Qatar Airways Resumes Kigali Flights

Qatar Airways has resumed flights from Doha to Kigali with immediate effect. The route will be operated with an Airbus A320, featuring 12 flat-bed Business and 120 Economy class seats. Flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday as follows: Doha to Kigali – flight QR1389 departing at 08h20 and arriving at 13h30 Kigali…

New Kruger-Zim Tourist Border Opens

A new seasonal, pre-scheduled tourism-only border crossing between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe has been approved by the Ministers of Home Affairs in both countries. It will operate through the Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor via the Pafuri-Sengwe access point within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). The pilot project…

Sopa Lodges Launches Astro Tourism Experience

Sopa Lodges, in collaboration with Leo Sky Africa, has launched a new astro tourism offering at Samburu Sopa Lodge in Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya. “It is a proud moment for us at Sopa Lodges to introduce our latest innovation – astro tourism,” said Kennedy Ayoti, COO of Sopa Lodges East Africa. “This innovative experience is…

New CityBlue Aparthotel Opens in Mombasa

CityBlue Hotels recently opened Kilua Residences by CityBlue in Mombasa, Kenya. This marks the property group’s second property in the coastal city after CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites opened in December 2017. Located along the shores of Shanzu, Kilua Residences is a four-star beachfront aparthotel featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Facilities include an outdoor…

Anantara Bazaruto Gets Upgrades

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort has finalised an extensive refurbishment of several key areas of the property. Notable improvements include refreshed exteriors for the Beach Villas and Beach Pool Villas and a full renovation of the two-bedroom villas, including the introduction of new contemporary furnishings. The villas, along with public areas, the gym and Anantara Spa,…

Tanzania Slammed for Slashing Tourism Budget

Tanzania’s government has been slammed for slashing the budget allocated to conservation and tourism by 47% in the 2025/26 financial year. The budget for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has been reduced from the TZS596.1 billion (€192.5 million) allocated in 2024/25 to TZS317.4 billion (€102.4 million). The Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) – the umbrella body representing…

Zambezi Queen Launches Onboard Spa

The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis has introduced a new onboard spa offering aboard the Zambezi Queen, a houseboat on the Chobe River. Treatments are performed by Namibian massage therapists who have completed training with Skin Concepts Namibia. The spa uses products from the Kalahari Lifestyle range by Franck Global, including botanical oils. The spa…

Mauritius to Introduce Tourist Tax

The Mauritian government’s 2025/26 budget revealed that the island destination would implement a tourist tax from October 1. The fee of €3 a night will apply to all tourists, aged 12 and older, staying in hotels, guesthouses, tourist residences and on vineyards (domaines). The government estimates that the tax will raise MUR2 billion (€38 million),…

South Africa’s ETA System Coming in September

South Africa’s fully digital electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for short-term tourist visas will go live by the end of September, according to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber. The ETA, which will initially apply to visa applications for stays of under 90 days, was first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address…

Tanzania Plans Mandatory Travel Insurance

Tanzania has announced plans to introduce a mandatory travel insurance fee of US$44 (€38) for all foreign visitors entering the country. Announced in the 2025/2026 fiscal budget, the new policy will provide coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, baggage issues, and other incidents. According to Business Insider Africa,the non-refundable insurance fee is expected to be administered through…

RwandAir ups Joburg Flights

From June 15, RwandAir will increase its Johannesburg-Kigali flights from seven to 11 flights per week. The airline currently operates a daily return flight on the route. From June 15, the following flights will be added to the schedule: Flight WB103, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, will depart Johannesburg at 03h10 and arrive in…

White Rhino Back in Gonarezhou After a Century

Gonarezhou National Park has welcomed the return of white rhinos for the first time in nearly 100 years, marking a significant conservation milestone for Zimbabwe. The reintroduction is the result of work by the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, a collaborative effort between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society with support…

Branson’s Mara Lodge Reopens with New Look

Virgin Limited Edition’s Mahali Mzuri has officially reopened after its first full interior redesign since launching in 2013. Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in Kenya’s Greater Maasai Mara, the 12-tented safari camp, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection, has reopened in time for peak season and the Great Migration. The refurbishment…

Cycling Route Launched in the Serengeti Region

A new mountain biking and e-biking route through the buffer zones of the greater Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania has opened. Operated by Leonotis Adventures’ Lake Natron Camp, the “Ride the Serengeti” itinerary is a five-day, four-night, point-to-point cycling programme for small groups. The guided trail connects Klein’s Camp area in the north (Klein’s, Lobo, Kogatende…

