The 2026 APTA Global Forum is nearly sold out, with only a 3 buyer spaces remaining for this year’s gathering in Livingstone, Zambia. Supplier slots are all already sold out! Taking place September 25–27 at Avani Victoria Falls Resort, the Forum will bring together leading travel advisors, tour operators, safari companies, lodges, tourism organizations, and…
Cheetah are roaming a secure area of North Luangwa National Park for the first time in three decades after six individuals were successfully translocated from South Africa. A joint operation between the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Zambian Department of Wildlife and National Parks has seen the cats moved to a 2 000-hectare predator-proof part of North Luangwa where…
Malawi Airlines is expanding connectivity between Malawi and South Africa with additional nonstop flights between Lilongwe and Johannesburg beginning August 24, 2026. The new services will operate daily except Mondays, adding a late-afternoon option alongside the airline’s existing morning service via Blantyre. The expanded schedule is designed to give travelers greater flexibility, including the possibility…
Uganda Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights from Entebbe to Accra, Ghana, from October 27, and Kigali, Rwanda, from November 18. Flights to both destinations will operate three times per week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The flights will aim to increase intercontinental connectivity and strengthen Uganda Airlines’ presence in West Africa following the airline’s…
Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape will reopen its Explorer Camp in September following refurbishment. The camp now features three new tents with a screened bathroom, separate lounge, expanded deck and private plunge pool. New dining and lounge tents have also been added. Viewing decks have been repositioned to bring guests closer to…
Tintswalo Collection has announced the launch of its Thermal Night Safari and Stargazing Experience offering guests a new way to experience wildlife after dark using thermal imaging technology. The experience is available in the Greater Kruger at Tintswalo Safari and Tintswalo Manor House in the Manyeleti Game Reserve as well as Tintswalo Scops Rest in…
Great Plains has opened Zamara Private, a new six-suite private safari villa, on the northern edge of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Located on private land near Mara Plains Camp, Mara Toto Tree Camp and Mara Expedition Camp, the property is designed for exclusive use by families and small groups of up to 12 guests.…
Beach & Safari Holidays has expanded its safari portfolio with two new lodges in Tanzania: Africa Safari Serengeti Ndutu and Africa Safari Serengeti Kogatende. Africa Safari Serengeti Ndutu overlooks Lake Ndutu, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, on the edge of the Southern Serengeti. Just 31km from the border between Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation…
Tanzanian Wildlife Management Authority has completed construction of Engaresero Airstrip in Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region. It was built to enhance local tourism through improved access to Lake Natron. After completion in June, the airstrip – with a 1.2km, 23m-wide runway – was certified by the Tanzania Airports Authority when it met the required aviation safety…
The Dubai-based carrier and South African Airways (SAA) have expanded their nearly 30-year partnership into a reciprocal codeshare agreement, opening access to nine additional destinations across South Africa and neighbouring countries while strengthening Johannesburg’s position as one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs. The agreement marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two airlines.…
The new Namoni Lodge has opened on the edge of Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park as part of a broader conservation and community tourism initiative in the Karamoja region. Located metres from the park boundary within a community conservancy, the lodge features 10 mid-luxury cabins overlooking the surrounding landscape as well as a restaurant and…
Following a scheduled two-week closure for maintenance, Table Mountain’s cableway reopened on Monday, August 10. The Upper Cable Station and all visitor facilities at the top, including restaurants and shops, have also reopened.
