The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has endorsed a landmark agreement that will see key island closures in the Western Cape to protect the critically endangered African penguin. The deal, struck between the fishing industry and conservation organisations BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds,…
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…
Due to runway restrictions and slot constraints, Ethiopian Airlines announces flight cancellations affecting JFK and EWR routes. Impacted flights and dates are as follows: Affected Flights: Airport Flight Number Days Affected Cancellation Period JFK ET 514 / ET 515 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday April 15 – April 14, 2025 EWR ET 508 / ET 509 Tuesday,…
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…
Qatar Airways has increased its flights from Doha to Durban (via Maputo) from five to seven weekly flights. The airline has also announced frequency increases to several other African cities. Dar es Salaam-Kilimanjaro has seen an increase from three to seven weekly flights, while Entebbe now has 11 weekly flights, up from seven.
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…
Ethiopian Airlines will increase frequencies to Nosy Be, Madagascar, from four to six weekly flights on June 20. The two additional services will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight ET 837 will depart from Addis Ababa at 10h25 and arrive in Nosy Be at 14h35. The return flight ET 836 will depart from Nosy Be…
The East African Community (EAC) is intensifying efforts to position the region as a leading global tourism destination through collaborative marketing. This follows the decision to take a joint stand at ITB Berlin this year, representing the region as a single tourism destination. It is the first step in a broader campaign aimed at improving…
Newmark Hotels & Reserves has opened the Modjadji Master Suite – a new addition to Geiger’s Camp at Motswari Private Game Reserve in Timbavati. The suite has been designed to accommodate two guests with a convertible lounge area for a family of four within its 139 square metre layout. The design embraces alfresco living –…
South Africa recorded a decline in rhino poaching incidents in 2024 with a total of 420 rhinos poached – 79 less than in 2023 when the total was 499. This is according to numbers released by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, showing that KwaZulu-Natal remained the hardest-hit province with a loss of…
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…
The East African Community (EAC) will, for the first time, participate as a unified tourism bloc at ITB Berlin 2025 from March 4-6. Under the theme “Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe”, the region will highlight its diverse attractions. EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva said this initiative is part of a broader effort to attract international…
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…
Babylonstoren has introduced an exclusive new accommodation offering, BLOU, in Keurboomstrand on South Africa’s Garden Route. The property, located along a sea-facing strip of land, features eight self-catering cottages set around a central courtyard with a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. BLOU will only be available to guests who have previously stayed at Babylonstoren…
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…
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…
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.…
The East African Community (EAC) will, for the first time, participate as an entity having its own stand at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) – Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, from 4th – 6th March, 2025. Representing the region as a single tourism destination, the EAC will showcase its diverse attractions under the…
The Gambia is undertaking a bold transformation of its tourism sector with the development of a new marketing strategy and brand identity, designed to capitalise on emerging market trends and attract a more diverse visitor base. Through comprehensive consultation with private sector operators and public sector stakeholders, the initiative seeks to redefine The Gambia’s tourism…
After nearly three decades of welcoming guests from around the world, Sun International’s beloved Grand Dame, The Table Bay Hotel, officially closed its doors on 15 February to embark on an exciting journey of transformation. Come December 2025, the hotel will reopen as InterContinental Table Bay, Cape Town, following a major refurbishment that will elevate…
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…
South Africa has officially designated Mkambati Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape its 31st Wetland of International Importance on the Ramsar List. The site, covering over 7 000 hectares along the Indian Ocean, is now listed as Ramsar Site No 2554. The recognition was announced on World Wetlands Day, February 2. Located 71 kilometres from Flagstaff,…
Severe flooding in the Madikwe Game Reserve on South Africa’s border with Botswana has forced the closure of several lodges along the Marico River until the end of April. Unprecedented rainfall – over 400mm in February – caused the Molatedi Dam in Limpopo to overflow and consequent flooding of the Marico River. This caused extensive…
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,…
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’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…
Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection has announced the establishment of a new marine reserve in collaboration with the Zanzibar government. This protected zone covers the entire coast of Bawe Island to preserve its coral reefs and support the area’s rich biodiversity for future generations. The reserve prohibits fishing in the designated area to enable…
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.…
Experiential eco-tourism operator Wild Expeditions will open an exclusive-use, seasonal camp within its private concession in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park on May 1. Open during the prime game viewing months between May and the end of November, the Muddy Teak camp will be set among teak and ordeal trees on the banks of a natural waterhole around…
Several hiking trails in Table Mountain National Park have been temporarily closed due to ongoing fires in Red Hill and Hout Bay. Park authorities have urged visitors to avoid affected areas while firefighting teams work to contain the fires. The closures include the Kleinplaas, Lewis Gay and Jonkers dam trails. The Red Hill fire, which…
