Tag: namibia

Africa’s First Quiet Park: How Namibia is Redefining Solitude-Driven Luxury Travel

In a world increasingly dominated by noise and distraction, a new trend is emerging among discerning travelers: the pursuit of genuine solitude. 

Africa, long celebrated for its expansive landscapes and pristine wilderness, has just gained global recognition in this niche space thanks to Namibia.

The iconic Southern Africa safari destination’s NamibRand Nature Reserve has been awarded the status of a Wilderness Quiet Park, making it Africa’s first contribution to a select group of locations worldwide that preserve the rare luxury of natural silence.

The Rise of Quiet Parks: A Global Movement for Preservation

The concept of Quiet Parks was pioneered by acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, whose mission began with the “One Square Inch of Silence” initiative in 2005. 

What started as a small-scale effort has since evolved into Quiet Parks International, a global non-profit dedicated to safeguarding Earth’s most pristine soundscapes. 

These parks are distinguished by the absence of human-made noise, offering an immersive experience where nature speaks through the rustling of leaves and the whisper of the wind across their natural landscapes.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve now stands among only four other destinations worldwide to receive this Wilderness Quiet Parks recognition, joining iconic sites like Glacier National Park in the United States and Zabalo River in Ecuador. 

This milestone not only highlights Africa’s potential as a destination for solitude seekers but also underscores the continent’s growing role in sustainable, conservation-focused tourism.

Namib-Naukluft national park, desert landscape. Photo: Getty Images

What Makes NamibRand a Wilderness Quiet Park?

Spanning over 200,000 hectares and nestled between the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Namib Sand Sea World Heritage Site, the NamibRand landscape is striking. 

Known for its “red dunes, fairy circles, and open desert vistas”, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience nature in its purest form as NamibRand’s appeal goes beyond its visual allure; it’s now a sanctuary of silence.

The reserve’s strict conservation measures have preserved this quietude for decades. Guest accommodations are limited to just one bed per 1,000 hectares, ensuring minimal human presence. 

Development is restricted in designated wilderness areas, the reserve is also celebrated for its exceptionally dark skies, earning it the title of an International Dark Sky Reserve at the Gold Tier level in 2012. For stargazers and those seeking a deeper connection with nature, this is a destination like no other.  

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Edward Alant, Field Recordist, shared his experience of the quiet at NamibRand stating, “I was mesmerized by the peace and tranquillity of the ever-changing landscape during my time at NamibRand. The dunes are alive and moving – recording in the desert gives you an appreciation of the complex challenges faced by so many reserves across the African continent. When I listen to the recordings, I can relive the moments, walking through the deep sand, setting up my recorder in an Acacia tree, and taking a few minutes to listen…

“A Wilderness Quiet Park Award symbolizes the effort expended by the owners and management of NamibRand to preserve the integrity of the natural ecosystem. I was privileged to spend a few days with the NamibRand Team and highly recommend anyone considering NamibRand as a destination,” Edward concludes.

NamibRand reviews on Tripadvisor echo this sentiment. A recent visitor in June described it as, “an extraordinary lifetime experience.” Vumbrimu states, “The NamibRand Nature reserve is one of the few remaining truly unspoilt places on earth. It is utterly beautiful, and the solitude is a deeply spiritual experience. To walk in the pan under a full moon, and braai under the bright Namibian stars in the quiet evening was a wonderful experience and great privilege…Difficult to convey in words. Good for the soul.”

The Luxury of Silence: Why Quiet Travel is Trending

As luxury travellers increasingly seek more meaningful and mindful experiences, the demand for genuine solitude is on the rise. It’s no longer just about escaping to remote locations; it’s about immersing oneself in spaces that offer a sense of peace, stillness, and disconnection from the digital world. 

Luxury brands like Singita for example have seen a significant increase in interest for experiences centered around solitude. 

The company has seen wellness evolving to emphasize access to vast, undisturbed spaces for “meaningful opportunities to just disconnect.”  

Designed to take guests to uncharted destinations, they’ve taken a holistic approach to spiritual, physical, and mental wellness by “creating serene sanctuaries integrated through every aspect of the guest’s stay.”

These experiences are rooted in the psychology of disconnection, where travelers find renewal in silence and solitude. 

