The German government has released 18 million euro to support conservation of wildlife in the Selous Game Reserve (SGR) in Southern Tanzania.Germany also donated 6 brand-new Toyota Land Cruisers for anti-poaching patrols in the Selous, the biggest wildlife conserved reserve in Africa.The Germany ambassador to Tanzania, Mr. Egon Kochanke, explained that the Selous Ecosystem Conservation…
The African Bush Camps sales team of safari aficionados, Kate, Coral, Maneta, Ingrid and Mona, took some time to visit our newly opened property, Thorntree River Lodge in Livingstone, Zambia. In order to give the right recommendations to agents and guests, it was important that the sales team experienced the beautiful Thorntree first-hand. They had…
After flooding during the heavy rains in the green season, Khwai Airstrip has dried out and is now ready to land planes. Khwai airstrip is only a 20-minute drive from Khwai Tented Camp, which makes it an easy transfer from the plane to the start of your safari at Khwai Tented Camp. In 2018, guests…
Elephant’s Eye Hwange has decided there is no time to waste in combating the plight that our wildlife is facing. As of the 1st of July 2017, the conservation levy will be compulsory for all guests staying at Elephant’s Eye, Hwange. The amount is set at $10.00 per person per night. Simply put, without wildlife,…
The Results Are In! APTA is pleased to announce its new executive board effective August 1st. Our existing Directors Cheryle Velsor, Valerie Sewell, David DiGregorio, Liz Crookston, Lisa Greyhill and Marion Valderrama will be joined by newly elected Directors Todd Neuman, Tracy Anderson and Kiki Paris. For the first time, we had a tie with…
The award-winning documentary film, Blood Lions™, sheds light on the sad truth that between 6,000 to 8,000 lions are held in captivity in South Africa, for cruel and unethical canned-lion trophy hunting. Before captive adult lions become targets for unethical trophy hunters, while they are cubs, they are offered to tourists to pet or, when they…
Despite security challenges in the country, with frequent terror attacks on restaurants and hotels, Somalia is in the process of creating a master plan to revive the country’s tourism industry, according to the Minister of Information, Culture & Tourism Abdirahman Omar Osman. During a recent visit to Madrid, Spain, he met with the Secretary General of…
The Overseas Development Institute (ODI), a British think tank, estimates that every year 40,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro, bringing with them tons of waste and other environmental threats, including water contamination and soil erosion…. The environmental challenges are significant but the initiatives implemented by the Tanzania National Parks Authority seem to be paying off. Read…
Marnie Delaney-Parker has joined the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, as Director of Sales and Marketing. Previously with the Cape Grace and Sun International, Marnie has more than 20 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Read More
Wilderness Safaris is delighted to commence the rebuild of its flagship camps, situated in the world-renowned Mombo Concession in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The proposed opening date for both Mombo and Little Mombo Camps is end February 2018. “We are thrilled to have begun the exciting process of rebuilding both Mombo and Little Mombo camps…
Twenty years ago, Volcanoes Safaris was the first company to set up simple camps around the gorilla parks. Today, we are the leading luxury lodge company in Rwanda and Uganda and run four luxury lodges: (Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Virunga Lodge) and specialize in great ape safaris to the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda.…
June marks the re-opening of not one, but two andBeyond luxury safari camps: the intimate, six-suite andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge, overlooking Leopard Rock in South Africa and the rustic, yet elegant nine-tent andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp in Botswana’s wildlife-rich grasslands.Read Report
Aircraft, just like cars, accumulate massive amounts of dirt and grime all the time, making every flight less fuel efficient. But a bucket of soapy water won’t cut it when it comes to cleaning these massive planes. Traditionally, an average of 11,300 litres of water is used to clean an Airbus A380 – a process that…
Everyone expects going on safari to be an exhilarating trip to a really spectacular place – with scrumptious food, a magnificent view and endless wildlife action. There are many contenders, but, just when you think you know a place, it goes and changes. Click Here for the Good Safari Guide low-down on the best…
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya- Africa. The reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley in primarily open grassland. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment. The Masai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas. The annual wildebeest’s…
Tourism players in Tanzania have launched a lifetime bid that will see them plough back cash towards the country’s fresh conservation drive. For the first time in history, the tour and hotel operators have officially committed themselves to becoming responsible tourism players, by supporting conservation initiatives in the country’s national parks. Last week, they followed…
Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, is pleased to announce that it has won SKYTRAX World Airline Award for The Best Airline in Africa on June 20, 2017 at the Paris Air Show. Skytrax is the most respected global air transport rating organization that conducts the world’s largest annual airline passenger satisfaction survey where customers…
