Uganda tourism authorities have indicated that the country’s tourism sector is on a path to full recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism industry performance report 2023, released by Ugandan Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butime, revealed that Uganda’s tourism sector had demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2023. The Minister said tourism…
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, inaugurates its Jinka airport project, unveiling a new terminal and support facility buildings. The new state-of-the-art airport terminal is now open for service, following a grand celebration held today in Jinka, one of the emerging cities in the South Ethiopia Regional State. The two-and-a-half-year project covered…
TAASA Lodge, located in the Northern Serengeti, now offers an interconnected tent option. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the African bush, just steps away from your loved ones. This unique accommodation features two spacious luxury tents linked by a covered walkway, offering extra space and privacy while still allowing you to connect with…
Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic, both members of the SkyTeam alliance, have unveiled a strategic codeshare partnership. Virgin Atlantic will place its code on Kenya Airways’ London flights, providing passengers with seamless access to Kenya Airways’ extensive network of destinations in Africa and beyond. Kenya Airways will place its code on Virgin Atlantic flights to…
June Chepkemei, former Acting MD of the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), has been named the new CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board. Chepkemei will hold the position for the next three years, succeeding John Chirchir who has been at the helm of the tourism board in acting capacity since November 2022. Her appointment was confirmed via a…
The Lighthouse Precinct project in the Cape Agulhas National Park – a R54.9 million (€2.6m) investment by the Department of Tourism – is about 73% complete and is on track to open in June. This was announced by Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, following her progress visit to the project yesterday (Tuesday, March 26). She…
New York Stock Exchange-listed hospitality company, Hilton, has opened its newest property, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles – marking the boutique lifestyle brand’s debut in the Indian Ocean. Situated in the south of Mahé, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles is the brand’s first resort property in the world. Located just a short drive from the Jardin du Roi (Spice…
Chem Chem is constantly working to improve its guest experience across its lodge and tented camps. With this in mind, Chem Chem has some exciting upgrades coming to its properties over the next few months, from a brand-new pool at Little Chem Chem to air conditioners in all Chem Chem Lodge’s tented suites. Download our…
Auric Air Services Ltd, a Tanzania-based regional air operator flying both scheduled and charter services across East Africa has entered into a MOU with Surf Air Mobility Inc, a leading regional air mobility platform to upgrade up to 12 of Auric Air’s Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with Surf Air’s proprietary electrified powertrain technology once certified. Surf Air now…
We couldn’t be more proud to share that both the Cape Grace Hotel, A Fairmont Managed Hotel and Vivari Hotel & Spa by Mantis have won first place at the 2024 Luxe Awards. After an extensive refashioning of the iconic Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in Cape Town, we have been named as the…
Drier than usual conditions owing to less summer rain have allowed Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia to open early rather than closer to autumn as is more usual. The park opened on March 1. Situated to the far west of the country (almost on the border with Angola), Liuwa Plain is a small conservation area…
Kenya Airways (KQ) has partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board to strategically position the country as a tourist destination in North America through a trade roadshow. The roadshow, scheduled to take place from today (March 19) until Thursday (March 21) in New York, Boston, and Toronto, aims to showcase Kenya and stimulate travel demand for…
South African domestic and regional airline, CemAir, will launch direct flights between Johannesburg and MalaMala Game Reserve, starting June 1. MalaMala is one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. It shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park and is situated between the park and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The…
uShaka Marine World has welcomed the settlement of its wage dispute with the South African Municipal Workers Union – the union representing the bargaining unit employees. The strike officially ended on Friday (March 15). Following the end of strike, the employees returned to work and the venue reopened to guests on Saturday (March 16). Village Walk Mall,…
Join Painteddog.tv’s Brent Leo-Smith for an evening of drinks and lively conversation about the African safari experience and conservation initiatives. Painteddog.tv is a technology-driven wildlife film production company, and provider of life-changing safaris. Brent Leo-Smith has over 20 years of combined safari, conservation, and film-making experience has helped guide Painteddog.tv to achieving some remarkable feats…
Painteddog.tv’s LIVE Virtual Safaris Embark on a virtual adventure like no other with Painteddog.tv’s LIVE Safaris! Immerse yourself in the majesty of the wilderness from the comfort of your home or office, as we bring you real-time experiences straight from the heart of nature. Our LIVE Safaris are more than just a glimpse into the…
In the first weekend of March, 2024 the Minister of Tourism – Honorable Rodney Sikumba, officiated at the re-opening of Ila Safari Lodge, which now features a new boma area and villa, Ila Safari House. The Minister congratulated the proprietor of Ila Safari Lodge for the job well done, and noted that the developments at…
