Top 11 African Travel Influencers to Watch in 2024
African travel influencers are taking the world by storm, and 2024 is set to be an exciting year for the industry. With so many voices and personalities out there, it can be hard to know who to follow and who to trust.
That's why we've put together a list of the top 10 African travel influencers to watch out for in 2024. These influencers are leaders in the industry, with unique perspectives, inspiring travel stories, and a loyal following.
Criteria for selecting the top African travel influencers in 2024 include their social media following, engagement rates, quality of content, and impact on the travel industry.
With so many amazing influencers out there, it can be hard to narrow down the list, but we've done our best to highlight the best of the best.
So if you're looking for inspiration for your next African adventure, or just want to follow some amazing travel influencers, look no further than this list.
Top 11 African Travel Influencers in 2024
These are the top African travel influencers to watch out for in 2024, and they're sure to inspire you to pack your bags and explore the continent.
1. Neema Jodie Ngelime (@neemajodie)
Neema Jodie Ngelime hails from Tanzania, a country known for amazing islands, stunning beaches, scuba diving, and big safari tours.
Her passion for photography and storytelling has taken her on incredible journeys across Africa and beyond.
Documentary Photographer and Filmmaker:
Neema focuses on capturing the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. She believes in the magic of the mundane, weaving it together with an experimental and feminist lens with a sprinkle of the Swahili Language she’s proud of.
International Recognition:
Her films have been featured at prestigious international film festivals, including the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, IDFA, Beldocs International Film Festival, the New York African Film Festival, and the London Short Film Festival.
African Photojournalism Database:
Neema is a member of the African Photojournalism Database, a joint project between the World Press Photo Foundation and Everyday Africa.
This platform showcases powerful visual narratives from across the continent.
Neema is part of Berlinale Talents, an initiative that nurtures emerging filmmakers and connects them with industry professionals.
Notable Publications:
Her work has been commissioned by reputable publications such as Bloomberg and the New York Times T Brand Studio.
Exhibitions:
Neema's photography has been displayed internationally at The Museum of African Art in Serbia and locally at AjabuAjabu and Nafasi Art Space.
Current Project: Neema is currently developing her next film through the DW Akademie Film Development Grant.
Neema's lens captures compelling images of the African experience, reimagining perspectives and inviting viewers to see the continent through fresh eyes.
On her website thebongolese.com, she shares African stories from her personal travel experiences. You’ll also enjoy her detailed travel guides if you’re into African travel.
She encourages sustainable travel and supports local communities. Neema’s photography transports viewers to Africa’s heart.
2: Jessica Nabongo
Meet Jessica Nabongo, a remarkable Ugandan-American travel influencer, photographer, entrepreneur, and public speaker.
Early Years and Education:
Jessica Nabongo was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Ugandan parents, Rose Mary Namubiru and Ephraim Mukasa Nabongo, who settled in the United States in 1969.
She holds dual citizenship and has a deep connection to both her American upbringing and Ugandan heritage.
Jessica received her first passport at a young age, igniting her lifelong passion for travel.
Travel Blogger and Entrepreneur:
Jessica runs the travel blog “The Catch Me If You Can”, where she shares captivating stories of her global adventures.
She made history by becoming the first documented Black woman to travel to every country in the world.
Her blog not only provides visual inspiration but also offers practical travel tips and unique insights.
Jessica’s Entrepreneurship Journey:
Jessica founded Jet Black Travel Agency, a boutique luxury travel firm that creates itineraries for small group trips to countries in the African diaspora and beyond.
Photography and Art:
Jessica’s photography has been featured in National Geographic’s book “The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World”.
In March 2023, she entered the fine arts space, exhibiting her first works of embellished photography.
Public Speaker and Influencer:
As a sought-after speaker, Jessica shares her insights on African travel, cultural awareness, and positive global experiences.
Her TEDxDetroit talk, “The World is Our Neighborhood”, emphasizes the importance of connecting with our neighbors worldwide.
Jessica also collaborates with world-renowned brands as a brand influencer.
Changing the Narrative:
Jessica’s travel photography challenges stereotypes and showcases nuanced versions of places often overlooked.
She uses her platform to highlight issues like plastic pollution and cultural understanding.
