In the quest for adventure and cultural enrichment, young travelers are increasingly turning their sights towards Africa, a continent renowned for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant cultures.
According to skift.com, Contiki, the globally acclaimed social travel company specializing in 18-35-year-old travelers, has recently relaunched its tour offerings to Africa. This move has resulted in a remarkable 57% surge in bookings compared to 2019. With a vast portfolio of 350 distinct tours spanning over 75 countries, Contiki has established itself as a trailblazer in the world of youth travel.
Contiki initially ventured into Southern Africa in 2018 with its inaugural trip, hosting 600 passengers on an unforgettable journey through South Africa. This experience ignited their passion to expand their presence in the region. They broadened their itineraries to encompass Botswana and Namibia, only to launch these offerings just as the global pandemic hit.
Natasha Lawrence, Commercial and Product Director at Contiki, shared, “We began operating tours to Africa again in May of this year. We started in North Africa in Egypt and Morocco and then got Southern Africa running in June, with the market roughly equating to the same size of our operations in Spain or Canada.” She also expressed the company’s anticipation of substantial growth in Africa over the next three years.
One of the driving factors behind Contiki’s impressive growth in Africa has been its thoughtfully crafted itineraries designed to cater to the adventurous spirit of young travelers. Kyle Junkuhn, Contiki’s Operations Lead for Africa, explained, “In Africa, we add more adventurous activities for the youth market. For example, at Boulders Beach in Cape Town, most operators will have guests walk down to see the penguins, whereas, with Contiki, guests will kayak to get a closer look at the African penguins. For Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, travelers can also bungee jump, gorge slide, and zip wire.”
Lawrence highlighted that the average age and cost per trip for Contiki’s African destinations are noticeably higher than other markets. “Across the world, the average Contiki traveler is 25. In Africa, the average age is 30. We often have young couples on honeymoon as part of the trip, and the average price is higher than the average Contiki trip at around $3,000.”
Contiki’s latest Africa tour, “Sea, Safari, South Africa,” offers an enriching experience that encompasses nine safari parks and showcases local city life in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, all for under $200 per day. The two-week adventure combines the scenic Garden Route with wildlife viewing in Isimangaliso, Hluhluwe, and Kruger National Park.
Kyle Junkuhn detailed some of the standout experiences, such as glamping in Kruger National Park for close encounters with the Big Five, a visit to the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, dedicated to rescuing injured seabirds, and whale-watching in Hermanus, hailed as the world’s finest land-based whale-watching spot.
While Contiki acknowledges that travelers to Africa tend to be slightly older than their typical guests, Melissa DaSilva, President of Contiki North America, emphasized that the allure of African itineraries attracts both older, seasoned travelers and young professionals. The higher price point and longer trip durations compared to Europe-focused tours make Africa a captivating choice for those seeking a deeper and more immersive travel experience.
DaSilva concluded, “For many of our younger guests, traveling with Contiki may be the first time they travel out of the United States. And when many Americans leave the country for the first time, they tend to first visit countries closer and most similar to their own, such as Canada or Europe.” Africa’s unique allure and diverse offerings continue to beckon the adventurous spirits of young travelers, making it a destination of choice for unforgettable journeys.
