Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to privatise five beaches and four islands in a bid to attract high-end investment and reposition the country as a premium coastal destination. According to the draft National Tourism Strategy 2025-2030, the targeted islands are Chale, Funzi, Kiwayu and Manda while the beaches identified for potential privatisation are…
Mövenpick Hotel Kigali opened in the Rwandan capital city on November 1. The 124-key property is located in the city’s diplomatic zone and a 15-minute drive from Kigali International Airport. Room and suite options include standard rooms with one king bed, standard rooms with two single beds, superior rooms, deluxe rooms, executive suites and the…
Airlink will begin flights from Johannesburg to Nacala in Mozambique from February 2, 2026, expanding the airline’s Mozambique network to seven destinations. Twice-weekly flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays. Flight 4Z263 will depart from Johannesburg at 10h30 and arrive in Nacala at 13h10. Return flight 4Z237 will depart from Nacala at 13h45 and arrive…
Minor Hotels’ Anantara Hotels & Resorts will launch its first safari tented camp, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, in April 2026. Located above the Kafue River in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, the camp will be built 3.5 metres above the ground on rosewood timber platforms with a design that minimises environmental impact by protecting seasonal…
Hideaways Africa has launched a new collection of safari packages across Southern Africa, created to make safari travel simpler, smarter, and better value for guests and agents alike. Built-In Savings for Every Traveler All Hideaways Africa safari packages now include a built-in savings benefit, offering travellers 5–7% off their total trip cost compared to booking…
We are honoured to share that Mashatu Game Reserve has been recognised as the Best Game Reserve in Southern Africa at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards. This prestigious accolade celebrates excellence in luxury travel and hospitality, and we are deeply grateful for the recognition — not only for what it celebrates about Mashatu as…
As part of Kapama’s ongoing journey to elevate our guest experience and redefine luxury safari living, we’re thrilled to share an important update from Kapama River Lodge and Kapama Southern Camp. Introducing the New River Lodge Tamboti Superior Suites We’re in the final stages of completing our brand-new Tamboti Superior Suites at Kapama River…
Rwanda’s capital will welcome a new “ultra luxury” boutique hotel – The Pinnacle Kigali – in January 2026. Located in the city’s upmarket Rebero suburb, the hotel will feature nine individually designed guest rooms – each with bespoke furnishings, smart lighting and curated pan-African art. “The Pinnacle is an expression of what modern African luxury…
African Parks celebrated the birth of Akagera’s first white rhino calf following the translocation of 70 white rhinos to the Rwandan national park in June. “Although conceived before the journey, the calf’s birth in Akagera marks a hopeful sign for the herd’s adaptation and the park’s growing conservation efforts. With round-the-clock monitoring and dedicated care from the…
Brussels Airlines has announced new flights from Brussels to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania from June 3, 2026. The new service will run twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The route, which will be operated on an Airbus A330-300, will be the airline’s fifth destination in East Africa following Entebbe, Uganda, and Kigali, Rwanda, as well as…
The future of safari bookings has arrived on Asilia’s Agent Space, and it’s designed to revolutionise how you serve your clients. Our brand-new Instant Quotes feature transforms accommodation and game package enquiries into professional, client-ready proposals in minutes – delivering accurate accommodation and transfer pricing with just a few clicks. All registered agents can now…
Take Your Family on the Trip of a Lifetime this Festive Season with Limited-Time Safari Specials at Mashatu Game Reserve There are holidays, and then there are places and spaces that shape memories that will last a lifetime. This year, swap screen time for safari time. Mashatu Game Reserve, one of Botswana’s best-kept secrets, is…
Delta Air Lines is offering in-flight Wi-Fi to SkyMiles Members on all flights to and from South Africa, with immediate effect. With the roll-out of Delta Sync Wi-Fi to South Africa, travellers flying across Delta’s transatlantic network to the UK, Europe, West Africa, Latin America and Israel can now stay connected. Additional connectivity to Africa…
Arusha, Tanzania – Siringit Collection, the Tanzania-based boutique luxury hospitality brand, announces new exciting developments across its portfolio, including property enhancements, a newly launched Siringit Safaris, and plans for a new innovative camp opening in 2026. The Collection currently includes three signature properties: Siringit Villa in Arusha, Siringit Serengeti Camp, and Siringit Migration Camp, each offering travelers intimate access to Tanzania’s…
Antananarivo, 21 October 2025: The Madagascar National Tourist Board (ONTM) and Jenman African Safaris’ local teams and travel partners confirm that calm and stability have been restored across Madagascar. Tourist regions, heritage sites, national parks, and coastal destinations are open, with daily life in Antananarivo and regional centres operating normally. There have been no public…
ENVI Lodges, the outdoor hospitality brand and management company, announces the addition of a new lodge to its African portfolio, set to open in Summer 2026. The lodge, named ENVI Addo Private Reserve, is located within a private conservation reserve of 1,800 hectares bordering Addo National Park, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Just…
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Company have entered a 25-year concession agreement to operate and manage the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe heritage railway line. The agreement, signed recently in George, marks a significant step in the revival of the steam train, which last operated in 2006. The partnership will enable the restoration,…