Inspiration and Impact:
Jessica Nabongo’s journey inspires others to explore beyond their comfort zones, appreciate diversity, and embrace the beauty of our interconnected world.
You can explore more about her on her website: Jessica Nabongo, which features travel guides, tips, and stories. Jessica's travels focus on cultural experiences, food, and adventure.
Her Instagram page, @jessicanabongo, has over 244k followers.
3. The Storyteller: Tayo Aina
Let’s take a look at the fascinating world of Tayo Aina, a Nigerian YouTuber, photographer, and travel content creator. He’s personally my favorite travel YouTuber of all time.
His journey is filled with adventure, creativity, and a deep love for Africa. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Early Life and Education:
Born and raised in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, Tayo Aina attended Ifako International Secondary School before earning his bachelor’s degree at the Federal University of Technology Akure.
His passion for storytelling and digital representation led him to transition to the YouTube platform.
YouTube and Filmmaking:
Tayo Aina is a content creator known for his engaging videos that delve into lifestyle, travel, and culture. He’s told stories about multiple African countries and islands, including Zanzibar in Tanzania.
His YouTube channel, TayoAinaFilms, boasts over 700 thousand subscribers as of 2023.
His storytelling has attracted collaborations with artists like Adekunle Gold and Davido.
Awards and Recognitions:
Tayo Aina is an award winner at the Future Awards Africa 2022 for Content Creation. His journey has been acknowledged by the TECNO brand.
He collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on a documentary addressing the Boko Haram insurgency in the northern region, garnering over 1 million views on YouTube.
Vision and Impact:
Tayo Aina’s vision is to tell stories that challenge the status quo and inspire others to pursue what inspires them.
Through his Afrocentric content, he enriches his YouTube channel with stories of African businesses, brands, and tourism. His adventures showcase the beauty, resilience, and diversity of the continent.
You can follow Tayo Aina on Instagram: @TayoAinaFilms.
Explore more of his captivating content on his website: Tayo Aina.
4: Fat Girls Traveling
Fat Girls Traveling is a fat-positive platform dedicated to telling fat stories, highlighting fat bodies, and changing the landscape of travel, fashion, and lifestyle brands.
The founder, Annette Richmond, is a plus-size blogger and influencer who has been making waves in the travel industry, featured in publications such as Teen Vogue and Refinery29.
Annette Richmond advocates for inclusivity in travel marketing and media. She collaborates with travel partners to create specialized group trips for all sizes and genders.
Dissatisfied by the lack of inclusivity in travel marketing and media, Richmond started Fat Girls Traveling as an Instagram account, which has since grown into a community of over 200,000 followers.
She also launched The Fat Girls Guide, which spotlights content from other voices in the plus-size community.
Her Instagram page, @fatgirlstraveling, has over 59k followers, and her blog, fatgirlstraveling.com, features travel guides, safari trips, fashion tips, and body positivity.
5: Tastemakers Africa
Another established voice in African travel is Tastemakers Africa, a travel company that curates unique travel experiences to Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Morocco, and Zanzibar.
The founder, Cherae Robinson, is a travel entrepreneur and influencer who has been featured in publications such as Forbes and Essence.
Tastemakers Africa has amassed a following of over 76.6k on Instagram (@tstmkrsafrica), where they share stunning visuals and stories of their travels.
Tastemakers feature curated travel experiences, guides, and stories.
Eager to Discover the world’s richest content, Africa? Where to start? Zanzibar - the top tourist hotspot and scuba diving powerhouse in Africa.
6:Wode Maya
Man, if you have a Wikipedia page like Wode Maya’s, it is safe to say you’ve made it in life.
Wode Maya, born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, is a remarkable Ghanaian YouTube personality, vlogger, digital media influencer, and aeronautical engineer. He is arguably Africa’s most influential vlogger/YouTuber.
He packs his bags and leaves his comfort zone to travel around Africa for adventure, cultural exploration, and amazing accomplishments.
Early Life and Education:
Wode Maya hails from Ahekofi in Kofikrom, in the Western region of Ghana.
He attended the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU).
Despite his engineering background, Wode Maya’s passion for storytelling and African travel led him to explore new horizons.
YouTube and Vlogging Career:
Wode Maya started vlogging while still a student in China, sharing his experiences and insights.
