A new chapter began yesterday (February 1) when one of the Western Cape winelands’ most iconic hotels, The Lord Charles, opened its doors. The hotel closed in August 2020 after the Spanish-based NH Hotel Group said it would not renew the contract. The new owner-managed organisational structure allows for flexibility in managing the day-to-day operations…
African Bush Camps will open a new luxury lodge in June in the eastern part of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Lolebezi is African Bush Camps’ second safari property in the country, along with Thorntree River Lodge in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Accommodation includes standard suites and two family suites with riverfront views. Each…
After a successful relaunch in September last year, South African Airways (SAA) has just recorded operating over 1,000 flights and is now leading its local competitors when it comes to on-time performance. Furthermore, since its restart in September last year SAA has also recorded a 100% completion rate – the percentage of completed scheduled flights…
The 131-room voco The Bank luxury hotel – the InterContinental Hotel Group’s first voco in Africa – officially opens to guests tomorrow (February 1). Situated in the trendy suburb of Rosebank Johannesburg, the hotel – managed locally by Valor Hospitality – appealed to international and domestic leisure and corporate travellers, said GM, Jessica Redinger, speaking to Tourism…
One of the most popular African nations for tourism is reopening to international travel. Morocco, which has had a ban on visitors since November 29, 2021 due to the Omicron variant breakout, announced it will reopen to visitors beginning February 7. The Moroccan government made the decision and announcement but did not provide any details…
For those who missed our first Hideaway’s ‘Beyond the Lodge’ episode of 2022, we invite you to click here to explore the wild landscapes of Mana Pools National Park. From its Zambezi River life source to its blue forests and intimate animal encounters, Mana Pools is the definition of untamed Africa. Managing Director Garth Jenman talks…
Royal Balloon Rwanda, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and Akagera Management Company, is pleased to announce the start of its operations in Rwanda by offering a hot air balloon experience in Akagera National Park, the first of its kind in the country. Royal Balloon Rwanda operates two hot air balloons that can accommodate…
The Uganda President Yoweri Museveni has launched Destination Uganda brand ‘Explore Uganda’ as his government seeks to sustainably promote the Pearl of Africa as a competitive tourism destination for inclusive development. “We unveiled and launched the brand for destination Uganda, a proud Lily Ajarova told eTurboNews today.” Lilly Ajarova is a Ugandan conservationist and tourism…
Local creativity, talent and festivity will be in the spotlight at the Cape Town Carnival on March 19, set to return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 14h30 to 21h30, each Carnival Hub will host five consecutive shows celebrating the diverse cultures and stories of Cape Town, with clean-up in between…
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, has been chosen to host the first upcoming Africa’s Eden Travel Trade Show, a four-part conference that will meet between February 2022 and November 2023 in the southern African countries that make up the KAZA region. In celebration of what the KAZA area has to offer both domestic and international tourists, the…
An award-winning film, Binti – Swahili for ‘young women’ – produced by an all-women team, became Tanzania’s first-ever Netflix release on January 7. The debut film of Tanzanian film studio, Black Unicorn, tells the story of four women who are connected by their perseverance and strength while struggling with extreme hardship in Dar es Salaam. Sisters Alinda and Angela Ruhinda produced…
Seychelles expects to welcome over 200,000 visitors to its shores this year as traditional tourist markets show signs of rebounding faster after the removal of travel restrictions in several European countries, a top official said on Monday. The Principal Secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis, made the statement to the press following the start of the annual tourism…
Kapama Private Game Reserve, near Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province, is increasing its conservation area by expanding its borders and incorporating the 11-room Klaserie River Safari Lodge as part of its property. The neighbouring property on the northern border of the reserve, stretches along the Klaserie River and is home to a variety of wild…
Adventure Consults is delighted to share the good news of a baby Gorilla that was born on 20th January 2022 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is most likely the first Gorilla birth on record in the year 2022! The mother to the new Gorilla baby is Nyabwoba, one of the adult females in Christmas family of Nkuringo…
Let us travel and learn about nature in much the same way as we did as kids. EcoTraining added a new family camp known as ‘Dunn’s camp’ that is ideal for our tailor-made and family travel itineraries. Located within the Selati Game Reserve, the area offers ample space for game walks and opportunities to obtain…
Adventure Consults is excited to announce the launch of a new, hot air balloon experience in Akagera National Park, the first of its kind in Rwanda. On the 19th of January 2022, Royal Balloon Rwanda, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and Akagera Management Company, launched the exciting product, adding to Rwanda’s variety of adventure tourism experiences.…
Just as the African tourism industry was starting to show promising signs of recovery, a new variant reared its ugly head and threw everything off-kilter. Luckily, Africa specialists predict that a flourishing future awaits the travel and tourism industry in Africa in 2022 and beyond. The world’s reaction to the fact that South Africa’s scientists…
