. Now more than ever, families are traveling together. Parents, their children, and grandparents are enjoying safaris together. This is among the top safari travel trends. Families are going on safaris to recover from isolation and stress. They are also using holidays as a time to reconnect. Luckily, there are many family activities while on safari. Families can enjoy game drives together. They can enjoy bird watching together. Other great activities include boat rides, fishing, and hiking among other adventures. Safari lodges are now offering family accommodation. This is making it easier for travelers to enjoy family safaris.
- Game viewing from different angles
Travelers are seeking new ways of viewing wildlife in Africa. The common method is using safari vehicles for closer views of the wild animals. Today, more travelers are choosing helicopter flights for seeing wildlife. This is also a great way to see African landscapes. It is a current trend in Kenya, especially during the Great Migration. A current alternative is going on a hot-air balloon flight. This is the perfect way to see the African wilderness from above.
Travelers are watching wildlife from photographic hides. These are strategic locates set in safari lodges. They may include watering holes. Tourists relax in their lodges while watching wildlife. Another current travel trend is canoeing. Travelers are enjoying closer views of crocodiles and hippos with this trend. It is a current trend in Tanzania and other African countries.
The tourism and travel sector is quickly recovering after the COVID-19 shock. 2022 has seen more international tourists travel. Africa is one of the regions receiving more tourists. Some of the best places to visit in Africa 2022 include Egypt, South Africa, and East Africa. In this post, you have learned about top safari travel trends. You can learn more about safari travel here. You just need to follow our blog. You need more info to travel with confidence. This is our area of expertise.