Great Safaris, an award-winning luxury safari outfitter, has just debuted its first ever “green” tour for 2015 travel. If you are an eco-conscious traveler or want to start doing your part to protect the natural world, you will love the new Good Earth South Africa Safari itinerary. This 12-day tour takes guests on a socially responsible…
The Mantis company, which continually strives to offer in-the-know travellers the most exceptional properties and authentic experiences imaginable, is announcing a very exciting partnership with Bush Lodge and HillsNek, both located on Amakhala Game Reserve. The resort is located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa. Bush Lodge is a five- star Game Lodge,…
SAA, the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, has resumed non-stop service on its daily flight from Johannesburg to New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport, effective March 7, 2015. While SAA’s daily flight from New York-JFK to Johannesburg has operated on a non-stop basis for several years, the return flight…
Morocco is known as “The country that travels within you”, this is because vacations here captivate visitors with extraordinary experiences that are never forgotten. A country of contrasts and wide appeal, vacations here can range from tours back in time through historic towns and villages, to a desert adventure with a camel trek and camping…
Zambian Ground Handlers are proud to introduce their newly-renovated website: www.zambiangroundhandlers.com. The concept remains the same as before. Quite simply “… we aim to give you candid and useful information as well as a selection of useable images for each of the safari camps around Zambia,” maintains Nick Aslin. “We specialize in providing a safe, reliable…
The Thornybush Collection has just acquired the management and marketing contract for The River Lodge, located within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, effective April 1. The property is situated in the heart of the Timbavati/greater Kruger bushveld and accommodates a maximum of eight guests. It offers three luxury suites…
Margie Whitehouse has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism, with effect from Monday, March 2. She replaces former CMO, Jan Hutton, who resigned last year. Whitehouse has over 25 years’ marketing experience within both the public and private sectors. Margie’s career began when she joined the Unilever management graduate programme in 1988. She…
Southern Africa Tourism Update recently asked their readers to submit products they deemed suitable for the US markets, and received over 40 different suggestions. These were put to a judging-panel of APTA members in the USA, who narrowed them down to the following top seven products… in no particular order: • Victoria Falls Safari Lodge…
Join us for an interactive presentation and allow us to share all the latest news about the newest property in our portfolio. Mont Rochelle in South Africa Wednesday, 11th March 2015 at 2:00 pm (New York time) Register Here The training session will take no more than 30-40 minutes with extra time for Q&A. We…
The Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge has been destroyed by the wildfire which spread across the Cape Peninsula on Monday morning. “We can confirm that between 60 and 80 percent of the property has burned to the ground,” said Michelle du Plessis, MD of Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge. Guests were forced to evacuate the premises early Monday morning and…
South African Airways Vacations is pleased to unveil a redesigned website, and digital e-brochure for 2015, featuring their top-selling air-inclusive vacation packages. The 2015 Collection e-brochure allows travel agents to view the “go any day” programs at their convenience and forward them on to their clients to entice them to take that Africa dreamvacation now.…
PrecisionAir, Tanzania’s Largest Airline, offers 5% Agent Commission when booking via GDS or through the US ticketing office, and now accepts payment by Visa or MasterCard. PrecisionAir is a private Tanzanian airline established in 1993 and based at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam. The airline operates scheduled service throughout Tanzania, including the…
From 18 – 23 October, the 2015 Skal International Congress will be held “On The Beach,” north of the port city of Mombasa, Kenya. The organizing committee, led by Past International President Tony Clegg-Butt, has launched a website (www.skalkenyacongress2015.travel) with more details, including a range of pre- and post-congress tours into Kenya’s famous game parks.…
The New York Times has announced the dates for their 13th annual Travel Show: January 8–10, 2016, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, the No. 1 marketplace in the world. The New York Times Travel Show continues to be the premier hybrid travel show in North America, featuring the exclusive…
PROFLIGHT and South Africa Airways have signed an interline agreement that will allow passengers to travel on both airlines with a single booking, on a single ticket. Proflight director of government and industry affairs, Captain Philip Lemba (retired), says the agreement will allow passengers to make seamless bookings from anywhere in Zambia to destinations serviced…
The first of the new aircraft, A2 – RNO Tshukudu,has already been delivered and will take to the skies from the beginning of March. A further three Airvans will arrive during March and April, with all seven expected to be in service within the next 18 months. “We selected the Airvan based on how well…
