Destination Edit: Africa

Destination Edit: Africa

From Morocco to South Africa and incredible Safari destinations in between.
Editor’s Note: Welcome to the fifth edition of our series, the Destination Edit. Each quarter, our venue sourcing and incentive teams share their top picks for the most desirable meeting destinations in the world. From the hidden gems to the global hotspots, this quarterly edit equips you with the latest trends in corporate travel.

For this edition of the Destination Edit, we’re setting our sights on Africa—a continent that resists being packaged neatly and rewards those willing to dig deeper. 

Our journey takes us from Morocco's maze-like medinas and desert horizons to the raw wilderness of the Safari Heartland and down to the cosmopolitan edge of South Africa. 

As audiences grow more global, event professionals are being pushed beyond the usual destination suspects. That’s where Africa shines. Here, a team dinner is a cultural immersion. A corporate event becomes a checkmark on a bucket list. An incentive trip is a life-changing experience, forever carved into the memories and imaginations of your qualifiers. 

These destinations aren’t rinse-and-repeat choices. They’re memorable ones. Unexpected, unscripted, unforgettable. Exactly the kind of places your audiences will thank you for. 

Let’s go exploring. 

Photos: Exploring the medina (top left), La Mamounia Marrakech (top center), Afagay Desert camel ride and tour (top right), Four Seasons Resort Marrakech suite (bottom left), Tiffany Cohen, SVP of Incentives and Global Sourcing on a sidecar tour (bottom center), Park Hyatt Marrakech pool (bottom right)

Morocco 

Our first stop in Africa takes us to Morocco, the “Kingdom of Light.” Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, this country shines with contrasts: the Atlantic and Mediterranean lapping its shores, snow-capped mountains giving way to golden desert, and French influences blending seamlessly with centuries of Arab and Berber heritage.

It’s a destination that feels cinematic at every turn—and a remarkable backdrop for business events. With strong air connections from Europe, the Middle East, and North America (including new nonstop service from Atlanta to Marrakech), Morocco is more accessible than ever for global gatherings.

Our incentive and sourcing team has experienced Morocco firsthand, bringing back favorite stays and activities to share.

Hotels and Venues

  • Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
    Set within 40 acres of lush gardens, the Four Seasons combines contemporary comfort with Moroccan spirit. Guests enjoy airy rooms, world-class dining, pools, and a spa, alongside plently of versatile meeting space. 169 rooms | 22,765 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
    A short drive from the city, this tranquil escape features sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains and a championship golf course. It is perfect for groups that want to balance business with leisure. 134 rooms | 9,364 sq. ft. meeting space
  • La Mamounia Marrakech  
    An icon in every sense, La Mamounia has been welcoming royalty, celebrities, and leaders for nearly a century. Its legendary gardens, Moorish design, and exquisite spa set the tone for extraordinary incentives or gala events. 135 rooms | 4,844 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Park Hyatt Marrakech
    Tucked inside the Al Maaden golf resort, Park Hyatt Marrakech offers elegant suites, a dedicated event residence, multiple pools, and striking views of the Atlas. Ideal for groups seeking luxury with easy access to the city. 130 rooms | 10,764 sq. ft. meeting space

Activities and Incentives

Marrakech is a city of experiences. A walk through the medina—its car-free maze of souks, palaces, and courtyards—immerses groups in a living UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the medina, the options are endless: private cooking classes in Berber villages, sidecar tours through hidden alleyways, camel rides across the Agafay Desert, or a day on one of the region’s world-class golf courses. Everything is close together, cost-effective, and rich with cultural depth.

Why Marrakech Works for Business 

Marrakech has a way of welcoming groups that feels both effortless and memorable. The city blends modern infrastructure with a warm human touch, from conferences and congresses to team retreats and incentives. Its creativity, landscapes, and high-caliber hospitality make every event personal, impactful, and inspiring.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Morocco has placed sustainability at the heart of its tourism vision, and Marrakech is leading the way. Venues across the city hold certification for sustainable events, with practices that range from reducing carbon emissions to supporting local communities and promoting renewable energy. Hosting here means your event directly contributes to responsible growth, while your attendees enjoy authentic Moroccan hospitality and the knowledge that they’re part of something bigger.

Photos: Giraffe Manor Kenya (top left), Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (top center), Angama Mara hot air balloon safari tour (top right), &Beyond Mnemba Island banda (bottom left), Four Seasons Safari Lodge safari experience (bottom center), Chobe Lodge boat safari (bottom right)

Safari Heartland (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania)

For many, a safari is the pinnacle of the travel bucket list—a chance to witness nature at its most raw and remarkable. In the heart of East Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania deliver on that promise with cinematic landscapes and experiences that feel once-in-a-lifetime. Herds sweeping across the Serengeti, gorillas peering through the misty forests of Bwindi, elephants silhouetted against fiery sunsets—these are moments that move people in profound ways.