Shamwari Launches New Air Shuttle Service

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is proud to announce the launch of Shamwari Air Shuttle — a new, bespoke luxury air service providing seamless access to the award-winning reserve. Beginning mid-December 2025, this exclusive offering eliminates the need for lengthy ground transfers, redefining the journey to Shamwari with comfort, convenience, and style. Key Features of the…

Newmark Adds Two Lodges to its Portfolio

Newmark Hotels & Reserves recently announced the addition of two properties to its portfolio: Toro River Lodge in South Africa and Thitaka Lodge in Namibia. Toro River Lodge is set along the Makhutswi River bank in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, Limpopo. It is an existing property that will reopen under Newmark’s management in…

SA Aviation Policy Shift Alarms Industry

A new draft proposal by the Department of Transport (DoT) could restrict foreign airlines from operating stopover flights between domestic points, potentially affecting tourism and raising airfares, say experts. In its Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy, published on May 23, the DoT stated: “Stopover rights have the potential to negatively impact the South African domestic…

Flightlink Launches New Kenya-Tanzania Routes

Tanzanian regional carrier Flightlink has announced the introduction of two routes connecting Kenya and Tanzania. The airline will operate flights from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, to Arusha Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Wilson to Arusha Starting June 15, Flightlink will operate daily flights between Wilson Airport and…

Green light for Six-Storey Bo-Kaap Hotel

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has confirmed the Municipal Planning Tribunal’s approval of a six-storey hotel development at 150 Buitengracht Street in the Bo-Kaap following an extended consultation and redesign process. The vacant site, situated at the interface between the Bo-Kaap heritage protection overlay zone and the central city, attracted significant public attention due to its proximity…

New Wilderness Lodge for Rwanda’s Akagera

Wilderness Rwanda has announced plans to open a second luxury safari lodge, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, in Akagera National Park in September 2025. Located on a private concession in the eastern region of Akagera, the camp will overlook Lake Rwanyakazinga with views extending towards the Mutumba Hills.The site lies within Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and…

Tanzania Issues Clarification on De-dollarisation

Tanzania’s government has provided official clarification on new foreign currency regulations following a meeting with tourism stakeholders on May 22. Johnson Nyella, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, clarified that businesses are still allowed to quote and receive payment in foreign currency for cross-border services provided to foreigners. These services include international tour packages and…

An International Airport for the Maasai Mara?

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently provided further information on years-in the-works construction of an international airport for the Maasai Mara. Narok International Airport, valued at KSH1.4 billion (€9.5 million) is now set for completion by March 2026 and is being co-funded by the county and national government. Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony, Ruto said: “Narok is known for its tourism.…

Luxury Helicopter Experience Launched in Uganda

Uganda’s luxury tourism offering has expanded with the launch of ELEVATE, the country’s first helicopter-based safari experience. Developed in partnership between Nile Safari Lodge, Kampala Executive Aviation and NOVAM Ltd, the new product enables high-end travellers to explore Uganda’s landscapes from the air. The initiative offers an alternative to the traditional road or water-based safaris…

Tanzania Reduces Tourism Fees

In an effort to attract more visitors and investments in its tourism sector, the government of Tanzania has announced the reduction of fees and duties in tourism sector, designed to give boost to businesses and encourage investment from local stakeholders. The newly introduced fees cover tourist class hotels, tour guides, and mountain climbing agencies. The…

Mashatu: Land of Leopards to Premiere in June

A powerful new wildlife documentary titled Mashatu: Land of Leopards will have its African premiere at the Wildscreen Festival, from 12-13 June 2025, hosted in Maun, Botswana for the very first time! Watch the Trailer Here. (feel free to embed from YouTube) Filmed entirely at Mashatu Game Reserve over three years, the story is set in the heart of one…

A New Era for Malawi Tourism

The establishment of a dedicated tourism authority, along with advances by NGOs and the public sector in developing new eco-tourism areas, is showing encouraging signs for enhancing Malawi’s competitiveness as a leading African destination. In April, Malawi enacted its 2025 Tourism Act, which marked the first overarching revamp of the country’s tourism legislation since 1968.…

Radisson to Enter DRC with Two New Hotels

Radisson Hotel Group has announced its market entry into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with two new hotel signings: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi. The developments mark a significant milestone for the group’s Central African expansion. Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa is scheduled to open in late 2026. Located on Boulevard…

Kavango Zambezi (World’s Largest Trans Frontier Conservation Area) Launches Online Brand Hub

Why this matters: New Online Brand Hub Launched: Tourism stakeholders can now access exclusive brand assets, co-branding opportunities, and marketing materials at uncoverkaza.com/become-a-media-partner. Brand Ambassador Programme: Businesses and media partners invited to join the Kavango Zambezi movement by signing the Brand Pledge. Largest Terrestrial Conservation Area in the World: Spanning five southern African nations and…