ARP is thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new website, designed to serve as the cornerstone for all the agents who collaborate with ARP Africa. This digital platform is dedicated to showcasing their extensive safari services across the breath-taking landscapes of East Africa. Created with their agents in mind, the website features a wealth of resources, including detailed itineraries,…
Exhibitor registrations are now open for Essence of Africa, Africa’s International Buyer Forum, an innovative meetings-driven tourism event designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between buyers and sellers within Africa’s tourism industry. The event is scheduled to take place from October 2-4, at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Launched by On Show Solutions and Experience Africa…
A new luxury sole-use tented camp, Daunara Safari Camp, is scheduled to open in the Okavango Delta in April. The five spacious tented suites offer panoramic views of the Delta. Connected by raised wooden walkways, three standalone suites provide privacy, while two interconnected suites with a shared sitting room cater for families. Owners Lisa and Dave Lubbock, inspired by…
Airlink will resume its Richards Bay flights on Tuesday, March 12. The resumption of flights follows the reinstatement of the approval by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) of Richards Bay Airport’s fire and rescue services to Category 5 level, allowing the facility to accommodate scheduled airline operations. Half day Gauteng easy e-Bike with wild…
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed the presence of a female elephant in the Knysna forest and fynbos area under its management. As a result, the entity has conducted two types of assessments (sociological and ecological) to make evidence-based decisions for managing the elephant/s in the future. A targeted survey was conducted as part…
Minor Hotels is set to launch a luxury holiday development in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar alongside resort chain Anantara. The Bangkok-headquartered hotel owner and operator announced its intention to build the 181-key Anantara Zanzibar Resort on 5 March, with a scheduled launch date in 2027. Africa has established itself as the second-fastest-growing tourism market in recent…
Introducing Painteddog.tv – Safari Innovators Redefining expectations & setting new standards in immersive, transformative wildlife encounters. Who are we & what do we do? Operating from top-tier safari locations and complementing conservation endeavours, Painteddog.tv comprises a powerhouse team led by dynamic safari guides and presenters operating in real-time, showcasing the wonders of wildlife through the…
Zambia is a popular safari destination, with 30% of the country allocated as national parkland. The country also has the Zambezi River which flows into Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most jaw-dropping waterfalls. These natural sites are primed for a vacation in May, which marks the end of Emerald Season—the time of year when…
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a thrice-weekly passenger service to Freetown, Sierra Leone, via Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, starting from May 31. The new service will be operated by a Boeing 787-800. The flight schedule is as follows: Flight ET 943 from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Freetown (FNA) via Ouagadougou (OUA) will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight ET…
Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ experience at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary has now reopened to visitors. The experience offers an exclusive look at the fascinating world of its chimp residents. Established in 1993, Ol Pejeta’s Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides safety and solace to rescued and orphaned chimpanzees that cannot be reintroduced back into the wild.…
Kenya Airways will launch direct flights from Nairobi to the Mozambican capital, Maputo, from June 14. The flights will operate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight KQ740 will depart Nairobi at 09h50 and arrive in Maputo at 13h00. Return flight KQ741 departs from Maputo at 13h50 and arrives in Nairobi at 18h45.The new route is…
To our dear friends in travel, We trust this finds you all well and no doubt, as excited as we are for the year ahead, and all the travel opportunities 2024 may bring. We are excited to announce the newest additions to our portfolio, and in our quest for keeping with our ethos…
In an exciting development, Hideaways Africa proudly announces its official takeover of Bumbusis Wilderness Camp’s reservations, sales and marketing, marking a significant expansion within its esteemed Hideaways Collection. Effective February 22, 2024, all bookings and reservations for Bumbusi Wilderness Camp will seamlessly transition to the capable hands of the Hideaways Africa team. The dedicated team…
A passion for the environment and Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is woven into the very fabric of the Chem Chem’s story. The safari brand’s conservation journey, which spans 15 years, has seen the Kwakuchinja Corridor — a vital wildlife migratory route linking the Tarangire and Manyara national parks — transform from a land listed as ‘abandoned’…
Effective from July 1st, 2024, there will be an increase in permit fees for primate trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The new tariffs are as follows; Gorilla trekking permit fee for non-resident visitors: $800 (previously $700) Chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest…
In a stunning celebration of African wildlife, the 2023 JENMAN Photo of the Year Competition has declared Anya Koen from Namibia as the victor of the people’s choice photo competition! Showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of Africa’s animals, birds, and insects, this competition allowed the public to become the judges, making it a truly…
