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…
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the following network adjustments in anticipation of the upcoming peak season to ensure more efficient operations: Plaine Magnien, Mauritius Effective October 27, there will be an additional flight from Mauritius to Nairobi. The flights will now operate on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Moroni, Comoros Islands Effective October 28, there will…
Reaching an in-flight connectivity milestone, Qatar Airways has completed its first commercial flight with Starlink’s high-speed internet service in a Boeing 777. The flight from Doha to London earlier this month introduced free, ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet from gate to gate for all passengers. The airline plans to install Starlink across its entire Boeing 777 fleet…
The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is to get a R236 million (€11.8m) upgrade, adding a range of new features to position it as a premier tourist destination. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba announced that the 60 000-seat stadium – originally constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – would receive routine maintenance as well as several enhancements…
Ethiopian Airlines will increase its frequencies between Addis Ababa and Nosy Be from four weekly to daily flights during November. From November 1-30, the additional days will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The four-hour flight will depart from Addis Ababa at 10h25 and the return flight at 15h35. The flights will be operated by the…
Hideaways Africa has expanded beyond their traditional safari lodges, welcoming an exciting new addition to their portfolio with the launch of Hideaways Mariners Moon —a stunning beach villa along the Garden Route in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Perched above Lookout Beach, this family-friendly retreat allows guests to enjoy the beauty of South Africa’s coastlines, offering breathtaking views…
African Safari Collective is proud to announce that two of its iconic properties, Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge and Makakatana Bay Lodge, have won prestigious awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024. These accolades celebrate the dedication to luxury, sustainability, and exceptional guest experiences at both lodges. Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge has been honored with:…
We are thrilled to announce the completion of our stunning renovations at Sarili Private Villa, within the breathtaking Shamwari Private Game Reserve. This challenging project was accomplished in just 5 months, resulting in an exceptional retreat for our guests. What to Expect: 6 Rooms: 2 Luxurious Suites and 4 rooms each beautifully appointed offering unparalleled comfort and…
We are proud to share that Mantis has been recognized as Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand 2024 at the World Travel Awards! Mantis is proud to offer sustainable adventures that connect guests with the rich local culture and wildlife around them. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our passionate teams for their unwavering commitment and to…
We are pleased to share that the Zambezi Queen Collection has once again been honoured with the prestigious title of Africa’s Leading River Cruise Company at the World Travel Awards — marking our 9th consecutive win! We want to thank everyone who has supported us, and who took the time to vote for the Zambezi…
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UN Tourism, proudly announces the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, a pivotal three-day event aimed at reshaping the tourism landscape and opportunities for African women through enhanced education, technological innovation, and improved finance access. Women make up 54% of…
The start of South African regional carrier FlySafair’s twice-weekly flights between Cape Town and Windhoek on October 22 has been met with excitement from Namibia’s tourism industry, which is also looking forward to increased SAA frequencies from Johannesburg. South Africa is Namibia’s largest tourist source market, accounting for 46% of the country’s arrivals in 2023,…
&Beyond has reopened its Mnemba Island private lodge off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar after a comprehensive refurbishment by long-time collaborators Fox Browne Creative and Nicholas Plewman Architects. The lodge’s 10 beachfront bandas have been completely rebuilt and enlarged with all interiors replaced. Every banda now features a redesigned private beach lounge with two private…
After a four-year hiatus, Southern Sun is reopening its popular Dar es Salaam hotel in Tanzania. The property has undergone an extensive refresh. Located in the heart of Dar es Salaam’s commercial district, Southern Sun Dar es Salaam borders the historic botanical gardens and neighbours major government offices, embassies and diplomatic missions including Julius Nyerere…
Federal Airlines has announced the expansion of its fleet with the addition of two state-of-the-art Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft. Each aircraft’s cabin interior offers spacious seating arrangements, large windows for panoramic views, and quiet flying conditions. These additions to its fleet, which can land on shorter airstrips, mean guests will have quicker and more direct…