SAA has issued a trade release with the news it is starting Durban flights. The airline said three flights a day between Johannesburg and Durban would commence from Friday March 4. SAA Interim CEO, Thomas Kgokolo said the route was one of the busiest in South Africa and the national carrier had been guided by data in…
From the New York Times: After nearly two years of restricted travel and the recent detection of the Omicron coronavirus variant, South Africa’s many outstanding wildlife reserves and conservation projects are badly in need of support. Lockdowns caused a 96 percent drop in visits to South Africa’s national parks, jeopardizing the efforts of places like iSimangaliso Wetland Park,…
With 2022 around the corner, Africa experts have shared their top trends to Africa for the coming year: Exclusivity and privacy “We expect to see more requests for private experiences that allow guests to enjoy specific attractions in the most exclusive way possible,” said Wayne Nupen, regional touring director at AndBeyond. Regenerative travel “‘Restorative safaris…
Jenman African Safaris invites you to explore our accessible adventure gateway, supplying a platform to source fact sheets, information as well as make live bookings. Our recently launched agent portal aims to provide updated rates, tours and travel advice. This new online feature has been created to make your lives easier, offering a smoother agent…
Empowerment is the word along the animal corridors at Hideaways Mogotlho, Khwai River. Guides Roy Ngele and Keoikagetsa Mphoyamodimo recently attended and graduated from the African Guide Academy, enhancing their skills as well as their careers. During the course, the guides learn the mastery of tracking wildlife on foot, identifying the more intricate aspects of…
Qatar Airways is boosting its service to Nigeria with the launch of four weekly flights to Kano (KAN) on 02 March 2022, and three weekly flights to Port Harcourt (PHC) on 03 March 2022, both operating via the Nigerian capital, Abuja. The airline currently operates two daily flights to Lagos and four times a week…
#3 – Mauritius Looking for lots of outdoor adventure? Head to the beautiful island of Mauritius. Mark Twain compared the island’s coral reefs and transparent waters set against a rugged interior backdrop to paradise. This island’s fascinating cultural mix and intriguing natural setting make it the perfect remote escape. #9 – Malawi Add conservation work…
Safari airline, AirKenya, has expanded its network by adding Tsavo National Park to its destinations. The flight is already operational from the Finch Hatton airstrip (FIH) in the park. The daily service leaves Wilson Airport in Nairobi at 07h30, arriving at 08h30 via Amboseli National Park. The return service departs Finch Hatton at 08h45 and…
Registration for the 16th Meetings Africa is officially open. Following the announcement by South African Tourism last year that the trade show would be staged in a physical format after its absence in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meetings Africa is set to reignite Africa’s business events industry. “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll…
A brand-new biometric corridor for traveller health screening has been installed at Seychelles International Airport, making the country only the second in the world after the UAE to use walk-through biometrics. The ‘bio-corridor’ identifies the individual traveller using biometric facial recognition technology and checks their temperature with a thermal camera. Fully integrated with the Seychelles…
A collaboration between Giraffe Conservation Foundation, African Parks and Department of National Parks and Wildlife is helping Malawi to repopulate some of its protected areas with Giraffe. Few months ago, the longest wild Giraffe translocation ever was undertaken by road. 10 South African Giraffe made their historic trip to Malawi where they joined the 13 giraffe already…
Having had the time to refine, redirect and redefine our products, we have recreated our Jenman African Safaris website. Upskilling and uploading new content and itineraries, our team is very proud to announce the launch of our new look. A work in progress, however a progression towards more impactful travel, with longer stays and exclusive…
We are truly grateful for your continued support and trust in us. We are fast approaching the end of the year, and as promised, are happy to share a progress update on our Lodges. Sopa Lodges is Excited to Announce the Reopening Dates of Its Properties As we all prepare for the coming year, we…
For the first 10 months of 2021 (January to October) Kenya recorded a 40.8% growth in tourism numbers, with 663 036 visitors over the period compared with 470 971 arrivals over the same period in 2020. This was highlighted by Magical Kenya, the country’s official destination website. The destination organisation said this year could see even further performances in tourism…
Mozambique’s Council for Ministers has issued a decree to formally merge the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Maputo Special Reserve and Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve into one conservation area, the new Maputo National Park. The proclamation of the 1 700 sqkm park follows two decades of intensive development and restoration activities led by the…
As South Africa’s airlift gradually returns following the global Omicron variant scare of late November 2021, agents will be relieved to hear that Qatar Airways will start carrying passengers outbound from South Africa into its Doha hub, on its 21 weekly flights from South Africa, starting January 13. On that date, the airline will resume double-daily…
Following the appropriation of the Angama Mara Airfield late last year by the Kenyan Government, the Kenya Airports Authority has announced the temporary closure of the airfield with immediate effect. This will allow for planned upgrades to take place, including an improved and slightly lengthened tarmac runway and a chain-link fence which will mean a safer flying…
