While many African countries claim to be a birdwatcher’s paradise, Malawi’s credentials are particularly impressive. The country is a birder’s paradise. Few places in Africa can rival Malawi’s range of bird species, combined with the accessibility of its birdwatching. Around 650 different species have been identified here, with 10% seen nowhere else in southern Africa.…
Air France is to extend its seasonal flight to Cape Town, which usually concludes at the end of March. In 2025, the airline will continue to offer three weekly flights between Paris and Cape Town until April 27. Wilson Tauro, Country Manager for Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, said the extension would enhance connectivity for…
A Lesotho boutique hotel, which closed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is reopening its doors in mid-December. Situated in the capital, Maseru, Mpilo Boutique Hotel shut its doors in 2021. Parent company Flame Lily Hospitality has since completed an extensive transformation to welcome guests back with enhanced amenities including a fine dining…
The Cape Grace Hotel has partnered with Swedish bicycle and lifestyle brand, Vélosophy, and Nestlé to offer guests bicycles made from 95% recycled aluminium, including Nespresso coffee capsules. The bicycles highlight sustainability and innovation with a design inspired by Nespresso’s Ice Leggero capsule including a capsule-shaped bell, an oak carrier basket with cup holders for…
Direct Airlink flights between Cape Town and St Helena Island resumed on Saturday, December 7, marking the return of the seasonal route. These flights will operate every Saturday until March 29 next year, complementing the weekly Johannesburg-St Helena route on Tuesdays during the summer season. Accessibility to destination Prior to the introduction of commercial flights…
Sierra Leone has achieved a remarkable transformation in its visa openness policies, significantly enhancing access for travelers and strengthening its appeal as a tourism destination. Between 2023 and 2024, the country’s Visa Openness Index (AVOI) score rose by 0.309 points to reach 0.811, propelling its ranking from 22nd to 13th among African nations. This change…
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) is excited to announce its participation in the MATKA Nordic Travel Fair in Helsinki, Finland, from 16th to 19th January 2025. TATO will be represented by 14 co-exhibitors, including safari and trekking operators, Zanzibar tour specialists, activity providers, and accommodation suppliers, all promoting Tanzania as a premier travel…
Pilots at South African Airways (SAA) agreed on Saturday to end a two-day-old strike that led to the cancellation of nearly half of the carrier’s flights on its first day, the company said. The airline reached an agreement with the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) to halt the protest, the company said in a statement, two…
This year, alongside the Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme, Amanzimtoti Main Beach will host the Water Sweets 2024 games, an inclusive programme for disabled holidaymakers – and it’s free of charge. “We are delighted to continue expanding our inclusive tourism offering with the launch of the Water Sweets 2024 games hosted by Wheels on Waves in…
A non-profit environmental protection organisation, with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan as patron, has called for construction of a five-star hotel on Assumption Island close to the Aldabra Atoll – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to stop. The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) manages and protects the uninhabited Aldabra Atoll located over 1 000km southwest of the main island…
Sub-Saharan Africa’s Biggest Road Trip Event, in which anyone and any vehicle can enter, is returning to Malawi in 2025! The 5,000km three week epic starts in Hartbeespoort, South Africa on 5th July before travelling through Botswana, past the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, through Chobe National Park, and to Victoria Falls in Zambia. It then heads east,…
Safari-goers can now enjoy freshly prepared hot 3-course meals during their adventure, with Miracle Experience’s bush lunch, available daily from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at convenient locations, enhancing your safari. Guests can indulge in this memorable experience at Tarangire, Serengeti-Seronera, and Kogatende (seasonally), with access to our iconic “loos with a view” A Menu…
We’re excited to announce that JENMAN African Safaris now offers Rwanda Safari Packages, taking you to one of Africa’s most stunning and unique destinations. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is full of stunning landscapes, from peaceful lakes and rolling hills to incredible wildlife and rich culture. Why Safari in Rwanda? Gorilla…
The Heart of Africa: Zimbabwe’s Iconic Treasures Date: Tuesday, December 17th at 2pm Eastern Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5700111714301816927 Join us for an exciting journey through Zimbabwe as we showcase the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Collection and the enchanting Amalinda Safari Collection. From the awe-inspiring Mighty Victoria Falls, to the mystical granite landscapes of Matobo Hills, and…
Meet the newest addition to the Titus Mountain Gorilla family! Adult female Agaseke has given birth to a healthy baby. Thank you to The Dian Fossey Fund and Rwanda Development Board for their tireless efforts to protect these majestic mountain gorillas and their habitats. Photo credits: Joyce Uwineza & Josue Nsengiyumva #MountainGorillas #Conservation #VolcanoesNationalPark #Rwanda…
As of Thursday, 5 December 2024, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stopped re-routing air passengers from Rwanda via New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare or Washington Dulles Airports for public health screening on arrival into the United States following the recent Marburg Virus outbreak. This comes…
