Leora Rothschild, the founder of Rothschild Safaris, recently attended the safari industry’s leading trade event, We Are Africa, in Cape Town, South Africa.

We Are Africa has emerged in recent years as THE trade show to attend for the African safari industry. Here, the best tour operators, safari guides, camps and lodges converge to talk business, trends and determine what your clients will be booking in the year ahead.

As thought leaders in the African safari industry, we’re always thrilled to attend these events and discuss what the years ahead will bring for the industry. A few common themes emerged over the course of the week, and we wanted to share these with you!

Conservation Will Continue to Drive Safari Design

Conservation of Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems has always been important to the safari industry. Over the past decade, conservation efforts have intensified across Africa, and we’re beginning to see the substantial positive effects of these efforts.

Expect conservation to feature more prominently in safari itineraries in the coming year. With the growth of private conservancies around Africa, now more than ever tourist dollars are directly supporting the conservationists, game wardens and anti-poaching units working in these areas. Travelers can spend a morning speaking with and following the game rangers as they go about their work for a rich wildlife experience and opportunity to learn more about conservation in Africa.

Less Focus on Over-the-Top Luxury, More Focus on Quality of Experience

Over the past decade, it seemed that safari camps and lodges were constantly trying to top their competitors by launching new levels of luxury while on safari. Fine china, extensive wine cellars and private plunge pools became the norm.

We’re thrilled to see a return to the classic, understated luxury of safari with the launch of a few new safari companies and properties across Africa. Watch this space for all the details as these new destinations open up.

Use of Private Guides Will Continue to Grow

Increasingly, travelers planning a trip of a lifetime to Africa are enlisting the services of a private safari guide. A private safari guide is someone who stays with your group throughout your safari. These guides are the most experienced on the continent, and the amount of value they add to a safari is tremendous.

Here are just a few ways in which the use of a private safari guide enriches the overall safari experience.

Thinking about a safari in Africa this year? Please contact us today to begin planning this trip of a lifetime!