Green light for Six-Storey Bo-Kaap Hotel

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has confirmed the Municipal Planning Tribunal’s approval of a six-storey hotel development at 150 Buitengracht Street in the Bo-Kaap following an extended consultation and redesign process. The vacant site, situated at the interface between the Bo-Kaap heritage protection overlay zone and the central city, attracted significant public attention due to its proximity…

New Wilderness Lodge for Rwanda’s Akagera

Wilderness Rwanda has announced plans to open a second luxury safari lodge, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, in Akagera National Park in September 2025. Located on a private concession in the eastern region of Akagera, the camp will overlook Lake Rwanyakazinga with views extending towards the Mutumba Hills.The site lies within Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and…

Tanzania Issues Clarification on De-dollarisation

Tanzania’s government has provided official clarification on new foreign currency regulations following a meeting with tourism stakeholders on May 22. Johnson Nyella, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, clarified that businesses are still allowed to quote and receive payment in foreign currency for cross-border services provided to foreigners. These services include international tour packages and…

An International Airport for the Maasai Mara?

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently provided further information on years-in the-works construction of an international airport for the Maasai Mara. Narok International Airport, valued at KSH1.4 billion (€9.5 million) is now set for completion by March 2026 and is being co-funded by the county and national government. Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony, Ruto said: “Narok is known for its tourism.…

Luxury Helicopter Experience Launched in Uganda

Uganda’s luxury tourism offering has expanded with the launch of ELEVATE, the country’s first helicopter-based safari experience. Developed in partnership between Nile Safari Lodge, Kampala Executive Aviation and NOVAM Ltd, the new product enables high-end travellers to explore Uganda’s landscapes from the air. The initiative offers an alternative to the traditional road or water-based safaris…

Tanzania Reduces Tourism Fees

In an effort to attract more visitors and investments in its tourism sector, the government of Tanzania has announced the reduction of fees and duties in tourism sector, designed to give boost to businesses and encourage investment from local stakeholders. The newly introduced fees cover tourist class hotels, tour guides, and mountain climbing agencies. The…

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel by MORE Family Collection Unveils New Stable Suites

MORE Family Collection Press Release Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel by MORE Family Collection Unveils New Stable Suites Interleading, triple, and two-bedroom options for multi-generational families, business travellers and guests seeking a more exclusive experience. Children of all ages are welcome at Stable Suites. Largest accommodation category at the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. Cape Town, South…

Mashatu: Land of Leopards to Premiere in June

A powerful new wildlife documentary titled Mashatu: Land of Leopards will have its African premiere at the Wildscreen Festival, from 12-13 June 2025, hosted in Maun, Botswana for the very first time! Watch the Trailer Here. (feel free to embed from YouTube) Filmed entirely at Mashatu Game Reserve over three years, the story is set in the heart of one…

A New Era for Malawi Tourism

The establishment of a dedicated tourism authority, along with advances by NGOs and the public sector in developing new eco-tourism areas, is showing encouraging signs for enhancing Malawi’s competitiveness as a leading African destination. In April, Malawi enacted its 2025 Tourism Act, which marked the first overarching revamp of the country’s tourism legislation since 1968.…

Radisson to Enter DRC with Two New Hotels

Radisson Hotel Group has announced its market entry into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with two new hotel signings: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi. The developments mark a significant milestone for the group’s Central African expansion. Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa is scheduled to open in late 2026. Located on Boulevard…

Uganda Airlines’ Historic First Direct Flight to London: A New Era for Travel and Tourism

  On May 18, 2025, Uganda Airlines embarked on a significant milestone by launching its inaugural direct flight from Entebbe International Airport to London Gatwick. This development marks the airline’s first European route and re-establishes a direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade. (Pulse Uganda Enhanced Connectivity and Economic…

Uganda’s Gorilla Permit Sales Surge: From 38,910 in 2023 to 41,468 in 2025 — Sankofa Afrika Safaris Leads the Charge

Uganda’s Growing Gorilla Trekking Demand Uganda’s mountain gorilla population continues to thrive, and so does the global interest in trekking these magnificent creatures. In 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issued 38,910 gorilla trekking permits. By 2024, this number had risen to 41,468 permits, marking a 6.6% increase over two years. This upward trend underscores the increasing popularity of…

Hideaways Expands into Greater Kruger with the Launch of Amava River Lodge

Hideaways Africa is proud to announce the newest addition to our portfolio of safari experiences: Hideaways Amava River Lodge, formerly known as Bundox River Lodge. This intimate Greater Kruger Camp, located in the northern part of the Balule Private Game Reserve, marks an exciting expansion for Hideaways into one of South Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. Amava, meaning “experiences”…

Kavango Zambezi (World’s Largest Trans Frontier Conservation Area) Launches Online Brand Hub