The Namibian government’s plans to establish a new national carrier have progressed with Namibia Air’s licence applications. According to a July 8 Government Gazette, Namibia Air has submitted applications to the Transport Commission of Namibia for scheduled air services and non-scheduled air services licences. If approved, Namibia Air intends to operate domestic, regional and intercontinental services…
Sierra Leone has long had the ingredients of a compelling tourism destination — spectacular beaches, rainforest, wildlife, history and a strong cultural identity — but it has remained largely outside the mainstream African tourism circuit. That may be starting to change. A new feature from Pan African Visions highlights the country’s growing tourism ambitions and…
As interest in birdwatching continues to soar, a new generation of travellers is discovering that some of the world’s most memorable wildlife encounters happen through binoculars, not always a camera lens. Recent industry reports from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds points to growing demand from international markets, particularly the United Kingdom, for…
The Government of Kenya has issued a clarification regarding its proposed mandatory inbound travel health insurance requirement for international visitors, following widespread discussion and some confusion over how the new framework would operate. Under the proposed rules, non-Kenyan visitors staying in the country for less than 12 months would be required to hold travel health…
Ticket sales for the 2026 APTA Global Forum in Livingstone, Zambia are nearly sold out—and now there’s even more reason to secure one of the final spots. APTA Global Forum pre- and post-Forum FAM opportunities are now available, giving attendees the chance to extend their stay and experience some of Southern Africa’s most compelling tourism…
The Wolwedans Collection has unveiled a refreshed look and feel across Desert Lodge, Dune Camp and Mountain View Suite in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, guided by a simple compass: Of the Earth. Working closely with the on-site team and local artisans, Wolwedans has brought every detail back into harmony with the surrounding desert. Natural earth…
Veteran tourism marketer David Germain is back at the Seychelles Tourism Board, bringing more than 40 years of global industry experience to lead the destination’s marketing efforts across the Americas and Canada. His return signals a renewed push to strengthen Seychelles’ presence in one of its most important long-haul tourism markets. The Seychelles Tourism Board…
CemAir has expanded its Bloemfontein schedule with additional weekly services to both Durban and George. With immediate effect, an additional return flight between Bloemfontein and Durban will operate every Tuesday, and between Bloemfontein and George every Thursday. CemAir has also launched additional flights between East London and Johannesburg and Cape Town. An additional return flight…
Mozambique’s elephant population has shown dramatic growth since 2018, increasing from 9 122 to 22 178 animals, according to the country’s 2025 wildlife census released by the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC). The figures suggest that conservation and wildlife protection efforts have been effective. The census also recorded growing populations of elephants and other large mammals…
Nomad Tanzania has released The Map Makers of the Serengeti, a short film documentary following the guides and staff of its mobile Serengeti Safari Camp through the height of the wildebeest migration. The film is the first release from the Nomad Film Unit, Nomad Tanzania’s internal documentary team, and launches the Nomad Series, a run…
Uganda has officially declared itself Ebola-free after meeting international health criteria. But will science alone convince governments to lift travel advisories and tourists to return? As neighboring DR Congo battles new Ebola infections, the Pearl of Africa faces its next challenge—restoring global confidence in its tourism industry. Read more from eTurboNews
Four African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) have been photographed in Malawi’s Kasungu National Park for the first time in more than ten years, marking a significant moment for conservation efforts in the region. IFAW Field Operations Manager Gervaz Thamala captured the sighting during a dawn patrol, with scientists from the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) subsequently identifying the four females as the same…
JENMAN African Safaris has introduced the Vic Falls, Chobe Houseboat & Hwange Tailor-Made Tour, an eight-day safari designed for travellers looking to experience Zimbabwe and Botswana with greater flexibility. Beginning at the iconic Victoria Falls, the itinerary continues aboard the Chobe River Houseboat before concluding in Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.…
More than a year of ongoing support has helped strengthen community initiatives, create local employment and assist families in Knysna. Oupad, Knysna, South Africa, July 29, 2026 – More than a year after launching its Golfing for Change initiative, Ascot Tours is marking an important milestone in its partnership with community leaders Martin and Diana…
Marriott International has signed an all-inclusive resort agreement with Catalonia Hotels & Resorts to open an Autograph Collection Resort in Zanzibar. The new-build property is expected to open next year and is expected to feature 271 guestrooms and a wellness-focused guest experience. Planned amenities include multiple swimming pools, a spa, a theatre, an oceanfront jetty…
Fastjet Zimbabwe will introduce a Business Premium product on the Airbus A320-200 from August to September. The new Business Premium class features extra-wide seats at the front of the aircraft, curated menu options, including a full bar service at selected times of the day, access to business-class lounges, and additional baggage with a combined weight…
Jambojet is re-establishing the route between Nairobi and Entebbe after suspending it during COVID. The route is scheduled to resume services in early 2027. This is part of Jambojet’s broader regional expansion, which includes the launch of flights to Dar es Salaam. According to Jambojet, the new routes will be supported by fleet growth with…
Amani Collections has opened Amani Lamai Luxury Camp in Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti. Located less than one kilometre from Mara River Crossing No 4, the camp provides easy access to river crossings during the migration season. Amani Lamai Luxury Camp offers eight tented suites, comprising six two-sleeper tents and two larger family tents. Each features a…
Italian airline Neos has launched a direct flight from Milan, Italy, to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Tanzania before continuing onward to Zanzibar. The inaugural flight landed at KIA on July 15 with 210 travellers. The return journey will follow the same route from Zanzibar via Kilimanjaro and then onto Milan. The new service provides direct…
