Twenty years ago, Volcanoes Safaris was the first company to set up simple camps around the gorilla parks. Today, we are the leading luxury lodge company in Rwanda and Uganda and run four luxury lodges: (Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Virunga Lodge) and specialize in great ape safaris to the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda.…
The Overseas Development Institute (ODI), a British think tank, estimates that every year 40,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro, bringing with them tons of waste and other environmental threats, including water contamination and soil erosion…. The environmental challenges are significant but the initiatives implemented by the Tanzania National Parks Authority seem to be paying off. Read…
Marnie Delaney-Parker has joined the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, as Director of Sales and Marketing. Previously with the Cape Grace and Sun International, Marnie has more than 20 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Read More
Wilderness Safaris is delighted to commence the rebuild of its flagship camps, situated in the world-renowned Mombo Concession in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The proposed opening date for both Mombo and Little Mombo Camps is end February 2018. “We are thrilled to have begun the exciting process of rebuilding both Mombo and Little Mombo camps…
Despite security challenges in the country, with frequent terror attacks on restaurants and hotels, Somalia is in the process of creating a master plan to revive the country’s tourism industry, according to the Minister of Information, Culture & Tourism Abdirahman Omar Osman. During a recent visit to Madrid, Spain, he met with the Secretary General of…
Aircraft, just like cars, accumulate massive amounts of dirt and grime all the time, making every flight less fuel efficient. But a bucket of soapy water won’t cut it when it comes to cleaning these massive planes. Traditionally, an average of 11,300 litres of water is used to clean an Airbus A380 – a process that…
Everyone expects going on safari to be an exhilarating trip to a really spectacular place – with scrumptious food, a magnificent view and endless wildlife action. There are many contenders, but, just when you think you know a place, it goes and changes. Click Here for the Good Safari Guide low-down on the best…
Tourism players in Tanzania have launched a lifetime bid that will see them plough back cash towards the country’s fresh conservation drive. For the first time in history, the tour and hotel operators have officially committed themselves to becoming responsible tourism players, by supporting conservation initiatives in the country’s national parks. Last week, they followed…
In a letter to the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has made it clear that Uganda’s gorilla-tracking permit fees will not be raised as previously rumoured.. Sources close to UWA have also confirmed a significant increase in advance sales for gorilla permits, which are now already open for up to…
It’s time for APTA Executive Board Nominations for the term 2017-2020 Currently, the Executive Board has two openings and three board members who are up for re-election. If you would like to join our dynamic board of travel professionals promoting tourism to Africa, please submit your name along with a short bio (100 words) by June 15,…
Have you been dreaming of going to Kenya and discovering its unforgettable landscapes, filled with superb wildlife? Watchzing the warm Indian Ocean, hug its coastline and gazing up at Mount Kenya, towering above a tapestry of farms?It’s no wonder Kenya is a top destination! Enter today to win a 7-day safari adventure from Lonely Planet…
The sharing economy à la Uber and Airbnb threatens African businesses and society when imposed from outside:The emergence of the sharing economy has disrupted many industries, with vanguard companies like Uber and Airbnb leading the way. Made in Africa solutions are fighting back. Read More
The Hon Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities and previously Uganda’s Tourism Minister, inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Uganda Tourism Board, the official Government destination marketing agency for Uganda. Hon Daudi Migereko, former Minister of Lands, will chair the board and members of the Board of Trustees will serve a…
Volcanoes Safaris have been at the forefront of reviving gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region since the gorilla parks. Today, Volcanoes Safaris is the leading luxury lodge company in Uganda and Rwanda. To celebrate the opening of the Dian Fossey Map Room at Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris is offering a special six-day safari to…
There is no better place than out in the remote darkness of the African bush to appreciate the mysteries of the sky and hear the stories of their relationship to times gone by.CANSAF night sky presenters relate traditional African folklore to the passage of the stars and planets in a fascinating presentation.The evening starts with an…
State-owned airline Air Namibia has be given approval to fly in and out of the United States, allowing it to join the ranks of an exclusive set of African carriers with permission to do so. Previously, only South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Moroccan Royal Air Maroc and Cape Verde’s TACV airline have enjoyed the…
KwaZulu Cruise Terminal — a joint venture between MSA Cruises SA and Africa Armada Consortium — has been announced as the preferred bidder for the Durban Cruise Terminal, worth R200-million. The announcement was made by Transnet National Ports Authority Chief Executive‚ Richard Vallihu‚ during a media conference in Durban on Tuesday‚ which was also attended…
