Selling Travel Connect: Africa was held at Hyatt Regency London Stratford hotel on December 9. The event attracted 49 enthusiastic travel agents, several of whom expressed appreciation of its geographical focus and the quality of the information shared.
The suppliers present shared the following key points with attendees:
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is in the process of opening up for adventure and cultural travel. The southern African country recorded double-digit growth (12%) in international visitor arrivals in 2024 compared to 2023.
From the UK, six airlines connect with Zimbabwe’s three major airports: Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Additionally, short regional flights link Zimbabwe with major regional tourist destinations such as Cape Town and Chobe, enabling multi-destination holidays.
The dates of Zimbabwe’s tourism-focused Sanganai/Hlanganai Expo 2025 will be announced in January. To register interest, agents are invited to contact Aaron Chingombe (aaron@ztazim.co.zw), Zimbabwe Tourist Board’s new UK representative.
Travel Promoters
Travel Promoters introduced its portfolio of properties in Africa.
The destination spa Lanzerac, in South Africa, is on the estate where the first Pinotage wine is bottled. It has a gym, eight treatment rooms plus four swimming pools and dining options. In 2024 the deli and wine tasting room were expanded to add an upper floor.
Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal has three lodges, including the tented Madwaleni River Lodge, where rewilding and conservation work is carried out. Co-owned by three local communities and international investors, Babanango ensures the communities benefit through tourism.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in Johannesburg has unveiled new collaborations over the past year, including the Satara Ardmore Suite. The drawing room combines a private dining area with an art gallery while the Found boutique offers pieces from up-and-coming artists, designers and artisans.
Madikwe Safari Lodge has invested in its three lodges and enhanced staff housing. Kopano and Dithaba lodges now have main pools, adding to the plunge pools at each suite. The Children’s Eco House at Lelapa has been rebuilt and enhanced, and Villa Elela has been added.
RwandAir
RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines. Since the summer of 2024, RwandAir operates daily direct flights to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, in an Airbus A330 from London Heathrow’s Terminal 4.
Business and Economy seating is available aboard RwandAir, which operates 14 aircraft and has one of the youngest, state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent.
With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all customers, the airline currently offers services to over 20 destinations throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In addition to flights from London, RwandAir offers three flights a week from Brussels and Paris to Kigali.
Malawi Tourism
Malawi has long been known for its beaches, beautiful landscapes and friendly people. The country’s transformed tourism offering now includes high-quality safaris and cultural experiences. One of the safest and friendliest countries in Africa, Malawi has excellent tourism infrastructure.
With ‘Big Five’ safaris, hiking trails and lakeside retreats, Malawi is an ideal destination for multi-generational family holidays, particularly for those travelling with older children and teenagers who are looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures without overwhelming crowds. Whether it’s a family gathering around a lakeside bonfire or the shared awe of an elephant sighting on safari, Malawi offers something for travellers of all ages and fantastic experiences that will become treasured family memories.
Developments for 2025 include the introduction of new facilities by Central African Wilderness Safaris (CAWS) at Mvuu Lodge and the introduction of horseback adventures at Kuti Wildlife Reserve now managed by 1-2 Travel Africa.
Explore
Explore pointed out that travel to Africa is booming, bringing opportunities for agents. West Africa has recorded 25% year-on-year passenger growth.
Cultural highlights were discussed, as were the beaches of the Gulf of Guinea, viewing birdlife from the canopy bridges of Kakum National Park and safaris in Mole National Park, which has significant elephant and antelope populations.
The new 15-day Best of Ghana tour offers insights into culture and traditions in a country where English is spoken and diverse ecosystems can be experienced. Prices start from £3,495 per person. Departures are times to coincide with the Akwasidae Festival, a traditional celebration held every six weeks.
A winter sun destination, the best time to travel is from November into April. New direct flights to Ghana from London have a duration of six hours 30 minutes. In the same time zone as the UK, travellers don’t get jet lag.
In December travel agents will find discounts on Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Trek, Highlights of Kenya and South Africa and Eswatini holidays. On December 30, Explore’s Big Blue Sale starts, discounting up to 20% on over 1,500 departures.
