WE ARE AFRICA
AWARDS 2026

The We Are Africa Awards – celebrate the tribe that shapes the future of high-end travel on the continent. The awards recognise bold design, purposeful partnerships, conservation leadership and ideas that shift global perception.THESE ARE THE VOICES AND HANDS SHAPING THIS WILD LAND WITH PURPOSE AND MEANING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

In 2026 we welcome the return of the We Are Africa Awards and, with the help of the tribe we  celebrate the visionaries of African travel and their extraordinary achievements in design, leadership, commitment and experiences that highlight all that the continent has to offer.

The awards will highlight local heroes via the WAA-Local Awards for the first time!

 

AWARD CATEGORIES

Celebrate industry visionaries across eight purposeful categories.


Whether it’s a show-stopping art installation, interior overhaul, or pace-setting new build, this is for the design elevating how Africa is perceived internationally and changing the look of modern Africa.


Honouring the individual who has made a contribution to growing Africa’s reputation as a high-end travel destination and shaping Africa’s future for the better.


Recognising the efforts of a company that has made a real difference in the realms of conservation, sustainability and community upliftment.


A powerful experience or encounter on African soil that surprises, amazes and challenges the traditional expectations of African travel.


5th Award

Far more than just an award, each trophy is our way of saying thank you – for challenging perceptions, for creating the boldest, bravest experiences and, above all, for setting a sky-high standard in high-end African travel that leads with purpose, always.

Extraordinary Leadership – Past Winner and Shortlist nominees:

WINNER: Grace Leonard | Elewana

Michael Lutzeyer | Grootbos Private Game Reserve

Ingram Casey | Escape+Explore

Jonathan Mutisya | Finch Hattons Camp

Sara Gardiner | Matetsi Victoria Falls

Robert More | MORE Family Collection

Extraordinary Experience – Past Winner and Shortlist nominees:

WINNER: Grootbos Florilegium | Grootbos Private Game Reserve

Silent Safaris | Green Safaris

WILDeconomy Masterclass | andBeyond

Okavango Delta Guided Cycling Safari | Natural Selection Safaris

Escape Pod | Escape+Explore

Where Time Stands Still | Bakkrans

Extraordinary Commitment – Past Winner and Shortlist nominees:

WINNER: The Sarara Foundation | Sarara

Dentist Outreach Program | Nomad Tanzania

Isibindi Foundation Projects | Isibindi Lodges Africa

Commitment to Pemba | Fundu Lagoon

Reforestation in Rwanda | Wilderness Rwanda

Gorillas Nest X Twongere Kawa Coko Cooperative | One&Only Rwanda

We look forward to what the tribe achieves in 2026 and beyond!