Kenya is a case study for global tourism, striving to meet climate change goals but struggling with the expense to do that, especially coming off two incredibly tough years without business.
It would be easy to see Namibia's ascent as a run of great PR, but the country has been playing a long game to attract visitors from around the world. And now there's both more access and new product to match rising demand from travelers who crave isolation — not to mention social media cred.
As African countries continue to grow their tourism markets, travelers are learning that a safari doesn't necessarily have to be a luxury, once-in-a-lifetime thing. Rather, some innovators are creating reasonably priced experiences that can serve as a great entry point for a wider range of visitors.
These four entrepreneurs took the first steps toward what would become modern adventure and luxury travel, and their first-hand accounts hold lessons — and entertainment — for all those who followed in their wake.
A run of bad press and falling demand has forced segments of southern Africa's safari industry to take a long, hard look at their offering. The result? A more hands-off approach that's been a long-time coming.
By shifting the focus from watching animals to protecting animals, African countries and safari companies can achieve competitive advantage among today's more educated safari clientele.
The tourism industry can become a powerful force if it works together to combat the risks that poaching poses to what will likely be an vital channel towards sustainable economic growth.