Ethiopian Airlines, will be operating NEWARK – ADDIS ABABA direct service from 02nd December 2024 with immediate connection to many of their destinations beyond Addis Ababa. The flight from JFK will be daily from 1st December 2024 with options via ABJ or LFW. Flights are updated in all GDS Free STPC at ADD for a…
For over four decades, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has been at the forefront of Tanzania’s tourism industry, representing more than 300 dedicated members. TATO’s mission is to advocate for and support its diverse members, including safari and trekking specialists, DMCs, accommodation providers, airlines, cultural experts, and other tourism enterprises. As a proud…
Join APTA for the vibrant return of the APTA Global Forum to California, hosted this year in the scenic and culturally-rich Costa Mesa in Orange County. Known for its sophisticated arts scene and exquisite dining options, Costa Mesa offers a dynamic setting that complements the forum’s focus on the rich and diverse continent of Africa.…
Lemala Camps and Lodges is set to open its latest addition, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge, in the heart of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area in July 2025. Located on a hill near the Ngorongoro Crater rim, the lodge features 20 spacious guest suites – each with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and large picture windows. Amenities include…
Independent regional airline Airlink is proceeding with plans to launch direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights from April 1 next year. This follows confirmation by regulatory authorities in Botswana and South Africa that all of the necessary approvals are in place to allow Airlink to serve the route. “We appreciate both governments’ aeronautical regulatory bodies for resolving…
Park Hyatt Johannesburg is preparing for its grand opening in October. Owned by Millat Group, the 31-key hotel is ready to mark a significant milestone in South Africa’s hospitality landscape. Located in the heart of the trendy and vibrant suburb of Rosebank, the property aims to serve business and leisure travellers. Hamza Farooqui, CEO of…
Air Botswana has announced significant flight services expansion with the introduction of new routes to several destinations within Namibia and South Africa. The expansion is part of the airline’s strategic initiative to enhance connectivity across southern Africa, offering passengers more flexibility and convenience. In the announcement, CEO Lulu Rasebotsa highlighted the importance of the new routes in…
Visitors to Kumbali Country Lodge in Malawi will soon enjoy a new private game reserve currently sourcing and relocating animals in the final stages of establishment. Situated 10 minutes from Lilongwe city centre and 25 minutes from Kamuzu International Airport, Kumbali Country Lodge has 16 thatched suites and a conference centre. Earlier in August, the…
In September 2024, Arusha, Tanzania’s vibrant safari capital, will host a significant gathering of global dignitaries, celebrities, and industry experts for the World Tourism Day conference and the premiere East African indoor travel and tourism fair. Among the distinguished attendees will be the renowned American celebrity Michael Ruggiero, who is set to play a pivotal…
Effective October 1, 2024, it will be mandatory for all foreign visitors to Zanzibar to possess a valid Inbound Travel Insurance which will provide coverage for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days). The three-month scheme is expected to cost each visitor USD 44 and must be acquired ONLY from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation through a…
Uganda has announced the resumption of hiking activities to the Margherita Peak, the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains following months of suspension due to safety concerns. The suspension was announced in May by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a state agency responsible for wildlife conservation, following the formation of a crevasse or deep open…
On 14th August, the World Health Organisation declared outbreaks of mpox in Africa to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. What is mpox? Mpox is a viral infection that was previously known as “monkeypox”. It shares some similarities with smallpox, to the extent that smallpox vaccine may be protective; however it is much less…
Mashatu in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve is developing the Lala Limpopo sleepout hide due to launch in October. The exclusive overnight photography experience was established through a partnership with concessionaire C4 Photo Safaris and co-founded by Shem Compion, a professional photographer. The newly constructed hide has been strategically placed in the ground to seamlessly blend…
The NamibRand Nature Reserve in southwestern Namibia has been designated as Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park in recognition of its commitment to preserving the pristine environment and providing a quiet sanctuary for wildlife and visitors. Acknowledging the rapid extinction of quiet locations around the world, the honour is bestowed by Quiet Parks International to places…
Kenya Airways has announced a significant upgrade to its fleet on key routes between Nairobi and South Africa from this month. A number of its Johannesburg and Cape Town services have been upgraded to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to enhance connectivity between the two countries. The airline currently flies from Cape Town to Nairobi nine…
Lifestyle and leisure hospitality group, Ennismore, and Kasada, an independent real estate private equity platform, have signed an agreement to open the Hyde Hotel Johannesburg. The opening marks a series of significant milestones: Ennismore’s first hotel in Johannesburg, the first Hyde hotel in Africa and Kasada’s first investment in Johannesburg although its fourth in South…
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a contract with a Dubai-based engineering and consulting company, Dar Al-Handasah, to design Africa’s largest airport – aiming to manage up to 110 million passengers per year – four times the capacity of Bole Addis Ababa International Airport. According to Ethiopian Airlines Regional Manager for Southern Africa Abel Yifru, the airport will be…