Cape Winelands Airport and Stellenbosch University have signed a partnership agreement to support research, innovation and skills development linked to the airport’s planned expansion. The partnership will initially create research opportunities for master’s students in Stellenbosch University’s engineering management programme. Collaboration areas include engineering, aviation, transport and logistics with students conducting applied research linked to…
South Africa has introduced a mandatory Travel Health Questionnaire (THQ) for all passengers travelling to the country from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a notice published last Friday, July 17, the Department of Health said anyone entering South Africa who has travelled from Uganda or the DRC during the preceding 21…
Boeing and Uganda Airlines announced today that the national carrier is ordering four 737-8 and four 787-9 airplanes to grow and modernize its fleet. The airline’s first-ever Boeing airplane purchase will support growing demand across its regional and international network. “This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey and in…
Morocco plans to expand its hotel capacity by 60,000 beds, equal to about a fifth of its current total, by the time the country co-hosts the 2030 World Cup, its tourism minister said. The North African country is riding a wave of publicity from its quarter-final run in the latest World Cup after becoming the…
One may not expect thousands to flock each winter to Lesotho but for many ski enthusiasts from across southern Africa, the small, landlocked mountain kingdom has become the go-to place in recent years. Lesotho’s high elevation and mountainous terrain combine to make it the coldest country on the continent, with temperatures in the highlands typically plunging to minus…
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) As per the latest data available (12 July) by The National Institute of Public Health DRC, there are a total of 1,926 cumulative confirmed cases across five provinces in the DRC. There are 702 cumulative deaths among confirmed cases and case fatality rates in the DRC. The Ebola outbreak in the…
The 2026 Great Migration season in Kenya’s Maasai Mara is unfolding with steady visitor demand, strong wildlife sightings and cautious optimism among tourism operators even as concerns grow about environmental pressures, infrastructure gaps and changing global travel trends. Unlike previous peak seasons, which saw sharp spikes in last minute bookings, this year’s migration has seen…
The JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp has opened in the 45 000 acre Solio Game Reserve, Laikipia. Solio Game Reserve is known for its role in rhino conservation and as home to one of Africa’s largest populations of black and white rhino alongside other wildlife. The camp features 19 tented suites, including a…
As Uganda responds to the Ebola outbreak, its tourism industry is drawing on strategies developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on providing timely information, countering misinformation and keeping the travel trade informed. “The primary lesson from COVID-19 is that rapid, accurate, coordinated communication from authoritative sources is the most effective tool available to the industry,”…
The Cango Caves have been reopened following a road closure due to fallen rocks on the R38 Caves Road. The site was closed from July 2. According to a media statement issued by Cango Caves Management, the national heritage site resumed full operations after the affected access road was cleared. A stop-and-go traffic system remains in…
Nyathi Rest Camp in the Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, will close for six months for a planned renovation. According to SANParks, the camp will remain closed to all bookings from September 1 to March 31, 2027. Accommodation remains available at Addo Main Rest Camp, Matyholweni Rest Camp, Spekboom Tented Rest Camp and Langebos Huts.
Following the opening of &Beyond Suyian Lodge, the group has announced plans to launch &Beyond Suyian Homestead as an exclusive-use, five-suite private lodge within the 44 000 acre Suyian Conservancy in northern Kenya. Opening in June 2027, &Beyond Suyian Homestead has been designed for small groups, couples or multi-generational families. It will accommodate up to 11 guests…
Infinite Safari Adventures has always believed in giving back. That is why they donate a portion of every safari booked to their Infinite Safari Foundation which donates 100% of the proceeds to conservation, humanitarian and educational initiatives throughout Eastern and Southern Africa. Working with the forward-thinking organization Amani Foundation, Infinite Safari has funded the construction…
We are proud to share a special milestone for Miracle Air. Our newest aircraft, 5H-ZHR, a brand-new Cessna Caravan, has officially landed at Arusha Airport, where it was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute. This arrival marks the addition of our third Cessna Caravan to the Miracle Air fleet. This latest addition strengthens our ability to offer…
Ascot Tours has announced the dates for its 2027 Kenya Educational Tour, taking place from 6–17 June 2027, and is inviting travel trade partners to register their interest. The 12-day itinerary has been designed to give travel advisors firsthand experience of Kenya’s golf, safari and coastal offerings, helping them confidently promote the destination to their…
South Africa’s MORE Collection has taken the top spot in two separate categories of the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, becoming the first hospitality collection to hold No. 1 rankings in both a safari and a city hotel category in the same year. Lion Sands Game Reserve, part of the MORE portfolio in…
Please be advised of a recent entry requirement update for travel to Malawi. According to an advisory circulated by Southern Africa destination specialists Crafted Africa, a new health self-screening declaration is now mandatory for all travelers arriving in the country. Travel advisors with clients heading to Malawi should ensure that travelers are informed of this…
Solo travel has become one of the fastest-growing segments in luxury travel, with more travellers choosing to embark on meaningful journeys independently. Recent industry insights shared by the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) reveal that solo travellers are now the fastest-growing segment within the luxury safari market. Solo safari enquiries increased from 13.07% of all safari…
Effective 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a mandatory online traveler declaration requirement for all individuals entering or leaving the country through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry and departure. Travelers are required to submit their declaration electronically before travel and declare any goods, currency or other items…