Singita CEO Jo Bailes states, “The modern safari traveler wants to learn about other cultures and connect with nature and people.” 

 “Luxury has become synonymous with privacy, personalization, and the space to create meaningful experiences that foster connection.”

Quiver Tree forest at sunset, Namibia. Photo: Getty Images

Planning Your Visit: Experiencing Africa’s Quiet Spaces

For luxury travelers interested in exploring these tranquil retreats, there are several ways to enhance the experience:

  1. Stargazing and Dark Sky Experiences: NamibRand’s clear, unpolluted skies make it an ideal location for night safaris, guided stargazing, and astrophotography sessions.
  2. Immersive Walking Tours: Consider joining guided walks with expert field guides who help you tune into the subtle sounds of the wilderness, from the wind in acacia trees to distant wildlife calls.
  3. Private Glamping and Secluded Lodges: Stay at eco-lodges or exclusive-use camps that offer the privacy and solitude luxury travelers seek. Accommodations are designed to be unobtrusive, blending into the landscape while offering high-end comforts.
  4. Wellness Retreats in Nature: Many of these destinations are now integrating wellness programs that include meditation, yoga, and spa therapies, providing a holistic approach to mental, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation.

SEE:  New Safari Lodge Openings to Look Forward to in 2025

A wavy trace on the Namib Desert Sand. NambiRand is helping to redefine the path of luxury travel. Photo: Getty Images

The Future of Sustainable Luxury Travel

As more travellers recognize the luxury of silence, Africa’s role as a symbol of how the future of luxury travel is being defined. 

By protecting these quiet spaces and promoting sustainable tourism practices, destinations like Namibia are setting a new standard for what positive impact experiences mean in luxury travel: immersive, responsible, and deeply connected to the environment.

“This accolade underscores our dedication to preserving the tranquility of NamibRand and promoting responsible tourism practices. We hope this designation will inspire others to appreciate and conserve our natural world,” said Nils Odendaal, CEO of NamibRand Nature Reserve.

NamibRand’s recognition might only be the beginning. South Africa’s Bergplaas Nature Reserve is currently under evaluation for the same Wilderness Quiet Park status, signaling that more African destinations may soon join the global quiet park network. 

The reserve, located in the Western Cape, is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and vast, undisturbed spaces, making it an ideal candidate for this status.

As the movement for quiet preservation gains momentum, Africa’s vast and varied landscapes offer immense potential. Namibia’s achievement is more than a milestone for the continent; it’s a symbol of how the future of luxury travel is being redefined. In a world where noise is constant, the ability to experience pure, natural silence is now one of the ultimate indulgences. 

Ready to escape into simple solitude? Discover Africa’s Travel Experts can help you define your luxury travel safari itinerary perfectly suited to your needs. Get in touch to learn more. 

All You Need to Know About Eco-Tourism in Namibia

Namibia, a seemingly endless, mostly arid country in southern Africa, is increasingly being recognised not just for its captivating landscapes and wildlife, but also its commitment to ecological sustainability.

From its haunting Skeleton Coast, to the lush wetlands system of central northern Namibia, to the striking red dunes of the Namib Desert, Namibia has integrated eco-friendly practices into its tourism industry. Let’s take a look at the country’s ecotourism initiatives and how you can be a responsible ecotourist on your next adventure.

Antelope on a sand dune in Namibia.
Springbok on a dune. Photo: Unsplash

Namibia’s Ecotourism Principles

The World Wildlife Fund refers to Namibia as a conservation success story. After becoming independent in 1990, Namibia became the first African country to write environmental protection into its constitution. A law was also passed empowering communities to set up “conservancies” that they manage and benefit from directly.

This has transformed the outlook for people and wildlife in Namibia. In fact, both wildlife and people are thriving. Pre-Covid, conservancy areas were generating more than 150 million Namibian dollars per year. Wildlife numbers have increased dramatically and the number of wildlife conservancies has also grown. Large tracts of land have been created where animals can move freely. An impressive 45.6% of Namibia’s total land area is now available to its wildlife!

