AirKenya will launch flights between the Maasai Mara and Entebbe, Uganda, starting June 1, via Kisumu for immigration purposes. AirKenya Reservations Manager, Catherine Kimwele, told Tourism Update that the flights would be daily, “initially starting with a Grand Caravan (11-seater), and will progress to an 18 or 50-seater, depending on the loads”. The flight will depart the Maasai…
Most of the wildlife in Kenya lives outside of government parks and reserves, so it is critical to work with communities that are sharing land and resources with the wildlife that we want to protect. To better understand the ways that people are interacting with and perceiving leopards, in June 2017 a collaborative partnership between…
The decision to evolve and simplify our Jabulani brand identity follows a fourteen-year inspirational journey that has grown from an “Extraordinary African Experience” to a “Unique and Soulful Safari Experience.” Read more about our decision here
Vineyard Global Appointed US Representative for Basecamp Explorer Kenya March, 2019 Vineyard Global, a boutique PR and Marketing firm headquartered in Boston has been appointed to represent Basecamp Explorer Kenya’s five properties in the Masai Mara Reserve area. With the opening of its newest luxury lodge, Leopard Hill in the exclusive Mara Naboisho Conservancy, in…
Known as “the warm heart of Africa” for many reasons, Malawi is brimming with opportunity and generosity, just begging to be discovered by the outside world. Largely untouched by modern-day tourism, Malawi is an incredibly diverse, welcoming nation well worth exploring. After you’ve gone on a Big 5 Safari and explored Africa’s Greatest Lake, dive deeper into Malawi with our…
As Sierra Leone honours the work of Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country last week, there are major changes being made by the government to seriously position the country as a ‘must visit’ tourist destination. The Order of…
The European Tour visits East Africa for the first edition of the Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa. Rich history Although the 2019 Magical Kenya Open will be the first time it appears on the International Schedule, 2018 marked the event’s 50th anniversary. Starting in 1967, past winners include Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam before…
Back to basics is the theme for African Bush Camps latest addition, Linyanti Expeditions opening early May. The new camp keeps in style with our other expedition style camps. Going back to basics strengthens the foundation of an authentic safari, submerged into what is purely Africa. The basics are not a compromise on comfort or…
Following the recent announcement of managerial changes at Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the new Chief Executive Officer, Lilly Ajarova and Deputy Bradford Ochieng have officially assumed office. Ajarova, who replaces Stephen Asiimwe, was until recently the Executive Director at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Ochieng who replaces John Ssempebwa has hitherto served…
Sierra Leone honored Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country this past week, with three major announcements – first, bestowing the country’s highest honors on Dr Jane Goodall; second, the announcement of changes in the visa policy to allow…
Loisaba Conservancy is a hub for cutting-edge conservation efforts throughout Laikipia, such as the Citizen Science initiative, which records sightings of certain animals using SMART technology installed on a tablet, which each vehicle is equipped with for guests to get involved and the LionLandscapes collaring for coexistance program, is another. This innovative method helps human…
February/March is calving season – a period when wildebeest, zebra, and other migratory animals give birth to their offspring. Once the calves are born, the herds don’t move much. The chance of witnessing a wildebeest birth is high. Predator interaction is also very likely, as lion and leopard move into the region to prey on…
In December, Seychelles North Island resort will join the Marriott International portfolio of properties through a franchise agreement, following which it will be operating as ‘North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort’. North Island will join over 100 hotels and resorts across 35 countries in The Luxury Collection portfolio – but will be the first hotel…
The Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest and most prestigious decoration, is awarded to those in Sierra Leone who have made valuable contributions to the country. The award was presented to Dr. Goodall on February 27th in recognition of her diligent and committed work to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the conservation of the…
Satemwa Tea Estate, located in the Thyolo region of South Malawi, has been nominated as one of Africa’s most dynamic growth businesses by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), in the second edition of the London Stock Exchange Group’s Companies to inspire Africa 2019. Satemwa has been in operation since the early 1920’s, and in the…
Ethiopian Airlines, the Largest Aviation Group in Africa and SKYTRAX Certified Four Star Global Airline, is pleased to announce to its valued customers worldwide that it has taken delivery of its first B737-800 freighter, the first of its kind in the Ethiopian Cargo fleet mix, on March 1, 2019. Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr.…
KLM has announced that, due to operational issues, 10 of its scheduled flights between Amsterdam and Nairobi will be operated by Kenya Airways between March 4 and 14. The 10 KLM-operated flights (KL566 and KL565) using a B747-400, will be operated by Kenya Airways using a Boeing 787-8. THE Kenya Airways flight numbers are KQ194…
Botswana has committed to join the Kavango-Zambezi (Kaza) uni-visa system, which will expedite the movement of tourists between the country and other Kaza members, Zimbabwe and Zambia. “The two Presidents [Zimbabwe and Botswana] welcomed Botswana’s decision to consider joining the Kaza uni-visa system, as it will assist in the promotion of tourism among the countries…
The narrow valleys and lush, steep slopes of southwestern Uganda are home to the legendary mountain gorillas – half the world’s population live here in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (the remainder live in neighboring Rwanda and the Congo). Mount Elgon national park in Uganda. GETTY IMAGES The aptly named 128-square-mile national park at the edge of the…