Please join Craig Glatthaar, from Wilderness Safaris and Susannah Zani, from African Travel, Inc. for an exciting webinar about the GREEN SEASON in Southern Africa and hear some of the general advantages of traveling at this time! Wednesday, March 4th at 10am -11am PT (1pm-2pm ET) PRESENTED BY: Craig Glatthaar | Wilderness Safaris (coming to…
The Classic Portfolio map is a sales tool much loved by agents all over the world. We are delighted to announce that our map for 2015 has been designed and printed and is ready to be used! It features new clients and destinations and is guaranteed to make your life much easier. Contact us to…
After 12 years of Cottar’s being an integral part of the C&P Portfolio, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp and Homestead will be taking on their own marketing from 1st March, 2015. This decision has come as a result of the merger of the Cheli & Peacock properties with the Elewana Collection. Cheli & Peacock Safaris will,…
One venue, 3 days and great value for money! The countdown is on and with less than two months to go, World Travel Market (WTM) Africa is set to exceed all targets and expectations as it prepares to bring to Africa an exceptional experience for visitors and exhibitors alike. As the only trade show…
Elephant’s Eye, Hwange, is one of the few lodges in Hwange offering 4-star accommodation, a spa and eco-lodge status. Continual game drives, cuisine by one of Zimbabwe’s top chefs, luxurious relaxation facilities and being able to see wildlife from your bed, make spending a few nights at this lodge an unsurpassable indulgence! To help you…
Located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, Settlers Drift offers a unique tented safari combined with 5-star luxury. The lodge consists of 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks. Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time has stood still…
Between July 2013 and June 2014, Rwanda received 1.17 million visitors, compared to the previous year with 1.14 million tourists. Rwanda tourism revenues increased from $293m in 2013, to $303m in 2014, representing a 3% increase, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) says. RDB targets the $860m mark by 2016. However, experts warn that the target is…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is pleased to announce that our annual National Forum will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona on September 25th & 26th, 2015 at The Boulders. Our annual meeting brings together the movers and shakers in our niche market with chapter officials and members from all 12…
Please join the Sacramento APTA chapter for a luncheon presentation sponsored by South Africa Tourism discussing the new Fundi program coming online, South African Airlines with an update of all the new routes to Africa, and Virgin Limited will all of Sir Richard Branson’s high end resorts in Africa. (Free airline ticket is being given…
From the Cape to Cairo, this Africa train journey is the ultimate way to see the continent. With 45 years of experience providing unforgettable travel experiences, Goway Travel is embarking on its biggest adventure yet. The Cape to Cairo… Ultimate Journey of a Lifetime is the 32-day Africa trip of dreams. It will embark in…
South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, will resume its daily nonstop flights between Johannesburg, South Africa, and New York-JFK International Airport, on March 7th. The resumption of the nonstop service on the northbound flight from Johannesburg to New York-JFK will reduce the overall travel time on…
Season in Africa is pleased to announce that Livingstone’s Adventure, the one-stop adventure shop in Livingstone, Zambia, have amended some of their 2015 activity rates in accordance with the drop in the fuel price. The new rates are applicable from 01 February 2015 – 30 November 2015. Rate amendments affect The African Queen, Batoka Sky…
Cape Town, South Africa – The Table Mountain Cableway will be closed from 27 July to 9 August 2015 for annual maintenance. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company has been providing visitors with a world-class experience since October 4, 1929. The company operates in a National Park and World Heritage Site. The cableway has been…
South Africa’s newest low-cost airline, Skywise, has announced that, due to popular demand, it will move its first commercial flight, initially scheduled to take off on 16 March 2015, to 5 March.. Tickets for the Skywise flights went on sale in mid-February. At first, the new, low-cost carrier will operate only two daily flights between Cape…
Safaritrails are pleased to offer all-terrain self-drive guided safaris in Tanzania. “Expedition Africa” by Elewana, in conjunction with the Land Rover Experience Centre in Arusha, offers an exceptional opportunity for safari travelers to self-drive safely through some of the most spectacular landscapes that East Africa has to offer. The Expeditions visit some of the most…
With almost four decades of experience, African Travel, Inc. is well known for its custom safaris. Now they have just released a series of locally hosted safaris with a choice of departure dates throughout 2015. These intimate 7 – 10 day journeys are limited to just twelve people and are guaranteed with a minimum of…
Le Quartier Français is thrilled to introduce two new additions to the team: private guides Ansie du Toit and Steven Andrews. Both Ansie and Steven will be available exclusively to our guests to craft bespoke experiences of our renowned valley and beyond . . . Ansie du Toit grew up in and around some of…
