“Our time is now as Africans to define what Africa is about. The tourism industry has got a huge role to play in terms of painting that picture” – Masingita Mazibuko, Marketing Consultant

Earlier this year we called on you to explain how you are innovating to tell the next chapter of African travel, and you didn’t disappoint. From Ethiopia to Mauritius, Namibia to Chad: you enthralled us with your inspiring, moving and exciting stories of how your brand is representing modern Africa.

With competition hotter than ever, we couldn’t possibly whittle down the shortlist ourselves: so we handed the honour over to our panel of African cultural specialists last month at the elegant Ellerman House.

Here’s what they had to say…

Now, it’s over to you to choose the winners – and there’s just one day left to cast your vote. With every shortlisted entry being worthy in our eyes, it’s going to be a tough call…

Head to our Awards page to check out the shortlist in detail and VOTE NOW – and remember, only votes from 2016 delegates will be counted!

DESIGN AFRICA

Whether it’s a show-stopping art installation, interiors overhaul or pace-setting new build, we want to see the designs changing the look of modern Africa.

African Bush Camps – Rebuilding Somalisa

Angama Mara

Bushtops Camps – Roving Bushtops

The Manta Underwater Room

Leeu House

EXPERIENCE AFRICA

Imaginative itineraries that surprise, amaze and challenge traditional expectations of African travel: show us how you make your country stand out.

 Bushtops Camps – Astrophotography Workshops

Chad’s Zakouma National Park (with Passage to Africa)

Simien Lodge – Saddique Amba Restoration

Escape + Explore – See he Cape From a New Perspective

NatureFriendsSafaris – Fatbiking in Namibia

ENGAGE AFRICA

Tell us how you’re collaborating with the local population to support, train and transform the community in the endeavour to build a more united Africa.

 !Khwa ttu San Centre – Kabbo Academy

Campi Ya Kanzi – Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust Reed + Carbon Project

Time + Tide – Girls’ Club: Encouraging Young Female Expression

Uthando (love) South Africa

Wilderness Safaris – Children in The Wilderness Eco-Clubs

CONSERVE AFRICA

For those demonstrating outstanding leadership in the complex area of conservation, embarking on bold initiatives to protect Africa’s natural resources.

 Campi Ya Kanzi – Wildlife Pays

Fregate island Private

Imvelo Safari Lodges – The Jozi Story

Tswalu Kalahari – Species Conservation and Genetic

Ultimate Safaris Namibia – Taking Conservation Travel to New heights

BRAND AFRICA

From compelling video to incisive blogging or contagious social media campaigns, we’re seeking the most insightful and effective efforts to tell the stories of modern Africa.

African Bush Camps – Partnership with 360Fly

African Dreams by Tully Luxury

The Manta Underwater Room – Kwanini (why) Pemba

Time+Tide

SHAPE AFRICA

Recognising those individuals whose tireless passion and dedication to changing perceptions of the continent are shaping Africa’s future for the better.

  Dereck and Beverley Joubert

Luca Belpietro

Michael Lorentz

Rohan Vos

Safari Professionals of The Americas

John Segar