Update from Akagera

More than four weeks since the 7 lions were released into Akagera National Park, things are progressing nicely. Excitement ran high on 23 August, when tourists saw lions in Akagera for the first time in more than a decade. Several tourists saw the lions on Sunday and others saw them again on Monday, as they…

Maximizing the value of birds for tourism

By Julien.Jreissati, Wed, 19/08/2015 – 12:48 The BirdLife-led Migratory Soaring Birds (MSB) project has developed a guidebook that provides practical information to maximize the value that birds bring to the tourism industry, while ensuring the conservation of their populations and habitats. The global tourism industry is reaching new heights with an all-time record of over…

New airline FlyAfrica.com takes off

Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba has announced the launch of pan-African low-cost airline Gabon FlyAfrica.com. The new airline is aimed at enhancing air connectivity across Africa and reducing the cost of doing business. The announcement was made on the second day of the New York Forum Africa – one of the largest gatherings of politicians,…

Jovago & Safarilink to offer customised travel in Kenya

Online hotel-booking company, Jovago, has partnered with Safarilink, a regional airline based in Nairobi, to customise packages for tourists. Jovago explained that the partnership was designed for tourists who are visiting different destinations within Kenya and that the model will offer travellers ready-made packages which include flight fares, airport transfers and accommodation throughout their stay.…

Kenya e-visa takes effect

In an attempt to modernise and streamline tourist arrivals and reduce congestion and delays, most particularly in Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Kenyan government has decided to move tourism visas online. As of 1 September 2015, all visa applicants will be required to apply and pay online for visas to enter Kenya.Visitors travelling to…

The Belmond Eagle Island Lodge Reopening

After a complete rebuild, the Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is re-opening its doors in the Okavango Delta on November 1. When re-opened, this “green” safari lodge will become Belmond’s flagship safari lodge.   Each of the lodge’s 12 spacious Deluxe Tented Rooms will have its own plunge pool and large outdoor deck, overlooking the delta. The new design, featuring…

‘Car Free Zone’ Implemented in Kigali

KIGALI, Rwanda, Aug. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ —  Effective August 24, no vehicles will be allowed in the heart of Rwanda’s capital Kigali, widely regarded as the cleanest city in Africa. All vehicles, other than special services vehicles such as ambulances, are prohibited in the streets of the declared ‘Car-Free Zone.’ “Normally, a city is for…

Tourists Flock To Cape Verde In 2015

Cape Verde’s National Statistics Institute (INE) reported a 2% annual increase in visitor numbers in the first half of 2015, placing the country on target for a bumper tourism year. Attracted by its fabulous beaches, known as jumping-off points for windsports and a great location for diving among shipwrecks, more than 278,000 visitors arrived on…

Into the Virungas

 ”Into the Virungas” is an inspiring conversation with founder of Volcanoes Safaris and passionate conservationist, Praveen Moman and is available for sale from Volcanoes Safaris and Amazon. Praveen was an instrumental force behind the award-winning Volcanoes Lodges. A core value has been ensuring that our safaris respect the culture of local communities, the fragility of…

Jane Goodall to give free lecture at CU

BOULDER- Pioneering primatologist and conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall, will give a free lecture at the University of Colorado Boulder campus this fall. She will deliver the 50th annual George Gamow Memorial Lecture on October 1 at Macky Auditorium. It will be her first talk in Colorado in more than two years. She has no other…

OPENING OF FIRST-EVER PROTEA HOTEL IN GHANA

Marriott International’s footprint in Middle East and Africa extends to 19 countries  Cape Town, South Africa – August 20, 2015: Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) has announced the opening of the Protea Hotel Select Takoradi, its first establishment in Ghana.  “This opening under the Protea Hotels brand reinforces our focus on continuing to grow the…

APTA Members featured among Fodor’s Top 10

APTA is proud to congratulate five members among a list of top 10 African Safari Tour Operators selected by Fodor’s Travel:  &Beyond, Abecrombie & Kent, African Portfolio,  Micato Safaris and Wilderness Safaris all made the cut. Recent controversy surrounding the death of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe at the hands of a big-game hunter has…

Flydubai launching direct flights to Eritrea

Dubai-based flydubai has announced it will add direct flights between Dubai and Eritrea’s capital city, Asmara, beginning Oct. 25 with four flights a week. Asmara is the second African destination added to the flydubai network this year after Hargeisa, Somaliland, which began in June.  “We are keen to reflect the UAE’s efforts to support emerging markets,…

Kwita Izina in Rwanda!

