The coastal community of Bureh Town has unanimously agreed to a private sector management model for new tourism facilities at Bureh Beach. This decision, reached during a meeting organised by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is part of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). The SLEDP aims to enhance tourism in…
He takes the reins from Nicky Fitzgerald who will remain close to the business as a shareholder and board member. Wendover and his family are deeply embedded in Africa: his son grew up in Madagascar, daughter in Uganda and he and his wife have childhood roots in Africa. He believes the world’s wild spaces and neighbouring communities…
The strike at all major airports in Kenya has been called off. The strike severely disrupted international and domestic flights on Tuesday night, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10, The industrial action left passengers stranded and disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport. It…
We’re just days away from the APTA Global Forum in Costa Mesa, CA, and we’ve saved the best for last—six unforgettable African safari trips and additional fabulous prizes worth nearly $60,000 are up for grabs! With a more intimate event, your chances of winning one of these incredible prizes are exceptionally high! Each trip promises…
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara has launched two new dining experiences offering travellers the chance to enjoy Zambia’s natural beauty while sampling local flavours. The Gorge Picnic and Zambezi Dining Experience combine scenic locations with locally sourced cuisine. The Gorge Picnic is hosted at Bobo Camp – an area with limited access in the…
Revival of Akagera National Park in Rwanda as a tourist destination is a remarkable success story: the park experienced its best ever tourism year in 2023 when the protected area welcomed 54 000 visitors. Situated in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is one of 22 protected areas managed by conservation NGO African Parks in 12 countries. The NGO…
The village of Cape St Francis in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is establishing a new calamari route to celebrate the formative role of seafood in the town’s economy. The calamari route will be officially launched on Saturday, September 21. It will include 14 local restaurants offering visitors and food enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy…
Kenya Aviation Workers Union members strike in response to the “unlawful intended sale of JKIA” to Adani Airport Holdings of India. Hundreds of airline passengers found themselves stranded today at Kenya’s largest international airport due to a strike by aviation workers protesting a contentious agreement to lease the airport to India’s Adani Group. The Kenyan…
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced in the European Union (EU) in 2023, will have implications for small African travel companies with connections to the European market as the legislation forces greater transparency in reporting on sustainability practices of large companies and their value chains. The CSRD requires large and listed companies to report…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is thrilled to announce the finalized list of participating suppliers for the highly anticipated APTA Global Forum, taking place from September 19-22, 2024, in beautiful Orange County, California. This year, we are proud to showcase an exceptional selection of suppliers representing a broad spectrum of…
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) is implementing measures to address overcrowding at wildebeest migration viewing sites in Serengeti National Park. Massana Mwishawa, Deputy Conservation Commissioner, has announced plans to tackle issues such as reckless driving, overcrowding and entry delays, particularly at the busy Kogatende site. During peak seasons, the park can host up to 600 vehicles and…
Tintswalo Atlantic has converted its two-bedroom suite into two separate luxury mountain suites with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Situated along Cape Town’s Chapman’s Peak Drive within Table Mountain National Park, the two inter-leading suites are elevated above the water’s edge and can be booked together or separately. The Corsica suite, named after the French…
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) attracted many visitors on Monday morning, September 2, when the iconic site reopened after a seven-week maintenance period. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said, the cableway, visited by over a million tourists every year, sold 7 000 tickets on Monday. “Last year, we broke all tourism records with tourists coming…
South African low-cost airline, FlySafair, has announced another regional route to its line-up – Cape Town to Windhoek. It’s the airline’s first regional route out of the Mother City, and the twice-weekly flights commence on October 22. They will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of the airline said in a…
Green Safaris is a responsible tourism operator that runs a collection of lodges in Zambia and Malawi, including Likoma Island’s Kaya Mawa Lodge. Sustainability and support for conservation & communities are engrained in all that they do, so we’re excited to share their latest initiative – a cookbook! Recipes come from the chefs across the lodges,…
Idris Elba is on the move to take his greatest ambitions to Africa. The British actor plans to invest in the massive continent by developing an “eco-city” and “Zollywood” film studio. Afrotech reports the 51-year-old actor, whose father hails from Sierra Leone, wants to “house [his] ambitions” in his ancestral homeland. According to Elba, his aspirations can…
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…