Here are the principles that Namibia has employed to work this eco-miracle:

1. Conservation Through Tourism

Namibia actively promotes conservation as a cornerstone of its tourism industry. A portion of the profits from national parks and certain lodges are channelled back into conservation efforts, ensuring protection for the country’s rich biodiversity.

2. Community Engagement

Many eco-lodges and tour operators work in close partnership with local communities. Job creation is an important aspect of this collaboration, and well over 3,200 jobs have been created. As it’s conservatively estimated that five people benefit directly and indirectly from each job created, job creation has an extremely positive impact.

Game rangers, wildlife guides, lodge staff, and anti-poaching rangers often come from the local communities. Community involvement ensures that people benefit directly from tourism, often leading to improvements in local infrastructure, education, and health services.

This has had a positive impact on poaching activities. As local communities get to understand that there is much more long-term benefit in conserving animals than in killing them for a short-term, one-off gain, poachers are largely no longer welcome.

3. Educational Experiences

Namibia’s eco-tour operators prioritise educating visitors about the environment, local cultures, and conservation efforts. Many of these visitors become potent ambassadors for conservation. This leads to increased awareness, better funding and greater involvement in conservation efforts to protect endangered animals like rhinos, pangolins, cheetahs, and others.

A rhino in Etosha National Park.
A rhino in Etosha National Park. Photo: Unsplash

Noteworthy Ecotourism Initiatives in Namibia

1. Communal Conservancies

Today, there are over 86 registered community conservancies in Namibia. Here, communities manage and benefit directly from wildlife tourism on their communal lands. Plans for a further 68 conservancies are underway.

2. Eco-Lodges and Hotels

Eco-accommodation can be loosely defined as accommodation that’s made significant improvements in order to minimise its environmental footprint. At these establishments, conservation is the watchword, and indeed, conservation is a vital cornerstone of any Namibian wildlife experience.

From the infamous Skeleton Coast, to the banks of the ephemeral Hoanib River, to the dramatic red dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib, many accommodations have gone “green”. More and more Namibian eco-lodges, hotels, guesthouses and campsites utilise sustainable practices such as solar power, water recycling, sustainable building materials, and organic gardening.

3. Establishment of an Eco-Certification System

Eco Awards Namibia is a dynamic alliance of government and private sector organisations that developed an ecotourism certification programme. Receiving an eco “flower” certification is an acknowledgement that a lodge or resort is run according to ecotourism principles and guidelines.

The programme promotes the sustainable use of resources, and advocates the key concepts of recycling, reusing and reducing. It has contributed significantly to Namibia’s impressive conservation success story. Shannon Stowell, the president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), has said that Namibia “offers one of the most compelling success stories in tourism today”.

4. Adventures with Purpose (Voluntourism)

Voluntourism, a portmanteau word derived from “volunteering” and “tourism”, is the practice of volunteering to work in conservation efforts, community projects, or social initiatives while travelling in a country. The purpose is not just to have a holiday, but to learn more about real life in a country, and to make a positive contribution. Anyone with useful skills, however modest, can do it. All that’s needed is a willingness to get involved, get your hands dirty, and do the job!

In Namibia, voluntourists can get involved in the care and rehabilitation of animals, including big cats, baboons, and birds. If you have a suitable background you can volunteer for community healthcare, teaching, social work, and medical projects.

There are volunteer programmes that focus on indigenous cultures, black rhino conservation, and avian research. Specialised tour operators offer voluntourism opportunities where visitors can participate in community projects or wildlife conservation efforts during their stay.

A shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast.
A shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast. Photo: Unsplash

Popular Ecotourism Destinations in Namibia

NamibRand Nature Reserve

Located in southern Namibia, the NamibRand Nature Reserve adjoins the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The reserve aims to protect the wildlife and the fragile desert ecology of the south-western Namib Desert. The reserve covers more than 200,000 hectares and includes gravel plains, stretches of savannah, vegetated dune belts, and inselbergs.

In the east, the impressive Nubib Mountains form the reserve’s border. The five tourism concessions in the park pay a per-bed daily conservation fee to the reserve. Eco-lodges in the area are committed to sustainable tourism – they offer visitors the chance to enjoy the mesmerising landscapes and wildlife of the reserve in sustainable luxury with a minimal footprint.

