Nobel laureate and author of Green Hills of Africa, Ernest Hemingway once said “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy”.
Bleisure travel is the new buzzword where you take your business to exotic locations to explore new possibilities. It’s a win-win for every stakeholder where you can actually mix business with pleasure.
Africa, with its exquisite natural beauty, can provide you with a picture-perfect bleisure backdrop to seal the deal. Be it business meetings, team-building exercises, client meetups, or investor presentations, here are some of the business-travel hotspots in Africa.
Masai Mara, Kenya
Imagine the savanna silhouette and that is what you get if you choose the Masai Mara. The Mara gives you some of the stunning views of the African wilderness yet at full proximity to the pleasures of city life.
It is a great gateway for your business outings where you get an exotic mix of adventure and tranquillity in the lap of Mother Nature. Some life-changing activities unique to this place are
- Safari Drive– A team safari with your close business associates can be an adventure to remember for a lifetime. Scout the plains of the Mara in comfortable off-road vehicles such as the Nissan Patrol, the Land Rover Discovery, Nissan Patrol or the Toyota Land Cruiser. Camp out in luxury tents and organize feasts and social games in the wild.
- Hot Air Balloon– This is the cherry on the Masai Mara experience cake. A sunset balloon ride over the Masai Mara should be reserved for your most cherished clients and business partners.
Pop open a bottle of champagne while enjoying a birds’ eye view of the Masai Mara.
- Masai river– The Masai River is the lifeline of Kenyan wildlife. You can catch amazing glimpses of the Big Five (lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African buffalo, and the African Bush Elephant) in their natural habitat.
Cairo, Egypt
The Nile is the longest river in the world. It has given birth to one of the most ancient human civilizations whose architecture still stands strong today. The Pyramids of Giza inspire awe and can symbolize a big turning event in your business.
Cairo can be a great choice for bleisure travel in Africa. It is not only a historical marvel, but a cultural hotspot with some of the best multi-ethnic cuisines on the continent. Activities in Cairo to keep you busy are
- Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis- If you wish to turn back to history, these are the hotspots of Cairo.
It can be covered in a day but you can also take a few extra days to enjoy some guided tours of the Royal Tombs, the biggest statue of King Ramses the Second in Memphis, and ancient artifacts at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
- Cruising on the Nile- Indulge yourself in local luxuries with a multi-day cruise on the Nile. If you have a big team, you can book an entire cruise at a discount.
Onboard, you will get to see traditional performances, enjoy buffets of local cuisines, and enjoy some stunning views of the river’s coastline.
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The mist and the rainbow which can be felt and seen from miles away make it a natural wonder of Africa. The UNESCO World Heritage Site can be explored from either Zimbabwe or Zambia.
- Helicopter ride– Conquer the great heights of this majestic waterfall in style and luxury. A 20 min helicopter ride will give you an amazing panorama of the place.
- White water rafting– Zambezi River is considered the best place for white water rafting in the world. Push your adrenalin to the limits with the force of Victoria Falls.
- Chobe National Park– This national park is hardly a mile away from Victoria Falls. It is most famous for its high population of elephants and buffalo. There are plenty of camping and trekking options inside the park.
Madagascar Island
Madagascar ticks off all the checks for a tropical paradise gateway. This second largest island country is famous for weird combinations like baobab trees, lemurs, dusty deserts, tropical forests, idyllic beaches, and cultural treasures.
- Avenue of Baobabs– This area is covered with ancient baobabs trees. This tree is famous for the name upside-down tree.
- Island Adventure– If you want a perfect island adventure in the tropics, Madagascar has mesmerizing resorts to check-in. Activities include scuba diving, exploring pirate caves, discovering the ancient trading routes and their cultural heritage, or just simply chilling in the tropical sun with your favorite cocktail.
- Memorable Train Ride– This beautiful train journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara slowly explores the nooks and corners of the island nation in its inherent beauty. Originally built by the French, this train route often takes you back to the colonial era tunnels and plantations.
Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani Beach is laidback Kenya. White sand and turquoise waters, barriered by lush forest from all city activities, give you unparalleled peace and privacy to organize your business outing. Numerous resorts with a vibrant nightlife make Diani Beach one of the top choices on our list of business holidays in Africa. Here are some activities that you can try while in town.
- Skydiving- Reach high into the sky and take a leap of faith. Enjoy stunning views of the horizon and the entire African coastline before your eyes with this epic drop from the skies.
- Scuba Diving– To see the real beauty of Diani you need to dive deep. Diani is home to some of the best dive sites in Africa filled with coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and shipwrecks.
Africa is a mixture of natural beauty and ancient heritage. In a world full of modernity, it takes you back centuries to a different era. For business or leisure, you can count on Africa to deliver you an unforgettable experience.