Airlink has withdrawn sales for its direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights after the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) informed the airline that it had not been granted authorisation to operate the route. The CAAB has also instructed Airlink to remove all advertisements of the new service, which was due to start on April 1 next year,…
Airlink is expanding its network to include direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights from April 1, 2025. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) on the following schedule: Flight 4Z 364 departs CPT at 10h50 and arrives in GBE at 13h00. Flight 4Z…
Luxury lodge and villa collective Collection in the Wild has opened its innovative new exclusive-use villa, Wild Hill, on the edge of the Enonkishu Conservancy in the northern Maasai Mara ecosystem. Situated on Kileleoni Hill – the highest point in the Maasai Mara – Wild Hill features unique architectural design elements such as livinggrass roofs…
This year’s Durban Street Food Festival will take place at The Pavilion Shopping Centre from September 6-8. The festival will offer a diverse lineup of food, crafts, music, and entertainment. There will be over 60 food and craft vendors as well as a music stage with over 20 artists performing live. Performances include EASY FREAK, Veranda Panda, Matt…
SAA is adding a flight between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Mauritius, effective December 1. There will be two daily morning departures from Johannesburg to Mauritius: Flight SA190 will depart Johannesburg at 09h40 and arrive in Mauritius at 15h40 local time. Flight SA192 will depart Johannesburg at 10h45 and arrive in Mauritius at 16h45…
In a significant boost to Tanzania’s tourism industry profile, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has been nominated to represent the global affiliate members board at the 67th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, in Livingstone, Zambia. In an official email, UN Tourism officials, including Ion Vilcu and Mar de Miguel,…
The African Tourism Union has announced a new festival in Sierra Leone, which aims to become an annual event. This festival will feature cultural showcases, food festivals, fashion shows, and investment forums, enhancing Sierra Leone’s appeal as a vibrant tourism destination. AfriCaribbean Festival is more than a festival; it’s a bridge connecting continents, cultures, and…
FlySafair is to increase capacity ahead of the busy summer season with the addition of two aircraft to its fleet. The two Boeing 737-800 NG are expected to add 12-14 flights per day to the airline’s schedule. “There’s no better time to prepare for the silly season than now,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer. “And…
Governors’ Camp Collection has enhanced access to its range of luxury camps in East Africa with the launch of cross-border private charter flights between Kenya and Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. Through the collection’s aviation arm Governors’ Aviation, the private charter service now offers connections from Kenya’s Wilson Airport and Maasai Mara Kisumu Airstrip to the…
Lanseria International Airport in the northwest of Johannesburg shared with Tourism Update its newest developments to make the airport a more accessible and attractive destination for tourists and airlines. The new developments include the establishment of new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, the construction of new Fixed Based Operators (FBO) facilities and a fuel farm/depot, as…
Uganda Airlines has announced new routes to Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Zambia, building on gains the national carrier has made in re-establishing its post-COVID capacity. On Tuesday, July 17, the airline announced on social media that it was starting flights from Entebbe to Abuja from September 12, and Lusaka and Harare from September 25. The Abuja…
A new safari camp by the Madagascar Classic Collection, Namoroka Tsingy Camp, situated in the 220-square kilometre Tsingy de Namoroka National Park north-west of Madagascar, is set to open next month. This intimate camp features five private tents, all with their own outdoor living area. Each en suite tent is furnished with a luxury four-poster…
Bushwise Field Guides and the Sabi Sabi Collection are proud to announce a new initiative to train the next generation of field guides through the Sabi Sabi Ranger Academy in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. This initiative will sponsor students from local rural communities to complete field guide training, equipping them with valuable skills and providing them…
Zambia remains open and welcoming to international visitors, with no immediate changes to how they can pay for tourism services This was the key message in a trade notice issued by Africa’s Eden and the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance to clear up some confusion relating to the recent coverage regarding the proposed de-dollarisation policy…
Marriott is delighted to announce the reopening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. The team is ready to once again welcome guests, reaffirming their commitment to providing transformative, wellness-forward experiences amidst Africa’s renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation area. More information here: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nbomj-jw-marriott-masai-mara-lodge/overview/
Namibia’s only airline, FlyNamibia, told Tourism Update that its expansion plans were well under way, having specifically targeted Victoria Falls and Maun as new routes with significant growth potential. The airline launched its new thrice-weekly service from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) to Maun International Airport (MUB) on July 3. The return flight to WDH operates…