His moniker, “Wode Maya”, comes from the Mandarin expression “wǒ de mā ya” (我的妈呀), which roughly translates to “Oh my god!” in English.
Over the years, his YouTube channel has grown exponentially, attracting over 1.33 million subscribers and accumulating 204 million views.
African Travel and Representation:
Wode Maya has visited many African countries and shares amazing stories with his audience.
His content showcases the beauty, culture, and resilience of the continent. In a recent video posted on YouTube shorts, Wode Maya is seen wearing and playing around with a giant elephant foot from Namibia.
He travels extensively across Africa, documenting untold stories and promoting positive images of the continent.
Real Estate Entrepreneurship:
In December 2021, Wode Maya ventured into real estate, establishing CHARLIEMAG Estate in East Legon.
His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond content creation.
Global Recognition and Impact:
Wode Maya was invited to cover the annual conference of the World Economic Forum in 2023.
He also covered the 2023 Munich Security Conference.
His influence extends beyond YouTube, making him a prominent figure in African media.
Personal Life and Philanthropy:
Wode Maya is married to Miss Trudy, a Kenyan YouTuber.
He actively engages in philanthropic efforts, including transforming a dumpsite into a park and supporting educational needs for children.
Awards and Accolades:
In February 2022, he won the Online Creator Of The Year at the Entertainment Achievement Awards.
In summary, Wode Maya’s commitment to storytelling, representation, and positive impact makes him a true trailblazer in African travel content.
You can explore more about him on his website: Wode Maya.
7. Oneika Raymond
Oneika Raymond was born on August 30, 1982. Originally from Canada, she is a tri-lingual individual who speaks English, French, and Spanish fluently.
So, yes, she’s technically not from Africa, but she’s black and has been influential in the African travel space through the work she does.
Oneika’s love for travel has taken her to over 119 countries on 6 continents, with 50 of those countries explored solo.
She’s visited over 13 African countries, including Botswana, Tanzania and Senegal.
She is a thrill-seeker who constantly pushes her boundaries, seeking adventure beyond her comfort zone.
Career and Accomplishments:
Emmy Award-Winning TV Host: Oneika is an on-camera personality for major networks such as CNN, NBC, Travel Channel, HGTV, and CTV.
Travel Series: You can catch her hosting two series on Travel Channel: “Big City, Little Budget” and “One Bag and You’re Out.”
Lifestyle Writer: Oneika’s work as a travel and lifestyle writer has been featured in prestigious publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and Oprah Magazine.
Award-Winning Blog: Her website, OneikaTheTraveller.com, won the Best Travel Blog award from the Society of American Travel Writers in 2018.
Speaker and Educator: Oneika is an engaging orator who speaks on various topics, including travel, storytelling in the digital age, influencer marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Media Appearances: She has been profiled in outlets such as the BBC, Forbes, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Oneika’s African Travel Adventures
She has a deep love for Africa and has visited multiple African countries, immersing herself in their cultures, landscapes, and histories.
Her experiences range from gorilla trekking in Uganda to camping in Bhutan’s snowstorms and climbing active volcanoes in Guatemala, Indonesia, and Ecuador.
She’s accrued over 294k followers on her lifestyle Instagram page.
Mission and Inspiration:
Oneika’s goal is to inspire other women and people of color to live life outside their comfort zones. She encourages exploration, cultural understanding, and embracing the unknown.
Eager to Discover the world’s richest content, Africa? Where to start? Zanzibar - the top tourist hotspot and scuba diving powerhouse in Africa.
8: The Veteran Blogger: Farirai Sanyika
A veteran African travel influencer, not for her age, but for her experience and longevity in the travel industry.
Farirai Sanyika, also known as Gophari, is a beautiful, inspiring South African blogger, African travel writer, content creator, and entrepreneur who’s been traveling the content for many years.
She is super likable for her passion, sense of adventure, and commitment to showcasing the beauty of Africa.
Background and Career:
Farirai Sanyika, a former chemical engineer, left her career in the small industrial town of Secunda, South Africa, to pursue her dreams of travel.
She founded the travel blog Gophari in 2017, which has become a platform for sharing her love of travel and encouraging others to explore South Africa’s hidden gems.