Ethos Marketing
Machaba Safaris operates 10 eco-conscious safari camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and will open its 11th, Monachira, in June 2025. In Moremi Game Reserve, the new camp promises family-friendly hospitality and sustainable luxury. Elevated wooden decks will offer panoramic views of wildlife-rich floodplains. The company offers romantic honeymoon packages.
The Wilderness Collection has announced premier lodges at Tanzania Crater’s Edge, on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. They offer opulent accommodation, authentic African décor and breathtaking views of one of the world’s natural wonders. Presenting sweeping views of the Serengeti savannah, Warangi Ridge is set to open in June 2025 with facilities including a yoga deck, open-air gym, spa and an infinity pool among acacia trees.
Ethiopian Airlines
This award-winning airline flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester to its Addis Ababa hub, where passengers can connect with over 80 destinations across Africa. Popular holiday destinations include Seychelles, Zanzibar, Madagascar, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania. Maun in Botswana was added recently. The airline has a dedicated groups department and an account management team.
Departures to Addis Ababa are daily from London Heathrow, five times a week from Manchester and four times weekly from London Gatwick (aboard Airbus A350/900 and 1000 aircraft with Business and Economy cabins. Travellers can take advantage of a generous baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines flights, with three 23kg checked bags permitted in Business Class and two 23kg bags in Economy.
In November, Ethiopian introduced a new Airbus A350-1000 on the Heathrow-Addis Ababa route and three additional new aircraft are due over the coming months, adding to a fleet of more than 130. The new aircraft offers passengers a Business Class, with seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, and a more spacious Economy cabin with large screens. The new entertainment system with a unique landscape tail camera facility.
El Gouna in Egypt
El Gouna, on the Red Sea in Egypt, is a year-round destination ideal for winter sun escapes or relaxing summer breaks. Flights operate to Hurghada from Gatwick, Luton, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester, with easyJet, Wizz Air and TUI taking around five hours. Transfers to the resort take 30 minutes.
Holidaymakers can choose from 18 hotels that cater to varying budgets and tastes, as well as over 100 bars and restaurants throughout the town. Whether clients are looking for luxurious retreats, charming boutique stays or something in between, couples, families and groups of friends seeking exclusivity can discover their ideal getaway.
Known as one of the world’s best destinations for kitesurfing and scuba diving, visitors can also enjoy desert safaris, snorkelling and golf courses suitable for players of all levels. Relaxation lovers can lounge on the beach or enjoy world-class spa and yoga facilities.
Seven-night easyJet Holidays packages start from £363pp for three-star, £438pp for four-star and £585pp for five-star bed and breakfast accommodation, including flights and transfers.
Abercrombie & Kent
Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda will reopen in mid-2025 with 10 expanded suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor decks. It is in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a stronghold for mountain gorillas, whose population is rising following 30 years of conservation successes. Uganda Wildlife Authority plans to habituate chimpanzees in Bwindi, adding chimpanzee trekking to the region’s wildlife offerings. In October Uganda Airlines introduced direct flights between London and Entebbe, making it easier to reach Bwindi.
Abercrombie & Kent’s new flagship safari sanctuary in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is set to open in 2025, offering bush walks and game drives. An exclusive tour will trace locations of the film Out of Africa.
Following a rebuild, Baines’ Lodge will re-open in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in mid-2025. Ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking romantic escapes, the lodge offers an intimate, exclusive retreat for those seeking an authentic safari experience on a private concession. Each of the six newly designed suites is being crafted for sophistication and comfort. Private decks feature star baths and daybeds. Game drives in open 4×4 vehicles will be offered.
Prize winners
It’s always worthwhile bringing business cards to Selling Travel Connect events. Agents attending the evening had opportunities to win fabulous prizes through card draws, including holidays in Malawi and Zimbabwe.
To Malawi, Roxanne Benjamin Hoppie of Intele Travel won an 11-night experience, Debbie Mitchell of Dream Destinations won an eight-night holiday and Rashilla Patel from Not Just Travel won a 10-night trip to the country’s south.
Selling Travel Connect in 2025
Further Selling Travel Connect events will be held in 2025. Spain will be the focus of the first events of the year, in Bristol on January 28 and Birmingham on January 29.
You can check our Connect Calendar online. We hope to welcome you to an event soon.
