Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, has announced a phased reopening of the country, including the resumption of international flights from August 1. Domestic flights will resume on July 15. However, the current nationwide curfew has been extended for a further 30 days. “In the next 21 days we shall study patterns of interactions and the spread of the…
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Masa Square opened in Gaborone, on July 2, the first of its brand in Botswana. It features 152 rooms and 30 extended-stay apartments. It is located in Masa Square lifestyle centre in Gaborone, a 20-minute drive from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. The hotel also offers conference facilities and meeting…
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana will open in October. The lodge is on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. The 12 individually designed air-conditioned suites include a two-bedroom family suite situated on two linked islands. Xigera Safari Lodge will feature two luxury spa rooms,…
The Kampala Serena Hotel reopened its doors this month, following Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, which reopened on June 1. Hotels have been allowed to reopen from June 1. “We are selling to the local market, since regional borders and international flights are not open yet,” said Country Sales Manager of Kampala Serena…
With the news of Tanzania opening borders to international arrivals, Ranger Safari’s has been working hard in the past weeks to put together a document with well-thought COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures. Following the recommendations set by the Government of Tanzania, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), this document is aimed at ensuring guests…
Malawi has many attributes that make it ideal for post-lockdown tourism, covering the need for distancing and providing what many travellers are now seeking: Open spaces – Malawi is all about wildernesses, highland areas, wildlife reserves and wide beaches. No mass tourism/Uncrowded – Malawi is still off the beaten path in tourism terms with no…
Commercial flights to be welcomed to Seychelles in August 2020, the holiday destination confirmed the authorization for commercial flights to enter Seychelles as of 01st August 2020.
The quick action taken by Stellenbosch means it is the first destination in sub Saharan Africa to be awarded the prestigious Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, designed the special Safe Travels stamp to enable travellers to identify destinations and…
In the middle of Mozambique, at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley, Gorongosa National Park is a haven for wildlife. Crocodiles patrol its rivers, hippos splash in its lakes, antelopes graze on the floodplains and lions stalk the savanna, looking for their next meal. Some of the park’s creatures, such as the…
Watch Auric Air – Safety, Hygiene and Sanitization Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPn9HXKFH6A For more information on our Standard Operating Procedures in response to COVID-19, click here
As steps get into high gear on re-opening the country, Kenya has been awarded the Safe Travel Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) which is a forum for the travel and tourism industry. The accreditation came in recognition of the country’s adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols dubbed ‘Safe Travels’ in the wake…
A meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Committee for Transport, Logistics and Trade of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has just ended. It took place over 4 days by videoconference resulting in West Africa reopening borders. The objective was to provide a coordinated response to the fight against the coronavirus and to examine the possibility of reopening…
During the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, was the go-to airline for essential travel, repatriation flights and airlift of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE). With the easing of travel restrictions across the globe, Ethiopian is pleased to announce that it’s happy to welcome back business and leisure travelers with programs aimed at safeguarding…
This May, two new mountain gorilla babies were born in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, joining the species’ growing, population of more than 1,000 in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Every birth is a success for the species. Mother Kabagyenyi and father (Silverback) Bweza are looking after their baby in the Nshongi…
Kenya’s National Treasury has allocated KES11.3billion (€94m) to the tourism sector to help it recover following the effects of COVID-19. This is in addition to the KES500 million (€4.1m) the government set aside earlier this year. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani said KES2billion (€16.6m) of the amount would be shared by community reserves to jump-start the tourism…
The National Heritage Council of Namibia has announced the reopening of heritage sites under its direct management. All sites reopened on June 20 except the Brandberg Mountain National Heritage Site, which will open on June 29. Namibia’s State of Emergency continues with eased restrictive measures and COVID-19 regulations will be observed at the heritage sites,…
Malawi’s new President Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in Sunday in the capital Lilongwe, after he defeated two candidates, including former President Peter Mutharika, in the tightly contested presidential election rerun held last week. There was jubilation from hundreds of people who gathered at the Bingu International Convention Center, in Lilongwe to witness Chakwera and his…
