I meet Donald Macauley, the 37-year-old founder of Sierra Leone’s first surf school, along a sunny swath of silky yellow sand at Bureh Beach, a surfing destination on the Western Peninsula where he’s been catching waves for more than 20 years. Macauley learned how to surf from a British soldier; before he had access to a…
Eco-tourism and conservation brand, Singita, is to open a new luxury private exclusive-use villa, Singita Milele, in northern Tanzania. The villa, on Sasakwa Hill and overlooking the Serengeti, is expected to open in May next year. Designed for large groups of friends or families, Singita Milele will accommodate up to 10 guests in five individually…
Meetings Africa – set to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from February 27-28, 2024, with Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) preceding the show on February 26 – has opened for registration. “I am pleased to invite business events product owners from across the continent to register to exhibit at Meetings Africa 2024. This…
APTA will host its first-ever Global Forum on the African continent from September 26-30, 2023, at The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. The theme of the 2023 Global Forum is “Africa: Where It Begins,” which pays homage to the importance of Africa to the travel and tourism industry. The event will include…
At Waybird our mission is to empower independent travel specialists to build their own travel brands. Waybird is a new age, tech-driven host agency which focuses on planning travel to remote and specialist destinations such as Africa, Latin America and Asia. Our platform allows travel specialists to quickly and easily showcase trip ideas, build interactive…
The Ministry of Tourism reports that Madagascar received 25,448 international and domestic visitors in the first four months of 2023. This is compared to 11,595 in 2022 during the same period. Specifically, from January 1 to April 30, 2023, 18,657 international tourists visited Madagascar, nearly four times more than last year’s figure of 5,044. However, according to…
Cape Town, South Africa – JENMAN African Safaris, a leading name in the travel industry, proudly announces the resounding success of its 25th anniversary celebration held on July 27, 2023. The momentous occasion brought together industry partners, friends, and both past and present staff members, culminating in a heartfelt and unforgettable commemoration of a quarter-century…
South African Airways (SAA) is set to reintroduce long-haul flights for the first time in over three years, establishing a new route linking Cape Town and São Paulo. Additionally, the airline will resume services between Johannesburg and the Brazilian city. Starting on Oct. 31, flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos…
Despite some industry concerns about the project – the environmental impact and access roads, amongst others – the proposed Drakensberg Cable Car project is going ahead. Over the past weekend, KwaZulu Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma, conducted an oversight visit to monitor the progress of the Drakensberg Cable Car project.…
THE 138-room Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit – the global group’s first safari hotel in South Africa – is set to open within the next quarter. This is part of Radisson reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing hotel companies in Africa, aiming to open more than 50 new hotels on the continent over the…
In a significant achievement for conservation, Babanango Game Reserve, in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, has achieved Big Five status. The 20 000 hectare reserve is now home to lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard and elephant and many more significant species. Last month, a small breeding herd of seven elephants were brought in from Manyoni Game Reserve in Maputaland,…
Wilderness has opened two new luxury mobile tented camps in Tanzania that will follow the Serengeti National Park’s legendary Great Migration. The mobile camps have been set up in key locations on the migration route, moving with the herds throughout the year. Both camps, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests each, operate under the same…
RwandAir will launch daily flights between Kigali International Airport and London Heathrow on October 29. The carrier launched four direct flights a week to Heathrow in November last year. Before that it operated flights to the UK capital via an indirect service through Brussels. “Having first launched flights to the British capital in 2017, we…
Malawi has been nominated for the most Desirable Emerging Destination in the 2023 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards! Having been a a top Country in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2022, and regularly featuring again in a variety of ‘Top Places’ lists (top places to visit in Africa, top lakes of the world, etc, etc). Malawi is emerging as a…
The Elewana Collection is refurbishing and upgrading several of its properties, with renovations scheduled for completion by July. At Serengeti Migration Camp, a new rooftop bar and organic design materials will create a contemporary African aesthetic. At the same time, the dining room, bedrooms, and pool area will receive upgrades and refurbishments. At Serengeti Pioneer…
Namibian conservation travel company, Ultimate Safaris, has recently opened its new Camp Doros in Damaraland. The camp is perched on a high bank overlooking a (generally) dry riverbed and groves of Mopane trees in the heart of Damaraland. The camp’s six shaded guest tents (one of which is a family unit) are raised on platforms,…
