As we kick off 2026, we want to share several important updates that reflect the collective voice of our members and the continued evolution of APTA as a stronger, more impactful association. Member Vote: Moving Forward TogetherThank you to everyone who participated in our recent member vote. By an overwhelming margin, members voted in favor…
In a move set to redefine cross-border luxury travel in East Africa, Auric Air and FlyALS have announced the launch of an exclusive “Wing-to-Wing” partnership, effective 01 June 2026. This strategic collaboration establishes a seamless aerial bridge between two of the continent’s most iconic wilderness destinations: Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara…
APTA is pleased to welcome Kafunta Safaris (Zambia) as its newest member, ahead of the APTA Global Forum taking place in Livingstone this September. Kafunta Safaris is a family-owned safari operator based in South Luangwa National Park, where it has been hosting guests for close to 30 years. The company is known for its focus…
Namibia is increasing its entry fees for foreign visitors to major national parks and reserves by 86%, effective April 1. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism confirmed that fees for adult foreign nationals visiting top-tier attractions will increase from N$150 (US$9.40) to N$280 (US$17.50) per person per day. The attractions include Etosha National Park, Cape…
The Global Travel Collection has recently started offering Malawi as a destination. Their Senior Manager Revenue Development, Andy Hampshaw met up late last year with a delegation from the Malawi Ministry of Tourism to review the planned Malawi packages, and Andy shared the following blog with us recently: “We had the honour to welcome the…
Marriott International’s Autograph Collection brand has opened its first safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, located near the park’s Fort Ikoma gate, comprises 15 tented suites and one two-bedroom villa – each with private decks with views of the Serengeti wilderness. A render of the exterior of a tented…
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced, on January 21, that all attraction sites managed by the entity are now open. This announcement follows a comprehensive assessment conducted after recent heavy rainfall that affected Mpumalanga’s tourism sector. Citing the safety of visitors as a top priority, the agency urged visitors to exercise caution and adhere to all…
Kaelo Destinations, officially launching in January 2026, is a new global travel collection created to unite exceptional, conservation-led places under one shared vision. Initially comprising two properties, the renowned Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana and the celebrated Pambele Beach House in Mozambique — Kaelo sets a new standard for sense-awakening travel. The name Kaelo, meaning…
We are pleased to inform you that Miracle Experience has commenced operating balloon flights in the Warangi area of Serengeti, and has proved to be a stunning experience. This new location represents an exciting opportunity for us to elevate the experience offered to your valued, high-end clientele Operating all year round with a minimum of…
Mantis Collection is set to open a new lodge in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province on March 1. Mantis Hiddn in Addo is set within an 800 hectare private reserve and operates entirely off-grid through solar power, water harvesting and recycling systems. The lodge comprises 12 mountain suites and two private villas, which feature earth-tone interiors,…
Hideaways Africa confirms the temporary closure of Amava River Lodge in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region following severe and highly localised flooding along the Olifants River on 15 January 2026. Exceptional rainfall across parts of the Lowveld caused the river to enter full flood and overtop its banks. The situation was intensified by the failure of…
Days of heavy rainfall in the Greater Kruger National Park have rendered dozens of game lodges in the region’s private reserves temporarily inaccessible and forced the cancellation of flights from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS). Unrelenting rainfall since January 9 has triggered the flooding of rivers within the Kruger National Park (KNP) and adjoining private reserves. Chris Stamper,…
Along with several closures of camps and roads in Kruger National Park, specific tourism sites in Mpumalanga have temporarily closed following heavy rainfall with authorities citing safety concerns. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency confirmed the temporary closure of Bourke’s Luck Potholes. In addition, The South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) announced the temporary closure of…
Uganda has completed its first-ever translocation of rhinos between protected areas with four southern white rhinos moved from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. The operation, led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), marks the first phase of a national programme that will see 20 rhinos relocated to Ajai. The four animals are currently…
Enduata Camps has opened ‘Wild’ Wakati Camp – a new tented safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti. Lounge. Source: Enduata Camps ‘Wild’ Wakati Camp now operates year-round and is positioned in an area that is part of a key stage of the Great Migration. Bedroom. Source: Enduata Camps The camp has light-footprint tented structures handcrafted in…