Air Seychelles has increased its Seychelles-Abu Dhabi route to a daily service following the successful introduction of the route in May. “The route is performing exceptionally well, validating its significance and demand within our network. With this increase, we are thrilled to offer greater flexibility and convenience to our passengers,” said Charles Johnson, Air Seychelles CCO.…
Samara Karoo Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, has announced updates to two of its offerings: the refurbishment of its exclusive-use villa, The Manor, and the opening of a new Bush Spa within the reserve’s Karoo Lodge. The Manor refurbishment Samara’s four-bedroom villa, The Manor, is undergoing a full refurbishment due for completion by…
SANParks has confirmed an increase in daily conservation fees for visitors, effective November 1 to October 31 next year, across all 21 national parks. The revised rates show incremental adjustments of between R30 (US$1.73) and R70 (US$4.04) per person per day, depending on the park. The Kruger National Park, for instance, will see the international…
Marriott International and Aksaya Estates Limited have signed an agreement to bring a Courtyard by Marriott to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Scheduled to open in 2027, the hotel will feature around 180 rooms and suites designed for leisure and business travellers. Facilities will include two restaurants and bars, an expansive landscaped courtyard with…
A new Zimbabwean start-up, Flycristal Airways, is expected to launch charter flights on domestic, regional and international routes from December this year. Johannes Simau, Founder of Flycristal Airways, told Travel News that the company would begin with a hybrid model focusing on passenger and cargo operations, and once the brand became more established, it would likely split…
Steenberg Farm in the Constantia Valley, Western Cape, has completed the restoration of its historic Manor House. Located at the foot of the Constantiaberg mountains, the Manor House dates back to 1682 and is South Africa’s oldest registered farm building, originally home to founder Catharina Ras. The renovation, led by MD Catherine Schulze, focused on preserving the…
A new project that aims to position Livingstone as a “resilient, competitive and inclusive tourist destination” has been announced by the Zambian Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba. It will focus on improving the city’s streetscape and urban infrastructure to enhance visitor experience and overall destination appeal. The Livingstone Town Centre Development Programme (LTCDP) is part of…
Aeroportos de Moçambique has confirmed that renovation work at Beira International Airport is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 – a move aimed at strengthening the airport’s regional competitiveness. “We believe that, by the end of this year, the work will be completed and Beira International Airport will be competitive with other…
GREEN SEASON SPECIAL – STAY 3 NIGHTS, PAY ONLY 2 VALID FOR TRAVEL DATES BETWEEN 1st NOVEMBER 2025 – 31st MARCH 2026 Botswana’s green season, a time of vibrant transformation, from approximately from November-March, with abundant rainfall creating lush vegetation that makes the landscapes come alive! The perfect for photographers, birdwatchers, the birth of newborn…
Mozambique’s best-kept barefoot luxury secret A Private Beachfront Home Offering Barefoot Luxury and Exclusive Ocean Adventures Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique – Pambele, a private beachfront house on the coastline of the San Sebastian Peninsula – has relaunched as an exclusive-use beach house with a refreshed brand identity – positioning itself as a secluded barefoot-luxury destination for…
The Palace of the Lost City and Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen are excited to announce their new partnership. Internationally regarded for curating hyper-personalised experiences, including travel, events, and fine dining, van der Westhuizen revitalises The Palace’s legendary hospitality touchpoints through the lens of the JAN brand. This collaboration delves into the rich…
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has expanded its codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic to include Johannesburg and Cape Town – alongside Dubai and the Maldives. As part of the agreement, SAS will place its SK code on selected flights from London Heathrow. The new codeshare flights will be available through SAS booking channels for travel with immediate…
Taj Hotels will open its three new properties in the Greater Kruger National Park in 2026 as part of the first phase of a broader expansion plan that includes destinations across Southern and East Africa. The six-key Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge and the six-key Taj Lion Kings River Lodge are scheduled to open during…
Sun International’s Sun City Hotel is finalising its renovations and preparing to show off its ‘Vegas-esque’ facelift in time for the 2025 Nedbank Golf Challenge in November and the busy December holiday season. On September 25, in a Miami Heat-themed celebration in its revamped pool area, the hotel marked the occasion alongside its guests, suppliers, local…
Etihad Airways will relaunch seasonal flights between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar from June 14 to September 6 next year. The airline will operate four weekly services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using an Airbus A320 with Business and Economy Class cabins. The route will benefit from Etihad’s expanded European network, creating improved connections from Europe and…
Essence of Africa’s second edition begins today (October 7) at Diamonds Malindi in Malindi, Kenya. The show will run until October 9. The private sector-led initiative is designed to connect international buyers with African tourism suppliers through targeted, pre-scheduled meetings to initiate partnerships and drive measurable business results. “Our goal is simple. By the time buyers board their flights…
