Seychelles will receive about $10 million from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the coming 18 months to improve its Blue Economy sector, the UNDP resident representative to the island nation said on Tuesday. Amanda Serumaga paid a visit to President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House in Victoria, the culmination of a two-week mission in Seychelles.…
Tanzania is banking on a cable car facility on Mount Kilimanjaro to unlock its potential to attract tourists who cannot climb Africa’s highest mountain. The Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mary Masanja, said the project is on track and would begin soon. On Tuesday, Ms Masanja told a press conference in the capital…
United Airlines has resumed its thrice-weekly non-stop service between its New York/Newark hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town, with a special (grey) water salute marking the arrival of the first flight UA1122 into Cape Town International Airport last night (Thursday, December 2). The seasonal service was operated for the first time from December 2019…
The government of Mozambique has opened a new international airport, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport, at Chongoene, near Xai-Xai in the Gaza province, making the region accessible by air for the first time. The airport was officially opened by President Filipe Nyusi, who said it would promote the development of the local and regional economy, especially with…
In response to the COVID-19 Omicron variant, Rwanda has recently implemented the following entry and exit requirements. Direct flights between Southern Africa and Rwanda are temporarily suspended. 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…
South African Airways (SAA) has signed a co-operation agreement with local and regional carrier CemAir that extends the route network reach of both operators and offers customers using both airlines on a multi-destination voyage a seamless check-in experience. SAA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer Thomas Kgokolo says, “Airlines the world over constantly strive for efficiency and…
EXPLORE MORE, SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEYMORE Auric Air Services introduces discounts on Multi-Leg flight bookings, fly more and save big! Driving from Kogatende in the North of Serengeti to Seronera in central Serengeti can take a full day of your otherwise game viewing time, this journey can be accomplished by a short 20 minutes hop on-board the…
A Zimbabwean safari guide who ventured to the US in the 1990s, living on Cup-a-Soup while working at making children’s dreams come true, returned home to continue his profession with a bag full of ideas. He’s now making waves in the schools, communities and tourism boardrooms of his country. Blessing Munyenyiwa pours his own labelled…
Africa’s largest aviation group, Ethiopian Airlines, has been crowned as the ‘Best African Airline’ at the 2021 Business Traveller Awards. The votes made by the business travellers for this year took into account the COVID period with key questions covering airlines’ effectiveness in communication, effective implementation of COVID precautionary measures, handling of loyalty program member…
The new advanced partnership is a key milestone towards both airlines’ ambitions of co-starting a Pan-African Airline Group by 2023. The partnership framework follows the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that the two airlines signed two months ago to foster the exchange of knowledge, expertise, innovation, digital technologies, and best practice between the two airlines. The…
African leaders are pushing back on travel bans imposed by wealthy or Western nations in an effort to stop the spread of the highly transmissible omicron variant — and expressing their anger that the result of South Africa’s openness in sharing news of the variant has led to what they see as punitive measures. The…
Tanzania’s economy is projected to grow as expected despite the resurgence of Covid-19 in some countries plus raising energy prices. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) said on Tuesday that the global growth has been slightly lower than projected but will still support the country’s growth prospects. The country’s GDP is forecasted at 4.8 per cent…
30 white rhinos have been successfully translocated to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. 30 years ago there was not a single white rhino on &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Now, 30 years later, &Beyond was able to take part in the largest ever rhino translocation in…
Better days for tourists and diplomats are in the offing, thanks to the rollout of the police training programme, as part of key players’ ambitious strategy to enhance tourist’s safety and security. Dubbed, a tourism management, safety and security tailor-made course, is brainchild of Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) in partnership with Saint Augustine…
Travelers can save 30% on gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park when they include other Rwanda National Parks (Akagera or Nyungwe) for 3 days or more in their safari plans. This special offer is valid through May 2022, reports Classic Africa Safaris. The 29 Nov 2022 announcement by African Parks of the historic translocation…
The cuisine at Anatara’s Bazaruto Island Resort on Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast is inspired by the surroundings. Fresh-from-the-boat locally sourced seafood, as well as the indigenous herbs and spices from the resort garden, infuse the complex layered flavors of Mozambique, Portugal and beyond at the resort’s two restaurants. Tartaruga Restaurant & Bar Wander to the deck…
Appeal for taking a “risk-based and scientific approach” to travel bans to Southern Africa with consideration of the devastating human implications following the announcement of the B.1.1.529 variant of COVID-19. Africa’s Eden Tourism Association is a private sector, membership based organisation representing the tourism ecosystem in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We are appealing to…
