South Africa is an evolving destination, with new attractions popping up, and new experiences being developed. Africa’s Travel Indaba provides an opportune time to update your destination knowledge, to see what new things to offer clients when building itineraries back home.

In and around KZN

Isibindi Africa Lodges

Isibindi Africa Lodges is hosting a post-Indaba Fam trip. The five-night tour takes place from May 10 to 15.

The first night at St. Lucia includes a game drive and sundowner boat cruise, with the following four nights spent at three of Isibindi’s unique Zululand Lodges: brunch at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, two nights at Kosi Forest Lodge exploring the Kosi lakes and raffia forests, then two nights at Thonga Beach Lodge.

Rates include accommodation, all meals, certain activities, park fees and return transfers from King Shaka International Airport.

Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail runs a special train from Pretoria to Durban each year for the Indaba travel show. Although only a one-night stay, it offers the global travel industry a short introduction of the five-star Rovos experience.

The journey includes transportation in a luxury suite of choice, the services of a butler or hostess, gourmet meals and snacks freshly prepared on board, award-winning wines and spirits, and off-train excursions as per the itinerary.

Going back west

Samara Private Game Reserve

The 70 000-acre Great Karoo wilderness that is home to Samara Private Game Reserve is offering trade buyers pre- and post-Indaba tours.

The reserve is home to the Big Five, and guests may also be able to experience Samara’s primary purpose: rewilding, where thousands of animals have been reintroduced, including the first cheetah, elephant and lion to return in over a century.

Members of the trade are invited to experience the soul of Samara and its exciting recent launches: the new ‘Big 5’ status, special conservation packages, and renovations at Karoo Lodge.

Packages are valid from April 20 to May 31.

Up into Africa

While in Africa, one may as well experience as much as possible. Semunyeni Botswana Mobile Safaris invites the trade to journey to the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, in an unforgettable wildlife glamping adventure.

Highlights include Big Five game and bird viewing; a night drive and a boat ride in a mokoro (dugout canoe), scenic Delta flight, and a green safari. The fee includes return flights Maun-Xakanaxa, all meals and drinks, and excursions.