For incentive groups, the Safari Heartland offers something rare—a blend of adventure, connection, and reflection. Whether you’re rewarding top performers with luxury lodges overlooking the Maasai Mara or gathering executives in an exclusive retreat along the Nile, this is a destination that elevates events into something unforgettable.


Hotels and Venues

Kenya

  • Angama Mara
    Angama Mara is a luxury safari lodge perched on the escarpment overlooking Kenya's Maasai Mara. Known for its stunning panoramic views and unique glass-fronted tented suites, it offers guests an exclusive and intimate safari experience. 30 rooms | The property does not feature traditional meeting rooms; however, it offers versatile communal spaces, including a pavilion, expansive deck, and library.
  • Giraffe Manor
    Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is a world-famous boutique hotel known for its resident herd of Rothschild's giraffes, which frequently interact with guests. This unique and unforgettable experience, combined with the hotel's elegant colonial architecture, makes it a highly sought-after destination. 12 rooms | Property does not offer traditional meeting rooms; instead, it offers unique spaces that can be adapted for small, intimate gatherings and corporate retreats. 

Uganda

  • Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Kampala
    As one of Uganda's largest resorts, Munyonyo is ideal for large-scale incentives, offering a serene escape on the shores of Lake Victoria. It features extensive facilities and significant meeting space, perfect for groups seeking both top-tier accommodation and business venues. 477 rooms | 278,979 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Chobe Safari Lodge
    Situated on the Nile River within Murchison Falls National Park, Chobe Safari Lodge blends refined luxury with the wild. It serves as an exceptional base for pure safari incentives, allowing groups to enjoy game drives and other wildlife activities in comfort. 76 rooms | 1,722 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Kampala Serena Hotel
    A leader in luxury hospitality in Uganda, the Kampala Serena Hotel is an excellent incentive option in the capital city. It offers impeccable service, elegant rooms, and extensive meeting and banquet facilities, providing a reliable and sophisticated choice for corporate events. 186 rooms | 110,000 sq. ft. meeting space

Tanzania

  • &Beyond Mnemba Island
    &Beyond Mnemba Island is an award-winning hideaway off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, hosting ten private beachside bandas overlooking the Mnemba atoll. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, massages on the beach, or simply relax in the seclusion of their own stretch of sand. 12 rooms | Property does not offer traditional meeting space.
  • Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
    Set in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Four Seasons Safari Lodge combines contemporary African design with breathtaking views of a wildlife-filled watering hole from its great house, restaurants, and infinity pool. Its rooms, suites, and villas feature open-air sundecks and private pools, offering guests an intimate connection with the Serengeti landscape. 77 rooms | 2,722 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Park Hyatt Zanzibar
    Park Hyatt Zanzibar, set on the beachfront in Stone Town, offers a luxurious retreat amidst the city’s winding alleys, bustling markets, and rich UNESCO heritage. Housed partly in the historic 17th-century Mambo Msiige mansion, the hotel features spacious rooms, authentic cuisine, and an oceanfront infinity pool for an unforgettable stay. 67 rooms | 1,882 sq. ft. meeting space

Activities and Incentives

In Kenya, visitors can enjoy Safari drives in the Maasai Mara, hot-air balloon rides over the savanna, or cultural visits to Maasai villages for authentic storytelling. In Nairobi, guests can enjoy private dinners at Giraffe Manor or explore wildlife sanctuaries before heading into the wild.

Uganda offers incredible experiences, like trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to encounter mountain gorillas, cruising on the Nile, or a safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

In Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater provide iconic wildlife encounters, while Zanzibar offers a coastal balance—white-sand beaches, spice tours, and the historic allure of Stone Town.

Each destination offers the flexibility to curate itineraries that combine adventure with cultural immersion and moments of calm—ensuring qualifiers leave with stories they’ll retell for a lifetime.

Accessibility and Travel

East Africa is increasingly connected to the world. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport both serve as regional gateways with nonstop service to major European, Middle Eastern, and select U.S. hubs. Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport is modernizing and offers reliable regional links. Once on the ground, safari itineraries are supported by charter flights and well-established ground operators, making it easy for groups to move between city hotels, lodges, and reserves.

Why the Safari Heartland Works for Business

Unlike traditional meeting hubs, the Safari Heartland offers perspective. Here, attendees disconnect from daily pressures and reconnect with what matters—teamwork, purpose, and shared experience. These destinations work best for high-value incentives, small executive retreats, or leadership summits where exclusivity and inspiration are key. Open savannas, volcanic craters, and jungle sanctuaries naturally foster creativity and connection.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Safari destinations are built on conservation. In Kenya, community-led conservancies ensure tourism revenue flows directly back to local people, funding schools, healthcare, and wildlife protection. In Uganda, gorilla-trekking permits are a vital source of conservation funding and community development. In Tanzania, sustainable practices from solar-powered lodges to anti-poaching initiatives keep the ecosystem in balance. Choosing the Safari Heartland means your event supports not just unforgettable experiences, but also long-term environmental stewardship and social impact.

