Uganda has officially approved six new national parks, increasing the total to 16. The move is aimed at strengthening conservation, protecting wildlife habitats and diversifying its tourism offering. The newly gazetted parks (Bukaleba, Echuya, Kyambura, Kigezi, Toro and Katonga) were previously forest and wildlife reserves. Cabinet ratified the decision as part of national efforts to…
The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita will welcome guests again on November 1 following an extensive seven-month renovation project. Among the updates are redesigned pool villas and private residential rentals, a new overwater wellness facility, Oseyan Spa, and reconceptualised dining experiences. Source: Four Seasons Redesigned by 1508 London, the resort’s villas and residential rentals feature…
Air Zimbabwe’s Harare-Mutare-Victoria Falls service will now be a permanent route, following its success earlier this month. The airline launched the temporary route to facilitate travel for the Sanganai/Hlanganani/ Kumbanai World Tourism Expo, which took place in Mutare from September 10-12 “This route has received an overwhelmingly positive response across the board. It has evolved from…
The Balete Ba Lekgophung Development Trust has announced that Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge, in Madikwe Game Reserve, will be under new management from October 1. The trust has appointed TMFL to operate the lodge through its management company, Nightjar Collection, a specialist in safari lodge management. Nightjar Collection oversees properties in the Greater Kruger and Pilanesberg,…
CornerSun Destination Marketing is proud to announce its appointment as the official North American representative for Dulini, a leading luxury safari brand with properties across Southern Africa. Effective immediately, CornerSun will serve as the key point of contact for North American travel advisors, tour operators, and industry partners. Dulini’s renowned collection includes three iconic lodges…
A new tour operator, the Zimbabwe Safari Collective, has been launched to stimulate tourism to a selection of five camps and lodges owned and operated by Zimbabwean citizens. The properties promoted by the group are in Mana Pools and Hwange National Park, and at Lake Kariba. Camps include Chitembe Main Camp and Chitembe Tented Camp…
O&L Leisure has successfully completed the acquisition of two Namibian lodges, Le Mirage Resort & Spa in Sossusvlei and Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa in the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). The acquisitions form part of the O&L Group Vision 2029 and expand the company’s portfolio to six Namibian destinations. Situated around 20km from…
Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries has increased entry fees for marine conservation areas and marine protected areas from September 1. According to a public notice, the fee adjustments apply to Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, Menai Bay Conservation Area, Chumbe Island Coral Park, Changuu-Bawe Marine Conservation Area and the Pemba Channel Conservation Area. Non-East…
Auric Air Services Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of scheduled services to Bukoba and Mwanza, commencing 01 October 2025. The routes will be operated by our newly introduced 50-seater Dash 8-300 aircraft, offering increased capacity and enhanced comfort for passengers. The new services will connect Dar es Salaam – Mwanza – Bukoba –…
Ascot Tours would like to invite you to an exclusive educational trip for travel trade professionals, taking place from 2–6 October 2025, just before the Essence of Africa Expo in Malindi. This educational trip is designed to give you first-hand experience of Kenya’s leading coastal resorts and championship golf courses, while creating opportunities for learning…
A new 55km slackpacking trail has been launched by The Carte Collection. It links four accommodation partners within the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve. Called the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way, it is a four-day, multi-stage hiking route with luggage transfers between lodges. The trail connects The Cavern, Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge, The Berghouse & Cottages and Montusi…
Written by Beth Rowan of Tapestry Travel In June, six U.S.-based travel advisors embarked on a journey to Uganda, hosted by the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Ambassador Robie Kakonge, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States. The group represented a wide spectrum of experience: some had traveled extensively across Africa, a few had been…
Kempinski Hotels is to open a new luxury hotel on the banks of the Congo River in Brazzaville in December. According to the brand, the Kempinski Hotel Brazzaville will be the first five-star hotel in the Republic of the Congo. From its location on the banks of the river, guests will be able to explore…
The new route aims to improve direct regional travel options for both business and leisure passengers. The schedule includes two daily return flights, seven days a week: • Morning service: Johannesburg departs 06:35, Gaborone arrives 7.35am; return 8.25am–9.25am. • Afternoon service: Johannesburg departs 4.40pm, Gaborone arrives 5.40pm; return 6.30pm–7.30pm. Group CEO Professor John Lamola said:…
Kenya is planning to increase taxes on local and international air tickets, which have remained unchanged for 13 years. The National Assembly’s majority leader, Kimani Ichung’wah has submitted a Bill which, if passed, will increase the levies on international air tickets by 25% and 20% for domestic air tickets. So far, the Bill has cleared its second…
Marasa Africa has reopened Silverback Lodge in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest following a complete redesign by HesseKleinloog Studio, known for projects such as Singita Kataza House and Kwitonda Lodge. The property includes elevated, glass-lined guest rooms, a restaurant and a dining deck overlooking the forest. The refurbishment aimed to combine contemporary design with Ugandan heritage…
