Category: LUXlife Magazine

Iconic Africa Wins Another Award

Posted on by James

We’re thrilled to announce that Iconic Africa has won yet another honour in the annual LUXLife Travel Awards, this year being announced as the 

Best Global Boutique Safari Business 2024

LUXLlife focuses on a range of topics within the luxury lifestyle industry, and with their circulation extending to almost 100 000 readers, we are incredibly excited to have achieved such recognition within this space.

The combination of the words “Global” and  “Boutique” are what we enjoyed most about the award; we feels the almost paradoxical combination sums us up accurately. We have guests who travel from all over the world to visit Africa in all her magnificence, yet we have remained a small company, not looking to expand too much, keeping true to our roots as

 

To quote their website:

“The LUXLife awards celebrate the tradition of acknowledging unparalleled achievements and exceptional creativity in the realm of luxury. These distinguished awards are their way of honouring the leaders and pioneers who redefine excellence within our industry. This section is dedicated to those who inspire with their visionary contributions and consistently set higher standards of sophistication and elegance.”

The travel and tourism industry has long been a vital part of the world economy, contributing significantly to employment, market development, and cultural exchange. Despite the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector has now fully recovered, bolstered by strong consumer demand, emerging technology and trends, and an eagerness to return to exploring the world. The World Travel & Tourism Council expected 2025 to be a record-breaking year, with the market’s global economic contribution set to hit an all-time high of over $11 trillion!

There are a variety of trends that are boosting performance and rapidly reshaping the travel and tourism space; more and more travellers are choosing eco-friendly options, along with lodges that dhow a genuine commitment to social upliftment and environmental consciousness.

Moreover, the blending of business and leisure travel continues to rise, with more professionals extending work trips to enjoy personal time at their destination. Digital transformation is also playing a crucial role, as innovations like contactless check-ins and AI-powered travel recommendations enhance the convenience and personalization of travel. Additionally, wellness tourism remains a strong growth area, with more travellers looking to focus on mental and physical well-being.

Iconic Africa will keep striving to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Our small team of highly experienced agents all know the continent intimately, and continue to research new destinations, experiences and trends. We want every guest’s visit to our shores to be life-changing.

Get hold of us on info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your own bucket list safari…

 

LuxLife Travel Awards: Five in a Row

Posted on by James

We like the concept of Small Giants. Companies that choose to be great instead of big. That’s how we feel about our boutique travel company.

For a decade now, Iconic Africa has steadily been doing what we do best; deliver outstanding trips and experiences to our guests in the luxury African travel space.
What started as an idea between a ranger and his guest has blossomed into a business that helps people’s safari dreams come true.

In 2010, while still working as a safari guide at the world-famous Londolozi Game Reserve, John Holley guided guest Terri Abadi, and the two struck up an immediate rapport.
Both had an immense passion for Africa and her wild spaces, and in chats around the campfire, John and Terri decided to start a travel business together, so in 2013 Iconic Africa was born.

Since then it has been one wild ride after another; crazy sales trips to East Africa, bouncing around after aardvarks late at night in the South African Lowveld, and becoming as well-versed as one can be with an industry that is ultimately in the business of making people happy.

The LuxLife Travel Awards –  now in their seventh year – pay homage to the experts within the industry and welcome nominations from businesses and individuals across the globe. From travel agencies, guided tour experts, food and beverage service providers, sustainable travel specialists and everything in between, the Travel and Tourism Awards recognise these prestigious companies by revealing their dedication and hard work.

Iconic Africa is proud to have scooped the top spot in a number of categories in these LuxLife awards over the last few years.

For three years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021) we were awarded the title World’s Best Custom Luxury Safari Operator.

In 2022 we were awarded Best Exclusive Luxury African Safari Experience Provider, and finally this year we were proclaimed as Best African Family Getaway Specialists.

We could not be prouder to be doing what we do. From desert to mountaintop and everywhere in between, Iconic Africa will continue to seek out the best destinations for their guests, making sure that once-in-a-lifetime trip exceeds even the wildest expectations…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your award-winning safari…

World’s Best Custom Luxury Safari Operator 2020

Posted on by Lexi Hall

LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards 2020

LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards

Iconic Africa is thrilled to have been awarded (for the second year running) the World’s Best Custom Luxury Safari Operator by LUXlife Magazine – one of AI Global Media’s most popular standalone publications. 

LUXlife Magazine celebrates the Travel & Tourism industry as one of the largest growing sectors in the world, contributing trillions each year and providing the global economy with millions of jobs. LUXlife Magazine returns once again to congratulate the top businesses and enterprises responsible for making dream holidays and vacations come to life, in the 2020 LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards.

We are delighted by this recognition, especially two years in a row, in an industry buzzing with remarkable luxury safari tour operators. We’d like to extend a big thank you to the LUXlife team for all the hard work that goes into these prestigious awards.

Now in its 4th year, the LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards cover all markets from travel agencies to food and beverages services; those who manage properties, provide transportation, entertainment and tours (and everything in between.) The awards hail the key players that contribute to one of the fastest-growing sectors, by congratulating their dedication and hard work.

LUXlife launched the Travel & Tourism Awards to recognise those who have dedicated themselves to offering the finest experiences, product and services in the industry. Whether established stalwarts or up and coming newcomers, we endeavour to seek out the paragons who lead the pack and set the benchmark.” – Steve Simpson, Awards Coordinator

About LUXlife

Published quarterly, LUXlife informs readers on all aspects of high-end lifestyle, including the finest, food and drink, hotels and resorts, health and beauty, automotive, jewellery, art and technology from around the world.