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…
Zimbabwe’s second largest national park, Gonarezhou, has temporarily closed. The closure, until the end of February, allows for essential maintenance of the park’s tourism infrastructure and enables camp attendants to spend time with their families. During this period, the park’s infrastructure team will carry out repairs and improvements to the camps, ensuring facilities are in…
Today (January 20), SAA resumed daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The daily flight departs Johannesburg at 22h00 and arrives in Dar es Salaam at 02h30 the following day. The return flight departs Dar es Salaam at 05h10 and arrives in Johannesburg at 07h55. Dar es Salaam is an important regional economic…
South African National Parks (SANParks) has reopened the majority of its roads following significant rainfall earlier this month. While most routes have reopened, some areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and road damage. The H4-2 road from Lower Sabie to Skukuza Rest Camp is now accessible via the Nwatindlopfu high-water bridge. However, the direct road to…
Ethiopian Airlines, the Largest Aviation Group in Africa and SKYTRAX Certified Four Star Global Airline, is pleased to announce the launch of their flash sale. Ethiopian Airlines are running a 10% off flash sale including flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, to Lilongwe and Blantyre in Malawi. This offer is not only valid…
The Transportation Security Administration on Monday published a final rule providing a framework for federal agency phased enforcement of Real ID requirements. Federal agencies, including TSA, will begin Real ID enforcement on the deadline of May 7, 2025. Starting on that date, only those state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements…
Green Safaris has announced an exceptional offer for those seeking a serene and sustainable adventure in Malawi & Zambia during the Secret Season. This exclusive promotion invites guests to enjoy nine unforgettable nights at Green Safaris lodges while paying for only seven, and covers Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi as well as Green Safaris lodges…
Recent heavy rains in most parts of the country resulted in the closure of some Kruger National Park (KNP) camps and gravel roads. Some main roads between Skukuza and Lower Sabie were damaged but the KNP Roads Management team moved swiftly to ensure safety for users including tourists. South African National Parks (SANParks) said, in…
Namibian operator Onguma is set to open a seasonal eco-friendly glamping offering in the 34 000 ha Onguma Private Game Reserve on the eastern border of Etosha National Park on April 1. Described as the “first of its kind in Namibia”, Onguma Trails Camp will offer four bell tents accommodating a maximum of eight guests in king-size…
A new Zimbabwean start-up airline, Transvaal Africa, has secured an Air Service permit and plans to launch passenger flights on regional routes in the last quarter of this year. CEO of the airline, Patson Moyo, said the airline would operate from Harare as well as Victoria Falls Airport. “We are targeting the regional routes for passenger…
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) is calling for a review of health screening measures implemented at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Tanzania as this creates unnecessary barriers to entry. A recent meeting at the airport, to discuss these concerns, gathered representatives of TATO, the Ministry of Health, KIA management and Port Health. TATO…
A recent decision by the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) finding FlySafair non-compliant with domestic licensing rules, could jeopardise the operations of other major airlines in South Africa and potentially bring significant disruption for air travel, says FlySafair in a media release issued yesterday afternoon, January 14. “The Council has issued a ruling that calls into…
Malawi has been spotlighted in ABTA’s “Destinations to Watch 2025” report, a prestigious list highlighting unique locations set to capture the imagination of travellers in the coming year. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi’s inclusion as the only African country on the list emphasises its appeal as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers, wildlife…
Airlink announced the cancellation of January 7 flights to Nampula in Mozambique following a claim for damages instituted by the province’s court. The instituting of the claim was accompanied by a court application to have Airlink’s aircraft seized pending the outcome. The claim was filed with the Judicial Court in the province of Nampula by…
Industry leaders have welcomed Zambia’s “progressive” visa policy relaxing requirements for another 53 countries from January 1. This brings to 167 the total number of countries that no longer require a visa to enter Zambia for tourism or trade – including major global source markets. The move reinforces the country’s position as a leader in…
After an extensive refurbishment, Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town has rebranded as the first South African hotel under the global hotel group’s luxury lifestyle portfolio, Radisson Collection. Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, features 175 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking either the ocean or the marina. In line with the…
The European Commission has added Air Tanzania to the EU Air Safety List, banning it from flying in the EU. “The latest update adds Air Tanzania to the list due to safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency,” said the Commission, which did not specify any particular violations. The airline has subsequently…
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,…