Essence of Africa, the premier international buyers’ forum for African tourism, is launching with strategic emphasis on familiarisation (FAM) trips to drive sustainable growth and increase Africa’s share of the global tourism market. The inaugural event at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 2-4 will provide access for pre-qualified international buyers to…
Did you know that an estimated 400 species of birds have been recorded within the Zambezi National Park, making this a bird lover’s paradise. From the deck outside your suite at Chundu Island, or from a canoe trip on the river, get ready to spot the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, Collared Palm Thrush, Lanner…
Vered Tours is happy to announce our Travel Advisors’ Fam Tour of Morocco, February 14-24, 2025 including roundtrip air on Royal Air Maroc from New York’s JFK Airport. The tour will include breakfast and dinner daily, in depth visits to Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, an overnight in a luxury Sahara Desert camp and much more. Non-industry…
We are thrilled to announce that Kapama Karula has once again been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler in their prestigious 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking #5 in the category of South Africa: Resorts. This recognition reflects the exceptional experiences we continue to offer our guests, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our team and the…
Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone continues to make remarkable strides in the aviation sector, attracting foreign investments that have led to the development of an ultra-modern international airport and a notable increase in flight frequencies to 50 per week. Today, Sierra Leone marks another significant milestone…
Non-profit African Parks is doing amazing work in Malawi, protecting and transforming four major parks: Liwonde National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Mangochi Forest Reserve, and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Their efforts are not just about protecting wildlife but also about boosting local communities and making these wildlife areas sustainable for the future. Take a look at this article exploring how…
State-owned TAAG Angola Airlines has entered into a partnership that will advance the airline’s aims to capture traffic between Africa and the Americas. The airline is the newest member of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) with a membership list including 50 airlines and 124 industry partners. From its headquarters in Luanda,…
During Mental Health Awareness Month worldwide in October, the Cape Town International Kite Festival, as the Cape Mental Health (CMH) flagship event since 1994, will gather artists, mental health ambassadors, staff, mental health care users, volunteers and others to share their stories of pain, healing and recovery. The theme of this year’s festival is #HopeOnAString.…
Construction of The Residences at Meliá Seychelles is well underway. The development is expected to officially open after construction is completed in the first quarter of 2026. The main buildings for the business and leisure resort project, undertaken by Seafront Development Ltd, have reached roof height. The project is located near L’Escale Resort and across…
Nyikani Camps and Lodges, a Tanzania based operator of deluxe boutique tented safari camps, including two permanent camps (Nyikani Tarangire & Nyikani Central Serengeti) and one mobile migration camp that moves with the Wildebeest “Great Migration” (Nyikani Ndutu – Dec-April & Nyikani Kogatende – June-Oct) is thrilled to announce the completion of a major refurbishment…
From Captivity to Freedom: A Rhino Rewilding Success Story By: Painteddog.tv Last Wednesday, two rhino cows took their first drowsy steps towards freedom. Rescued as calves after their mothers were tragically poached in the wild, these now 7- and 8-year-old rhinos had spent the majority of their lives in captivity. But their journey took…
Proflight Zambia has acquired its fifth Bombardier CRJ-200 passenger jet, bringing the airline’s total fleet to 12 aircraft and advancing the carrier’s regional expansion plans. The new aircraft, following the introduction of a 30-passenger British Aerospace Jetstream 4100 in July, carries up to 50 passengers. “We are thrilled to welcome the CRJ-200 to our growing…
Bigger and better…Everyone wants a share of the North American market! The landscape for sales calls in North America has changed as buyers have very limited time and many still work remotely, meaning that many US reps find trade shows and events to be the most cost effective way to reach agents. Africa Showcase makes…
Malawi – a place to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul as you unwind on gorgeous beaches, connect with nature in amazing wildlife reserves and feel welcomed by incredibly friendly people. Could there be a more perfect recipe for a total wellness experience? From a traditional yoga retreat or spa experience, to eating…
Sierra Leone is preparing to host the UN Women in Tourism Africa Regional Congress in Freetown from October 29-31, 2024. Under the theme “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,” the event is being organised in collaboration with UN Tourism and supported by UN Women and the African Union. The three-day congress will gather prominent…
In a bid to further boost its tourism numbers and grow its economy, Kenya has introduced the Digital Nomad Work Permit and the Transit and Long Connection Travellers Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The initiatives were launched by President William Ruto at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 in Nairobi. This historic first for the country’s tourism industry…