Chapman’s Peak Drive will be closed every Wednesday from 10h00 to 16h00 in February and March to facilitate critical conservation work by the Table Mountain National Park team. The project is focusing on removing invasive alien vegetation to help preserve the region’s biodiversity. The closures will take place on the following dates: February: 12, 19…
Experiential eco-tourism operator Wild Expeditions will open an exclusive-use, seasonal camp within its private concession in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park on May 1. Open during the prime game viewing months between May and the end of November, the Muddy Teak camp will be set among teak and ordeal trees on the banks of a natural waterhole around…
With Malawi recently included as the only African destination in leading travel trade body ABTA’s ‘Destinations to Watch in 2025’, this looks to be another year of growth for the fast emerging ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. In a series of articles, we’re taking a look at some of the developments from 2024 and plans for…
Tanzania set a new tourism record in 2024, welcoming 5.36 million visitors and surpassing its target of attracting five million tourists by 2025, according to Pindi Chana, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Dar es Salaam, Chana highlighted that, out of the total number of tourists, 3.22 million…
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…
The APTA Global Forum, in partnership with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), is returning to Africa in 2025, and we’re thrilled to announce that Arusha, Tanzania, will be the host destination! Set against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most iconic safari gateways, this year’s forum will take place from September 24-26, 2025,…
The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Seychelles, more commonly known as Victoria Market, will close its doors at the beginning of March as it undergoes significant renovations. To ensure the market continues to serve the community during the renovation period, operations will temporarily relocate to the former STC Supermarket in Victoria. “Despite the location change,…
Refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront began on Monday, February 3. Public amenities will be upgraded and ageing seawalls will be replaced in phases over two years. The first phase will focus on the western side of Surfer’s Corner, near the railway line, and extend to the eastern parking area at the Muizenberg Civic Centre. The surf…
Hideaways Africa has introduced Cape Point Hideaway, a private villa between Table Mountain National Park and Baskloof Private Nature Reserve, into its portfolio. The solar-powered retreat offers panoramic Atlantic Ocean views, a remote yet accessible location and luxury accommodation for up to 10 guests. Cape Point Hideaway is designed for travellers seeking privacy while remaining…
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…
Carved into the Soutpansberg mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, and surrounded by UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Few & Far Luvhondo is a new carbon-neutral safari from the founders of Under Canvas. And in January, I was the first journalist to stay at the six-suite resort near South Africa’s northern border with Zimbabwe. “When we built Under Canvas, we…
The Nigerien government has announced plans to establish a new national airline as well as a regional carrier under the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), marking a significant step toward improving air connectivity within the country and across the region. According to the Nigerien News Agency, Niger’s Minister of Transport and Equipment, Colonel Salisu Mahaman…
FlySafair has been given 12 months to comply with the domestic regulator’s ruling on its ownership structure, alleviating concerns that the low-cost carrier might be forced to ground its operations until the issue was resolved. South Africa’s National Department of Transport confirmed on 5 February that the country’s Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) had made…
An estimated 1,4 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2024, indicating a virtual recovery (99%) of 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. This represents an increase of 11% over 2023, or 140 million more international tourist arrivals. The results were driven by strong post-pandemic demand, robust performance from large…
Virgin Limited Edition has announced a full interior refurbishment of its tented safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The camp, currently closed, will reopen in June 2025 with 12 completely redesigned luxury tent interiors and communal areas – enhancing the guest experience while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment and Maasai…
Selected nature reserves managed by the City of Cape Town will adopt cashless payment systems from February 1. The list includes the Witzands Aquifer (for permitted activities), Tygerberg, Table Bay, Helderberg and Blaauwberg nature reserves. Entry fees for these reserves range between R15 (€0.77) and R28 (€1.44) while other city reserves remain free of charge.…
Kuriftu Resort & Spa has recently launched the African Village – a new addition to its hospitality portfolio in Ashewa Meda on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Designed to celebrate Africa’s cultural diversity and unity, the African Union-themed resort features 54 luxury villas representing different African nations. The African Village is equipped with nine conference…
Rising crime in the Eastern Cape, particularly the Wild Coast, has cast a shadow over the local tourism economy and the region’s reputation as a travel destination The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has expressed deep concern over the impact of crime on the province’s tourism reputation. ECPTA spokesperson Oyanga Ngalika highlighted the urgency of…
Ponant Explorations Group has acquired a majority stake in small ship expedition company, Aqua Expeditions, ahead of the inaugural sailing of Aqua Expeditions’ newest ship in East Africa. The company will keep its name and will continue to be managed as a stand-alone business unit, led by CEO and Founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro. “This transaction comes…
With Malawi recently included as the only African destination in leading travel trade body ABTA’s ‘Destinations to Watch in 2025’, this looks to be another year of growth for the fast emerging ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. Over the next few weeks we’ll take a look at some of the developments from 2024 and plans for…