Singita has announced plans to open its first Botswana property in the Okavango Delta. Singita Elela is set to open in July 2026 and will offer travellers exclusive year-round access to a 170 000-hectare concession. “As our presence in Africa gradually and naturally grows, we are privileged to be expanding into Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Singita Elela…
Gondwana Collection Namibia, an eco-conscious property group, has announced the launch of the Reverie Kalahari Pod – an exclusive retreat set amid the Kalahari dunes. Situated 30km northeast of Mariental, the facility officially opened on December 1 as part of the Gondwana Secret Collection. The retreat offers private, luxury accommodation for two, designed to integrate…
Airlink has halted its daily service between Johannesburg and Maseru due to unavailability of fire and rescue services and equipment at Moshoeshoe I International Airport. All flights on the route have been cancelled. The airline will resume normal service as soon as the airport operator has restored the necessary emergency support services. Daily flights affected…
The Marriott Hotel Group is capitalising on strong recovery across Sub-Saharan Africa – evident in 2024 delivering pre-pandemic occupancy levels in key markets and five new hotel openings. Looking ahead, the group plans to open 13 new properties in 2025, which will bolster its regional presence. Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Marriott Area Director: Sales and Distribution…
SAA has announced that the strike by the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) will go ahead today, December 5. This comes after a wage dispute between SAA and SAAPA, with the latter demanding a 30% pay increase. SAA only offered an 8,46% pay increase. In response to this situation, the following travel advisory has been issued…
&nb Creole Travel Services Seychelles, appoints David Germain, as Business Development Manager, Creole Travel Services Seychelles, appoints David Germain, as Business Development Manager, David Germain was the Tourism Seychelles Regional Director for Africa and the Americas, during the past 17 years, he promoted Seychelles as a “Choice “exotic island holiday destination for the African and…
The day has arrived! We are now accepting bookings for Asilia’s newest property, Erebero Hills in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. About Erebero Hills: Designed by Award-Winning Architect, Pablo Luna: each of the eight, luxury forest-view suites are designed to silhouette the surrounding hills with impressive, sustainable bamboo architecture. An Experience Like Never Before: perched on…
A note from Lippa and Tarquin, owners who live onsite at House in the Wild in the Northern Mara Conservancies… As we reflect on an incredibly busy year at the Collection in the Wild, we are filled with gratitude and excitement. Our purpose remains clear: restoring biodiversity, improving livelihoods, and creating extraordinary experiences for our…
Fusing the African wildlife experience and remote luxury, Karibu curates unforgettable moments against the backdrop of stunning scenery. Thrilling yet tranquil safaris during which guests encounter diverse wildlife, explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, and experience warm hospitality. Karibu offers a collection of five upscale camps spread across the safari trail of northern Tanzania in…
[Cape Town, South Africa] – 25 November 2024 – Ascot Tours is proud to announce its latest achievement – being named Africa’s Best Golf Tour Operator at the prestigious World Golf Awards 2024. This accolade marks the company’s fourth win, following its victories in 2016, 2017, and 2021. As a trailblazer in golf tourism, Ascot…
Primates with Asilia Africa Thursday, December 12th at 1pm Eastern time Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6655393803095070301 Come experience chimpanzee and gorilla trekking with Asilia Africa. Learn about the unique chimpanzee habituation experience of Rubondo Island and Asilia’s new property launch around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Africa Showcase 2024, hosted in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto over the past two weeks, proved to be an extraordinary celebration of African tourism, business connections, and cultural exchange. With a vibrant turnout of top-producing travel agents and Africa specialists, the event highlighted the growing appeal of Southern, East, and West African destinations in the…
Africa’s Eden is set to bring its renowned North America Roadshow to Austin, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in January 2025. This immersive two-day event provides African travel experts and U.S. buyers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and build lasting relationships. The Roadshow combines destination workshops, one-on-one round-robin meetings, and social networking activities, all…
Skyward Express has officially launched its first flight from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This new route will be serviced by a 109-seat Fokker 100 jet, offering a seamless travel experience to one of East Africa’s most dynamic cities, renowned for its rich cultural heritage,…
In a landmark event, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, together with UN Tourism, orchestrated a three-day Women in Tourism Regional Congress under the theme “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access.” This pivotal gathering attracted over 500 attendees from varying sectors including hospitality, cultural, and creative industries throughout Sierra Leone and…
Minor Hotels has announced its debut in Zimbabwe with the Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel – complementing The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara and completing an unparalleled Victoria Falls offering with luxury accommodation on both sides of the Zambezi River. Marking a significant step in the Minor Hotels expansion strategy in Africa,…
Emirates has further increased its presence across Africa with the introduction of additional flights to Entebbe in Uganda, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Johannesburg in South Africa. Since the inaugural flight into Africa with Cairo as its first destination in 1986, Emirates has grown its presence on the continent and now serves 20 passenger and…