Jenman African Safaris have amended our policies and reviewed our terms and conditions to accommodate new regulations, as well as to eliminate health risks for clients and staff. We have maintained up to date procedures and strategies which facilitate healthy journeys and a risk-adjusted booking process. All guided group safaris will run with a maximum…
Avoid The Dirtiest Parts of an Airplane (or Clean Them) The first way to help keep yourself healthy for your adventures is to make sure you come in contact with as few germs as possible. There are three main areas of a plane to try to avoid and minimize your contact with germs: the bathroom, tray tables…
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the reopening of tourism activities, with international charter flights resuming on Wednesday (June 17). “Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travellers and operators to thrive in these unprecedented times,” said Chief Tourism Officer of RDB, Belise Kariza. “We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature…
Virgin Atlantic plans to relaunch its London Heathrow-Johannesburg route on September 15. Johannesburg is one of 17 destinations that the airline aims to relaunch as soon as travel restrictions are eased. Head of Middle East, Africa and India of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Liezl Gericke, says the relaunch of the Johannesburg route is tied to acquiring the…
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has on Tuesday, June 23 kicked off the inspection of hotels to ensure compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) put in place by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in the wake of COVID-19. The SOPs aim to provide health and safety protocols for all s hotel and accommodation…
Serendib Hotels, a chain of hotels and resorts in some of Malawi’s most popular hotspots, have some exciting opportunities for those wishing to volunteer and also benefit from an extended working holiday in the sunshine! Responsible for running the Serendib Blantyre collection, the Blue Waters and Kambiri Beach resorts in Salima and the Zaburi Beach resort by the Mangochi Lakeshore, Serendib hotels are offering a wide…
Wellworth Hotels, Lodges, Camps and Resorts has announced the launch of Wellworth Salama!, its new program aimed at elevating safety and sanitization procedures in accordance with the guidelines from WHO and the Tanzania Ministry of Health. Wellworth Salama redefines processes so guests can continue to enjoy indulgent services and distinctive experiences with peace of mind.…
Safari guides are accredited as the essential services of an African adventure. Their passion, knowledge and insight of the natural world provides us with a deeper perspective and respect for the environment, and the delicate nature in which it exists. Jenman African Safaris are excited to announce the first part of our ‘Safari Guide Chronicles’…
The fragility of our environment is multi-layered, as is our potential for positive impact through conservation projects. Involvement with such initiatives as CWF are not only imperative for anti-poaching, but extend to conservation awareness through forest and fire management in order to protect natural spaces and our wildlife. The Conservation Wildlife Fund (CWF), founded in…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has provided some clarity on the ‘Advanced Level Three’ easing of further restrictions. This was to ensure the further opening up of certain economic sectors, the president said. The eased restrictions include opening up of registered and licensed accommodation facilities as well as allowing conferences and meetings for a maximum of 50…
One of Uganda’s best known mountain gorillas, Rafiki, has been killed. Four men have been arrested, and they face a life sentence or a fine of $5.4m (£4.3m) if found guilty of killing an endangered species. Investigations showed that Rafiki was killed by a sharp object that penetrated his internal organs. There are just over…
Air Namibia, which requested and was refused a US$119m government bailout last October, has been rescued by an allocation from the Namibian department of public enterprises. But the carrier could still be heading for possible restructuring, Namibian President, Hage Geingob, told parliament on June 5 that the airline should be liquidated since it required constant government…
Kenya Airways has again postponed taking to the skies after President Uhuru Kenyatta announced last week that nationwide lockdown measures would remain in place until July 6. Earlier this month, Kenyan Transport Ministry Cabinet Secretary James Macharia announced that that the national carrier would resume passenger flights on June 8. The airline has not indicated when passenger flights will…
Sustainable tourism sits at the core of The Elewana Collection and now, more than ever, conservation initiatives and care for the local communities is critical. To this effect Elewana’s charitable arm The Land & Life Foundation, is launching the ‘Pamoja Fund’ to support the people, places and wildlife who have been most impacted by the…
Serendib Hotels, a chain of hotels and resorts in some of Malawi’s most popular hotspots, have some exciting opportunities for those wishing to volunteer and also benefit from an extended working holiday in the sunshine! Responsible for running the Serendib Blantyre collection, the Blue Waters and Kambiri Beach resorts in Salima and the Zaburi Beach resort by the Mangochi Lakeshore, Serendib hotels are offering a wide…
Please join us for our upcoming webinars! Exclusive, Bespoke, Private | The Future of Safaris Register Here For 35 years, we have believed in exclusive, intimate, and bespoke safari experiences, and whilst the world continues to adapt to the new post-pandemic norms, we have remained steadfast to continue to provide these safaris of a lifetime.…