Visitors from seven southern African countries will not be permitted to enter Seychelles from Saturday November 27 until further notice under new travel measures announced by the local health authorities on Friday due to a new variant of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health said that the new restrictions apply to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia…
You’re Invited! APTA’s Explore Africa Webinar Series Session 2 Traversing the Sahara: From Egypt to Morocco! REGISTER HERE Hello APTA Corporate and Individual Members! Session 2: Traversing the Sahara: From Egypt to Morocco Regions covered: Morocco and Egypt APTA Corporate…
The government of Tanzania has ordered additional jets for its national flag carrier, Air Tanzania, supporting its network expansion plans. The airline will receive three jets; one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and two Boeing 737 MAX jets. Air Tanzania plans to expand services from the country to new markets across Africa, Asia and Europe. “Our flagship…
The development of two of Malawi’s ecologically-crucial wilderness areas, Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve – which form part of the Nyika-North Luangwa section of the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area – is “progressing in leaps and bounds”. This according to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife, Dr Michael Usi, who visited the parks…
A remarkably well-preserved fossil elephant cranium from Kenya is helping scientists understand how its species became the dominant elephant in eastern Africa several million years ago. Dated around 4.5 million years old and recovered from a site on the northeast side of Lake Turkana, it is the only well-preserved elephant cranium — the portion of…
Eastgate Airport near Hoedspruit, which serves as a gateway to Limpopo’s safari destinations, completed a R20 million (€1.13m) upgrade this month. A spokesperson for the airport told Tourism Update that, with an average of 150 monthly flights and over 7 000 passengers passing through its gates in any given month, Eastgate needed an upgrade to better service…
The largest conservation project in South Africa since apartheid isn’t a national park or government wildlife program, but the funding and creation of Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal province. Located in a malaria-free area of KwaZulu-Natal province near South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast, the history making reserve sprawls along the White Umfolozi River in the beautiful…
Jenman African Safaris is excited to announce the launch of our Zimbabwe Villa Collection, encouraging exclusive and safe family travel. Our carefully selected high-end, socially conscious and remote properties offer the perfect solution to provide peace of mind for a COVID friendly getaway. Zimbabwe is truly a destination unrivalled. Environmentally unique and varied in landscape as well as colourful and…
David Havemann, the Training Manager at EcoTraining in southern Africa, offers his advice on how to get the most out of exploring the African bush on foot. I’ve always told my guest when walking out in the bush to read it like a book. Start on the horizon and scan from left to right and…
Qatar Airways in partnership with Discover Qatar has launched the World’s Best Value Stopover packages consisting of up to a 4 night stay in Doha, Qatar. The packages allow vaccinated travellers to purchase the World’s Best Value Stopover with Qatar Airways, for a chance to experience the World’s Best Airline and Qatar’s renowned hospitality, before…
Qatar Airways and JetBlue are launching a reciprocal loyalty partnership, bringing additional perks to members of both airlines’ loyalty programmes. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now earn Qmiles on flights operated by JetBlue and JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn points on Qatar Airways flights. Privilege Club members can now fly to more destinations across the…
With a wide array of beautiful destinations in Africa, we are privileged to offer various options for your incentive travel. Create the perfect setting to break down barriers, build up your team, relax and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. We look into the top destinations on the continent for your next incentive travel…
After the cancellation of two signature global trade shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, South African Tourism is excited to once again host both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba. The destination marketing organization confirmed that the flagship business events and leisure trade shows will return next year, with both platforms being hosted…
The Zanzibella Hotel & Spa is set to open in Zanzibar, Tanzania in January 2022. Located in Kiwenga – the north eastern part of Zanzibar – the hotel will initially open with 28 rooms, with additional rooms to be added later. The rooms will have either garden or ocean views. There is also a family…
SAA has announced that with effect from December 12, it will commence operating three flights a week to Lagos in Nigeria. SAA has been flying to Nigeria for the past 23 years and the resumption of its service to Nigeria’s largest city and commercial hub will be a welcome addition to its growing continental offering.…
The island nation is open to visitors from all countries again after travel restrictions were removed for India, Brazil, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The five were removed from the restricted list in a revised travel advisory released Friday by the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health said that for entry into Seychelles visitors have to…