South African tourism is showing signs of recovery with the coastal city of Durban having 80 percent occupancy at establishments and over 200 000 visitors during the festive season. “We desperately needed this development because we were bruised by the pandemic and multitudes of our people lost jobs. I am happy that following these figures,…
Kenyan paleoanthropologist and conservationist Richard Leakey, who unearthed evidence that helped prove humankind evolved in Africa, died on Sunday at the age of 77, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed in a statement. “I have this afternoon, Sunday 2nd January 2022, received with deep sorrow the sad news of the passing away of Dr. Richard Erskine Frere Leakey,…
South African Airways (SAA) has informed travel advisors in the U.S. and Canada that the airline is continuing to process ticket refunds through the Refund Accounting Department in their North America Regional Office for customers whose flights were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To make the process more efficient, travel advisors have been asked…
President Biden will lift a travel ban he imposed last month on non-U.S. citizens traveling from South Africa and seven other southern African countries, according to a senior administration official. The administration will lift the restrictions effective Dec. 31 at 12:01 a.m., the official said. Mr. Biden put the restrictions in place as the Omicron variant began…
Concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 have led Emirates airline to place restrictions on flights from a number of African countries. Bans initially covered southern African nations, following a decree from the UAE government in November preventing travellers from seven countries, including Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia, from entering the UAE. Restrictions have since…
Tanzania on Tuesday signed a major contract with Turkish construction firm Yapı Merkezi to build a 368-kilometer (228.67-mile) section of a standard gauge railway linking the largest port city in the East African nation with the hinterland. The deal, which is expected to cost $1.9 billion and will be funded by loans, is part of…
The Government of Zambia has announced that, with immediate effect, the entry regulations have been changed. This is contained in a government-issued notice ‘Guidance for travel to Zambia in view of the Covid-19 Pandemic’. Arrivals from all countries need only a negative PCR test certificate, from a test taken in the 72 hours before departure.…
The South African Tourism is mourning the passing of one of SA’s tourism sector’s pioneers, Lebo Malepa, the multiple-award-winning business owner and founder of Soweto Backpackers, who passed away on 25 December 2021, following a long period of ill-health. Malepa started off selling crafts to tourists in 1998, and as he got to learn more…
THE government’s efforts to expand tourism sector by marketing attractions other than wildlife has started reaping benefits, and registered some 120 tourists visiting heritage sites in Kilwa District, Tanzania’s southern part on Sunday. Located in Lindi Region, the place is rich in wonderful historical sites, since the era of slave trade and colonialism. Despite the…
Holiday Message from Holden Safaris Dear colleagues and friends, As we get ready to say good riddance to 2021 here is our last Newsletter for the year. The first thing to say is a Big Thank-you from all of us at Holden Safaris for your support and interest during the frustrations of 2021, with Covid…
In response to the COVID-19 Omicron variant, Rwanda has recently updated their entry and exit requirements. Direct flights between Southern Africa and Rwanda have resumed. All international travelers to Rwanda must complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving. Passengers coming to Rwanda must possess a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate taken within 72 hours before travelling. Children…
Please be advised that the Government of Kenya has just announced new Covid safety requirements for travelers visiting Kenya. Effective 21st December 2021: All passengers arriving into Kenya through any point of entry must have a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers below the age of eighteen (18) years are exempt from this requirement. All passengers coming to…
Four suspects have been arrested following the massacre of four rhino, including a pregnant female, on Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape last week. This was confirmed by Inverdoorn owner, Searl Derman: “As previously mentioned, the South African Police Service, Cape Nature, forensic investigator Wayne Stoltz – who was instrumental in solving the 2011 Aquila poaching incident –…
RwandAir has announced the resumption of daily services to Southern Africa, to both Johannesburg and Lusaka, effective December 23. Entry requirements, destination by destination, can be seen here: https://bit.ly/2T73OVu Note: A certificate of a negative COVID-19 test is required for all travellers arriving or transiting in, or departing from Rwanda. The only accepted test is a…
Seychelles has won the World’s Most Romantic Destination title for the second consecutive year at the 28th World Travel Awards, the Tourism Department said Thursday. The island nation came in first in the romance category ahead of other nominees which included Antigua & Barbuda, the Atacama Desert, Chile, Bali, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Maldives, Mauritius, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas…
The Seychelles’ traditional Moutya dance has been added to UNESCO‘s list of intangible heritage — the first cultural tradition of the island nation to receive such recognition, an official said on Thursday. Moutya was added to the list on December 15th and the Secretary General of the Seychelles Institute of Culture, Heritage and the Arts, David Andre, said that…