First Hyde Hotel to Open in Africa

Lifestyle and leisure hospitality group, Ennismore, and Kasada, an independent real estate private equity platform, have signed an agreement to open the Hyde Hotel Johannesburg. The opening marks a series of significant milestones: Ennismore’s first hotel in Johannesburg, the first Hyde hotel in Africa and Kasada’s first investment in Johannesburg although its fourth in South…

Ethiopia Inks Deal for Africa’s Largest Airport

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a contract with a Dubai-based engineering and consulting company, Dar Al-Handasah, to design Africa’s largest airport – aiming to manage up to 110 million passengers per year – four times the capacity of Bole Addis Ababa International Airport. According to Ethiopian Airlines Regional Manager for Southern Africa Abel Yifru, the airport will be…

Airlink Halts Sales of CPT-Gaborone Route

Airlink has withdrawn sales for its direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights after the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) informed the airline that it had not been granted authorisation to operate the route. The CAAB has also instructed Airlink to remove all advertisements of the new service, which was due to start on April 1 next year,…

Cape Town to Gaborone Route Launched

Airlink is expanding its network to include direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights from April 1, 2025. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) on the following schedule: Flight 4Z 364 departs CPT at 10h50 and arrives in GBE at 13h00. Flight 4Z…

‘Wild Hill’ Exclusive Villa Opens in Kenya

Luxury lodge and villa collective Collection in the Wild has opened its innovative new exclusive-use villa, Wild Hill, on the edge of the Enonkishu Conservancy in the northern Maasai Mara ecosystem. Situated on Kileleoni Hill – the highest point in the Maasai Mara – Wild Hill features unique architectural design elements such as livinggrass roofs…

Durban Street Food Festival Set for September

This year’s Durban Street Food Festival will take place at The Pavilion Shopping Centre from September 6-8. The festival will offer a diverse lineup of food, crafts, music, and entertainment. There will be over 60 food and craft vendors as well as a music stage with over 20 artists performing live. Performances include EASY FREAK, Veranda Panda, Matt…

SAA Adds Johannesburg-Mauritius Flight

SAA is adding a flight between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Mauritius, effective December 1. There will be two daily morning departures from Johannesburg to Mauritius: Flight SA190 will depart Johannesburg at 09h40 and arrive in Mauritius at 15h40 local time. Flight SA192 will depart Johannesburg at 10h45 and arrive in Mauritius at 16h45…

New Webinar Recording with Sanctuary Retreats

Did you miss our most recent webinar with Lara Vancans from Sanctuary Retreats? You can listen to the recording in our webinar library! Don’t forget to check out some of the other webinars we’ve uploaded including Lesser Known Safari Experiences in East Africa with Holden Safaris, Discovering the KAZA Region and much more!

Rustic brilliance awaits in Mahale

Greystoke has always been a precious jewel beside the vast Lake Tanganyika and little has changed in that regard over the years. It remains the premier chimping experience in Africa. Remote, magical; our lost world in the west. Life in the forest continues to evolve and we are delighted to share some camp updates that…

Next-Level Luxury with Kapama’s Exclusive Pilatus PC-12 Aircraft

Enhance your safari experience with Kapama’s exclusive PC-12 flight option, offering unparalleled convenience and luxury. Experience a seamless safari getaway like never before.   Kapama Private Game Reserve invites you to indulge in an extraordinary safari adventure designed exclusively for our valued partners. Enhance your stay with Kapama Air, our luxurious private-use Pilatus PC-12, and…

Introducing ENVI Sisini Serengeti

Introducing ENVI Sisini Serengeti The thrill of the wild meets back-to-nature luxury at ENVI Sisini Serengeti, a bespoke safari lodge where just 11 tents and villas blend seamlessly with the endless savannah. Deep in the vibrant heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, a new world of luxury and adventure has emerged with ENVI Sisini Serengeti,…

FlySafair Ramps Up Capacity

FlySafair is to increase capacity ahead of the busy summer season with the addition of two aircraft to its fleet. The two Boeing 737-800 NG are expected to add 12-14 flights per day to the airline’s schedule. “There’s no better time to prepare for the silly season than now,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer. “And…

Governors’ Camp Collection Expands Private Charters

Governors’ Camp Collection has enhanced access to its range of luxury camps in East Africa with the launch of cross-border private charter flights between Kenya and Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. Through the collection’s aviation arm Governors’ Aviation, the private charter service now offers connections from Kenya’s Wilson Airport and Maasai Mara Kisumu Airstrip to the…

SA’s Lanseria Airport Gears Up to Attract Regional Airlines

Lanseria International Airport in the northwest of Johannesburg shared with Tourism Update its newest developments to make the airport a more accessible and attractive destination for tourists and airlines. The new developments include the establishment of new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, the construction of new Fixed Based Operators (FBO) facilities and a fuel farm/depot, as…

New Safari Camp Set to Open in Madagascar

A new safari camp by the Madagascar Classic Collection, Namoroka Tsingy Camp, situated in the 220-square kilometre Tsingy de Namoroka National Park north-west of Madagascar, is set to open next month. This intimate camp features five private tents, all with their own outdoor living area. Each en suite tent is  furnished with a luxury four-poster…

Clarity on Zambia’s De-dollarisation Policy

Zambia remains open and welcoming to international visitors, with no immediate changes to how they can pay for tourism services This was the key message in a trade notice issued by Africa’s Eden and the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance to clear up some confusion relating to the recent coverage regarding the proposed de-dollarisation policy…

Two Shamwari films win at tourism film awards

Hungry Bison Films and Shamwari Game Reserve have won in two categories at the annual International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA). Filmmaker Andrew Barratt’s Shamwari promotional video and a documentary on the largest vulture relocation in Africa respectively took the top awards for Tourism Video and Documentary, TV & Web Programme – Wildlife Conservation. The International…

Emperors Palace Goes Further Green

Palace of Dreams Builds Onsite Boreholes and Water Reservoir to reduce impact on environment and local municipal services In the hospitality industry going green and embracing sustainability are vital for environmental preservation, resource conservation, and long-term economic viability. It has become a corporate responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts in…

Historic News from VulPro@Shamwari!

