Where travel trends meet timeless safari magic
New routes, new possibilities – why multi-country safaris are booming
RwandAir’s latest route expansion is reshaping the safari map, with new direct flights between Kigali, Nairobi and Lusaka now operational as of July. These additions give travellers even greater flexibility when planning multi-country journeys across East and Southern Africa.
For those combining Rwanda’s gorilla trekking with Kenya’s Great Migration, or Zambia’s wild Lower Zambezi with the iconic Virungas, these connections make cross-border travel easier than ever – and reduce transit time significantly.
Popular route pairings now include:
- Kenya + Rwanda: Big Five safari and gorilla trekking
- Zambia + Rwanda: Canoe safaris and rainforest hiking
- Rwanda + South Africa: Culture, winelands and gorillas
- Zimbabwe + Rwanda: Walking safaris followed by Volcanoes National Park
With our trusted DMC team managing everything from permits and inter-regional flights to local support, these journeys are not only possible – they’re smooth, personalised and unforgettable.
The smart new face of corporate travel in Rwanda
With world-class conferencing facilities, new hotel stock, and a growing number of regional air links, Rwanda is making serious waves in the African MICE space. Kigali has fast become a preferred host city for international events, while its proximity to Volcanoes National Park offers extraordinary pre- and post-event experiences.
The recently upgraded Kigali Convention Centre continues to anchor major conferences and summits, with support from high-end international hotel brands including Radisson Blu, Marriott, and Mantis. Meanwhile, new boutique lodges outside the city are catering for smaller executive retreats and private team incentives.
What sets Rwanda apart is the ability to pair high-tech infrastructure with inspiring natural settings – where a gorilla trek or conservation tour adds unmatched value to an itinerary. With visa-free travel now extended to all Africans and many international visitors, Rwanda is a smart, easy choice for regional MICE events in 2025.
Business travel is back – with purpose and impact
Across East and Southern Africa, business travel is shifting gears. No longer confined to meetings and hotels, today’s corporate trips are incorporating more experiential elements, sustainability focus, and downtime for meaningful engagement.
We’re seeing strong demand from industries looking to combine site visits and meetings with personal enrichment – be it a safari extension, a cultural encounter, or a chance to contribute to local sustainability initiatives.
Destinations leading the way in purposeful business travel include:
- Namibia – where luxury eco-lodges offer private conferencing with vast desert backdrops
- Zambia – pairing site inspections with wildlife experiences in Livingstone and the Lower Zambezi
- South Africa – combining Cape Town meetings with community engagement and wine experiences
- Rwanda – where CSR-focused itineraries include conservation briefings and youth programmes
With expert support on flights, transfers, venues and value-adds, SW Africa crafts business journeys that go far beyond the boardroom.
Malawi – the quiet achiever of African travel
Long considered a “best-kept secret”, Malawi is beginning to receive the international attention it deserves. With continued investment in conservation and hospitality, it’s now emerging as a meaningful alternative for travellers seeking authenticity, privacy and purpose.
Wildlife viewing in Liwonde and Majete is now on par with more famous reserves, thanks to rewilding efforts by African Parks. Visitors can expect intimate sightings of elephant, lion and black rhino – often without another vehicle in sight. Nkhotakota Reserve offers remote, hilltop luxury, while Lake Malawi adds a blissful beach contrast.
Malawi’s strength lies in its emotional impact. It’s not just about what you see, but how you feel: welcomed, grounded, and genuinely connected to the land and its people. For families, conscious travellers, and repeat safari-goers, this is a destination that offers both reflection and reward.
At SW Africa, we offer full DMC support in Malawi – with close local partnerships and a deep understanding of how to design experiences that resonate.
Ready to explore the new rhythm of African travel?
Let us help you build journeys that move your clients – across borders, landscapes and moments that matter.