Damaraland

Situated on the eastern side of the Skeleton Coast National Park, the mountainous region of Damaraland is truly awe-inspiring. The region is home to a diverse number of desert-adapted species like elephants, rhinos, mountain zebra, the Damara dik-dik, greater kudu, lion, gemsbok (oryx), black-faced impala, eland, and springbok. There is even a pride of desert-adapted lions.

Damaraland also contains the Brandberg, site of the ancient rock famous painting of the White Lady (who happens not to be a lady, actually!). Twyfelfontein also features exceptional Bushmen engravings, as well as the haunting petrified forest’s landscape of enormous fossilised trees. Damaraland has several community-run conservancies that tell an inspiring story of sustainable tourism and community empowerment. They hold to the principle that humans must tread lightly on the land and nature is to be respected at all times.

Etosha National Park

Dominated by its gigantic salt pan, Etosha is one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. This 22,000 square kilometre wilderness, made up mostly of grassland and woodland savannah, is home to a vast array of animals, including the world’s largest population of endangered black rhino. Many of its surrounding lodges and campsites practise sustainable tourism by recycling and conserving water and reducing waste.

A man runs down a sand dune.
Running down a sand dune in Namibia. Photo: Unsplash

Tips for Ecotourists in Namibia

Adhering to these straightforward principles will enrich your ecotourism experience and your interaction with the local people in Namibia:

  • Respect local cultures: Learn basic local customs and greetings.
  • Minimise waste: Use refillable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics.
  • Stay informed: Choose lodges and tour operators with certified eco-credentials.
  • Contribute to local economies: Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans and consider donating to local conservation projects.
Quad biking in the Namib Desert.
Quad biking in the Namib Desert. Photo: Unsplash

Namibia offers visitors stunningly diverse natural landscapes, from dune-filled deserts to wildlife-rich savannahs. By prioritising ecotourism, it ensures that these treasures can be enjoyed responsibly not only today but will be preserved for future generations.

At Discover Africa, we endorse these principles and practices wholeheartedly. Are you also a passionate environmentalist? Let us plan your next safari to Namibia – we’ll ensure you stay in lodges and resorts that also care deeply about our unique planet and its irreplaceable wildlife.

UPDATED: New Flight Routes – FlySafair Adds Regional Route between Namibia and Cape Town

Travellers wanting to explore Africa’s top safari destinations can access several new flight route connections. 

FlySafair has just launched added connectivity to Kruger National Park between Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, starting 2 August. Easier access between Africa’s cities adds to the appeal of planning safari itineraries across multiple countries instead of a single-country trip, as travellers can now pair different experiences with traditional safari itineraries. It also means reduced travel time, with more quality holiday time in destination.

New Routes and Codeshare Partnerships to Top Safari Destinations

Aerial view of hikers on Dune 45 in Sossusvlei, Namibia.
Aerial view of hikers on Dune 45 in Sossusvlei, Namibia.

FlySafair Expands into Namibia – October 2024

FlySafair has announced the launch of its first regional route from Cape Town to Windhoek, Namibia, starting on October 22nd.

Ticket prices start at R1,800*. The route, operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is expected to boost travel between the two cities, particularly for those seeking affordable access to Namibia’s renowned natural attractions.

This new route sees the airline now able to addresses growing demand, to this capital city of the Southern African destination, according to FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordan who states that typically, a ticket from Cape Town to Windhoek starts at R5 000 and can cost as much as R9 000 (about $500 @R18/$).

READ: Africa’s First Quiet Park: How Namibia is Redefining Solitude-Driven Luxury Travel

“We have been wanting to break into the Windhoek market for a while, but the barrier, until now, has been aircraft availability. Having an additional aircraft that we are basing in Cape Town is now enabling us to expand into the market with a competitive fare,” explains Gordon.

Norse Atlantic Adds New Direct Flight to Cape Town – October 2024

Norse Atlantic Airways
Norse Atlantic Airways launches seasonal flight between Cape Town International Airport and London Gatwick Airport. Image: Supplied

UK travellers now have more direct routes to Cape Town to choose from, with the launch of the Norse Atlantic Airways flight between Cape Town International Airport and London Gatwick Airport.