The new Seychelles’ tourism environmental sustainability levy will be effective from August 1 and will be on a three-tiered basis, Vice President Ahmed Afif said this month, according to Seychelles News Agency. “The government decided after several discussions with all parties to put the levy at Rs25 (€1.7), Rs75 (€5) or Rs100 (€6.8) which at the moment is the more agreeable way to implement it.” He…
Fishermans Rest, an organisation in Malawi that do excellent work in local communities, whilst also running a lodge and a range of cultural activities for guests, have proudly been awarded The Future Generations Award by Hub Cymru Africa at the 2023 Partnership Awards. 2023 has been a monumental year for FROM Wales and FRCP in Malawi and…
“The first time I saw a sitatunga antelope, I fell in love with these shaggy creatures that live in the swamp, walking on elongated hoofs. An impossible animal, really,” exclaims CEO of Great Plains Conservation, Dereck Joubert. “Sitatunga Private Island is an extraordinary place. It is an island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and is one…
Jabulani lodge to launch fully-equipped kosher kitchen in Big 5 game reserve Following great demand for kosher cuisine from visiting safari guests, Jabulani lodge in the Kapama Private Game Reserve will be launching their own kosher kitchen, to better cater for Jewish diners. A kosher kitchen is a kitchen in which food is prepared…
ARP Africa Travel recently introduced three thrilling scheduled safaris starting from January 2024 to offer safari lovers more opportunities to explore the stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage of Tanzania and the broader East Africa region. These new programs join our existing range of scheduled products. Tanzania Classic is a perfect short safari…
Soroi Collection’s luxury tented camp, Soroi Larsens Camp, in Samburu, Kenya, is undergoing a complete transformation and is expected to reopen in July. The entire camp is being rebuilt and is currently in the final phase of reconstruction. According to Monet Tiran, Head of Sales and Marketing for the Soroi Collection, the new Soroi Larsens Camp…
Meliá Hotels International has recently unveiled its latest addition in Tanzania – the luxury Ngorongoro Lodge – marking the company’s fourth property in the country. The lodge joins Gran Melia Arusha, amidst the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro peaks, and Meliá Zanzibar and Meliá Serengeti Lodge. Ngorongoro Lodge features 52 rooms, each with views of the Ngorongoro…
The expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare has been completed, and the revamped facility will be officially opened on July 13. According to the chronicle.co.zw, while touring the airport, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the completion of the revamp was a sign that the government was taking modernisation and industrialisation seriously. The government’s airport expansion project,…
Effective 01 July 2023, the Zanzibar Revenue Authority has implemented an increase in infrastructure tax, from USD 1 per person per day to USD 5 per person per day.
Take advantage of this unbeatable opportunity to safari in style with SkySafari for less. We are extending green season rates for any SkySafari itinerary between 1st November and 19th December 2023 in Tanzania or Kenya. Offer is applicable to new bookings only, subject to availability and non combinable with any other offer. For more information,…
In what will be a monumental step in increasing seamless travel to Malawi from not only across Africa but worldwide, privately-owned and regional airline Airlink are launching flights to both of Malawi’s international airports in Lilongwe and Blantyre from September 2023. Malawi becomes the 16th country to be included in Airlink’s comprehensive route network. Airlink…
Independent regional carrier, Airlink, will increase return flights between Johannesburg and Vilanculos, Mozambique, to 11 a week from January 8 next year. Airlink currently operates a daily service on the route. The decision to add another flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday is in response to increased demand for direct services to the popular Indian Ocean…
South African private carrier FlyCemAir has announced the launch of its latest regional route, with a service between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, set to start on August 9. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The schedule is as follows: JNB to VFA: Departing 11h20 and landing at 13h00 VFA to JNB:…
An extraordinary adventure into the wild heart of Tanzania! ARP is thrilled to announce the launch of their highly anticipated scheduled tour, taking you on a thrilling journey through the mesmerizing landscapes and incredible wildlife of this East African gem. A touch of tented accommodation along with luxury lodge stays. Destination: Tanzania, East Africa –…
ARP’s new reservation system for scheduled tours was launched over the last few weeks and they are pleased to advise that it features a live availability page on the ARP Africa Travel website. Follow the link below to view : https://arpafrica.com/siv/
Hideaways, the renowned hospitality brand, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sulet Burger-Prinsloo as its new head, marking an exciting chapter in the brand’s journey. Sulet’s unwavering commitment and dedication to Hideaways for the past 10 years have been truly remarkable, making her the ideal choice to lead the company into the future. Having…
Hideaways Nantwich Lodge the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, is thrilled to announce its latest addition – “The Hidden Eye” a brand new safari hide. Situated on the pristine Nantwich concession, overlooking a watering hole, the hide promises an unparalleled experience for guests. Seamless Integration with Nature Designed with utmost respect for…