South Africa’s Garden Route had been included on a list of global biosphere reserves, said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). Unesco members voted in favour of the inclusion of the Garden Route as a biosphere reserve at a meeting in Paris, France, on 14 June 2017. Read More
Flydubai will have 6 flights every week to Kilimanjaro. 3 of these flights will have one stop at Dar es Salaam. In addition, the Dubai based airline will increase direct flights to Zanzibar from 3 to 8 flights a week. Kilimanjaro is the 3rd destination in Tanzania and the 12th in flydubai’s African flights network.…
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg and Shambala Private Game Reserve in the Waterberg, comprising of Zulu Camp and Nelson Mandela Villa, has announced the launch of their newly redesigned websites, www.saxon.co.za and www.shambalaprivategamereserve.co.za, offering users an improved and innovative design concept in conjunction with an easy-to-use booking process, and seamless integration of…
Dear APTA Corporate Members We’re getting ready to print our 2018 APTA Corporate Directory and now is your chance to have your company featured. All directory advertisements are due by July 21st . Rates & Specifications can be found here. The print version of the APTA Corporate Directory is distributed to all APTA members and is…
The public areas at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve, Mpumalanga, have burned down after a fire broke out around 04h00 on Wednesday June 21. The fire was contained within the hour and none of the accommodation was affected. The cause of the fire is still unknown. All staff and guests are…
In a letter to the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has made it clear that Uganda’s gorilla-tracking permit fees will not be raised as previously rumoured.. Sources close to UWA have also confirmed a significant increase in advance sales for gorilla permits, which are now already open for up to…
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s recent Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand took as its theme ‘Transforming our World’ and sessions dissected the role, challenges and opportunities for Travel & Tourism to contribute to the global sustainable development agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Protecting environments, habitats and biodiversity is a fundamental part…
It’s a great thrill for the JG Black Book Collection to welcome the Elewana Collection and its 14 properties across Kenya and Tanzania. It’s also a pleasure to welcome James Haigh, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Elewana, back to the JG Black Book family, who many of you will know from his days…
The Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris 2018 Guided brochure was launched at Indaba 2017 (16 – 18 May) and offers an extended range of day tours as well as new and improved overland tours. A Comfortable, A Cut Above and Premium accommodation options are still available on the overland tours, but with low season rates…
As an increasingly popular destination on Africa’s travel radar, Zambia is fast becoming a safari hotspot due to its unspoilt wilderness, abundant wildlife, thrilling Zambezi River activities and a growing collection of exceptional luxury lodges on offer. Mariska Yntema, Product Manager at Jenman African Safaris says “One can now explore the best of Zambia’s natural…
George Cohen, Managing Director of The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Rutherford as the new General Manager from 1 June 2017. Rutherford joins with a wealth of hospitality experience beginning with a seven-year stint at the Cape Grace Hotel where he gained a strong background in both guest…
The new African Dream is coming along for its debut on the Chobe & Zambesi Rivers in December. Please Enjoy this rendering of the elegant vessel with only 8 suites. This will be a 9 day program inclusive of: 1 – Night in Johannesburg 3 – Nights on the RV Africa Dream 3 – Nights…
California Dreamin’ – APTA is going back to the Beach! Join us in San Diego, California September 15th & 16th, 2017 The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is pleased to announce that our annual National Forum will be held in San Diego, California on September 15th & 16th, 2017 at the Bahia…
It’s now easier than ever to combine the traditional “Northern Circuit” with a few days in Selous or Ruaha. Coastal Aviation have made it possible to Fly FAST and direct from Serengeti to Selous & Ruaha and then to Dar Es Salaam / Zanzibar in a comfortable (fast and pressurized) 9-seater Pilatus PC12 aircraft. Flight CQ500 Depart Arusha 08:15…
Coastal Aviation have recently opened a transit lounge in Dar es Salaam nearby the airport (only four minutes driving). Our guests can enjoy a complimentary transfer and take a nap in case of long layover, totally free of charge! It is open 24/7, useful for night arrivals and departures (e.g. Turkish, Ethiopian…) Read More
Wilderness Safaris is sponsoring a safari for 2 valued at over $20,000.00 in support of Rhino Ride. (Click Here for details) The aim of the Long Ride to Free them is to raise funds create global awareness for the current poaching crisis on Rhinoceros in Southern Africa. In doing so, to the shed light on this…
The sharing economy à la Uber and Airbnb threatens African businesses and society when imposed from outside:The emergence of the sharing economy has disrupted many industries, with vanguard companies like Uber and Airbnb leading the way. Made in Africa solutions are fighting back. Read More