The all-new One&Only Nature Resorts portfolio will feature Wolgan Valley, as well as two new Rwandan properties: One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. Each new luxury lodge will feature the same exclusive location and access as other One&Only properties—and both will strive to follow Wolgan Valley in achieving carbon-neutral certifications by CarbonZero. Read More
The Tracker Academy, supported by the Tswalu Foundation, has started a tracker training course at the Tswalu Kalahari Training Centre. The fundamental ambition is to restore indigenous knowledge in Africa. The aim of the training is to empower tracker graduates to become ambassadors for the African wildlife industry by bringing authenticity and accuracy to environmental…
Le Marché Central, located in the old city of Casablanca, will be renovated and converted into a gourmet dining and a tourist area. Directorate of Local Collectivities (DGCL) and the Regional Council of Casablanca-Settat region allocate MAD 15 million to this project, which has been piloted by Casablanca Patrimoine, an organization for local social development. …
Proflight will be offering direct connections between the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi in both directions on a daily basis. In 2018 they will also be operating daily direct flights between Livingstone and the Lower Zambezi, avoiding the traditional connections through Lusaka. These direct links will be helping to reduce travel times and improve…
Singita Serengeti House embodies sophisticated safari living in one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas. The driving force behind Singita’s conservation work in the Serengeti is a 100-year purpose of preserving and protecting large areas of African wilderness for future generations and the success of these efforts means unrivaled wildlife sightings and high concentrations of game throughout the year. Reopening…
The Tanzania government has announced intentions of raising the fees that lodges and permanent camps located within Tanzania’s National Parks pay each night to the government. Click Here At the moment, there are a number of challenges to this move by hoteliers and tour operators to have this increase postponed until January 2018. However, indications are…
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Pennyroyal Gibraltar Limited, to debut The Ritz-Carlton brand in the exotic Zanzibar Archipelago, with the 90 room all-suite and villa resort to open in 2021. The Ritz-Carlton Zanzibar, located within a 45-minute drive from Zanzibar International Airport, will provide easy access to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town…
Two major ostrich farms in the Oudtshoorn area have stopped offering ostrich rides to tourists, responding to concerns from European clients and others about the birds’ welfare. A third farm is sticking with the feature, saying its regulations include tourist weight restrictions and that an ostrich does not experience discomfort while trotting with someone on…
Seychelles is set to have a third UNESCO World Heritage Site after it completes the final dossier for Venn’s Town, site of an old mission community’s ruins, a top research official said. The Principal Research Officer of the Seychelles National Heritage, Julianne Barra, said that work on the dossier to have Venn’s Town declared a United…
The main structure at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge will be re-thatched between June 1st and 15th, 2017. We would like to reassure you that during this project your valued guests will experience the same high standards you have come to expect! Regrettably, the MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, Buffalo Bar and swimming pool will be closed during this…
Safarilink has announced a further expansion to its route network: four times a week service to Zanzibar from 01 July 2017. The flights will be operated by recently acquired 52 seat Dash 8-315 aircraft on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Read More
The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are aimed at recognizing best practice in sustainable tourism within the industry globally, based upon the principles of environmentally friendly operations; support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage; and direct benefits to the social and economic well-being of local people in travel destinations around the world. These…
The Innovation Awards were designed to uncover the most inspiring, bold and unexpected achievements in African travel, from conservation and community projects through to high concept design and the individuals having a big impact on the scene. This year, two new categories, RISE AFRICA and SUPPORT AFRICA, recognized the efforts of up-and-coming African travel stars and…
The beautiful, abundant rains have come to an end, the park is looking lush and we welcome our staff back to camp. Anabezi is now open for guests and Amanzi opens on May 1st. The season has got off to a very wet start with the Chiwengwa and the Mushika still flowing from what has been…
Fair share All participants involved in a tourism activity should get their fair share of the income, in direct proportion to their contribution to the activity. Fair sayAll participants involved in a tourism activity should have the right and opportunity to participate in decisions that concern them. RespectBoth host and visitor should have respect for…
In a bid to attract more visitors to Johannesburg, increase tourism and create more job opportunities, Joburg Tourism, Bryanston Organic & Natural Market and the Liliesleaf Farm heritage site have jointly introduced a free shuttle bus service between selected Sandton hotels and the two prime tourist attractions in northern Johannesburg. The service allows tourists to…
Africa’s tallest indigenous tree has been discovered in a remote valley, at the foot of the highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Last year, researchers exploring a remote valley on the mountain (two hours’ walk from Mrusunga Forest in Kidia ward, Moshi rural district), discovered the towering tree, which reaches 81.5 metres into the sky and sets a…