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) and the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association (RTTA) have agreed to jointly market the two countries as complementary destinations in a bid to provide tourists with an array of adventure experiences. TATO CEO, Sirili Akko, said the main objective of the partnership was to encourage tourists to increase their…
Tragedy can send a person spinning downward, and inward. Or the centrifugal forces can release them outward, into new endeavors. In the last seven years, Crystal Dyer has lost both her grandson, Devin, to gang violence and her own son, Christoph, through an accidental death. Instead of allowing these events to deter her spirit and…
We are delighted to announce the opening of our 3 new Luxury Safari properties, Ole Serai Luxury Camp – Kuro, Serengeti Lake Magadi Lodge, and Ole Serai Luxury Camp – Seronera that are set to open in June and March respectively. They are perfect for both a short or long stay. All the properties are…
The Government of Botswana is at a crossroads on whether to lift the ban placed on elephant hunting in 2014, or leave it in place. A report submitted by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue, which was commissioned by Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has put forward the recommendation that the ban be…
Sierra Leone will welcome Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country, February 27 to March 1st where, 27 years ago, she was instrumental in the founding of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The three-day visit highlights the emerging conservation movement…
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is pleased to announce that we have released a captive-bred female cheetah in the Pidwa Wilderness Reserve yesterday, Tuesday 29 January 2019. The release forms part of the Southern African cheetah meta-population programme facilitated by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and entails selectively releasing captive-bred cheetahs to enhance the genetic diversity of the limited number of free-ranging members of the species…
Shanga by Elewana Collection has been selected as one of 3 finalists for the ‘Investing in People’ Tourism for Tomorrow Awards from the World Travel & Tourism Council. Shanga is a social enterprise based in Arusha Tanzania that trains and employs people with disabilities to produce high quality handmade craft items – glass blowing, beading…
Mara Nyika, a sister camp to Mara Plains, is the newest edition to the Great Plains Conservation family of camps in Kenya. Mara Nyika opens in August 2019 in the Naboisho Conservancy just in time for the migration! More about Mara Nyika This intimate four tent camp is set in a valley, straddling a small…
In July, Rovos Rail will introduce a new 15-day expedition through Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. This will be the first time in history that a passenger train will travel the famous east-to-west copper trail. Rovos Rail Communications Manager, Brenda Vos-Fitchet says this inaugural voyage sets off on July 16 from Dar es…
Machaba Safaris is set to open two new luxury safari camps in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Deteema Springs Camp will open on May 1. The eight tents include a family tent, with children aged over six welcome. Tents are smaller than Machaba’s traditional tents, with facilities including hot and cold running water, flush toilets and…
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s Largest Airline Group and SKYTRAX Certified Four Star Global Airline, is pleased to announce to its customers that it has finalized all preparations to once again celebrate International Women’s Day by operating an All-Women Functioned Flight this time on Addis Ababa – Stockholm – Oslo route on March 8, 2019. The all-women…
Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Africa’s Largest Airline Group and SKYTRAX Certified Four Star Global Airline, has been inducted into The African CEO’s Hall Of Fame during the African Leadership Magazine’s Persons of the Year ceremony which took place on February 22, 2019 in Johannesburg. The annual African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year…
Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) announced on Tuesday (February 19) that the dates set for the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) have been affected by the rescheduling of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019 in South Africa, which were brought forward due to the country’s upcoming national elections. The ZTA is therefore consulting the trade on two possible date…
Traveling to East Africa during the months of April, May, October and November is ideal – the wild flowers are in full blossom attracting a kaleidoscope of butterflies that transform the landscape into a spectacular display of colour. With the lush vegetation comes new life and many of the antelope take advantage of this to…
The dates for Africa’s Travel Indaba have been brought forward to May 2 to 4, remaining at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. This is due to the SA President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing at his State Of The Nation Address (SONA) that the national elections would take place on May 8 – falling in…
The Intimate Botswana and Zimbabwe Encounter has become one of our most popular safaris in 2019. By creatively combining highlights such as a house-boat experience on Lake Kariba, rhino-tracking in Matopos and famous Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana guests experience a diverse and unique African safari. Due to high-season dates being sold out; we have…
Rio Azul is fantastic for families! Our two family villas have upstairs lofts that can sleep up to 4 kids, and our beach chalets have a spare bed for one child staying with parents or guardians. And as for keeping the little ones happy and entertained, that’s easy: each beach chalet has the use of…
The green season, the season for new life and youthful beginnings. The season for families and memory making. African Bush Camps encourage families of all ages to bring your babies to meet our babies. The green season brings the first rains which intern brings the birth of new life. African Bush Camps have a variety…
a2b Destination Marketing celebrated their 5th Anniversary along with the Florida APTA Chapter. It was a successful evening allowing guest to learn about their 5 star portfolio consisting of The Cape Grace Hotel, Victoria Falls River Lodge, Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Camp Jabulani and Taasa Lodge.