The V&A Waterfront’s various sustainability initiatives have been further enhanced with the launch of the precinct’s first fully electric commercial boat by local operator City Sightseeing. Docked outside the One&Only Cape Town, the boat seats 32 passengers and joins City Sightseeing’s regular boat schedule, which operates as a canal cruise and transport link connecting to…
Visit Rwanda, the official tourism brand of the Rwanda Development Board, has announced multi-year sponsorship agreements with the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. The deals mark the first time an African tourism brand has partnered with an NBA and NFL team. Existing partnerships include Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético de Madrid and an academy programme with…
For decades, Asilia Africa has been leading the way in offering unforgettable immersive safari experiences in East Africa. We’re a B Corp certified company operating across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, where every stay funds wildlife protection and supports local communities. In the Swahili language, ‘Asilia’ means ‘genuine’ and ‘authentic’, and we’ve earned a reputation…
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the implementation of new conservation fees for access to the country’s national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, set to take effect from Wednesday, October 1, 2025. This follows the approval of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations 2025 by the Parliament on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Kenya Wildlife Service…
Stay longer, experience more with FREE NIGHTS the Zambezi Queen Collection! For a limited time, your clients safari stretches further, and costs less. With our Pay Stay offer, your guests will enjoy more sunsets, more sightings, and more time to soak up one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Zambezi Queen: Pay 2, Stay 3 aboard…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is excited to announce that its 2026 APTA Global Forum will take place September 25–27, 2026, in Livingstone, Zambia, at the edge of the world-famous Victoria Falls. This will be the first time the Forum has been hosted in Zambia, and marks APTA’s return to…
Mid-December 2025 marks the arrival of Kusini Serengeti, Nomad Tanzania’s newest bush camp, nestled among granite kopjes in the remote southwest of the Serengeti. This is not just a new camp, it’s a return to the kind of safari that first defined Nomad: light-footed, small-scale, and deeply rooted in wilderness. Set on the site of the former…
Bushwise Exclusive (formerly GVI Expeditions) just launched a complimentary monthly Masterclass Series for travel professionals looking to sharpen their African safari expertise. Starting February 18th, these 45-minute sessions will cover Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Namibia – diving into wildlife experiences, conservation efforts, and what makes each destination unique. Led by safari expert Chantelle…
Issued 30 September 2025, the SADC Tourism Alliance, Africa’s Eden, and SATSA have released a joint update on the situation in Madagascar following recent civil unrest. While demonstrations have taken place in some urban areas, the country’s key tourism destinations remain open, operational, and unaffected. Tourism operationsThe Confédération du Tourisme de Madagascar (CTM) confirms that…
Hideaways Africa is delighted to announce a new addition to Mhara River Camp in Mana Pools National Park, the introduction of a purpose-built bird hide. Completed just two months ago and situated only 60 yards from the main camp area, this new feature offers guests an opportunity to connect more deeply with the wild landscapes that make Mana…
FlySafair launches a new Cape Town-Hoedspruit service from October 2, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The flight will depart Cape Town at 12h15 and arrive at 14h45 with the return leg leaving Hoedspruit at 15h20 and arriving at 18h05. Speaking to Tourism Update, FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon said the decision followed strong demand…
Increased conservation fees for entry into Kenya’s national parks, reserves and sanctuaries officially come into effect on October 1, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed. The across-the-board increases were approved by Parliament on September 25 under the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations Act 2025. Fees for non-resident, non-East African citizen entry into…
Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Zambia and Malawi, is pleased to invite you to an engaging destination training session scheduled for October 29, 2025. This event will be held at the Embassy of Zambia in Washington, D.C., beginning at 10:00 AM EST. What to Expect The session is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of these…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) proudly wrapped up its 2025 Global Forum this week at the Gran Meliá Arusha, bringing together 100 industry leaders, buyers, suppliers, and conservation advocates from across Africa and North America. Over three days of programming, participants engaged in thought-provoking sessions, more than 900 one-on-one B2B…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) has officially opened its 2025 Global Forum in Arusha, Tanzania, marking the first time the event has been hosted in East Africa and only the second time ever on the African continent. With more than 100 delegates from North America and across Africa in attendance,…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nomad Tanzania Joins Classic Portfolio: A New Chapter for Purposeful Safaris South Africa – September 2025 Classic Portfolio, the leading collective of independently owned camps and lodges across Africa, is proud to welcome Nomad Tanzania as its newest member. This partnership brings together two pioneers in conservation-focused tourism, each committed to safeguarding…
Introducing Togoro – New Flight Location Starting 15th October 2025 We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of our Togoro balloon flights, debuting this October. Togoro offers a compelling new frontier for premium safari experiences. Togoro’s stunning open plains and rich wildlife diversity make it a truly unique addition to our portfolio. What Makes…