AFRICAN Sun Limited has completed the highly anticipated restoration and full refurbishment of its flagship Hwange Safari Lodge on the border of Hwange National Park. Work on the overhaul began in March, under the group’s broader programme to refurbish several properties to align with modern global trends. The refreshed lodge features 99 rooms, including 85…
Essence of Africa, the premier international buyers’ forum for African tourism, is launching with strategic emphasis on familiarisation (FAM) trips to drive sustainable growth and increase Africa’s share of the global tourism market. The inaugural event at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 2-4 will provide access for pre-qualified international buyers to…
Did you know that an estimated 400 species of birds have been recorded within the Zambezi National Park, making this a bird lover’s paradise. From the deck outside your suite at Chundu Island, or from a canoe trip on the river, get ready to spot the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, Collared Palm Thrush, Lanner…
Vered Tours is happy to announce our Travel Advisors’ Fam Tour of Morocco, February 14-24, 2025 including roundtrip air on Royal Air Maroc from New York’s JFK Airport. The tour will include breakfast and dinner daily, in depth visits to Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, an overnight in a luxury Sahara Desert camp and much more. Non-industry…
We are thrilled to announce that Kapama Karula has once again been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler in their prestigious 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking #5 in the category of South Africa: Resorts. This recognition reflects the exceptional experiences we continue to offer our guests, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our team and the…
Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone continues to make remarkable strides in the aviation sector, attracting foreign investments that have led to the development of an ultra-modern international airport and a notable increase in flight frequencies to 50 per week. Today, Sierra Leone marks another significant milestone…
Non-profit African Parks is doing amazing work in Malawi, protecting and transforming four major parks: Liwonde National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Mangochi Forest Reserve, and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Their efforts are not just about protecting wildlife but also about boosting local communities and making these wildlife areas sustainable for the future. Take a look at this article exploring how…
State-owned TAAG Angola Airlines has entered into a partnership that will advance the airline’s aims to capture traffic between Africa and the Americas. The airline is the newest member of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) with a membership list including 50 airlines and 124 industry partners. From its headquarters in Luanda,…
During Mental Health Awareness Month worldwide in October, the Cape Town International Kite Festival, as the Cape Mental Health (CMH) flagship event since 1994, will gather artists, mental health ambassadors, staff, mental health care users, volunteers and others to share their stories of pain, healing and recovery. The theme of this year’s festival is #HopeOnAString.…
Construction of The Residences at Meliá Seychelles is well underway. The development is expected to officially open after construction is completed in the first quarter of 2026. The main buildings for the business and leisure resort project, undertaken by Seafront Development Ltd, have reached roof height. The project is located near L’Escale Resort and across…
Nyikani Camps and Lodges, a Tanzania based operator of deluxe boutique tented safari camps, including two permanent camps (Nyikani Tarangire & Nyikani Central Serengeti) and one mobile migration camp that moves with the Wildebeest “Great Migration” (Nyikani Ndutu – Dec-April & Nyikani Kogatende – June-Oct) is thrilled to announce the completion of a major refurbishment…
From Captivity to Freedom: A Rhino Rewilding Success Story By: Painteddog.tv Last Wednesday, two rhino cows took their first drowsy steps towards freedom. Rescued as calves after their mothers were tragically poached in the wild, these now 7- and 8-year-old rhinos had spent the majority of their lives in captivity. But their journey took…
Proflight Zambia has acquired its fifth Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jet, bringing the airline’s total fleet to 12 aircraft and advancing the carrier’s regional expansion plans. The new aircraft, following the introduction of a 30-passenger British Aerospace Jetstream 4100 in July, carries up to 50 passengers. “We are thrilled to welcome the CRJ-200 to our growing…
Bigger and better…Everyone wants a share of the North American market! The landscape for sales calls in North America has changed as buyers have very limited time and many still work remotely, meaning that many US reps find trade shows and events to be the most cost effective way to reach agents. Africa Showcase makes…