Dolphin Tours & Safaris Ltd is delighted to announce the introduction of a new service designed to make cross-border safari travel smoother and more convenient for your guests. We now offer private transfers between Tarime, Tanzania, and Migori, Kenya, providing a direct and comfortable link between Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara Reserve. Service…
MORE Collection Trade alert MORE Family Collection Rebrands as MORE Collection Johannesburg, South Africa, 1 September25 – MORE Family Collection has evolved into MORE Collection, following nine months of extensive market research with the travel trade. The word “family” sometimes created confusion, with people perceiving the brand as exclusively for family travellers. The new name…
Between January and June 2025, Idube Game Reserve underwent a major transformation, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. With beautifully refreshed interiors, reimagined guest spaces, and exciting new features, Idube now offers an even more luxurious safari experience while retaining the warm, authentic charm it is loved for. Here’s a quick look at the key enhancements from…
If you’ve been waiting to secure your place at the APTA Global Forum, now is the time—fewer than five spots remain, and the event is nearly sold out! From September 24–26, 2025, join us in Arusha, Tanzania, for the premier Africa-focused travel industry event of the year. Whether you’re an Africa travel veteran or looking…
Effective October 29, United Airlines will transfer one of its US-Johannesburg flights to its Cape Town schedule. United’s daily flights between Johannesburg and Newark will be reduced to six weekly flights. This frequency will be added to its Cape Town routes, which will include four weekly Cape Town-Newark services and three weekly Cape Town-Washington DC…
The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, managed by Agulhas National Park, will reopen to visitors on August 29. According to SANParks, this follows a month-long closure for repairs and restoration due to lightning damage on August 28 last year. Overseen by the Transnet National Ports Authority, the refurbishment aimed to ensure the safety and preservation of the historic structure.
Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) has announced its entry into the South African hospitality market through the acquisition of a commercial property in Cape Town’s CBD. It will be converted into a branded hotel operated under an international hospitality group. RTG confirmed it is in advanced discussions with global brands to secure a management agreement. The…
Effective December 15, Etihad will add 10 new flights to its Abu Dhabi-Nairobi route, to offer twice-daily flights. This more than triples the airline’s capacity on the route, which is currently served by only four flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. EY767 will depart Abu Dhabi at 08h45 and arrive in Nairobi…
Celebrate 25 Years of Curated Journeys with Mantis As we honor 25 years of pioneering hospitality and conservation, we invite our dedicated travel trade partners to join a milestone celebration. The Mantis 25th Anniversary Travel Trade Campaign recognizes the vital role you play in bringing purpose-driven, boutique experiences to life. By participating, you’ll immerse yourself in…
THE JOURNEY AND STAY The journey to Silverback Lodge begins long before you arrive. It starts with a whisper from the forest — a promise of something ancient, something stirring — and builds with each twist of Uganda’s winding roads. As the vehicle climbs toward the canopy-lined ridges of Buhoma, children wave exuberantly from the…
Azura Marlin Beach is Now Open MOZAMBIQUE – August 2025 Azura Boutique Retreats is delighted to announce the official opening of Azura Marlin Beach, welcoming guests to a new chapter of relaxed island luxury on Benguerra Island. As the newest addition to the portfolio in the Bazaruto Archipelago, it joins sister property Azura Benguerra Island…
There’s never been a better time to (re)discover Cottar’s Safaris. One of East Africa’s most iconic safari experiences is entering an exciting new era, marked by extensive upgrades to both Cottar’s 1920s Camp and the exclusive-use Cottar’s Bush Villa. This webinar will give you the tools and insights to sell one of the region’s most…
Proflight Zambia is set to launch flights to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, from March 3 next year. The route will operate three times weekly, linking Lusaka and Livingstone to Windhoek. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Lusaka to Windhoek flight will include a 30-minute stopover in Livingstone with passengers remaining on board. The Livingstone…
JAZ Hotel Group is set to open a 346-room, all-inclusive family resort on Zanzibar’s east coast in September. Located in Michamvi Kae, the five-star JAZ Elite Aurora will feature a range of superior and deluxe rooms along with eight executive suites, two royalty suites and four private villas.The hotel group claims that it will include…
Numerous successful rewilding projects in Southern and East Africa are providing a glimmer of hope that the decline in wild populations of iconic species such as lion – in only an estimated 7% of its historic range today – can be reversed. Lions increasingly face pressure from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching and snaring. According…
The Tanzanian government will introduce a new Passenger Facilitation Fee, under the VI Tax code, which will apply to all international air passengers from November 1. The fee will be US$45 (R794) per passenger for one-way international journeys into Tanzania and $90 (R1 588) for international return trips. Infants under two years old will be…
Uganda will host its first Rhino Naming Ceremony on September 22 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District, marking a key milestone in the US$11 million Name A Rhino Campaign. The event will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Launched last year by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife…