In Rwanda, it is that time of year again when the newborn baby mountain gorillas are named. This annual ceremony is called Kwita Izina and is an extremely popular attraction for guests. The ceremony derives its name from the ancestral Rwandan baby-naming ceremony observed  after the birth of a child. The 11th Kwita Izina will…

A Big Shiny Guide to African Safaris

There’s nothing like your first time — first time embarking on a safari, that is. Deciding to do one is easy (yes! – a resounding yes!) but picking a destination is more difficult — what with a long list of magnificent countries to choose from. To help, here’s a handy overview of when to go,…

Namaqua National Park gearing up for flower season

Bernard van Lente, Namaqua National Park manager, reports that the park experienced some warm days recently and that the Skilpad area suddenly came to life.  “It is currently looking good for the remainder of the season, particularly if we get more rain. Lower-lying areas of the park, in particular Soebatsfontein, Kookfontein and the Wildeperdehoek areas,…

Discover the New Johannesburg with Four Seasons

The latest offer from Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff Johannesburg, provides guests with the opportunity to experience revitalized Johannesburg on a private walking tour,   This takes them through the Western Edge (Ferreirastown), the Corporate Mining District (Marshalltown), the Historic Core, the Retail District and Braamfontein. Expert tour guides will recount the astonishing story of…

Reasons to Visit Mauritius (In 15 Photos)

If the last days of summer have you searching for a spectacular vacation, look no further. Thanks to its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and modern, well-run hotels that employ local workers, Mauritius is one of the world’s top luxury tourism destinations.  Situated about 1,200 miles off the southeast coast of Africa, this tiny island nation…

Luangwa Safari House Turns 10

2015 marks the 10-year anniversary of the opening of this beautifully-designed private safari house in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Luangwa Safari House owes its success to its African-style castle appearance and ethnic interior but it’s the surroundings of the house that really make this place so special and keep the guests returning. The safari…

Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge Honeymoon Offer

Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of undisturbed nature and magnificent wildlife, your Serengeti adventure provides countless opportunities for romance.   Escape into an enchanted world and experience the thrill of animal sightings, uninterrupted, secluded relaxation and private pool suites  to create lifelong memories. The Honeymoon Offer includes: Complimentary upgrade to a Waterhole view for all Savannah,…

Gabon – central Africa’s oasis

80% of Gabon is covered in dense forest and it has nearly 900km of coastline and 13 national parks. Its exceptional biodiversity includes a bird-list of 774 species and mega-species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills and forest elephants.   It is estimated that Gabon has 60,000 forest elephants, 35,000 western lowland gorillas and 64,000 chimpanzees. An…

Airbnb doubled in size in Africa in the last year

Calling itself a community-driven hospitality company, Airbnb CEO, Brian Chesky, attended GES 2015 to meet with entrepreneurs from around the world and explore the sharing economy’s impact and expansion, particularly on the African continent. In the last 12 months, Airbnb has more than doubled in size in Africa. “The spirit of entrepreneurialism is a common…

Fire at Susuwe Island Lodge

PRESS RELEASE  04 August 2015 SUSUWE  During the night of Sunday, 02 August 2015 local fires severely damaged Susuwe Island Lodge. Fortunately, we can report that, despite the intensity of the fire, there has been no loss of life and no-one was hurt. The fire destroyed nearly 70% of the property, which necessitates immediate closure…

TATO Re-elects Chambulo for Chairman

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has unanimously re-elected Mr. Willy Chambulo as its chairman for two more years. Mr. Chambulo is the Managing Director of Kibo Guides and Tanganyika Wilderness camps. After his successfully serving TATO for two years, .his first term of office expired in June.  However, the newly-held annual general meeting…