SAA Greatly Reduces its Fleet

SAA will terminate all its aircraft leases by the end of the month, leaving it with one functional A320, which it charters to a world food programme, and nine old uneconomical A340s, which the airline owns but is struggling to sell. SAA has been returning all leased aircraft over the past few months, the last…

Virtual African Tourism Takes Off

African countries are offering tourists from all over the world the chance to travel the continent and even go on safari by virtual means. But is this a satisfactory substitute for the real thing? The sun rises slowly above the horizon of the African savanna. Against its glowing light can be seen the silhouettes of…

Rwanda Slowly Reopens

Following the increased numbers of the COVID-19 outbreak and as guided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the government of Rwanda had to suspend all tourism activities and closed the international airport sometime in March 2020. This was an immediate effort to protect all residents, visitors and wildlife from the deadly global pandemic. Adventure Consults reports…

Malawi Considers Casino Tourism

Although Malawi has historically not been one of the most visited African countries, times appear to be changing. Over the last decade, tourism has grown steadily, with the last five years seeing a rapid acceleration. Malawi has a beautiful landscape and friendly population, so it is a natural choice for holidaymakers. However, one avenue that…

Seychelles to Market “Safe Tourism”

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) will focus on safe tourism as a main part of its marketing strategy. STB Chief Executive, Sherin Francis, conveyed this to key stakeholders via an online meeting as Seychelles prepares to welcome commercial flights from August 1. Francis reiterated the precautionary measures taken by the destination through the Department of Tourism,…

Pamoja Fund Silent Auction is Underway

Bid and win three nights for two at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara Camp, whilst raising funds for The Land & Life Foundation’s Pamoja Fund.  The auction will start on Friday, July 17 and end on Sunday, July 26 2020. The package is valid until December 31, 2021 and is fully inclusive,* however, does not include flights…

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Named Among Top 5 in Africa

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has been named among the Top 5 Africa Resort Hotels in the 2020 World’s Best Awards by United States magazine Travel + Leisure for the second consecutive year. Each year thousands of Travel + Leisure readers vote in the World’s Best Awards on their favorite hotels, cities, islands and more, with hotels rated on their facilities, location, service,…

Elewana AfroChic Diani Reopening 17th July

We are delighted to announce that after three and a half months, Elewana AfroChic Diani will once again welcome guests to enjoy our warm coastal hospitality. Located along a secluded section of Diani Beach, the hotel offers a magical setting of white sands, rustling palm trees, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The…

Lewa Wilderness Launches New Website

Discover the new Lewa Wilderness website: http://www.lewawilderness.com We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website. It has a fresh new look with our wonderful new photography throughout. Enjoy more detailed explanations of everything we have on offer, 360 degree tours of our rooms and main house, a detailed WALKING WILD page and of course a wonderful new dedicated Conservation page. Please also check out the new…

Safari Choreographers Garth Jenman and Brett Mcdonald Share Safari Experiences

An unforgettable safari experience is choreographed from the heart, a value shared between directors Garth Jenman, Hideaways, and Brett Mcdonald, Flame of Africa. It is these values that formed the foundations of a partnership between the two, joining forces and visions to create exceptional African getaways.  CEO Katja Quasdorf hosted the conversation stage by interviewing Garth…

Commissionable Jabulani Virtual Elephant Experiences

Now you can book a private and exclusive Jabulani Virtual Elephant Experience on behalf of your clients, and make commission too! Because we are #inthistogether. We have two VIRTUAL ELEPHANT EXPERIENCES to choose from. Each of these has been loaded onto a local South African activity booking platform called ACTIVITAR. For that reason, the rates are only in ZAR. If…

Safari Guides Rally to Invest in the Future of Females

Education is the currency of survival, however not an economy everyone has access to. This harsh truth pertains mostly to women and is exemplified for the local female residents in rural areas. Jonathan Dube, Jenman African Safaris Guide, recently spoke to CEO Katja Quasdorf on our “Safari Guide Chronicles” platform about the importance of community project funding…

EcoTraining Discounts Courses for Industry Pros

NEW DATE JUST LAUNCHED Due to the overwhelming response that EcoTraining Guides and Guardians received from their first-ever Online Field Guide course, dates for the next course just opened beginning August 10, 2020. You will be entertained for 8 weeks with a proper glimpse into the incredible natural world and knowledge of a Field Guide. All of this can…

Marriott Brand Debuts in Botswana

The Protea Hotel by Marriott Masa Square opened in Gaborone, on July 2, the first of its brand in Botswana. It features 152 rooms and 30 extended-stay apartments. It is located in Masa Square lifestyle centre in Gaborone, a 20-minute drive from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. The hotel also offers conference facilities and meeting…

New Xigera Safari Lodge to Open in Botswana

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana will open in October. The lodge is on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. The 12 individually designed air-conditioned suites include a two-bedroom family suite situated on two linked islands. Xigera Safari Lodge will feature two luxury spa rooms,…

Major Uganda Hotels Reopen

The Kampala Serena Hotel reopened its doors this month, following Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, which reopened on June 1. Hotels have been allowed to reopen from June 1. “We are selling to the local market, since regional borders and international flights are not open yet,” said Country Sales Manager of Kampala Serena…

ARP’s COVID Standard Operating Procedure

With the news of Tanzania opening borders to international arrivals, Ranger Safari’s has been working hard in the past weeks to put together a document with well-thought COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures. Following the recommendations set by the Government of Tanzania, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), this document is aimed at ensuring guests…

