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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…