Uganda will open a new passenger terminal at Entebbe International Airport by the end of this month. The 20 000sqm terminal will be commissioned in phases and is expected to boost the airport’s passenger-handling capacity from two million passengers to at least 3,5 million annually, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). The new…
After nearly a decade of lobbying, Kenya has launched its national convention bureau – a development the country’s MICE industry is calling a turning point for Kenya’s global competitiveness. The decision, announced this week, has been widely hailed by industry stakeholders as a strategic reset for a sector that has long punched below its weight…
Phil is PNW APTA Board Member and Chair for Responsible Tourism and Conservation. Phil has spent most of his adult life living and working deep in Africa’s wild places, guiding, managing, and training in some of the continent’s largest and most remote game reserves. A professional naturalist safari guide, Phil has led guests on…
Malawi’s Visa waiver scheme introduced in 2024 has now been revoked. As from 2 January 2026 most nationalities around the world now require visas to enter Malawi. The new regulations are based on reciprocity – visas are now required for any country that demands visas of Malawians. The official Gazette confirming this change in regulations…
Warm greetings from Baobab Beach Resort & Spa. As part of our ongoing journey to continuously refresh and elevate the Baobab experience, we would like to share an important operational update with you. Selected sections of the resort will be temporarily closed to allow for carefully planned enhancement and refurbishment works from 15 April 2026…
Marriot Bonvoy has opened Morea House in Camp’s Bay – the group’s first Autograph Collection hotel in Cape Town. The hotel features 90 rooms and suites designed by local interior architect Tristan du Plessis with mountain or ocean views. On the ground floor, the OMRI restaurant serves modern Lebanese-South African cuisine and features a beach-facing terrace and…
Zimbabwe’s move to apply standard-rated VAT of 15.5% to tourism services from January 1 is increasing financial and contractual pressure across the tourism sector, particularly for operators managing long-lead international bookings negotiated under the previous zero-rated framework. Confirmed in the 2026 national budget, the measure raises the standard VAT rate from 15% to 15.5% and, more…
Hilton is set to expand its presence in Africa this year with the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Kintele in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Situated in the city’s Kintele district, the hotel will comprise 200 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre, tennis court, spa and beauty salon. The hotel will also house a…
Malawi’s tourism sector has decried the country’s implementation of a reciprocal visa policy that requires travellers from numerous previously visa-exempt countries to apply for e-visas at costs of between US$50 for single entry (for a maximum stay of 90 days) to US$250 for multiple entries. The policy, which requires travellers from all countries that subject…
Zimbabwe has confirmed a change to the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) that will impact tourism activities and transfers effective 1 January 2026, following confirmation of new legislation signed into law. In addition to the previously announced VAT increase, VAT will now be applied to all tourism activities and transfers that were previously zero…
Voyager Beach Resort has announced a series of planned product enhancements scheduled for 2026, aimed at further improving the guest experience while ensuring continued resort operations throughout the refurbishment period. The resort plans to fully refurbish all 43 Pool View Rooms and remodel several key public areas, including the Sports Pool Area, Kaskazi Bar, Michezo…
Architectural vision by Belgian architect Bram Bortolin and locally made structures anchor a refined, place-first experience inside Tarangire National Park Tanzania, January 5, 2026 — Siringit Collection unveils Siringit Tarangire Camp, a new, design-forward safari camp set amid the indigenous flora and elephant corridors that define Tarangire National Park. Opening June 2026, the intimate camp brings Siringit’s…
Audit Confirmation Both Miracle Experience Balloon Safaris and Miracle Air recently received formal confirmation of compliance following independent on-site audits conducted in October 2025 by Bluesky by Bostonair, an internationally recognised authority in aviation safety. These audits were commissioned in response to earlier developments this year, when the EU and UK Civil Aviation Authority placed…
Emboo joins the Asilia portfolio – a partnership for impact Asilia was founded 21 years ago when a collection of owner-run camps came together with a shared belief that tourism, done right, could be a force for good. That same belief continues to guide us today, as we strive to create Impact at Scale…
Back by popular demand! Wondering how safe Africa really is? Phil breaks it down with practical, common-sense tactics that show why safari travel is not only safe, but smart. He’ll also guide you in matching your clients’ budgets with the right accommodations, from rustic to exotic, and help you confidently manage their expectations, so your…