We have implemented the precautionary guidelines to protect our passengers, staffs and crew in response to COVID-19, as contactless as possible Below is the infographic of the Standard Operating Procedures, post COVID-19 Link
ARP Travel Group (East Africa) has relaunched it’s Newsletter filled with updates and the latest product information. Please contact Kathryn Monaco – kathryn@pscincrepresentation.com or visit us on: https://arppartners.com/eng/10-general-information/388-continue-receiving-our-newsletters
Auric Air resumes flights to Iringa and Songea from 14 June 2020 Dar es salaam to IRINGA, 2 X Weekly, Wednesday and Sunday Dar es salaam to SONGEA, 2 X Weekly, Wednesday and Sunday Flights to ZANZIBAR , PEMBA ISLAND and MAFIA ISLAND Now operating: ZANZIBAR 4 X daily flights to ZANZIBAR from DAR ES SALAAM…
The Association of Uganda Tour Operators chief executive, Gloria Tumwesigye, spoke with Bamuturaki Musinguzi on the impact of the coronavirus on Uganda’s travel industry. What is the state of the travel industry in Uganda? The pandemic has affected global tourism, which is hardest-hit by border closures, grounded air traffic and travel restrictions. Uganda earns over…
South Africa could reopen its borders for international tourism as early as September, according to a plan being proposed by tourism industry officials there. The proposal is being presented to Parliament today. It has already been submitted to the minister of tourism, who will lobby for it on behalf of industry to the South African…
South African National Parks (SANParks) has opened parks for day visitors to parks that cater for self-drives. CEO, Fundisile Mketeni, said SANParks used last week to prepare for the expected arrival of guests. “We appreciate that after two months of confinement, the public is keen to engage with nature, and the excitement as shown by enquiries…
The way ahead is now clear for 26 areas in KwaZulu Natal to be legally recognised as nature reserves, according to a press release. This effort was led by NGOs WWF South Africa and Conservation Outcomes, and Ndlovu de Villiers Attorneys. The 26 areas consist of a mixture of communal, private and state-owned land, and…
The Gondwana Collection Namibia is opening a new lodge, Etosha King Nehale Lodge, on June 10 as it begins to reopen most properties within the group. The 40-room lodge, which is on the Andoni Plains in the King Nehale Conservancy, was initially meant to open in May but due to the nationwide lockdown, the opening date…
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala, has launched a virtual safari live-streamed campaign to showcase safaris in some of the parks and reserves across the country. The six-week expedition – which started on June 2 – will be part of the ongoing #MagicAwaits campaign led by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). The campaign…
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has acknowledged the efforts undertaken by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and given the country the global safety and hygiene stamp. It is the only African country among the 17 countries that have received the WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp. The organisation, which represents the global travel and tourism private…
If you’ve heard of Malawi, there’s a chance this is due to Prince Harry, Madonna or tropical fish. There there is also delicious tea and coffee, and rural farmers embracing creative innovations! Direct from Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Malawi tea is a delicious artisanal crop new to most Americans and recently available on Amazon. Relax…
Malawian Style, in conjunction with Green Safaris, are pleases to introduce a brand new 14 night photography tour across Malawi and Zambia led by top safari photographer and guide Matt Armstrong. Take a trip round some of Zambia’s and Malawi’s most picturesque places with Matt’s guidance. From beginner to expert, Matt can not only find you…
Understanding the need for more wide-open spaces and social distancing in the future of travel, Springbok Atlas Tours and Safaris has created the Africa Re-Imagined package. This exclusive journey begins at a private villa in the city of Cape Town and ends in the Kruger National Park at a private safari home-away-from-home. It comes complete…
The animal kingdom lives on the edge of crisis. Every day presents life and death situations in which, in order to survive, one needs to be awake, alert and aware. Dr Ian McCallum encourages us to, like wild animals, expect anything and assume nothing. This tool will help you too, to survive in crisis. Reiterating…
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has allocated RWF3.5 billion (USD $3.5mm) for tourism marketing activities as it seeks to help the tourism and hospitality industry to recover from the effects of COVID-19 in the next fiscal year. CEO of the RDB, Clare Akamanzi, made the announcement during a budget hearing session with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on National…
Kenya Airways will resume passenger flights on June 8, confirms Kenyan Transport Ministry Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, in an interview with The Star. Meanwhile, the Kenya Airports Authority is putting in place the necessary operational measures ahead of the opening of the country’s airports. “This will, however, be subject to medical protocols,” said Macharia. The airline indicated to Tourism…
Airlink will launch limited scheduled domestic service starting Monday, 8th June, with flights on the Johannesburg-Cape Town and Johannesburg-Durban trunk routes. This follows the implementation of South Africa’s COVID-19 “Level 3” restrictions, which permits a three-phase resumption of domestic flights, based on the following: Phase 1 – Now in effect and permits flights between Johannesburg, Cape…