There is no better place than out in the remote darkness of the African bush to appreciate the mysteries of the sky and hear the stories of their relationship to times gone by.CANSAF night sky presenters relate traditional African folklore to the passage of the stars and planets in a fascinating presentation.The evening starts with an…
The Hon Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities and previously Uganda’s Tourism Minister, inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Uganda Tourism Board, the official Government destination marketing agency for Uganda. Hon Daudi Migereko, former Minister of Lands, will chair the board and members of the Board of Trustees will serve a…
Volcanoes Safaris have been at the forefront of reviving gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region since the gorilla parks. Today, Volcanoes Safaris is the leading luxury lodge company in Uganda and Rwanda. To celebrate the opening of the Dian Fossey Map Room at Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris is offering a special six-day safari to…
Have you been dreaming of going to Kenya and discovering its unforgettable landscapes, filled with superb wildlife? Watchzing the warm Indian Ocean, hug its coastline and gazing up at Mount Kenya, towering above a tapestry of farms?It’s no wonder Kenya is a top destination! Enter today to win a 7-day safari adventure from Lonely Planet…
It’s time for APTA Executive Board Nominations for the term 2017-2020 Currently, the Executive Board has two openings and three board members who are up for re-election. If you would like to join our dynamic board of travel professionals promoting tourism to Africa, please submit your name along with a short bio (100 words) by June 15,…
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has started a new marketing campaign to entice more South Africans into visiting magical Kenya. Known to all as Asambe-e-Kenya, the campaign aims at boosting arrival numbers by focusing on adventure tourism. KTB Regional Marketing Manager Fatma Bashir who recently spoke at continental travel show Indaba in Durban, said South…
The all-new One&Only Nature Resorts portfolio will feature Wolgan Valley, as well as two new Rwandan properties: One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. Each new luxury lodge will feature the same exclusive location and access as other One&Only properties—and both will strive to follow Wolgan Valley in achieving carbon-neutral certifications by CarbonZero. Read More
KwaZulu Cruise Terminal — a joint venture between MSA Cruises SA and Africa Armada Consortium — has been announced as the preferred bidder for the Durban Cruise Terminal, worth R200-million. The announcement was made by Transnet National Ports Authority Chief Executive‚ Richard Vallihu‚ during a media conference in Durban on Tuesday‚ which was also attended…
State-owned airline Air Namibia has be given approval to fly in and out of the United States, allowing it to join the ranks of an exclusive set of African carriers with permission to do so. Previously, only South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Moroccan Royal Air Maroc and Cape Verde’s TACV airline have enjoyed the…
Le Marché Central, located in the old city of Casablanca, will be renovated and converted into a gourmet dining and a tourist area. Directorate of Local Collectivities (DGCL) and the Regional Council of Casablanca-Settat region allocate MAD 15 million to this project, which has been piloted by Casablanca Patrimoine, an organization for local social development. …
The Tracker Academy, supported by the Tswalu Foundation, has started a tracker training course at the Tswalu Kalahari Training Centre. The fundamental ambition is to restore indigenous knowledge in Africa. The aim of the training is to empower tracker graduates to become ambassadors for the African wildlife industry by bringing authenticity and accuracy to environmental…
Proflight will be offering direct connections between the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi in both directions on a daily basis. In 2018 they will also be operating daily direct flights between Livingstone and the Lower Zambezi, avoiding the traditional connections through Lusaka. These direct links will be helping to reduce travel times and improve…
Singita Serengeti House embodies sophisticated safari living in one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas. The driving force behind Singita’s conservation work in the Serengeti is a 100-year purpose of preserving and protecting large areas of African wilderness for future generations and the success of these efforts means unrivaled wildlife sightings and high concentrations of game throughout the year. Reopening…
Safarilink has announced a further expansion to its route network: four times a week service to Zanzibar from 01 July 2017. The flights will be operated by recently acquired 52 seat Dash 8-315 aircraft on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Read More
The Tanzania government has announced intentions of raising the fees that lodges and permanent camps located within Tanzania’s National Parks pay each night to the government. Click Here At the moment, there are a number of challenges to this move by hoteliers and tour operators to have this increase postponed until January 2018. However, indications are…
Seychelles is set to have a third UNESCO World Heritage Site after it completes the final dossier for Venn’s Town, site of an old mission community’s ruins, a top research official said. The Principal Research Officer of the Seychelles National Heritage, Julianne Barra, said that work on the dossier to have Venn’s Town declared a United…