The service will operate seasonally with three weekly flights, starting on 28 October. The flight will arrive in Cape Town at 09:30 (SAST) on a Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday before departing for London Gatwick (LGW) at 11:45 (SAST). Norse Atlantic Airways will operate the service on a Boeing 787-9. 

READ: The Best Time to Visit Botswana: A Seasonal Guide to the Okavango Delta  

Egrets perched on hippos in the Okavango Delta Botswana. Photo: Getty Images
Egrets perched on hippos in the Okavango Delta Botswana. Photo: Getty Images

Air Botswana Expands its Route Network Across Southern Africa – November 2024 

More travellers can take advantage of the beautiful safari destination of Botswana and combining it with a visit to some of Southern Africa’s top destinations, including Cape Town and Windhoek.

Air Botswana is expanding its operations with new routes across Namibia and South Africa, enhancing connectivity in phases from September 1 to November 1, 2024.

The new routes include flights between Gaborone and Durban (1 October), Gaborone and Windhoek (1 October), Maun and Cape Town (starting 1 November), Maun and Windhoek (starting 1 November), Kasane and Mpumalanga (starting 1 November), and Kasane and Cape Town (starting 1 November), each operating three times weekly. Air Botswana is also increasing frequencies on routes such as Gaborone to Cape Town, Harare, and Lusaka from November.

Additionally, the airline is reinstating key routes suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Johannesburg to Maun (1 September), Kasane (1 September), and Francistown (15 September).

Delta Expands Service to Nigeria, Upgrades South Africa, Ghana Fleet – December 2024

Delta A330-900neo aircraft
All A330-900neo aircraft includes Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

Starting 1 December, Delta Airlines will revive its daily service from New York-JFK to Lagos, Nigeria, complementing its existing daily flights from Atlanta. This expansion will see Delta offer up to 14 weekly flights to Nigeria during early winter and maintain ten weekly flights for the remainder of the season. The New York-JFK to Lagos, Nigeria route will shift from a daily to three times per week on 16 January next year. 

Tourism between the U.S. and Africa will see improved service and flight connectivity from U.S. carrier Delta Airlines. The carrier announced plans to restart its service to Nigeria from New York-JFK, and fleet upgrades for its Ghana and South Africa service have been confirmed. 

New Flight Routes added in 2024:

FlySafair Launches Joburg to Kruger Route – August 2024

FlySafair has launched a new route from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Nelspruit, with twice-weekly services starting on August 2.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) is situated just a 50-minute drive from Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate and is also serviced by Airlink and Cemair.   The introduction of FlySafair’s new route complements the existing direct flights to Kruger National Park from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, facilitating greater access to one of South Africa’s most beloved wildlife reserves.

FlySafair New Aircraft
Enhanced connectivity for both local travelers and international tourists is making it easier to reach prime South African destinations such as the Kruger National Park. Source: FlySafair

Airlink reconnects Mozambique’s Vilanculos with SA’s Kruger  – July 2024

In July, Airlink will return to its seasonal beach-and-bush route between South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Mozambique. The flight will link Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport with Vilanculos on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Ticket booking is live, with the seasonal route set to run until January 2025.  

The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is a popular add-on to a Kruger safari. Highlights include God’s Window in the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes in Graskop, and the Three Rondavels rock formation. Mozambique’s Vilanculos is the launchpad to the Bazaruto Archipelago, renowned for its spectacular beaches, marine life, and vibrant island lifestyle.   

Ethiopia Airlines adds Botswana Connection – June 2024

Ethiopian Airlines will connect its capital city of Addis Ababa to Zambia’s Ndola and Botswana’s Maun starting 10 June. The flight will add three weekly connections on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. 

Maun serves as a gateway to northern Botswana. Situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River in the Southeastern part of the Delta, it offers seamless connectivity for fly-in safaris from the airport to central parts of the Okavango Delta.  

An aerial view of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Source: Wynand Uys, Unsplash
An aerial view of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Source: Wynand Uys, Unsplash

 

Qatar adds New Africa Gateway to DRC – June 2023

Qatar Airways has opened up a new gateway in Africa, connecting the DRC with Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The inaugural flight from Doha to Kinshasa landed at N’djili International Airport on 1 June, bringing the total number of African destinations served by the airline to 29.