We are beyond ecstatic to announce the arrival of the first-ever Cape vulture and first white-backed vulture chicks born in captivity in the Eastern Cape, right here at VulPro@Shamwari! These precious hatchlings born in June and July respectively, are a milestone in our mission to protect and restore vulture populations. These tiny yet mighty chicks…

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge Officially Reopens

Marriott is delighted to announce the reopening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. The team is ready to once again welcome guests, reaffirming their commitment to providing transformative, wellness-forward experiences amidst Africa’s renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation area. More information here: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nbomj-jw-marriott-masai-mara-lodge/overview/

FlyNamibia to Expand its Regional Routes

Namibia’s only airline, FlyNamibia, told Tourism Update that its expansion plans were well under way, having specifically targeted Victoria Falls and Maun as new routes with significant growth potential. The airline launched its new thrice-weekly service from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) to Maun International Airport (MUB) on July 3. The return flight to WDH operates…

Marriott Commits to Growing Ethiopian Tourism

Marriott International Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Capuano, recently engaged in discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the company’s ongoing commitment to improving Ethiopia’s hospitality and travel sector. Capuano discussed Marriott’s expansion plans in Ethiopia, with the expected addition of nine properties. This would bring the company’s current portfolio in the country to 11…

Protea Hotels by Marriott Debuts in Angola

To celebrate its 40th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott has announced the opening of two new properties, including its first in Angola. The Protea by Marriott Luanda is situated between the Luanda CBD and Talatona, with easy access to a range of businesses and private event destinations. The 84 guest rooms and suites are decorated in…

Sun City Hotel Gets a Revamp

The Sun City Hotel will undergo a complete upgrade of all 340 rooms, bedroom corridors, bedroom terraces and the Sun Terrace beginning in August. The refurbishment, which will be carried out in phases, is set to be completed in November 2026. The first 67 renovated rooms will be ready by the end of November, just…

Mobile Migration Camp Set for 2025 Launch

Tanzanian hospitality operator TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps has announced the launch of a new family-friendly mobile tented camp in the Serengeti, due to open in July 2025. Designed as a complement to its existing flagship TAASA Lodge in the Great Migration circuit of Northern Tanzania, TAASA Migration Camp will relocate throughout the year to…

Kenya Reasserts High-Season Readiness After Protests

Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Ministry has called on visitors to continue with their travel plans to the country during the July to September high season, asserting that the tourism sector has been unaffected by recent public protests. The ministry’s Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led a high-profile meeting with key industry stakeholders at the start of the month…

Hideaways Nantwich Lodge Wins 2024 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award

Hideaways Africa is proud to announce that Hideaways Nantwich Lodge has been recognized in Tripadivsor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. This recognition places Hideaways Nantwich Lodge in the top 10% of hotels worldwide, reflecting our commitment to exceptional guest experiences and sustainable tourism. The Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award celebrates accommodations that consistently receive authentic traveler…

Webinar, Volcanoes Safaris Launches Kibale Lodge

Thursday, July 25th at 1pm Eastern Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1162894515442909022 Volcanoes Safaris, pioneer of great ape ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda, have opened a new chimpanzee lodge in Uganda, Kibale Lodge. Join Kevin James, COO Volcanoes Safaris, and Betty Nassuna, Sales Manager for an introduction into Kibale Lodge, updates from Volcanoes community and conservation projects, and…

Travulous Announces 2024 & 2025 FAM Trips to Uganda

Travulous is delighted to announce the dates for two unique 7-day Familiarisation Trips to Uganda in 2024 and 2025: FAM Trip 1: visits Entebbe, Murchison Falls NP, Fort Portal and Bwindi Impenetrable NP View Itinerary Online Complete Application Form FAM Trip 2: visits Entebbe, Queen Elizabeth NP and Bwindi Impenetrable NP View Itinerary Online Complete Application…

TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps Announces the Opening of TAASA Migration Camp in the Serengeti

TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps, a renowned hospitality operator in Tanzania, is thrilled to unveil its newest addition, TAASA Migration Camp, set to open in July 2025. This unique and family-friendly tented camp, designed to complement their existing “TAASA Lodge” in Northern Tanzania, offers families and adventurers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Great…

Singita Opens Premium “Singita Milele” Villa in the Serengeti

Premium lodge collective Singita has added an exclusive-use five-bedroomed villa, Singita Milele, to its offerings in the Serengeti. Situated on the top of Sasakwa Hill, in the national park’s Grumeti Reserve, the residence features individually designed suites, named Journey, Pride, Coalition, Dazzle and Crash, paying tribute to the Serengeti’s iconic wildlife, namely giraffe, lion, cheetah, zebra…

Calm in Kenya as Controversial New Bill is Revoked

Peace has returned to Kenya. This after Kenyan President, William Ruto, pulled the controversial Finance Bill 2024/2025 this evening (June 26) following widespread protests. The Bill, published earlier this month, sought to raise US$ 2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. This Bill impacted a number of business sectors in…

Desert and Delta Launches Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp in Botswana

Desert and Delta Safaris has launched the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp in Botswana, an exclusive overnight expedition from Nxamaseri Island Lodge, offering access to one of the world’s most undiscovered Unesco World Heritage Sites, Tsodilo Hills. The camp features eco-friendly pods inspired by traditional nomadic Bushman dwellings, providing an immersive experience in the region’s cultural…