Gophari Travel Blog:
Gophari focuses on solo travel and offers practical travel guides and tips.
Farirai’s captivating storytelling and stunning visuals inspire fellow travelers to discover the richness of African destinations.
Group Travel for Women:
Farirai has expanded her impact by organizing all-women group trips to scenic African destinations for a vacation or adventure.
Through these trips, she provides a safe and empowering space for women to explore together and build their travel confidence.
Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing:
Starting Gophari allowed Farirai to harness her creativity and discover her love for digital marketing.
She works full-time in the tech industry, balancing full-time employment with running Gophari and using her skills to promote travel experiences.
Inspiration and Empowerment:
Farirai’s success through Gophari serves as an example that pursuing passions can lead to meaningful achievements.
She encourages self-awareness and emphasizes the importance of focusing on work aligned with one’s passions.
Given her impact, dedication, and commitment to promoting African travel, Farirai Sanyika deserves recognition among the top African travel influencers in 2024.
Her Instagram solo travelers page @gophari has over 126k followers from around the world, eager to learn more about African beauty through Sanyinka’s travel experiences.
9. Amarachi Ekekwe
Let me introduce you to Amarachi Ekekwe, a talented Nigerian travel influencer, entrepreneur, and passionate explorer.
Her travel memoir is filled with remarkable accomplishments, inspiring stories, and a commitment to showcasing the beauty of Africa.
Personal Background:
Amarachi Ekekwe is based in Lagos, Nigeria. She has a deep love for travel and exploration, both within her home country and across the continent.
Amarachi is known for her intensely positive energy and personality, creativity, and dedication to sharing her adventures.
Career and Accomplishments:
Travel Blogger and Entrepreneur:
Amarachi runs the travel blog “Travel with a Pen.”, which feels like a conversation shared between her and the reader.
Her blog emphasizes the importance of solo travel and the valuable lessons it teaches.
System Engineer and Fiction Writer:
Professionally, Amarachi wears multiple hats. She is a system engineer, configuring tools and platforms to meet production targets.
She is also a fiction writer, adding creativity and storytelling to her repertoire.
Visibility and Impact:
Her travel experiences have increased her visibility at work and positively impacted her career.
Amarachi’s expressive ideas and newfound confidence stem from her transformative travel experiences.
Travel Philosophy:
Amarachi believes in the power of solo travel. It was a solo trip in June 2015 that ignited her wanderlust. Before that, she had explored various Nigerian states, but international travel fully embraced her lifestyle two years later.
Amarachi takes about 2-3 ‘big trips’ internationally each year. Additionally, she embarks on several smaller trips within and around Nigeria.
Fun Fact: Despite her lively online presence, Amarachi identifies as an extreme introvert. Her ability to express herself creatively through writing and photography is a testament to her growth.
You can follow Amarachi on Instagram: @Amarachi Ekekwe.
10. Sam Adeleke:
Let’s Travel with Sam. Let’s discover Africa through the eyes of Sam Adeleke, an influential African travel influencer, photographer, and thought leader.
Background and Personal Life:
Sam Adeleke is a passionate traveler, creative writer, and designer.
He co-leads the Lagos chapter of Travel Massive, the world’s largest community of travel and tourism professionals.
His appetite for adventure has driven him to explore the most daring heights and underbellies of Africa’s under-reported destinations.
Travel Influencer and Blogger:
Sam consistently shares his compelling adventures on his Instagram page, Afrotourism.
Through his writing and photography, Sam showcases the beauty, culture, and diversity of the continent.
Recognition and Impact:
Sam Adeleke has been acknowledged as one of Africa’s Top 100 Hospitality Changemakers and Influencers by the International Hospitality Institute (IHI).
His work contributes significantly to the growth of Africa’s travel and hospitality industry.
Social Media and Website:
You can follow Sam Adeleke on Instagram: @travelwithsamglobal. Explore more about his adventures and insights on his website: Travel With Sam.
11. Wendy Watta
Last but not least, it’s Wendy Watta hour!
Wendy Watta, a talented Kenyan travel writer, photographer, and content creator, has made significant contributions to African travel and culture promotion.
Background and Career:
Wendy Watta is a freelance travel writer based in Nairobi, Kenya.
She covers everything from adventure to hotels and resorts across Africa and beyond.