Photos: Sandton Sun & Towers Convention Center (top left), InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town (top center), Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel (top right), One&Only Resort head sommelier Luvo Ntezo (bottom left), Table Mountain (bottom center), Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff suite (bottom right)

South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg)

South Africa has long been one of Africa’s most established and inspiring destinations for corporate events and incentives. It’s a country of contrasts and connections. Cape Town dazzles with world-class wine estates, dramatic coastlines, and cosmopolitan flair, while Johannesburg pulses with commerce, creativity, and culture. Together, they anchor a destination that consistently exceeds expectations for meetings, incentives, and large-scale international events.

South Africa’s experience on the global stage is impressive. It has hosted landmark gatherings like COP17, the 5th BRICS Summit, the World Economic Forum, and nearly every major global sports tournament—including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and Cricket World Cup. Few countries can match the diversity of event opportunities on offer here.

Hotels and Venues

Cape Town

  • Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
    Affectionately known as “The Pink Lady,” this legendary property was named Africa’s Best Hotel in 2024 by World’s 50 Best Hotels. Its lush gardens, elegant dining, heated pools, and spa make it a serene city oasis with sweeping views of Table Mountain. 198 rooms | 26,985 sq. ft. meeting space
  • One&Only Cape Town
    Contemporary luxury meets iconic waterfront views at this stylish resort. With chic accommodations, fine dining, and versatile spaces, it’s ideal for intimate meetings or incentive programs. 131 rooms | 4,949 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Coming Soon! InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town
    Located at the iconic V&A Waterfront, the hotel will feature elegantly designed rooms and suites, four distinctive dining venues including a concept by Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik, a spa inspired by Cape botanicals, an outdoor pool with Table Mountain views, and versatile meeting spaces. Opening December 2025. 306 rooms

Johannesburg

  • Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
    An exclusive all-suite retreat, the Saxon is renowned for privacy, elegance, and personalized service. Its tranquil gardens and intimate spaces make it a favorite for high-level incentives. 53 rooms | 4,405 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
    Perched above Johannesburg’s urban forest, this hillside property offers chic accommodations, five dining venues, and an impressive amount of meeting space. 117 rooms | 33,334 sq. ft. meeting space
  • Sandton Sun & Towers
    A Johannesburg landmark, the Sandton Sun combines modern luxury with eco-friendly design. Connected directly to Sandton Convention Centre via skywalk, it’s perfectly positioned for large-scale conferences. 326 rooms | 3,884 sq. ft. meeting space

Activities and Incentives

In Cape Town, groups can explore the UNESCO-listed Table Mountain in a fresh way—whether by scenic hike, off-road scooter tour, or simply taking in the view over breakfast on Kloof Street. Evenings bring options like comedy at the V&A Waterfront, moonlit hikes up Lion’s Head, or outdoor cinema under the stars.

Johannesburg offers an equally exciting lineup. Saturdays at the Neighbourgoods Market immerse groups in local flavors and live music, while the Taste of Yeoville tour showcases pan-African cuisine. By night, the Keyes Art Mile buzzes with open galleries, street performances, and rooftop cocktails—an unforgettable way to experience the city’s creative side.

Accessibility and Travel

South Africa has three major international gateways—O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg, Cape Town International, and King Shaka International in Durban. Once on the ground, modern rail, road, and air networks make exploring the country’s varied regions easy.

Why South Africa Works for Business

South Africa delivers everything planners expect from a world-class meeting destination—modern convention centers, top-tier hotels, and reliable infrastructure—but adds something less tangible and far more memorable: the spirit of its people and the resilience of its culture. Key industries such as life sciences, mining, ICT, and creative services make it a natural fit for business-focused gatherings, while the surrounding landscapes and hospitality make every event unforgettable.

A Commitment to Sustainability

South Africa has embraced sustainability as a national priority, weaving environmental and social goals into its economic framework. From renewable energy projects to low-carbon growth initiatives, the country is working toward a green economy that creates jobs while protecting natural resources. For event planners, this means access to venues, partners, and communities dedicated to responsible practices—ensuring your gathering supports both business outcomes and long-term positive impact.

Big Idea

From the spice-scented souks of Marrakech to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the sunlit vineyards of Cape Town, Africa is a continent that can truly transform your events. For companies willing to look for them, the rewards are vast. Once-in-a-lifetime settings, awe-inspired perspectives, and audiences who walk away, forever changed. 

It’s all here and more. Why not host your next event in a place that feels alive with possibility? Contact us to see how Africa might shape your future event plans. 

Until next time, keep exploring

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