SAA Plans to Restart Service to Washington-Dulles

South African Airways plans to restart service to Washington Dulles International Airport next year. The airline’s chief executive officer, John Lamola, posted the news April 12 on LinkedIn. The carrier previously serviced Dulles in 2020. Lamola posted that he had recently traveled to Lagos, Accra, and Dakar as part of “South African Airways’ mission to rebuild and strengthen our…

Ellerman House Opens New Fine Dining Venue

Ellerman House, a boutique Cape Town hotel, has opened Curate – an immersive, multi-course fine-dining experience. Set within the hotel’s wine gallery, which houses a 10 000-bottle collection, Curate offers a multi-course tasting menu drawing inspiration from Southern Africa’s culinary heritage and diverse cultures. The space was designed in collaboration with renowned artist and sculptor Angus Taylor.…

Tanzania Says No to Dollar Pricing

Tanzania has officially enforced its Foreign Currency Usage Regulations, 2025, banning the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions. All local payments and price quotations must now be made in Tanzanian shillings. Under the new rules, it is an offence to quote, advertise or accept payments in foreign currency for goods and services within Tanzania.…

Natural Selection Announces New Namibia Camp

Natural Selection has announced the development of Nkasa Linyanti, a six-room safari camp set to open in May 2026. The camp will be located in Nkasa Rupara National Park in Namibia’s Zambezi Region and will operate on a private concession on Nkasa Island, bordered by the Kwando, Selinda and Linyanti river systems. The site falls…

KZN Gets a New Nature Reserve

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has confirmed the declaration of the iNkonjane Nature Reserve, a 182 hectare protected area adjacent to iMpendle Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The announcement was made by KZN’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi on May 6. It represents strategic expansion of the provincial protected area network, supporting multiple threatened species. The…

Join Kenya’s Cottar’s Safaris for an Important Webinar

When: May 14th at 1pm ET Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/973336518102082904 Step inside one of East Africa’s most legendary safari experiences. For over 100 years, Cottar’s Safaris has set the standard for sustainable luxury in the wild heart of Kenya’s Olderkesi Conservancy—where the Mara, Serengeti, and Loliondo converge. Join Cottar’s for a quick yet impactful webinar to learn what sets Cottar’s apart:…

Marriott to Open Safari Camp in Serengeti

Marriott International will open the first Autograph Collection safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti. Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, expected to open in the third quarter of 2025, is set near the Fort Ikoma Gate of Serengeti National Park. Positioned between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor, the camp lies directly along the Great…

New Exclusive-use Camp Opens in Hwange

A new camp, Muddy Teak, opened on May 1 in a private concession within Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Designed for small, exclusive-use groups, the camp is located inside a woodland area with paths leading to views over the Muddy Teak waterhole. The layout includes a main area that links the dining area, lounge, pool, viewing deck, firepit…

Kenya Airways and Safarilink Sign Codeshare Deal

Kenya Airways has announced a strategic codeshare agreement with Safarilink Aviation, expanding domestic connectivity to nine key destinations. According to the airlines, the partnership will offer “seamless travel” by linking the Kenya Airways global network with Safarilink’s domestic reach. Under the new agreement, Kenya Airways passengers can book single-ticket itineraries connecting international flights with Safarilink-operated routes to…

Speakers Unveiled for APTA Global Forum in Arusha

We’re thrilled to unveil the powerful lineup of confirmed speakers for the 2025 APTA Global Forum—returning to Africa this September! This year’s event will take place in Arusha, Tanzania, the beating heart of East African tourism and conservation. From the savannas of the Serengeti to the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the dynamic corridors of cross-border travel, these speakers are at the…

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas Introduces Marine Discovery Programme

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas has introduced a Marine Discovery Programme in partnership with education specialists, WiseOceans, giving guests a hands-on role in coral reef restoration and marine education. The initiative combines guided snorkelling excursions and science-based workshops led by marine biologists, with a focus on reef rehabilitation. This forms part of the resort’s broader commitment to…

Etihad Doubles Nairobi Flights

Etihad Airways is significantly ramping up its presence in Africa, with a major boost to its Nairobi service. Beginning Dec. 15, the airline will double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, increasing from the current once-daily schedule to twice-daily operations. This development follows the successful relaunch of the route in December 2024, which…

Africa’s Hotel Development Pipeline Hits Record Highs with 577 Projects Underway

A new report from the W Hospitality Group reveals an unprecedented surge in the hotel development pipeline across Africa, providing a beacon of hope for the continent’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The 2024 Hotel Development Pipeline Report indicates a total of 577 hotels and resorts are under development, offering a staggering 104,444 rooms—an impressive 13.3% increase…