Kenya Airways has rolled out its new loyalty programme, Asante Rewards, with redemptions due to begin in October. Customers can redeem points for benefits such as reward ticket flights, seat upgrades, extra baggage allowance, priority services, seat selection, and more, reports afritraveller.com. Ruby is the lowest tier, giving savings on extra checked baggage, discounts on preferred…
MORE Family Collection, which owns and manages a collection of luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, and exclusive-use residences in South Africa and Zimbabwe, welcomed Monwana Game Lodge to its property portfolio last week. Previously allied with Safari Lodges and Classic Retreats (SLACRSA), Monwana Game Lodge offers an exclusive safari experience in the Thornybush Nature Reserve,…
African hotel chain, CityBlue Hotels, signed an agreement this month with Diar Hospitality and The Emin Pasha Hotel & Spa in Kampala, Uganda, to add the luxury four-star hotel to its growing portfolio. The Emin Pasha Hotel’s 20 rooms include Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Suites, Executive Suites, and Superior Suites. There are also two lounge areas,…
Ila Safari Lodge in Kafue National Park, Zambia, has closed after its main lodge area was destroyed in a devastating fire that started around midnight last Thursday (June 15), There were no injuries to guests or staff. According to Vincent Kouwenhoven, Green Safaris Founder and Director of the lodge, the boma area (reception, dining, bar, and…
A new ultra-luxury tented lodge will open in the Babanango Game Reserve in the Zululand region of KwaZulu Natal in September, adding to the reserve’s appeal as a new, highly attractive safari destination. Madwaleni River Lodge on the banks of the White Umfolozi River is the fourth and most exclusive lodge to be opened in…
In an effort to raise awareness on the challenges conservationists face in Africa, four cyclists will embark on a journey of 5000km across Africa, passing through Malawi and three of its top national parks. The project, named the Cycling 4 Wildlife Foundation, sees four cycling enthusiasts on a mission to raise €100k in donations for…
WeTravel is hosting travel and tech thought leaders and industry experts for our inaugural virtual Tech and Innovation Summit. The tools and systems that support our industry are evolving faster than ever before. With so much new technology at our fingertips, how can you ensure that you’re leveraging the innovations you really need in order to…
The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Uganda officials after the African nation passed an anti-LGBTQ law that was condemned by many countries and the United Nations, the U.S. State Department said on Friday. The law, considered one of the harshest in the world, was enacted in May and carries the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,”…
APTA is pleased to announce that Christo Brand will be a keynote speaker at the APTA Global Forum being held in Cape Town, South Africa September 26-30, 2023. Afrikaner farm boy Christo Brand joined the South African prison service at age 17 to avoid having to serve in the military, as all white males were required to…
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) wishes to inform all stakeholders that the 13th edition of Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2023 wil not take place this year. Kenya will instead host the 3rd edition of the East African Regional Tourism Expo (EARTE). EARTE is a regional travel fair showcasing the region’s diverse tourism offering to consumers,…
Emirates and Kenya Airways announced an interline partnership yesterday (June 12), which allows customers of both airlines access to new destinations on the two airlines’ networks within a single itinerary. The agreement will provide customers with increased travel options and seamless baggage check-in to their final destination. Emirates customers will now be able to fly…
Marriott International has signed five new deals in Africa under its Protea Hotels brand, spanning four countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria. Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President of Development, Africa, and All-Inclusive, EMEA at Marriott International, said: “Protea Hotels has a rich legacy in Africa, and we are thrilled to further strengthen the brand’s footprint.…
New exclusive-use Amber Villa has recently launched at Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve within South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park region. Responding to a growing call from families to enjoy staying in one space, the Amber Suite has been transformed into a private villa at the edge of the lodge in…
Aha Hotels & Lodges is making the most of the location of its new luxury tented camp in the Kruger National Park, which features seven self-catering tents that overlook the game-rich Sabie River. Aha’s new Nkuhlu Tented Camp is halfway between Skukuza and Lower Sabie on the renowned H4-1 road. It is a popular location…
Its an exciting month ahead for the Setari Camp family as Kate Holmes and Grant Truthe open their 3rd offering, TREEHOUSE at KALA, within the private Setari concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The Treehouse at Kala is set on a private island in the heart of the Okavango and boasts 3 suites (6 beds)…
Zimbabwe has now dropped its COVID-19-related entry health regulations with immediate effect, putting it in step with the rest of the region. There was some confusion when the Zimbabwean government announced on May 12 that regulations would be dropped, when entrants to the country found that the old rules were still in force and they…
Mozambique’s national carrier, LAM, has announced the resumption of flights to Lusaka, a route it had ceased serving over 30 years ago. From June 30, LAM will operate flights to Lusaka three times a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The decision reflects LAM’s commitment to expanding its regional network and fostering greater connectivity between…