HerdTracker is a web-based app that plots the precise location of the migration in real time, keeping you up-to-date before your trip to Tanzania or Kenya. HerdTracker is a web-app that plots the precise location of the great wildebeest migration in real time to a Google map and in a Twitter-style timeline. It is publicly…
Angus Preston – Managing Director of The Hide Safari Camp announces that after more than 8 years with The Hide, Gavin Rennie has decided to spread his wings and further his career with Africa Albida Tourism. Gavin started at The Hide in 2006 having come from a professional cricketing background. Gavin has gained valuable experience with The Hide and he…
During the unveiling of a new terminal to the press, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) managing director Lucy Mbugua said Kenya is on course to reaching ‘world class status and positioning the airport as a preferred hub for Africa.’ KAA reported that more than 50 billion had been spent on the expansion and upgrading of the…
Discover Ancient Egypt with Your Own Private Egyptologist: Book four or more clients on Great Safaris’ Great Egyptian Discovery tour and get a full-time Egyptologist escort during the entire 13-day journey Help your clients avoid throngs of tourists and outrageous lines during their 2015 travels by considering a primeval land that has been off the…
Travel company, RETURNAfrica, has taken over the Pafuri Walking Trails previously run by Wilderness Safaris. The Pafuri Walking Trails season will be open from April 1 to October 31 in the private Makuleke Concession in the northern Kruger National Park. The trail is a three-night, four-day experience, guided by an experienced field guide. Highlights of…
To ensure budding wildlife photographers are able to capture the very highest quality safari images, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is offering the opportunity to take part in one of two new and exclusive five-day photography safaris with acclaimed wildlife photographer Paul Joynson-Hicks. As part of the Serengeti photo safari, a maximum of four participating…
Over two decades ago in 1992 Finch Hattons Camp first opened to guests and set the standard in luxury eco tented camps. It is now reopening to yet again reaffirm its position as the ultimate luxury safari camp. Set around an oasis of natural spring pools teeming with wildlife and situated to capture the views…
Southern Cross Safaris is pleased to announce that the Mara North Conservancy has relaxed its rules & rates regarding drive-in vehicles from tour operators. Besides the usual fly-in packages for guests staying at Karen Blixen Camp, Kicheche Camp, Serian Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Royal Mara & Mara Exploreans, operators can now offer drive-in itineraries while…
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – The World Bank has said Tanzania’s tourism revenues could bulge four times from $4.48 billion in 2013 to $16 billion annually by 2025 if share benefits from the industry are equitably and evenly distributed to local participation but with quality. Tourism is already a major contributor to Tanzania’s economy, however,…
Avani Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group in 2011, has opened Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, the group’s first property in the Indian Ocean destination. ‘Avani’ stems from the Sanskrit word for ‘earth’ – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and simple sense of…
Airlink reduces fuel levy “YQ” effective 09 February 2015. Airlink is pleased to announce that it will be reducing the fuel levy “YQ” following the recent fall in oil prices. While the reduction in the price of jet fuel does not correlate directly with the fall in oil price, airlines have enjoyed some reprieve. Airlink…
Chobe Game Lodge has implemented a number of fascinating initiatives that help keep the lodge environment pristine and natural. It’s incredible to see what can be achieved with a committed approach to responsible tourism and guests at Chobe Game Lodge can learn about these initiatives by taking an ecotour, led by Albert Ndereki, which provides…
Dear Yvette , I wanted to thank you again for your support with our SADC UNIVISA survey last year. As you may have heard, the pilot UNIVISA for Zambia and Zimbabwe was launched last month and now is fully operational at 8 key border posts in the two countries. From what I have heard on the…
The Sandton Sun will be going through a full renovations of the guest rooms and bathrooms. At this time it looks like we will be pushing back the opening to September 1, 2015. For more information on Tsogo Sun hotels, please contact: ronnie@underafricanskies.net
Feb 01, 2015, eTurboNews: Week in and week out e-mails arrive and in growing numbers messages via my social media accounts, paying compliments about the wide range of news from the region and then often ending with “but where do I find out more about…” The “about” of course then reads Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar,…
We invite you to join one of Virgin Limited Edition’s webinars taking place this February! As the February mad rush begins, why not take some time out of your hectic day, unwind with a cup of tea and learn about one of Sir Richard Branson’s luxury retreats. Join us for an interactive presentation and…
Wilderness Touring, the private touring division of Wilderness Safaris, has increased its fleet in the Zambezi region with the purchase of six new vehicles, bringing the total fleet to 30 vehicles. Operations Manager of Wilderness Safaris for the Zambezi region, Dean Morton, said: “The new vehicles complement our team of highly skilled staff and will…