A&K Sanctuary is set to open Kitirua Plains Lodge near Kenya’s Amboseli National Park on June 1 next year. The all-suite property will be located on a private concession bordering Amboseli, just 10 minutes from the park’s main gate. The launch marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to the region where Founder Geoffrey Kent first introduced a modern luxury…
Discover our exciting range of new scuba diving and safari packages, an unforgettable blend of underwater exploration and classic African wildlife adventures. With vibrant marine ecosystems, seasonal migrations, and unique dive sites, these packages are designed to suit every type of scuba diver, whether you’re chasing the thrill of big marine events or seeking a peaceful…
The Ethiopian Airlines Group has opened a new airport, Wollo Kombolcha Airport, in north-central Ethiopia. The newly enhanced airport facility includes a passenger terminal building, a VIP terminal, and support facility. The airport development, worth over €12 million (R250 million), included the construction of a new terminal building, parking areas, ancillary buildings such as an airport…
Tourism stakeholders in Uganda have voiced strong opposition to ongoing oil exploration activities in the country’s most popular national park – Murchison Falls – where commercial oil exports are slated to begin by June 2026. Since oil exploration efforts kicked off in 2015, infrastructure such as oil rigs, well pads, flowlines and pipelines have been…
The recent overcrowding issues in the Serengeti have raised questions about the impact of tourism marketing on one of Africa’s most well-known spectacles – the Great Migration. Since safari guide Nick Kleer’s video went viral in mid-July, the overcrowding has been attributed to various factors including claims of inadequate rule enforcement, unethical guiding behaviour and a high-volume tourism…
Spier Wine Farm has launched two new exclusive-use villas as the final stage of an extensive renovation of Spier Hotel. The double-storey Garden and Riverside villas each offer an open-plan dining room, lounge with fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, guest cloakroom and an en-suite bedroom on the ground floors. French doors lead onto a verandah, garden…
On June 2nd-3rd, 2025, Atua Enkop Africa’s Masai Mara camps partnered with Lifecare International Insurance Brokers and other sponsors to organize a free medical camp at OloolaImutia Centre. This initiative is part of our ongoing CSR efforts to support local communities around our properties.
Save on a combo deal booking at TAASA Lodge and TAASA Migration Camp for stays between July 2025 and October 2025. TAASA MIGRATION CAMP • Full Board: Inclusive of luxury accommodation, all meals, selected house beverages, limited laundry services, Wi-Fi and safari activities at the camp •Game Package – Inclusive of luxury accommodation, all meals,…
As of June 2025, Cottar’s Safaris in the Maasai Mara has completed a series of thoughtful updates, including four new family tents, a secluded honeymoon tent at Cottar’s 1920s Camp, and a full redesign of Cottar’s Bush Villa. New Family Tents Each features two en-suite bedrooms, a shared lounge with a wood-burning stove, and a…
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa unveils its new chapter… There’s a quiet transformation unfolding on the banks of the Zambezi. Long celebrated for its riverside charm and warm hospitality, The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa is entering a new era, blending the best of traditional African design with a fresh, contemporary…
A Sanctuary of Understated Elegance, Elevated Luxury, and Untamed Beauty in the Heart of Madikwe. Impodimo Game Lodge, the celebrated 5-star safari destination, is proud to unveil the reimagined outdoor sanctuary of its exclusive Safari Villa. Perched gracefully above a bustling waterhole and set against the sweeping vistas of the Madikwe Game Reserve, the…
Nestled at the meeting point of the Mara and Talek Rivers, Atua Enkop’s Mara Ngenche Camp has received a gorgeous upgrade just in time for the Great Migration. Expect wooden-decked floors, new outdoor showers, private plunge pools, and refreshed interiors across all guest tents — all while keeping the signature stand-alone bathtubs. The reception, lounge,…
Garonga Safari Co. is deeply committed to sustainability, utilizing innovative solutions like heat pumps, water recycling plants, and solar power at their camps. They also prioritize local sourcing, responsible waste management, and active wildlife conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives and elephant contraception programs, all aimed at preserving their natural environment. Garonga’s Green Intiatives
MORE Family Collection Press Release Kids of all ages welcome on safari at Marataba Game Lodges Johannesburg, South Africa, 29 July 2025: Multi-generational travel is booming, with MMGY Travel Intelligence finding that 86% of American travellers with kids are interested in travelling internationally in the next two years. But safari has long posed a challenge:…
The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) – in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture – has launched a national accreditation programme aimed at boosting quality standards and global competitiveness among tourism operators. The programme introduces a certification system designed to evaluate and verify the quality and professionalism of service providers within…
The new curated Soweto Art Tour, by Toura Travel Therapy, is now available to visitors in Johannesburg, offering travellers a route through one of South Africa’s most historic and culturally significant urban areas. The new art-focused tour has been launched by Thabo Modise, Founding Director of Toura Travel Therapy, also known as Thabo the Tourist. According…
Lemala Camps & Lodges, part of the Tourvest integrated tourism group, has acquired Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp, marking its entry into the Kenyan market. Located just outside Amboseli National Park and offering views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the camp will retain its name and branding. Lemala will oversee operations, bringing its regional experience to the property…