If you’re planning your next adventure to or from the Americas, enjoy a seamless travel experience with Emirates JetBlue partnership. Book your entire journey with Emirates and connect to the US, the Caribbean, or South America, all on one ticket. Codeshare flights are available to 50 domestic cities via New York (JFK), 41 cities via…
The Ceres Rail Company’s vintage steam train is set to resume services between Cape Town and Elgin on November 28 – after 20 months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trips will resume every Saturday and Sunday, where the train departs Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites on Dockrail Road in Foreshore, Cape Town at…
Mabula Game Lodge are delighted to announce that the first two candidates have received their FGASA qualification and have completed the Mabula Guide Training internship. The pilot program was born in 2019 from a need to address the skills gaps within the industry and to offer upliftment within the Bela Bela community. After a pause…
Broadening its horizons, Hideaways welcomes new properties across Zimbabwe to its portfolio. Zimbabwe’s charm resonates from one side of the country to the other, its rich and varied landscapes irresistible to the safari aficionado. One may satiate a myriad of travel appetites by exploring the country with Hideaways, each property offering its own particular personality.…
The cruise ship season in Seychelles will reopen after an 18-month hiatus with the arrival of Le Bellot from le Ponant group on 18 November, a top official said on Thursday. The last cruise ship to visit Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, was in March last year before a temporary closure was announced by…
The United States reopened its borders Monday to foreign visitors fully vaccinated against Covid-19 after 20 months of travel restrictions, paving the way for eagerly anticipated reunions among family members and friends. The ban, imposed by then president Donald Trump in early 2020 and upheld by his successor Joe Biden, has been widely criticized and…
After a long hiatus because of the pandemic, Shanga has revived its popular events, activities and information sessions at Arusha Coffee Lodge for guests and local residents of northern Tanzania. One of the latest activities was hosting a local primary school group where students first watched Shanga’s glassblowing and glass beadmaking artisans and then got busy making…
Leading global travel publisher Lonely Planet have released their hotly anticipated Best in Travel list for 2022 and rising African star Malawi has been include in the Top Ten Countries once again – making its second appearance in 8 years on this most respected of travel inspiration lists. The destinations chosen by Lonely Planet span…
Kenya’s tourism marketer, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has released exciting new courses in the Magical Kenya Travel Specialist Program. The program which was launched earlier this year in March is designed to deliver and maintain effective online training targeted at travel agents around the world. Kenya is an iconic travel destination in East Africa, owing…
So there are now new things you have to do before you can see Rwanda’s famed gorillas. Effective immediately, fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in Rwanda no longer need to quarantine at designated hotels while waiting for airport-administered PCR test results. Proof of full vaccination is required to avoid quarantine requirements, and travelers who cannot…
Brand-new Babanango Game Reserve in South Africa offers three overnight options, each of them tucked into its own slice of pristine bush and with distinct offerings, activities and facilities to better cater to your South African safari wants and needs. Situated in a remote valley, Babanango Valley Lodge offers four-star accommodation for no more than 22 guests in a…
EcoTraining is at it again, pioneering new and innovative ways to experience Africa and its incredible wildlife. The latest offering is Real Life Experiences — three adventures that allow participants to tag along with skilled conservation teams doing their everyday jobs in the South African bush. Remote Animal Monitoring Participants help conduct a track transect to collect…
Imvelo Safari Lodges invites young adults to experience one of the largest community-based conservation partnerships in Zimbabwe in a special conservation course to be held twice in 2022: May 19-27, 2022 and June 23 – July 1, 2022. Participants will be accommodated at Imvelo’s Camelthorn Lodge in Hwange National Park, the largest and most diverse…
Imvelo Safari Lodges is excited to offer an exceptional special for travel professionals wishing to visit Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. All travel professionals and their travel partner can spend 5 nights at two Imvelo camps absolutely free of cost between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 when bringing 4 paying family, friends or…
APTA’s Webinar Library is growing! New content is being added all the time, including: APTA’s recent session during Africa Showcase 2021 APTA’s Explore Africa Webinar Series – Welcome Back to East Africa Tanzania is Rebooting Its Tourism Industry APTA North East Panel Discussion on Travel to East Africa The Story of Kasbah Tamadot APTA members…
An Immersive, Hassle-Free Safari – Perfect for Families and Multi-Generational Travel Let SkySafari take care of you and your family with a carefully curated private plane safari where every detail is taken care of. Fly between some of East Africa’s most luxurious camps and lodges in the comfort of our 9-seater Executive-class Cessna Caravan, which can also…
Tanzania has been voted as Africa’s leading travel destination ahead of South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda and other countries of the continent. Tanzania was voted Africa’s leading destination in the 2021 World Travel Awards (WTA). World Travel Awards is the travel industry’s most prestigious awards programme, rewarding leaders in the tourism, airline, hotel and hospitality sectors.…