Kenya Receives World Travel Safety Stamp

As steps get into high gear on re-opening the country, Kenya has been awarded the Safe Travel Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) which is a forum for the travel and tourism industry. The accreditation came in recognition of the country’s adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols dubbed ‘Safe Travels’ in the wake…

West Africa Reopening Borders

A meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Committee for Transport, Logistics and Trade of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has just ended. It took place over 4 days by videoconference resulting in West Africa reopening borders. The objective was to provide a coordinated response to the fight against the coronavirus and to examine the possibility of reopening…

Ethiopian Welcomes Back Business and Leisure Customers with Emphasis on Wellness

During the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, was the go-to airline for essential travel, repatriation flights and airlift of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE). With the easing of travel restrictions across the globe, Ethiopian is pleased to announce that it’s happy to welcome back business and leisure travelers with programs aimed at safeguarding…

Kenya’s Tourism Sector Gets $100MM Boost

Kenya’s National Treasury has allocated KES11.3billion (€94m) to the tourism sector to help it recover following the effects of COVID-19. This is in addition to the KES500 million (€4.1m) the government set aside earlier this year. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani said KES2billion (€16.6m) of the amount would be shared by community reserves to jump-start the tourism…

Namibia Reopens National Heritage Sites

The National Heritage Council of Namibia has announced the reopening of  heritage sites under its direct management. All sites reopened on June 20 except the Brandberg Mountain National Heritage Site, which will open on June 29. Namibia’s State of Emergency continues with eased restrictive measures and COVID-19 regulations will be observed at the heritage sites,…

Malawi’s New Leader Sworn In

Malawi’s new President Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in Sunday in the capital Lilongwe, after he defeated two candidates, including former President Peter Mutharika, in the tightly contested presidential election rerun held last week. There was jubilation from hundreds of people who gathered at the Bingu International Convention Center, in Lilongwe to witness Chakwera and his…

How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Avoid The Dirtiest Parts of an Airplane (or Clean Them) The first way to help keep yourself healthy for your adventures is to make sure you come in contact with as few germs as possible. There are three main areas of a plane to try to avoid and minimize your contact with germs: the bathroom, tray tables…

Rwanda Reopens for Tourism

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the reopening of tourism activities, with international charter flights resuming on Wednesday (June 17). “Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travellers and operators to thrive in these unprecedented times,” said Chief Tourism Officer of RDB, Belise Kariza. “We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature…

Virgin to Relaunch London-Joburg in Mid-September

Virgin Atlantic plans to relaunch its London Heathrow-Johannesburg route on September 15. Johannesburg is one of 17 destinations that the airline aims to relaunch as soon as travel restrictions are eased. Head of Middle East, Africa and India of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Liezl Gericke, says the relaunch of the Johannesburg route is tied to acquiring the…

Uganda Readies for Tourism Recovery

Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has on Tuesday, June 23 kicked off the inspection of hotels to ensure compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) put in place by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in the wake of COVID-19. The SOPs aim to provide health and safety protocols for all s hotel and accommodation…

Malawi’s Serendib Hotels Launch Collection of Volunteer Opportunities

Serendib Hotels, a chain of hotels and resorts in some of Malawi’s most popular hotspots, have some exciting opportunities for those wishing to volunteer and also benefit from an extended working holiday in the sunshine! Responsible for running the Serendib Blantyre collection, the Blue Waters and Kambiri Beach resorts in Salima and the Zaburi Beach resort by the Mangochi Lakeshore, Serendib hotels are offering a wide…

Hideaways and CWF Prepare for Fire Season

The fragility of our environment is multi-layered, as is our potential for positive impact through conservation projects. Involvement with such initiatives as CWF are not only imperative for anti-poaching, but extend to conservation awareness through forest and fire management in order to protect natural spaces and our wildlife. The Conservation Wildlife Fund (CWF), founded in…

Phased Reopening of South African Tourism Begins

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has provided some clarity on the ‘Advanced Level Three’ easing of further restrictions. This was to ensure the further opening up of certain economic sectors, the president said. The eased restrictions include opening up of registered and licensed accommodation facilities as well as allowing conferences and meetings for a maximum of 50…

Air Namibia Back from the Brink

Air Namibia, which requested and was refused a US$119m government bailout last October, has been rescued by an allocation from the Namibian department of public enterprises. But the carrier could still be heading for possible restructuring, Namibian President, Hage Geingob, told parliament on June 5 that the airline should be liquidated since it required constant government…

Kenya Airways Delays Resumption of International Flights Until July 7th

Kenya Airways has again postponed taking to the skies after President Uhuru Kenyatta announced last week that nationwide lockdown measures would remain in place until July 6. Earlier this month, Kenyan Transport Ministry Cabinet Secretary James Macharia announced that that the national carrier would resume passenger flights on June 8. The airline has not indicated when passenger flights will…

Malawi’s Serendib Hotels Launch Collection of Volunteer Opportunities

Serendib Hotels, a chain of hotels and resorts in some of Malawi’s most popular hotspots, have some exciting opportunities for those wishing to volunteer and also benefit from an extended working holiday in the sunshine! Responsible for running the Serendib Blantyre collection, the Blue Waters and Kambiri Beach resorts in Salima and the Zaburi Beach resort by the Mangochi Lakeshore, Serendib hotels are offering a wide…

Upcoming Webinars with Cheli & Peacock Safaris

Please join us for our upcoming webinars! Exclusive, Bespoke, Private | The Future of Safaris Register Here For 35 years, we have believed in exclusive, intimate, and bespoke safari experiences, and whilst the world continues to adapt to the new post-pandemic norms, we have remained steadfast to continue to provide these safaris of a lifetime.…