Botswana’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism has announced a mandatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL) to raise funds for conservation and national tourism development, support the growth of the industry, broaden the tourism base, and improve the lives of the people of Botswana. As from the 1st of June 2017, with the exception of…
Wild Shots was founded in 2012 and is South Africa’s premier annual wildlife photography conference. Wildlife photography is hugely popular in South Africa, and Wild Shots provides the first centralized event of its kind, bringing together amateurs and professionals alike, to learn from, and be inspired by, the best in the business. Wild Shots is…
Wilderness Safaris is thrilled to announce the launch of Private Journeys – a fully integrated division within the company that has evolved from the previously independent-brand, Wilderness Touring Cape Town. The new Private Journeys division offers exceptional tailor-made, privately-guided tours of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, the Winelands and other Western Cape attractions. Private Journeys…
A new pass, offering visitors quick and easy access into the popular Garden Route, is underway, thanks to a strategic partnership between Cape Town Pass and Wesgro. Wesgro launched the new Garden Route Pass, offering discounted rates, with various discounts via its App, its online store or at selected partners in the Western Cape region. Users can buy one…
=We are proud to announce that Jill Wagner has joined our Great Plains Conservation team based in Cape Town,” says Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains Conservation. “I’ve known Jill for a good few years and watched and listened to her comments from across the room at various round-table meetings. I immediately recognised that spirit…
Le Quartier Français, part of Leeu Collection’s hospitality offering in Franschhoek, will be closed from 22 May 2017 to 10 July 2017, while upgrades to all rooms and suites are taking place. 15 Rooms, including the LQF Villa, will undergo a soft refurbishment and will be returned to inventory on 10 July 2017. A full…
The year 2016 was a busy and interesting one for the African hotel market. Hotel investment in Africa made progressive strides, with new hotels launched in new countries and cities across the continent. Economics, political events, currency volatility and fluctuating tourism demand brought both challenges and opportunities to hotel markets across the region. Here, African-based…
HVS is pleased to announce that the second Tourism, Hotel Investment & Networking Conference (THINC) Africa 2017 will be held on 30th and 31st August, 2017, at the FNB Portside Building, Cape Town. Southern Africa is rapidly gaining significance in the global tourism industry, establishing itself as a must-see destination, as well as a valuable investment playground. THINC Africa provides a unique platform to…
Reminder: The Table Mountain Cableway will shut down operations for renovation and maintenance of the cars from Monday 24 July to Sunday 6 August 2017. Tickets booked for the week of 18 July 2017 will have their usual seven-day validity period shortened to the following: • 18 July – 6 days • 19 July – 5 days…
It is that time of the year again when travel professionals from across the world visit Africa for its annual Africa Travel Week. This year, the event will be held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, from 19 to 23 April. Organizers expect an increase in the number of travel professionals compared to last…
The World Economic Forum has, for the past 11 years, engaged leaders in travel and tourism to carry out an in-depth analysis of the Travel and Tourism competitiveness of 136 economies across the world. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index measures “the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel…
Condé Nast Traveler has announced the winners of its 2017 HOT LIST with 75 properties around the world recognized as the best hotel openings of the past year. The HOT LIST selection process started with 675 contenders, and our congratulations go to the following properties in Africa for being featured: L’Hotel, Marrakech, Banyan Tree Tamouda…
With this update, Google Earth becomes less of a blank canvas and more of a real, actionable travel tool. The addition of ‘knowledge cards’ and Wikipedia-powered morsels of information about different places, means you have a better idea of what you’re actually looking at. For instance, if you’re doing a quick “flyover” of the neighborhood…
Book aSkySafari journey for 2017 before 20th June and enjoy a 15% discount. SkySafari Kenya Connoisseur: An 8-day safari with more than a hint of adventure – from the rugged and beautiful wilds of Meru, to the rolling plains of Loisaba and its offering of exciting safari activities, to the spectacle of nature’s greatest theatre…
“The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority would like to inform its esteemed tourism partners, stakeholders and the nation at large, that Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2017 preparations have been resumed, despite the previous announcement of the event’s possible cancellation, owing to lack of funding”, Chief Executive Officer Karikoga Kaseke said.The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has received a…
Thanda Island, the truly exclusive Indian Ocean hideaway, located off the Southern coast of Tanzania, was thrilled to welcome the most important of repeat visitors.On 2nd April, between the hours of 8-12pm, a female Green Turtle! came ashore to lay her eggs on the beach, between the boathouse and the helipad. Owing to the endemic…