From Cape Town to Zanzibar – we’ve got an adventure just for you
Canopy by Hilton in Longkloof opens its doors
The year has gotten off to a great start for all of us here at SW Africa! And South Africa’s beautiful Mother City has made the headlines again, thanks to being voted the best city in the world for 2025 by Time Out magazine. Which augurs well for its latest hotel offering – Canopy by Hilton in Longkloof.
Opened on 24 January it features 154 rooms designed to blend modern comfort with Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage.The hotel’s interior design reflects the city’s unique identity. Rooms feature plush beds, artisan-crafted furniture, and local artworks that add an authentic South African touch. The design varies across floors, each paying homage to a different aspect of Cape Town’s character: the first and second floors showcase fynbos-inspired art, the third floor embraces an ocean theme, and the fourth floor celebrates the vibrant colours and culture of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.
Dining at Canopy by Hilton Longkloof promises to be a highlight. The hotel’s signature restaurant offers bold, imaginative interpretations of traditional flavours, giving guests an elevated culinary experience. Guests can also enjoy a fitness centre and benefit from the hotel’s convenient location, with iconic attractions like Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the buzzing Kloof and Bree Streets just a short distance away.
The opening comes at a time of strong growth for Cape Town’s tourism sector. Cape Town International Airport recorded a historic milestone in 2024, surpassing three million international two-way passengers for the year. This marks a 10% increase compared to 2023, reflecting the city’s continued appeal as a global destination.
Data from Airports Company South Africa, released by Cape Town Tourism and Wesgro, highlights positive trends across all travel categories for 2024, with the peak December period showing particularly robust performance. In December alone, the airport handled one million two-way passengers, including 533,829 arrivals.
Breaking down the December figures: international arrivals grew by 3.75% year-on-year, reaching 160,537; regional arrivals saw the most significant growth, up 22.5% from a smaller base of 10,491 arrivals; and domestic arrivals rose by 2.3%, totalling 362,222 trips.
These numbers underscore Cape Town’s enduring popularity as both a leisure and business destination.
How we guard against travel disruption
Experts have noted that 2024 saw travel disruption soar to new levels and that as an industry, we should expect the upturn to continue in 2025. As flight cancellations and delays become more prevalent, we recommend anticipating disruptions and taking proactive measures, especially where corporate and business travel are concerned.
Travel can be disrupted by social and political issues like strikes and unrest, but things like bad weather and natural disasters also play their part. Whatever the cause, we’re on hand to manage the challenges and advise our business travellers to book their arrival a day or two in advance of key meetings and events as a contingency for travel disruption.
We pride ourselves on our levels of communication with our clients throughout their journeys, and especially during any disruptions they experience, ensuring they remain informed and reassured. So, while travel interruptions are invariably beyond our control, it’s the way we handle them that sets SW Africa apart.
Incentives are us!
Africa offers an unmatched blend of natural wonders and adventures for incentive travellers. From the wildlife-rich savannahs of East Africa to the towering dunes of Namibia and Cape Town’s rugged trails, the continent is a playground for unforgettable experiences.
For a quintessential African adventure, a safari in East Africa delivers. Kenya and Tanzania provide iconic wildlife encounters, from lions on the prowl to vast herds of wildebeest in the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Game drives, hot-air balloon safaris, and walking tours with expert guides immerse visitors in these breathtaking landscapes, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Cape Town’s dramatic scenery invites active exploration. Incentive travellers can hike Table Mountain for sweeping views or tackle mountain biking trails through rugged terrain. For a change of pace, the Cape Winelands offer world-class wines and gourmet cuisine in stunning vineyard settings, balancing adventure with indulgence.
Namibia’s Namib Desert is a stark, stunning destination. Climbing the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, sandboarding, and quad biking provide both exhilaration and awe, while guided tours reveal the desert’s fascinating flora and fauna. The striking landscapes are unforgettable and uniquely African.
In Africa, every experience feels alive with the continent’s vibrancy and diversity. From tracking the Big Five to marvelling at desert vistas, incentive travellers find adventures larger than life and memories as enduring as the landscapes themselves.
Discover paradise in Zanzibar
Whether you’re considering an incentive trip for your best-selling team members or just looking for a leisure destination that’s perfect for families and couples – Zanzibar has it all! This tropical paradise promises an unforgettable escape for African travellers. Known as the Spice Island, it offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture that creates an alluring getaway.
The island’s turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxation and adventure. Travellers can unwind on secluded shores, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, or embark on a traditional dhow cruise at sunset. The marine life around Zanzibar is spectacular, with opportunities to swim alongside dolphins or explore hidden coves and sandbanks.
For history enthusiasts, Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — provides a fascinating journey into Zanzibar’s past. Narrow winding streets, centuries-old architecture, and bustling bazaars reflect the island’s Swahili, Arab, and European influences. A visit to the spice farms offers an immersive experience, connecting travellers to Zanzibar’s historic role as a global spice hub.
Zanzibar’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality make every visit special. From feasting on fresh seafood at beachside restaurants to enjoying the rhythm of traditional Taarab music, the island celebrates life in its own enchanting way. It’s an escape where natural beauty and cultural richness blend seamlessly, leaving travellers with memories as timeless as the tides.
Check out this great Zanzibar itinerary.