Applications Open for Magical Kenya Travel Expo (and it’s aligned with APTA Global Forum!)

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is now accepting buyer applications! Scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, MKTE is one of East Africa’s premier tourism trade events—bringing together over 300 exhibitors and 3,000 tourism professionals from across the region and around the world. Here’s the exciting news for…

📢 Registration Now Open for APTA Global Forum 2025 in Arusha – Aligned with MKTE and Essence of Africa

The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for the 2025 APTA Global Forum, taking place in Arusha, Tanzania from September 24–26, 2025 at the stunning Gran Meliá Arusha. This year’s forum marks an exciting new chapter as it becomes officially aligned with two…

SA Tourism Reports “Indaba is On Track”

South African Tourism has asserted that, despite planning challenges in the lead up to Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI), arrangements for the trade show remain on track. South African Tourism COO Darryl Erasmus acknowledged that forward planning for the event – taking place from May 12-15 – was affected by issues related to the appointment of an events…

Seychelles Announces New International Sailing Event

Seychelles has officially launched the Seychelles Challenge – a seven-day, six-night sailing event set to take place from July 20-27. Designed to establish the archipelago as a leading sailing destination, the regatta will bring together experienced sailors, enthusiasts and visitors for a multi-island maritime competition. The Seychelles Challenge is being organised by WorldSport and Tourism…

Lalibela Expands by Restoring Farm Land for Wildlife

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is undergoing significant expansion through land acquisitions and ecological restoration efforts. The initiative aims to rehabilitate former agricultural land, restoring natural ecosystems and creating a more balanced wildlife habitat. The process includes clearing a former peach and prune farm where the removal of fruit trees and controlled…

𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗞𝗟𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Air France-KLM and CemAir are proud to announce that they have signed and implemented an interline agreement that will expand connections to more destinations across South Africa. Leveraging Air France-KLM’s major gateways in Johannesburg and Cape Town, this strategic collaboration will enable seamless travel between long-haul international flights and regional routes, offering passengers increased flexibility…

Cottar’s Safaris Names CornerSun Destination Marketing Representative for North America

CornerSun Destination Marketing is honored to announce its newest client, Cottar’s Safaris, one of the most iconic names in African safari. Beginning March 15, 2025, CornerSun will represent Cottar’s Safaris in North America, continuing the company’s extraordinary legacy of conservation, hospitality, and unparalleled luxury in the Maasai Mara. For more than a century, Cottar’s Safaris…

New Lionesses Released into Addo

Two lionesses introduced into Addo Elephant National Park’s Main Camp in Colchester on March 3 are now roaming the game viewing section of the park. The two-and-a-half-year-old sisters, from !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, had been acclimatising in a boma since December before their release. The new arrivals bring valuable genetic diversity to Addo’s lion population, which…

GILTEDGE Named Top Producing On-Site Partner by Virtuoso

GILTEDGE has been recognised as Virtuoso’s Top Producing On-Site Partner – Canada for 2025, a prestigious award honouring excellence in luxury travel sales. This accolade underscores GILTEDGE’s commitment to crafting exceptional African travel experiences and its strong partnerships within the Virtuoso network. Cape Town, South Africa – March 12, 2025 – GILTEDGE, a leading global…

Norse Ups CPT Flights and Changes Schedule

Norse Atlantic Airways is to adjust the flight schedule for its London Gatwick-Cape Town route. Frequency will increase from three weekly flights to four from April 1 until April 27. The schedule from April will be as follows: On Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Norse Atlantic departs Cape Town at 11h00 and arrives at London…

Malawi Joins Single African Air Transport Market

Malawi has officially joined the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) – a step towards enhancing aviation connectivity across the continent. The signing ceremony took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 38th African Union (AU) Summit. Malawi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo signed the SAATM Solemn Commitment in the presence of Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, outgoing AU Commissioner for Infrastructure…

Elewana Opens New “Serengeti Explorer” Lodge

Serengeti Explorer, a new safari lodge in the western corridor of Serengeti National Park, has opened its doors. Positioned in a prime location for wildlife viewing, the lodge offers uninterrupted views and front-row access to the Great Migration. Guests are accommodated in 68 Savannah rooms and six Savannah suites. The lodge also features: An on-site…

Namibia New Visa-on-Arrival Regime

With the roll-out of Namibia’s new visa requirements just a few weeks away (April 1), the country has launched the platform for its new visa on arrival (VOA) system. Key features of the new VOA system: Eligible travellers can apply and pay for the VOA online before travelling to reduce processing times at entry points.…

New Rome-Mauritius Seasonal Flight

Travellers from Italy will soon have a new direct European winter connection to Mauritius with ITA Airways flights from Rome set to begin on November 7. The route will be operated twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays, with an Airbus A330neo. The service will run until March 27 next year. Italy was the Indian Ocean…

Luxury Mara Camp Reopens with Wellness and Experiential Offerings

Ishara, a luxury safari camp in the Maasai Mara, closed after last year’s flooding, has reopened following an extensive renovation and various activity and experiential enhancements. The upgrade includes expanded spa and wellness facilities, new culinary offerings, upgraded accommodation and a revitalised Canon Brand Experience Centre for photography enthusiasts. Key additions include an expanded Aya Spa,…

TATO Attending ITB Berlin Next Week

Tanzania’s tourism sector is set to shine at ITB Berlin 2025, and there’s no better place to experience the best of what the country has to offer than at the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) stand. From March 4th to 6th, 2025, TATO members—renowned for their expertise in mountain climbing, luxury safaris, balloon adventures,…

Rwanda to Introduce 3% Tourism Levy

Rwanda’s government has announced that it will introduce a tourism levy to support development of the industry. Approved by Rwanda’s Cabinet as one of several tax policy reforms on February 10, the levy will be payable by tourists and fixed at 3% of the overall hotel room rate for the duration of stay.  Cabinet’s statement…

Conservation and Tourism Take Centre Stage in Lilongwe

Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, is evolving into a hub of conservation, tourism and cultural innovation – buoyed by significant progress in 2024 and exciting plans for 2025. Key developments across conservation efforts, eco-tourism and hospitality highlight the city’s upward trajectory. In 2024, the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust introduced new visitor engagement initiatives at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.…

TATO – Tanzania Association of Tour Operators to Showcase Tanzania at ITB Berlin 2025

From March 4th to 6th, 2025, TATO members–including top mountain operators, balloon safari providers, hoteliers, safari companies, and beach holiday specialists—will be exhibiting at the heart of African Pavilion, Hall 21A, Stand 117. As Tanzania’s leading private-sector tourism association, TATO is committed to promoting the country’s unparalleled tourism experiences, from the legendary Serengeti safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro…

Club Med Tinley Coming to KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has long lived in the shadow of Cape Town’s international appeal and Mpumalanga’s wildlife offerings but that might be about to change. Could 2025 be the year that KZN steps into the international spotlight? Much of this optimism centres on Club Med Tinley – a multi-billion-rand development set to open its doors on…