Atzaró Okavango, located in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, recently reopened after extensive renovations. A collaboration between Atzaró Group and African Bush Camps, the lodge has been reimagined with focus on sustainability and cultural heritage. It features eight suites and two villas constructed with eco-friendly materials, including repurposed tree roots and solar-powered infrastructure. Each unit includes private…
Ascot Tours, a leading DMC and tour operator in South Africa, is delighted to launch its new golf-free itineraries. These safari and beach tours offer a fresh take on exploring Africa’s diverse offerings, with experiences tailored to those who seek both thrills and tranquility. In our latest collection of safari tours, travelers can dive into the…
New Infinity Pool and Patio for Dining Under the Stars at Emakoko A note from Emma and Anton, the owners who live onsite at the Emakoko in Nairobi National Park… Our project has been a labour of love, as you may remember we were just two weeks into the building when the heavens opened and…
Proflight Zambia has introduced a new service between Cape Town and Livingstone, starting December 1. The service offers dual benefits: tourism access to the Victoria Falls and enhanced business connectivity to Lusaka, with passengers to Zambia’s capital remaining onboard during the brief Livingstone stopover. The flights operate on Thursdays and Sundays, while an additional Saturday…
West African air travellers could soon see a significant drop in ticket prices as politicians from across the region vowed to slash “exorbitant” aviation charges. Meeting in Lomé, the capital city of Togo, this week, transport ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed on a series of reforms to cut taxes…
Air Tanzania continues its international expansion in Africa, with the launch of services to South Africa in late November. The airline plans to operate four flights per week with Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, configured for 181 passengers in two seating classes (16 Business and 165 Economy). In accordance with its website, Air Tanzania’s inaugural flight to Johannesburg will depart from Dar-es-Salaam, the…
ANANTARA Bazaruto Island will complete the renovation of its two-bedroom villas, along with a new arrival lounge at the resort’s main area, ahead of what the luxury hotel brand expects to be a busy end-of-year season. The luxury property also recently completed a new herb garden and barbecue area under Anantara’s Spice Spoons brand, immersing…
South African hotel group, aha Hotels & Lodges, has completed the refurbishment of its five-star Makalali River Lodge in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve outside Limpopo’s safari capital of Hoedspruit. Set on the banks of the Makhutswi River, the lodge is split into three camps, each of which has six luxury suites and its…
Cape Town Pride has achieved a landmark victory, securing the bid to host WorldPride 2028, the first time this globally recognised LGBTQ+ celebration will take place on the African continent. This milestone positions Cape Town as a hub of inclusivity and diversity, with the event anticipated to attract tens of thousands of visitors from around…
Tucked away in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas, Sarara Wilderness invites you to embark on a tailormade adventure that captures the timeless nostalgia of a classic tented camp – deep in the heart of the bush. Thoughtfully designed, this exclusive-use camp offers everything from up to six standalone en-suite tents to a mobile…
The Lebombo Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique has been temporarily closed due to security concerns after vehicles were torched on the Mozambican side yesterday, November 5. Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the decision prioritised the safety of cross-border transporters and travellers. The BMA is working closely with Mozambican authorities and South African…
Long-awaited upgrades at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) are set to start in 2026 with a view to completion by 2029. Speaking at the recent arrival of the first Norse Atlantic Airways flight in Cape Town, ACSA Regional General Manager Mark Maclean said CTIA is growing exceptionally well with a 15% plus increase in international passengers compared…
Calm has returned to South Africa’s Komatipoort border with Mozambique on the N4. According to a Freight News report, transporters using the border facilities say that this morning a sense of calm had returned to the Mozambican side of the border at Komatipoort. This followed unrest in the country since the October 9 election results were issued.…
KwaZulu-Natal’s network of protected areas has expanded with the recent declaration of the 5 657 hectare UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve – a step towards strengthening conservation efforts in the province. Located near the town of Colenso, UmPhafa is now part of a conservation corridor linking Spioenkop Nature Reserve to the west with the Tugela Drift and Weenen…
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa proudly announces the arrival of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000. This significant milestone was celebrated in a grand ceremony attended by government officials, ambassadors, diplomats, and esteemed representatives from Airbus and Thales. The aircraft landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, basking in a warm welcome marked by a…
Unleash Your Selling Potential and Unlock the Wonders of the African Continent PNW APTA Chapter is launching our Understanding Africa Series, a series on the wonders of Africa designed for passionate travel professionals. Our webinars will equip you with in-depth knowledge about Africa’s diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences. Imagine being the go-to expert…
Sierra Leone is entering an exciting new chapter in its tourism story. Ebola-free and rebuilding after its civil war, this West African nation, affectionately known as “Sweet Salone,” is expected to witness a tourism boom in the coming years. (“Sweet Salone” translates to “Sweet Sierra Leone” in Krio, a Creole language.) Under the leadership of…