Photo: Getty
By Judy Koutsky
Africa's travel and safari industry is undergoing a transformation as travelers increasingly seek unique, personalized, and meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional game drives. Whether it’s traveling to under-the radar destinations or going to favorite safari hotspots, like Kenya, but seeking completely different experiences, there’s a changing expectation among travelers.
Northern Kenya
Take Kenya, a destination that has long-been a well-traveled safari hotspot. Shaun Stanley, owner of Stanley Safaris, believes Northern Kenya is the next place to explore.
“Safari goers can combine the popular Masai Mara with the lesser-known Northern Kenya region so travelers can tick the box of the big five wildlife experience combined with the cultural safari and conservation work being done in the north,” says Stanley.
Stanley Safaris only works with small, privately owned camps and lodges that have a strong conservation and community ethos.
In Nairobi that means, House of Waine, a boutique property with only 11 rooms that was once a private home. It was then acquired by a local family and refurbished to create a quiet retreat on 2.5 acres of property.
From Nairobi, many travelers head to the Masai Mara, but Stanley suggests heading north to Samburuland, a place of wilderness lying east of Kenya’s rift valley. Here, the Samburu are dependent on camels, cattle and goats for their livelihood. Against the backdrop of the Matthews Mountains, is Kalepo Camp. While most safari camps focus on wildlife, Kalepo focuses on cultural safaris. Activities here include kijiji (village) visits and walks with herdsmen to see and experience the “singing wells.” Located on the northern end of Namunyak Conservancy, this area sees far fewer tourists which makes the experience unique for travelers that are here.
Another under-the-radar northern Kenya spot is the Laikipia region, an alternate to the crowded Maasai Mara. Home to the Big Five, this region offers numerous experiences and activities without the larger numbers of visitors that are sometimes found in national parks. While game drives and walking safaris are offered here, too, a favorite is horseback safaris. Where travelers can experience the wildlife—including giraffe, ostrich, and zebra—from a different lens. Laikipia is located east of the Great Rift Valley and north of the Mt Kenya. Here conservation projects, local cattle ranches and the ecotourism industry are working together to generate sustainable income for the local Samburu, Laikipiak, and Mokogodo Maasai communities.
Ol Lentille safari lodge is located on a 40,000-acre private conservation area owned by the local community. The conservancy, a major wildlife migration corridor, is unfenced and managed in partnership with the local communities, who receive a share of the income of the tourism business. Ol Lentille's close partnership with the local community gives travelers authentic access to the Maasai and Samburu culture. Yes, there are the traditional game drives and walking safaris (this area is home to the African wild dog, elephants, Grevy’s and Burchell’s zebra, kudu, leopard and hyena), but they also offer camel treks and dinners at a manyatta with the elders.
Then there’s the Borana Conservancy, which sits on the foot of Mount Kenya nestled between an arid landscape to the north and ancient indigenous forests to the south. This 32,000-acre conservation area is home to both black and white rhino and, along with Lewa Conservancy, create the largest contiguous rhino habitat in East Africa, with over 200 rhinos.
The Lengishu House sits on 32,000 acres of the Borana Conservancy, the country’s most successful rhino sanctuary. The property was built with locally-sourced materials, and conservation fees paid by Lengishu's guests are invested into the sustainable conservation of land and wildlife notably the endangered black rhino and its habitat.
What’s Next
While Kenya and Tanzania have long dominated the safari market, Stanley highlights Zambia as a standout destination. “Zambia is gaining traction due to its affordability and accessibility. Domestic airline Proflight connects remote areas, making travel easier and cheaper. Lodges near national parks share the cost of maintenance, allowing for lower prices and more affordable luxury camps. The South Luangwa region, for instance, offers exclusivity without the high price tag, providing access to remote areas and intimate wildlife encounters.”
Slowing down is another important trend. “Travelers are increasingly favoring quality over quantity,” says Stanley. Rather than hopping between multiple countries, more visitors are spending extended stays in one or two locations. Stanley predicts longer stays—such as five nights at one lodge—will become the norm, allowing travelers to take full advantage of diverse activities and experiences.
Covid has also created another trend that limits overcrowding. “Exclusive-use lodges are increasingly popular for families and honeymooners, offering flexibility and personalized service,” says Stanley.
Travelers are also focusing on ethical travel and want to see their travel dollars impacting conservation and benefiting the local community. “With thoughtful planning and a focus on sustainability, modern safaris deliver not only wildlife encounters but also deeper connections with the land and its people,” says Stanley.
Read the original article on Forbes.
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