Shaking free any lingering perceptions of predictable routes and tourist traps, a new generation of African travel operators are blazing an experiential trail. Despite the diversity of their destinations, these three new We Are Africa exhibitors share one common mission: to provide travellers with highly curated, perception-shattering experiences on the continent. It’s time to welcome a new tribe.

NAME: Travel Designer

LOCATION: South Africa

WHAT’S THEIR STORY?: Providing travellers with a beyond-the-ordinary experience of Cape Town facilitated by local legends and the Mother City’s most charismatic characters. Urban safari specialists Travel Designer curate made-to-order itineraries that can include anything from horse riding and Porsche driving to whale watching and jazz-fusion food jamming – all alongside handpicked on-board experts from the Western Cape. Travellers can hang out with these inspiring artists and artisans in their homes, studios or kitchens, getting to know them on a personal level, as well as cruising around town in one of two limited edition luxury Land Rovers. Why feel like a tourist when you can kick back in style with some great new friends?

Why not join one of the coolest events in Cape Town while you travel? A true Festival experience should really be about celebrating a way of life, and the people, clothes, music, ideas and the trimmings that go with it. Contact @traveldesigner to find out the best music festival for you to attend while you travel in Cape Town… Photograph by @dearsascha at @afrikaburn #traveldesigner #outofboxthinking #musicfestivals #southafrica #africa #capetown #transformativetravel #dance #festival #celebratelife #wolfkop #wolfkopweekender #afrikaburn #pinotageontap

A post shared by Travel Designer (@traveldesigner) on Jan 18, 2018 at 9:09pm PST

NAME: Speke Uganda Holidays

LOCATION: Uganda

WHAT’S THEIR STORY?: Fancy a boat ride on the Nile, a visit to the world-famous Queen Elizabeth National Park and trips to soak up culture with local communities? Speke Uganda Holidays throw in all three and plenty more besides with a choice of 18 packages that also include gorilla and chimpanzee treks for a personal primate experience and adventure-laden excursions into the remote Rwenzori Mountains to conquer Africa’s third highest summit, Margherita Peak. Passionate, friendly and knowledgeable guides await to share the breath-taking beauty of the country – and neighbouring Rwanda – while modern accommodation with a traditional twist that ensures luxury and authenticity are cosy bedfellows. Speke Uganda’s support for social tourism organisations also means travellers go home knowing they’ve made a difference to the country’s social-medical development.

What an experience! #Gorillatrekking #Bwindi #Uganda #Onceinalifetime

A post shared by Joe Abbott (@jabbott123) on Jun 6, 2017 at 7:15am PDT

NAME: Royal African Discoveries

LOCATION: South Africa

WHAT’S THEIR STORY?: Delivering outstanding experiences of South Africa and beyond with a uniquely personal touch, Royal African Discoveries’ tailor-made tours allow travellers to build their ideal itinerary with a 24-hour support that delivers impeccable, intimate service. They cover all the classics – from cruising the Southern Cape’s glorious Garden Route to discovering the unrivalled diversity of Kruger National Park or hopping over to Zambia and Zimbabwe to drink in the majesty of Victoria Falls. For those in search of a path less well travelled, travellers can immerse themselves in the luxurious environs of Botswana’s Madikwe Game Reserve, head to the lodges of the pristine and rugged Waterberg Mountains for a taste of the intrepid or unwind amidst the golf courses, casinos and entertainment centre of Sun City. At Royal African Discoveries “going the extra mile has become second nature”, so travellers can be confident that luxury is sure to be served up, whatever their preference.

Lucy Shave
This is Beyond Ltd's Content Executive, Lucy is a cat lady partial to peanut butter, American roadtrips and true crime podcasts – preferably all at the same time.