Splendour in the grass

A tourism renaissance in safaris to the African continent is topping the list of must-see places to visit, which also include the Americas and Europe. By Tay Suan Chiang

Balloon safaris is very popular tourist activities in Tanzania

MOVE over, South America. The next big travel destination could well be another big continent - Africa, to be exact - according to travel experts.
"Africa has always enchanted travellers. The untouched nature and variety of wildlife is not found anywhere else in the world," says Caroline Lam, executive director of Quintessentially Travel, a premium lifestyle travel management service. "With people becoming more curious and open to immersing themselves in different cultures, the classic safaris, namely Kenya and Tanzania, are popular. Tourists also flock to South Africa for opulence and other non-safari activities as there are some of the top private luxury safari lodges, charming cities and wine activities."
Africa is a big continent with 54 countries, so knowing which one to visit can be tricky. Victor Dizon, co-founder of safari consultancy firm, Asia to Africa Safaris, recommends Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ethiopia.
"These countries are still relatively undiscovered and unexplored even by intrepid travellers," says Mr Dizon, who has been helping travellers organise safaris for 12 years. "And these places are now undergoing a tourism renaissance in terms of new lodges being built and being easier and friendlier for travellers to visit."