From exciting new events venues in Johannesburg to brand-new conference centres in Kampala and a fabulous new resort slated for Zanzibar, MICE business is most definitely booming here in Africa. And let’s not forget the untapped market that golf tourism also offers, with some of the best courses in the world right here in South Africa! So come with us as we explore what’s hip and happening right now here in Africa for your meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions business, and how you could incorporate 18 holes into the equation!
We’re kicking off this month with the opening of South Africa’s highest urban events venue in Sandton, Johannesburg… Level 45 at The Leonardo in Sandton is what’s known as a “blank canvas” venue – a large, lofty space that enables event planners to create magic at will, with endless possibilities.
With floor-to-ceiling windows giving breathtaking views out over the city of Johannesburg, all the way out to the Magaliesberg and distant OR Tambo International Airport, it’s the cherry on top of the cake at The Leonardo, with its exemplary conferencing facilities and luxurious accommodation and dining options, including the award-winning Aurum Restaurant and the rooftop Alto234 – South Africa’s highest urban bar!
Level 45 can easily be adapted for a number of corporate or private events, including seated conferencing, formal lunches or dinners, cocktail functions and weddings.
Uganda unveils its new MICE hub
The opening of the brand-new Speke Convention Centre in Kampala, Uganda, means that our MICE clients can now take advantage of an exceptional venue in this stunning East African nation and combine conferencing with gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, both in Uganda and neighbouring Rwanda.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria adjacent to the Speke Resort Munyonyo, the new convention centre has a total capacity of 19,000 attendees with 17 conference rooms, all equipped with cutting-edge technology.
From grand ballrooms and high-end conference rooms to a multipurpose hall and a floating restaurant, the new convention centre provides versatile spaces that can be customised to suit each event’s unique requirements. Whether you are planning a large international summit, a corporate gala, or a focused business meeting, the flexible spaces and versatile configurations ensure a seamless experience.
Add on pre and post event safaris and the option of encountering the endangered mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, or tracking chimpanzees in breathakingly beautiful national parks and you have a fabulous new MICE hub for this wonderful East African region.
New resort for Zanzibar
News that respected hotel group Anantara – part of the global Minor Hotel Group – is opening a new resort on the island of Zanzibar has brought some additional excitement to the SW Africa office. We love this East African island destination which is ideal for our incentive groups and leisure clients alike and combines perfectly with our Tanzania safari options.
Planned to open in 2027, Anantara Zanzibar Resort will make the most of the island’s powdery white sand beaches, lush coastal forests and the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean just steps away. Of course, what makes Zanzibar so special is the ease with which we can include it on a Tanzanian safari itinerary, either for your incentive groups or leisure guests.
It’s the perfect destination to end a northern circuit tour that takes in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti, providing the best of bush and beach on one amazing trip!
Tee-off for success
As members of the newly launched Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Golf Chapter, we’re excited to bring you a range of golf tour options that take in some of the best courses South Africa has to offer, and all under the secure umbrella of SATSA – South Africa’s inbound tourism association.
We have some truly world-class golf options here in South Africa, from the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City to the legendary Fancourt outside George. And don’t forget you can even play golf at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park, surrounded by wildlife!
Creating an itinerary that takes in business, pleasure AND golf is something we excel at, giving you the chance to combine all three on one itinerary. This diversity is what makes South Africa such a great MICE destination, and there’s no doubting the fact that the golf course is where great business is conducted, and relationships cemented!
From Leopard Creek in Malelane – consistently South Africa’s No 1 course that’s adjacent to the Kruger National Park – to Pearl Valley in the Western Cape Winelands region, South Africa’s golf courses are exceptional. Arabella, Humewood, Blair Atholl, Pinnacle Point, Simola, Zimbali, Pezula… All of these names are synonymous with world-class golf in breathtaking locations.
So get in touch and let’s plan your next African adventure!