Why this matters: New Online Brand Hub Launched: Tourism stakeholders can now access exclusive brand assets, co-branding opportunities, and marketing materials at uncoverkaza.com/become-a-media-partner. Brand Ambassador Programme: Businesses and media partners invited to join the Kavango Zambezi movement by signing the Brand Pledge. Largest Terrestrial Conservation Area in the World: Spanning five southern African nations and…

SAA Plans to Restart Service to Washington-Dulles

South African Airways plans to restart service to Washington Dulles International Airport next year. The airline’s chief executive officer, John Lamola, posted the news April 12 on LinkedIn. The carrier previously serviced Dulles in 2020. Lamola posted that he had recently traveled to Lagos, Accra, and Dakar as part of “South African Airways’ mission to rebuild and strengthen our…

Ellerman House Opens New Fine Dining Venue

Ellerman House, a boutique Cape Town hotel, has opened Curate – an immersive, multi-course fine-dining experience. Set within the hotel’s wine gallery, which houses a 10 000-bottle collection, Curate offers a multi-course tasting menu drawing inspiration from Southern Africa’s culinary heritage and diverse cultures. The space was designed in collaboration with renowned artist and sculptor Angus Taylor.…

Tanzania Says No to Dollar Pricing

Tanzania has officially enforced its Foreign Currency Usage Regulations, 2025, banning the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions. All local payments and price quotations must now be made in Tanzanian shillings. Under the new rules, it is an offence to quote, advertise or accept payments in foreign currency for goods and services within Tanzania.…

Natural Selection Announces New Namibia Camp

Natural Selection has announced the development of Nkasa Linyanti, a six-room safari camp set to open in May 2026. The camp will be located in Nkasa Rupara National Park in Namibia’s Zambezi Region and will operate on a private concession on Nkasa Island, bordered by the Kwando, Selinda and Linyanti river systems. The site falls…

Entebbe International Airport Welcomes Travellers with Striking Silver Back Gorilla Sculptures – A Grand Introduction to Uganda’s Natural Wonders

Entebbe International Airport Welcomes Travelers with Striking Silver Back Gorilla Sculptures – A Grand Introduction to Uganda’s Natural Wonders ENTEBBE, UGANDA – 06th May 2025 – In a bold and captivating move to elevate Uganda’s global tourism appeal, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has unveiled a set of stunning mountain gorilla sculptures at the Arrivals Terminal of Entebbe International Airport. These…

KZN Gets a New Nature Reserve

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has confirmed the declaration of the iNkonjane Nature Reserve, a 182 hectare protected area adjacent to iMpendle Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The announcement was made by KZN’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi on May 6. It represents strategic expansion of the provincial protected area network, supporting multiple threatened species. The…

Join Kenya’s Cottar’s Safaris for an Important Webinar

When: May 14th at 1pm ET Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/973336518102082904 Step inside one of East Africa’s most legendary safari experiences. For over 100 years, Cottar’s Safaris has set the standard for sustainable luxury in the wild heart of Kenya’s Olderkesi Conservancy—where the Mara, Serengeti, and Loliondo converge. Join Cottar’s for a quick yet impactful webinar to learn what sets Cottar’s apart:…

Applications for Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority brings you the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to be held in Mutare, Eastern Highlands from 10-12 September 2025. This premier expo brings together international tourism professionals, Tourism destinations, Travel Agents and Tourism Suppliers for valuable networking opportunities. Travel Agents specializing in Southern Africa or interested in promoting Zimbabwe are encouraged to register…

An Evening of Chimpanzee Ecotourism and Conservation

Personal Invitation to ‘An Evening of Chimpanzee Ecotourism and Conservation in Uganda’ Praveen Moman, Founder Volcanoes Safaris, warmly invites you to join us for an evening celebrating Chimpanzee Ecotourism and Conservation in Uganda. Please join us for a cocktail reception followed by a discussion on conservation of chimpanzees through ecotourism and community engagement with Volcanoes Safaris and the Jane…

Marriott to Open Safari Camp in Serengeti

Marriott International will open the first Autograph Collection safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti. Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, expected to open in the third quarter of 2025, is set near the Fort Ikoma Gate of Serengeti National Park. Positioned between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor, the camp lies directly along the Great…

New Exclusive-use Camp Opens in Hwange

A new camp, Muddy Teak, opened on May 1 in a private concession within Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Designed for small, exclusive-use groups, the camp is located inside a woodland area with paths leading to views over the Muddy Teak waterhole. The layout includes a main area that links the dining area, lounge, pool, viewing deck, firepit…

Kenya Airways and Safarilink Sign Codeshare Deal

Kenya Airways has announced a strategic codeshare agreement with Safarilink Aviation, expanding domestic connectivity to nine key destinations. According to the airlines, the partnership will offer “seamless travel” by linking the Kenya Airways global network with Safarilink’s domestic reach. Under the new agreement, Kenya Airways passengers can book single-ticket itineraries connecting international flights with Safarilink-operated routes to…