The four weekly services will also increase capacity to Angola, raising the number of flights to Luanda from one to four. The addition of Kinshasa also complements the airline’s over 170 weekly flights across Africa, emphasising Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing connectivity throughout the continent.

Lufthansa Ups Direct Flights to South Africa – June 2024

Lufthansa is set to launch a direct flight between Munich and Johannesburg, improving access for travellers wanting to visit South Africa. The increased direct flights to South Africa bodes well for European travellers looking to visit South Africa. Some 245,259 German travellers visited South Africa in 2023, showing 42% growth compared to 2022.   

Proflight Zambia connects Lusaka and Cape Town – February 2024

Proflight Zambia launched a new direct route between South Africa’s Cape Town International and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka in February. The thrice-weekly flights will operate on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.   

This connection suits travellers looking to maximise their safari bucket list experience with a visit to Cape Town’s world-class beaches and historically rich Cape Winelands. This year, Zambia is celebrating 60 years of independence, with visitors set for a rich showcase of its history and culture.

Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town.
Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, one of Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Sustainable Beaches for 2024. Source: Niklas Eichler, Unsplash.

Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways improve connectivity to Kenya – March 2024

Connectivity between the UK and East Africa has been improved with the latest partnership between SkyTeam alliance partners Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways.

Kenya is one of East Africa’s prime safari destinations. It is popular with North American and UK travellers who travel to the continent to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration between Tanzania and Kenya.

The codeshare allows Virgin Atlantic customers to book flights directly on Kenya Airways’ route between London Heathrow and Nairobi.

It simplifies travel to Kenya for international visitors, including those from the UK, who can now enter with online authorization instead of a traditional visa.

Virgin Atlantic Kenya Airways codeshare
Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways codeshare improves flight access between UK and East Africa.

Federal Airlines to Connect Marakele and Madikwe Game Reserve – March 2024

South African charter flight provider Federal Airlines will introduce a new shuttle route connecting Marakele National Park to Madikwe Game Reserve.  The route started operating on 23 March, with departure and landing times at Thabazimbi Airport for Marataba Luxury Lodges, part of MORE collections.

Federal Air offers daily shuttles connecting South Africa’s most popular Big Five game reserves and luxury safari lodges, along with private charters direct to flight strips of luxury safari locations across Africa.  

The Marataba Rhino Conservation team in the Marakele National Park.
The Marataba Rhino Conservation team in the Marakele National Park. Source: MORE Collection.

FlySafair connects Cape Town to Kruger – April 2024

South African low-cost carrier FlySafair will launch a new route between Cape Town International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from 2 April. The flight will operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.  

This connection also puts the popular appeal of Cape Town within reach of travellers to South Africa’s flagship national park, Kruger.

A herd of buffalo seen on a game drive in Kruger National Park.
A herd of buffalo seen on a game drive in Kruger National Park. Source: SA Tourism.

FlyNamibia Adds New Route Between Windhoek and Vic Falls  – April 2024

FlyNamibia will operate new flights between Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe from 4 April. As an Airlink affiliate partner, this new scheduled flight will allow travelers to fly directly between Cape Town, central Namibia, Victoria Falls, and Kruger Park, all booked on a single ticket.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Ian Mackey, Unsplash.
A view of Victoria Falls, which sits between the Southern African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Source: Ian Mackey, Unsplash.

Air Traffic Recovery Across Africa 

Passenger demand is a key driver for new route connections, adding to the availability of affordable flights, with air travel for African airlines inching towards 2019 pre-pandemic demand. International Air Transport Association (IATA) data shows that air travel for Africa rose 9.5% in December last year compared to December 2022.  

African destinations are seeing increased interest from international travellers, with independent travellers driving leisure flight route recovery in Central and West Africa, according to travel analytics firm ForwardKeys. 

Its air ticketing data painted a healthy picture for international arrivals in popular safari destinations towards the end of 2023, with double-digit growth for Tanzania (+15%), Rwanda (+15%), and Namibia (+10%).   

Connectivity to the continent is receiving a positive outlook, said Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), who emphasized the growing desire for African destinations, noting that search trends reveal “an undeniable appetite for travel to destinations across Africa.”