The Future of Tourism in Africa: Where Culture, Wellness, and Sustainability Meet

Tourism in Africa is entering a new era. Once defined mainly by wildlife safaris, the continent is now becoming a global hub for meaningful, sustainable, and cultural travel. Travelers are increasingly seeking for places that offer a warm sense of belonging. “Home away from home” experiences are the heart of African tourism, allowing visitors to slow down, have personal connection and connect deeply with local culture and feel part of the community. 

Alongside this trend, sustainability is setting the tone for the future. Eco-conscious stays, regenerative safaris, and community-driven initiatives are helping travelers give back while enjoying Africa’s natural beauty. Wellness tourism is also thriving, from yoga retreats in and plant medicine experiences to safari spas and star filled nights.

Technology is reshaping the experience too, with mobile apps, AI assistants, and virtual tours making Africa more accessible and easier to explore. Meanwhile, cultural and culinary tourism is booming, with festivals, art, music, and food. From Moroccan spice markets to Ethiopian coffee tours, bringing travelers closer to the heart of Africa.

Adventure remains central to the continent’s charm, with trekking, canoeing, and walking safaris drawing visitors who want to connect with nature at a slower, more personal pace. Domestic and diaspora travel is also growing, as more Africans and their global communities return to rediscover heritage and roots.

Luxury tourism continues to expand, with high end, bespoke safaris and exclusive lodges catering to travelers seeking premium experiences. Yet these must be carefully balanced with the smaller, more personal destinations. Africa also might want to learn from Europe’s travel experience, where overcrowding has diluted the appeal of many iconic destinations at great cost of the local community and habitat. By prioritizing thoughtful, sustainable growth, Africa can avoid these pitfalls and maintain the authenticity that sets it apart.

The future of African tourism lies in balance: valuing the intimate as much as the luxurious, protecting nature while welcoming visitors, and ensuring growth uplifts local communities. Above all, Africa is not just a destination, it is becoming a movement, offering journeys that are as transformative as they are unforgettable.

Ready to experience Africa’s future of tourism, where personal stays, culture and sustainability lead the way?

Zomba City Festival's fourth edition will take place from 26-28th of April 2024. Spread across 5 venues in the historic city of Zomba, including Botanic Gardens, The Heritage Centre, Chalice Vine, the festival promises an exciting mix of arts and activities.

All ages are welcome to this celebration of music, poetry, visual arts, theatre, fashion and more. Accompanied children under 12 enter for free.

Buy your Early bird ticket through the website: www.zombacityfestival.com at 25.000. Tickets at the door are 35000mk, Saturday only ticket at 20000mk

Are you ready to experience a world of delicious convenience? The Baker is thrilled to announce that our delectable frozen products, including mouthwatering pizzas, savory samosas, gourmet ravioli, and tempting donuts, are now available at Ekhaya.

Cyclone Freddy has caused a lot of damage in Bangwe, houses and toilets are mainly affected. More than  225 deaths and at least 584 have been injured and 37 people have been reported missing in the country., Right now we have so many victims who has lost their homes. Some of the Bahasi community (49) sleep in our classrooms.

As Bahasi organization we want to help those who are affected by cyclone Freddy by donating blankets, plastic papers and domestic materials. 

We're appealing for special assistance to those who would like to support us by funding financially or with materials.  

A success it has been,  but of course more is needed in these dire times. Please help and give what you can afford. DONATIONS are most welcome!

We had a fundraising event on 29 January which purpose was to raise money to buy more than 150 bags of maize to give to the parents of our pre-school children. After the fundraising we raised 620,000 and we have managed to buy 131 bags of maize flour at 5 kgs per family and we have distributed it to more than 150 families including other bags we had received during fundraising.

It was pandemonium at Mzuzu Squirrel’s Park as Malawi’s reggae legends took to the stage to entertain their fans who had been waiting for months to see them live. Since the Malawian government enforced Covid-19 restrictions, artists haven’t been able to perform because of crowd control and live streaming concerts didn’t seem to catch on. As a result this was a very welcome return for maBlacks as they are fondly known. Although they have been performing in and around Blantyre, where they are based, Mzuzu fans were next in line and they were not disappointed.

For the Western World, this blog may seem a little confusing, but I will try and make my points very clear and straight forward. For generations, Africans have been reminded of their colonial history as if our pre-colonisation history has been wiped off the planet. We were a people of skill, culture and warmth before ‘the scramble for Africa’ in between 1881 and 1914. Fast forward to 2018 where westerners today travel to Africa for so many reasons and the western media have managed to paint a ‘vivid’ image of our continent to attract more people to travel here, a very big number travel to Africa for selfish reasons. For so long Africans have depended on aid from the west and Africa continues to spiral down the poverty hole. Is it time to change the thinking? Maybe.

I first read about The Mount Mulanje Grand Traverse in the The Hiking Guide To Mount Mulanjeby Drew Corbyn. It sounded like fun, but also a little terrifying. After giving it some thought, here I was planning the hike. I put word out to try and get more people for the hike, but only two signed up. Most people were unsure about the hike due to the political tension in the country – the hike was 6 days after the fresh presidential elections.

I developed the love for hiking on my 6 year travels, where I also kick started my career in Tourism. I left Blantyre (my home town) in 2009 and returned in 2015. In that time, I lived in Cape Town for three years (and hiked Table Mountain, Devils Peak and Lion’s head). I then moved to Lilongwe and eventually Ntchisi mountain for another three years. In Ntchisi completely fell in love with the woods – I did not really have a choice! and hiked all the time, with family, clients, sometimes alone, to think and clear my head. It was this time I lived in Ntchisi that I travelled south to take on my fist Mount Mulanje Challenge in 2013. Anyway, fast forward to 2015, I moved back to Blantyre for pastures new, and that is when I first heard of the Blantyre 3 Peaks Walk.

The thought of hiking Mount Mulanje brings about mixed feelings for both the hiker and people you tell. Growing up in Malawi, I grew up believing a lot of things. As kids, we were told, that the highest peak on Mount Mulanje (Sapitwa) is the home of the spirits. A place that had to be respected, we were not supposed to visit, it was like trespassing on the spirits of our fore-fathers.

Presided over by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus M. Chakwera President of the Republic of Malawi. BICC Banquet Hall, Lilongwe. Monday 4th April 2022.

We strive to protect and preserve one day at a time

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it is not.

Dr Seuss - The Lorax

Due to the increase in population and the need for woodfuel for cooking and heating, Malawi has lost 85% of its trees in the last 20 years, and as the graph shows: at current rates of population growth and deforestation, by 2025 the country will no longer have enough biomass to sustain the population. 

In spite of our achievements it is important to acknowledge that BAHASI also continues to face many struggles and challenges. Overall BAHASI struggles mostly with a lack of financial support. We need your help!