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operator in Africa, is pleased to announce a launch of a thrice weekly passenger services to Freetown, Sierra Leone via Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso starting from 31st of May 2024. This new route marks yet another milestone in the airline’s extensive network expansion endeavor, connecting more African countries and providing travelers with convenient and efficient…
Well-known historic landmark in Cape Town, The Lenox, is to be transformed into an artist residency and boutique hotel. The transformation initiative marks a pivotal movement in South Africa’s cultural landscape as it becomes France’s first artist residency established in a public-private partnership model. It will also create a unique boutique hotel, operated and managed…
Roots and Journeys is expanding its accommodation offering with the addition of four new adventure camps: Chora, Ngonti, Guda, and Manju, complementing their existing portfolio. These camps, designed to have minimal environmental impact, will welcome guests from March 1. Chora and Ngonti are situated within the Mababe River Private Reserve, while Guda and Manju are…
Zambian airline Proflight has expanded its Cape Town to Lusaka route, adding additional capacity, just seven months after the introduction of the route. The 3.5 hour flight is the only direct air connection between the two cities. First introduced as a twice-weekly flight in July 2023, Proflight launched its three-times weekly offering at an event…
Great Plains Conservation will open its new Mara Toto Tree Camp on July 1. The camp is located in a forest canopy of ebony trees in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. “This was the original site of our Explorer-Collection Mara Toto Camp, setup at ground level and, as a result, prone to higher water levels at times.…
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Morogoro Mishama Company to launch Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts to Zanzibar in 2025. Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort will feature 75 contemporary guest rooms and villas, all with views of the Indian Ocean. The resort will be in Bwejuu on the eastern coast of Zanzibar Island. Plans for…
Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region, has opened the doors of its re-imagined Karoo Lodge. Closed for seven months for extensive renovations, Samara’s flagship lodge, a restored farmhouse, re-opened just ahead of the festive season. “The redesign pays homage to this special region we call home. A great deal of…
The Malawian government has lifted the visa requirement for travelers from China, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK), among several other countries, to boost tourism, one of the country’s key foreign exchange-earners. The development follows the amendment of a section in the country’s Immigration Act to aid the entry of international visitors…
Voaara, a new luxury barefoot resort, will open on the island of Sainte-Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha) off the northeast coast of Madagascar in March. Initially, the resort – which has been extensively renovated – will open with eight luxurious bungalows and a three-bedroom villa. The property will ultimately host 45 rooms, with construction…
Lemala Camps and Lodges, a provider of safari accommodation in Tanzania and Uganda, has added Lemala Osonjoi Lodge to its portfolio. It will welcome its first guests from March 1, 2025. The lodge is situated on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater and will offer guests an immersive experience. It is designed to seamlessly integrate…
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the hotel group’s first safari hotel in Africa, has partnered with Nkombe Rhino and My Africa Adventures to support a conservation project aimed at preserving rhinos in the Greater Kruger region. Nkombe Rhino is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of the endangered species, and My Africa Adventures is one of the leading…
Ethiopian Airlines will commence a triangular route connecting Addis Ababa, Ndola, and Maun from June 10. The flight will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays using a Boeing 738-MAX. Flight ET 0833 will depart Addis Ababa at 08h30, arriving in Maun at 12h40. The return flight departs from Maun at 13h30, arriving in Ndola at…
Kumbali Country Lodge has opened Kumbali Conference Centre, about a 10-minute drive from Malawi’s capital Lilongwe. The versatile venue has been designed for conferences, planning meetings, and team-building events. Its environmentally friendly interiors are crafted from locally sourced materials. The conference centre has two halls: Mibawa, which has a capacity of 80 participants; and Kachere, which can hold 120…
Emerging Destinations, a leader in the travel industry, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to their team, Paula Newton, an esteemed veteran in the field. Paula will be joining in January, bringing with her a wealth of experience in travel industry sales, promotions, sponsorships, and media relations. A Trailblazer in the Travel Industry Paula…
FlySafair has announced a new route direct route between Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), starting April 2. It’s an exciting piece of news for the travel industry, and will make travel between the Mother City and the Kruger National Park much easier – KMIA lies just outside the park.…
African Vision launch Pedal Power cycling tour of Malawi Thursday, 25 January 2024 African Vision Malawi, a UK charity that support Malawians to become self-sufficient by providing vocational and life skills training, are running a cycling tour of Central and Southern Malawi, exploring beautiful landscapes and discovering the charity’s programmes along the…
The Uganda Wildlife authority has announced an increase in permit fees for primate trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale forest National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, effective from 1st July 2024. For non-resident visitors, the gorilla trekking permit fee will increase from $700 to $800. Chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest National Park…