Malawi – a place to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul as you unwind on gorgeous beaches, connect with nature in amazing wildlife reserves and feel welcomed by incredibly friendly people. Could there be a more perfect recipe for a total wellness experience? From a traditional yoga retreat or spa experience, to eating…
Sierra Leone is preparing to host the UN Women in Tourism Africa Regional Congress in Freetown from October 29-31, 2024. Under the theme “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,” the event is being organised in collaboration with UN Tourism and supported by UN Women and the African Union. The three-day congress will gather prominent…
In a bid to further boost its tourism numbers and grow its economy, Kenya has introduced the Digital Nomad Work Permit and the Transit and Long Connection Travellers Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The initiatives were launched by President William Ruto at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 in Nairobi. This historic first for the country’s tourism industry…
The mobile Roving Bushtops camp will begin alternating its location between the southern and northern Serengeti from June 2025 to capitalise on seasonal wildlife movements, including the great wildebeest migration, providing better game viewing opportunities year-round. From June to October, the camp will be based in the northern Serengeti about 15 minutes from the Mara…
The Introduction of Blue Wildebeest to Rietspruit Game Reserve In an exciting conservation effort, 56 wildebeest have been successfully reintroduced onto Rietspruit Game Reserve in Limpopo, breathing new life into the region’s dwindling population. These animals, which made the journey from Thabazimbi, will bolster the reserve’s very small existing population, providing a much-needed boost to…
We are proud to see Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis in J-burg featured in the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Awards online publication. Vivari Hotel and Spa has been honoured with two Haute Grandeur Global Awards this year: Best Luxury Hotel in Africa and Best Hotel Service in South Africa. These accolades are a reflection…
On Tuesday, October 22, the Namibia Tourism Board will host an exclusive networking event following the World Travel Expo (WTE) in Miami. Held at the Rum Room in Miami Beach, the event offers travel agents and tour operators an opportunity to connect with Namibia’s top tourism suppliers, learn about the destination, and explore exciting travel…
ATTA has announced the appointment of its first African female CEO, Kgomotso Ramothea, with a vision to further expand the continent’s largest tourism network. Ramothea’s appointment comes as James Haigh steps in as ATTA’s new Chair from October 2024, taking over from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin. Ramothea brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications across various industries. Her…
Uber, in partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, has launched a full-day ‘Uber Safari’ in Cape Town. As the latest experience in Uber’s ‘Go Anywhere’ series of limited-edition travel products, Uber Safari will be exclusively available on the Uber app from October 1, 2024, until February 1, 2025. The full-day trip includes a pick-up in…
The African Traditional Sports and Games Council (ATSGC) has officially designated Namibia as host of the inaugural African Traditional Sports and Games in 2026. The event aims to celebrate Africa’s cultural heritage through traditional sports, promoting unity and cooperation among nations across the continent. The games are designed to showcase athletic talent and the diverse…
ENVI Sisini Serengeti is thrilled to announce the plans to open ENVI Sisini Mara, a luxury tented camp in the Northern Serengeti region of Tanzania, renowned for the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, set to open in February 2025. With a commitment to sustainability, ENVI Sisini Mara seamlessly harmonises…
JENMAN African Safaris is excited to announce the launch of its very first Diving Safari Packages. For those who have always dreamed of exploring coral reefs alongside Africa’s incredible wildlife, this is the perfect opportunity. These unique packages blend the thrill of diving with land safaris, catering to both seasoned divers and curious beginners alike.…
We’re excited to share that Mantis EPIC Hotel and Suites in Rwanda has been nominated for the Hoteliers Circle Bright Ideas – Innovation & Tech Award for its Banana Leaf Slipper Project! In partnership with the Hirwa children’s foundation, traditional hotel slippers have been replaced with 100% eco-friendly ones made from dried banana leaves. This…
The Malawian government has initiated a programme to enhance tourism on Likoma Island by providing snorkelling and diving courses to local operators. Joyce Storey, Assistant Tourism Officer for Likoma, emphasised that these skills will play a crucial role in attracting more visitors to the island’s rich marine environments. A two-week training course was conducted in…
The Chobe Princess by Mantis Unveils Stunning New Look! The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis, renowned for its unique river safari experiences, is pleased to announce the completion of exquisite soft refurbishments to its three Chobe Princesses. The Chobe Princess, a fleet of intimate houseboats (and smaller siblings of the Zambezi Queen) float along the…