Marriott International Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Capuano, recently engaged in discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the company’s ongoing commitment to improving Ethiopia’s hospitality and travel sector. Capuano discussed Marriott’s expansion plans in Ethiopia, with the expected addition of nine properties. This would bring the company’s current portfolio in the country to 11…
To celebrate its 40th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott has announced the opening of two new properties, including its first in Angola. The Protea by Marriott Luanda is situated between the Luanda CBD and Talatona, with easy access to a range of businesses and private event destinations. The 84 guest rooms and suites are decorated in…
The Sun City Hotel will undergo a complete upgrade of all 340 rooms, bedroom corridors, bedroom terraces and the Sun Terrace beginning in August. The refurbishment, which will be carried out in phases, is set to be completed in November 2026. The first 67 renovated rooms will be ready by the end of November, just…
Qatar Airways is expanding its operations in Africa with an increase in flight frequency to Entebbe, Uganda by an additional three flights a week to meet summer demand. From August 1 to September 30, the carrier moves from a daily service to operate 11 weekly flights between Doha and Entebbe. The increased flight frequency comes…
Tanzanian hospitality operator TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps has announced the launch of a new family-friendly mobile tented camp in the Serengeti, due to open in July 2025. Designed as a complement to its existing flagship TAASA Lodge in the Great Migration circuit of Northern Tanzania, TAASA Migration Camp will relocate throughout the year to…
Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Ministry has called on visitors to continue with their travel plans to the country during the July to September high season, asserting that the tourism sector has been unaffected by recent public protests. The ministry’s Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led a high-profile meeting with key industry stakeholders at the start of the month…
Kristy Angellotti has been appointed as Singita’s Country Manager for North America, effective from July 1. Kristy will lead the US-based sales team, collaborating closely with Jessie Tate and Rachel McGuire. She brings 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, specializing in sales, marketing, and event and project management for travel trade…
Several SA airlines received praise at the recent 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards event. Two South African airlines topped the charts in categories specifically for the African continent. SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS The Skytrax World Airline Awards began in 1999. It is based on customer satisfaction surveys in terms of which airlines they consider to…
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)has introduced a new online booking system for tour operators marking a drastic improvement in the delivery and management of their reservations and booking systems for gorilla bookings and other pristine attractions and wildlife in the protected areas. This reflects the UWA’s commitment as a leader in championing sustainability through the…
Premium lodge collective Singita has added an exclusive-use five-bedroomed villa, Singita Milele, to its offerings in the Serengeti. Situated on the top of Sasakwa Hill, in the national park’s Grumeti Reserve, the residence features individually designed suites, named Journey, Pride, Coalition, Dazzle and Crash, paying tribute to the Serengeti’s iconic wildlife, namely giraffe, lion, cheetah, zebra…
Peace has returned to Kenya. This after Kenyan President, William Ruto, pulled the controversial Finance Bill 2024/2025 this evening (June 26) following widespread protests. The Bill, published earlier this month, sought to raise US$ 2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. This Bill impacted a number of business sectors in…
Desert and Delta Safaris has launched the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp in Botswana, an exclusive overnight expedition from Nxamaseri Island Lodge, offering access to one of the world’s most undiscovered Unesco World Heritage Sites, Tsodilo Hills. The camp features eco-friendly pods inspired by traditional nomadic Bushman dwellings, providing an immersive experience in the region’s cultural…
Industry players have hailed Ethiopian Airlines’ new flight linking East Africa (Addis Ababa) to Maun, Botswana – location of prime tourism hotspot, the Okavango Delta – as a ‘game changer’ for tourism in the country. The airline has commenced three times weekly services to Maun, its second destination in Botswana. Gaborone was the first. Miriam Tichapondwa, Wilderness Botswana…
Uganda’s government has signed an MoU with the United Arab Emirates for the construction of an international airport to boost tourism to the underappreciated Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast of the country. Signed on Thursday, June 20, the agreement comes after talks between the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Ugandan…
Air France will inaugurate a thrice-weekly route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, as an extension of the Zanzibar flight, from November 18. The additional destination is among the first new additions to the airline’s 2024-2025 winter schedule, and forms part of its long-haul network diversification strategy. The route will operate on…
The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has appointed James Haigh as its new Chair, effective October 1. A leading figure in the African tourism industry, Haigh brings over 15 years of extensive experience across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and beyond, from Morocco to the Seychelles and São Tomé and Príncipe. Half day Gauteng easy e-Bike…
Africa Showcase extends an invitation to join them in LOS ANGELES (14 Nov), CHICAGO (18 Nov) or TORONTO (20 Nov) for a program that emphasizes business growth, market insights, and the solidification of partnerships. This event caters to both seasoned Africa travel specialists and top-producing agents poised to introduce or expand your Africa portfolio. We…