According to TripSavvy, Wendy’s work has been featured in reputable publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Fodors Travel, Seattle Times, Lonely Planet, and more.
Influence and Impact:
Wendy actively promotes African vacation destinations, breaking stereotypes and showcasing the continent’s beauty.
Her writing inspires travelers to explore beyond the obvious and appreciate the richness of African cultures.
As an editor and project manager, she has contributed significantly to the travel industry.
Social Media and Content Creation:
Wendy shares her African adventures on Instagram: @wattaonthego.
Her YouTube channel, Watta On The Go, features epic travel videos, unique accommodations, and African experiences.
Connect with Wendy on Instagram and YouTube.
Our take:
Wendy Watta’s impact on African travel and her commitment to authentic storytelling make her a worthy candidate for the list of top 11 African influencers in 2024.
Her work resonates with audiences seeking genuine travel experiences and cultural immersion.
How to Connect with Travel Influencers
Connecting with travel influencers can be a great way to increase your brand's reach and engagement. Here are some tips on how to connect with travel influencers:
Engaging with Content
One of the best ways to connect with travel influencers is by engaging with their content.
This can include liking and commenting on their posts, sharing their content with your followers, and tagging them in relevant posts.
By engaging with their content, you can start to build a relationship with them and show them that you are interested in their work.
Collaboration Opportunities
Another way to connect with travel influencers is by offering collaboration opportunities.
This can include inviting them to participate in a sponsored trip, partnering with them on a social media campaign, or asking them to write a guest post for your blog.
When reaching out to travel influencers, it's important to be clear about your goals and what you can offer them in return.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when connecting with travel influencers:
Be authentic: Travel influencers are looking for brands that align with their values and interests, so be sure to approach them with authenticity and transparency.
Build relationships: Don't just focus on getting a quick promotion. Take the time to build relationships with travel influencers and engage with them regularly.
Provide value: When working with travel influencers, be sure to provide them with value in return. This can include exposure to your audience, compensation, or other perks.
By following these tips, you can start to build relationships with travel influencers and increase your brand's reach and engagement
Emerging Trends in African Travel Influencing
According to a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Africa saw a 7% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2023, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
In 2024, African travel influencers are expected to play a significant role in shaping travel trends and inspiring travelers to explore the continent.
Here are some emerging trends in African travel to watch out for in 2024:
1. Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
Sustainability and responsible tourism are becoming increasingly important to travelers.
African travel influencers are expected to lead the charge in promoting sustainable travel practices and highlighting responsible tourism initiatives across the continent.
They will also be expected to encourage their followers to make conscious travel choices that have a positive impact on local communities and the environment.
2. Hyper-Personalization
In the age of social media, travelers are looking for unique and personalized travel experiences. African travel influencers are expected to leverage their knowledge of the continent to offer hyper-personalized travel recommendations to their followers.
This could include everything from off-the-beaten-path destinations to hidden gems that could be more well-known to the general public.
3. Authentic Cultural Experiences
Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences that allow them to connect with local communities and learn about different cultures.
African travel influencers are expected to showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of the continent, highlighting local festivals, African food and spices, music, and art.
They will also be expected to promote responsible cultural tourism that respects local customs and traditions.
4. Technology and Innovation
Technology is transforming the travel industry, and African travel influencers are expected to keep up with the latest trends and innovations.
They will be expected to leverage technology to create engaging content, such as virtual reality tours and interactive travel guides. They will also be expected to use social media platforms to connect with their followers and promote African travel destinations.
Overall, African travel influencers are expected to play a significant role in shaping travel trends and inspiring travelers to explore the continent in 2024.
Final Thoughts
These influencers inspire people to travel and influence the travel industry, shaping emerging trends and creating new opportunities for businesses in the sector.
They are also playing an important role in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, highlighting the importance of preserving the environment and supporting local communities.
"We had a great time! The room is comfortable and the food is excellent. We got breakfast, lunch and dinner. Came here for the snorkeling. We were dropped with our guide at great locations for snorkeling rather than wherever the divers were going. Recommend for snorkeling! The staff, especially Mike, were so helpful and couldn't do enough for us."
Hannah, United Kingdom
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Bryan, Atlanta, Georgia
