Remember when international travel meant Europe, the US, Thailand or Bali? In 2025, African destinations are flipping the script. Perfectly positioned to meet some of the year’s top travel trends, Africa is ready step up in terms of luxury, adventure and heritage travel. And the best past? Not only are these destinations quieter (which is fantastic news in a world where many destinations are struggling with overcrowding), but many have eased (or waived) visa requirements in order to boost tourism!
We caught up with Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, to find out what African destinations should be on your radar this year.
Phenomena Travel | Zambia
Phenomena tourism refers to any travel planned around extraordinary – often fleeting – natural events like eclipses, meteor showers or wildlife migrations. Africa offers up the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa and the Zebra Migration in Botswana, but have you heard of the Kasanka Bat Migration in Zambia? The planet’s largest mammal migration happens between October and November each year, giving visitors a spectacular show as up to 10 million African straw-coloured fruit bats descend on the Kasanka National Park.
“It’s one of the natural world’s best kept secrets,” says Turner. “And combined with a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, you’ll end up with two wildlife experiences that just can’t be matched.”
According to Turner, Proflight Zambia has increased their domestic network over the last few months and are also operating direct flights between Lusaka, Johannesburg and Cape Town – putting Zambia’s wildlife, waterfalls and hidden gems within easy reach of South African travellers.
“Zambia is visa-free for South Africans,” says Turner. “But the country has also just announced the waiver of visa requirements for nationals of an additional 53 countries, which is a real boost for tourism in the region.”
Sports Tourism | Seychelles
Sports tourism (travelling to participate in or watch a sporting event) is on the rise, with the latest Sports Tourism Global Market Report valuing sports tourism at USD 583.14 billion in 2024 – reflecting a compound annual growth rate of just over 11%.
Among this year’s sports highlights is a first for Africa: The 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
“The Seychelles already has the best beaches in the world,” says Turner. “Why not make your way to Victoria in May 2025, when you’ll be able to experience the excitement and gees of the FIFA Beach World Cup, beautiful weather (around 25 – 30°C) and all joys and surprises of one of the smallest capitals in the world.”
Responsible Tourism | Rwanda
Overtourism continues to be a massive problem worldwide, with international travel guide Fodors publishing both their ‘No List’ and ‘Go List’ for 2025. The ‘No List’ asks travellers to avoid crowded destinations like Barcelona, Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Venice and Lisbon, while the ‘Go List’ encourages travellers to seek out quieter destinations like (drumroll please) Hermanus in the Western Cape and Kigali in Rwanda.
“It’s fantastic to see South Africa on this list,” says Turner. “And Rwanda is a brilliant option for travellers keen to explore a central African gem – or those with gorilla trekking on their bucket list. Although South Africans require a visa, it’s free on arrival.”
Soft Travel | St Helena Island
Similar to slow travel or mindful travel, soft travel is an antidote to our busy, stressful lives. It swaps packed, pressured itineraries for slow trips that unfold organically, savouring simple pleasures and prioritising rest and wellbeing – and the chance to escape, reset and rediscover what’s important.
“St Helena Island is a bucket-list destination for many,” says Turner. “Visitors are attracted by the island’s history, heritage and unique ecosystems – but many are also looking for a real escape from everyday life. And it’s perfect for walking, birding and simply ‘being’, surrounded by nature and incredible scenery.”
Turner explains that Airlink currently has seasonal flights between Cape Town and St Helena (until the end of March 2025), which augment Airlink’s weekly Johannesburg to St Helena schedule.
Heritage Revolution | Ghana
Some of the most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in Africa, including Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tyfelfontein in the Kunene Region of Namibia, Aksum in Ethiopia, and the Amphitheatre of El Jem in Tunisia.
As heritage travel continues to grow in popularity, Ghana is just one example of an African destination working hard to spotlight its rich cultural heritage. Their “See Ghana, Wear Ghana, Experience Ghana” and “December in Ghana” campaigns have effectively showcased the country’s diverse attractions, from the Volta Region’s beaches to the historical sites of the Central Region and the Ashanti Kingdom – all holding massive appeal to modern travellers looking to immerse themselves in African music, history and cultural festivities.
Beyond the Safari in 2025
“According to a UN Tourism Report, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Eswatini, and Seychelles are Africa’s leading tourism destinations, welcoming over 50 million visitors last year,” says Turner. “They are all worth a visit, and all promise transformative travel experiences. If you haven’t yet discovered the joy of African travel, maybe 2025 will be the year!”
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