Shangri La Coffee Estate, home to the Manor at Ngorongoro have started experimenting on growing wine grape varietals on the slopes surrounding the estate. Elewana The Manor hope to serve some of these in our restaurant in the future. The vineyard managers have reported that the first harvest is due this year, and the fruits…
This phenomenal level of positive media coverage is driving a massive increase in demand for Malawi on the back of the transformation of its wildlife that has been on-going for a few years. With the largest elephant translocation in history already completed, last year has seen lions moved into Liwonde (to join the cheetahs from…
Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s Largest Airline Group and SKYTRAX Certified Four Star Global Airline, is pleased and extends its congratulations to the entire Ethiopian family and the country at large, on the recognition of Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, as one of the most influential people of African descent in the category…
Whispers of a mangrove forest, a crystal-clear lagoon, white powdery sands, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping gently against the shore… It’s serenity in a tropical wilderness, it’s Rio Azul in Mozambique, the newest lodge in the Hideaways portfolio. This beach paradise in a remote and secluded location is waiting for guests…
The extremely rare female cat has melanism, a condition in which the body produces an excess of pigment. They say that black cats bring bad luck, but when Nick Pilfold heard about one lurking around central Kenya, he knew he was onto something special. The Kenya-based biologist and his team deployed a set of camera…
Major roads in Mount Kenya National Park and Tsavo East National Park have been upgraded. The Mount Kenya roads project has seen major improvement of access roads along Kalalu Farm to Sirmon Gate and Old Moses Camp, and Naromoru Gate to Met Station Road – a stretch of 27km. The upgrade of the road along…
Experience, expertise and adventure is why guests choose to travel with Jenman African Safaris. The portfolio provides specialized private guided safaris, tailor-made travel and small-group guided safaris in Southern Africa, East Africa and Madagascar. The recently introduced exclusive Jenman Select product range offers private custom safaris for the high-end traveller, with a strong focus on…
When Great Plains Conservation acquired the lease for the 118,000-hectare private Sapi Reserve in Zimbabwe – land that was previously used for hunting – we determined that the only way for us to rehabilitate the land, increase wildlife numbers and improve the guest safari experience was to follow what we did successfully in the Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana. Like Selinda we obviously…
Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to announce the launch of a new state-of-the-art terminal at their international hub Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The launch ceremony also unveiled a brand new ultra-modern 5-star Skylight Hotel. The launch ceremony was attended by FDRE Prime Minister H.E. Dr Abiy Ahmed, African Union Chairperson H.E. Mr Moussa Faki, Ministers,…
The national animal of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the okapi, is often described as ‘half-zebra, half-giraffe, an animal so rare that is was unknown to the western word until the turn of the 20th century’. However this hybrid-looking creature faces many growing threats, including habitat loss due to the exploitation of the country’s resources. …
African Bush Camps in-house artist Rens Lipsius has submerged himself into his surroundings drawing from the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and culture of people whose paths he has crossed. Rens, commenting on his arrival in Zimbabwe, “all is absolutely wonderful. I heard they are kind (Zimbabwean’s), but it is beyond what I expected” Rens has wasted…
South African Airways (SAA) has resumed flights between Johannesburg and Malawi, SAnews.gov.za reported on Monday. The national carrier resumed flights between Johannesburg and Blantyre on Saturday. “We are pleased that we are able to reinstate flights between the two points following the implementation of our corrective action plan. The plan was a battery of remedial…