The mobile Roving Bushtops camp will begin alternating its location between the southern and northern Serengeti from June 2025 to capitalise on seasonal wildlife movements, including the great wildebeest migration, providing better game viewing opportunities year-round. From June to October, the camp will be based in the northern Serengeti about 15 minutes from the Mara…
The Introduction of Blue Wildebeest to Rietspruit Game Reserve In an exciting conservation effort, 56 wildebeest have been successfully reintroduced onto Rietspruit Game Reserve in Limpopo, breathing new life into the region’s dwindling population. These animals, which made the journey from Thabazimbi, will bolster the reserve’s very small existing population, providing a much-needed boost to…
We are proud to see Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis in J-burg featured in the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Awards online publication. Vivari Hotel and Spa has been honoured with two Haute Grandeur Global Awards this year: Best Luxury Hotel in Africa and Best Hotel Service in South Africa. These accolades are a reflection…
On Tuesday, October 22, the Namibia Tourism Board will host an exclusive networking event following the World Travel Expo (WTE) in Miami. Held at the Rum Room in Miami Beach, the event offers travel agents and tour operators an opportunity to connect with Namibia’s top tourism suppliers, learn about the destination, and explore exciting travel…
ATTA has announced the appointment of its first African female CEO, Kgomotso Ramothea, with a vision to further expand the continent’s largest tourism network. Ramothea’s appointment comes as James Haigh steps in as ATTA’s new Chair from October 2024, taking over from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin. Ramothea brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications across various industries. Her…
Uber, in partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, has launched a full-day ‘Uber Safari’ in Cape Town. As the latest experience in Uber’s ‘Go Anywhere’ series of limited-edition travel products, Uber Safari will be exclusively available on the Uber app from October 1, 2024, until February 1, 2025. The full-day trip includes a pick-up in…
The African Traditional Sports and Games Council (ATSGC) has officially designated Namibia as host of the inaugural African Traditional Sports and Games in 2026. The event aims to celebrate Africa’s cultural heritage through traditional sports, promoting unity and cooperation among nations across the continent. The games are designed to showcase athletic talent and the diverse…
ENVI Sisini Serengeti is thrilled to announce the plans to open ENVI Sisini Mara, a luxury tented camp in the Northern Serengeti region of Tanzania, renowned for the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, set to open in February 2025. With a commitment to sustainability, ENVI Sisini Mara seamlessly harmonises…
JENMAN African Safaris is excited to announce the launch of its very first Diving Safari Packages. For those who have always dreamed of exploring coral reefs alongside Africa’s incredible wildlife, this is the perfect opportunity. These unique packages blend the thrill of diving with land safaris, catering to both seasoned divers and curious beginners alike.…
We’re excited to share that Mantis EPIC Hotel and Suites in Rwanda has been nominated for the Hoteliers Circle Bright Ideas – Innovation & Tech Award for its Banana Leaf Slipper Project! In partnership with the Hirwa children’s foundation, traditional hotel slippers have been replaced with 100% eco-friendly ones made from dried banana leaves. This…
The Malawian government has initiated a programme to enhance tourism on Likoma Island by providing snorkelling and diving courses to local operators. Joyce Storey, Assistant Tourism Officer for Likoma, emphasised that these skills will play a crucial role in attracting more visitors to the island’s rich marine environments. A two-week training course was conducted in…
The Chobe Princess by Mantis Unveils Stunning New Look! The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis, renowned for its unique river safari experiences, is pleased to announce the completion of exquisite soft refurbishments to its three Chobe Princesses. The Chobe Princess, a fleet of intimate houseboats (and smaller siblings of the Zambezi Queen) float along the…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) proudly celebrated the success of its Global Forum 2024, held in Costa Mesa, California, from September 19-22. This event marked APTA’s first Global Forum in the United States since before the COVID-19 pandemic, following the immense success of last year’s Forum in Cape Town, South…
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He was the second African leader to give a keynote speech at today’s morning session. More info here
Hospitality company Accor has expanded its portfolio in Africa with the opening of a new Sofitel-branded property in Benin. The new Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa offers 198 rooms, including 14 suites and five duplex suites featuring private pools. It will also offer five bars and restaurants, which will open progressively between this month and…
Namoroka Tsingy Camp, a new tented camp in Madagascar’s Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, has officially opened and welcomed its first guests. This new property offers an exclusive experience in one of Madagascar’s most remote natural environments. Key features of the Namoroka Tsingy Camp include: Location: The camp is the only accommodation available within the Tsingy de…
Zanzibar is taking a leap towards sustainable tourism with the Kizimkazi Hiking Loop – a 10 km eco-tourism trail in southern Zanzibar. This collaboration between UNDP Tanzania, State University of Zanzibar and Zanzibar’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities combines technology with nature in promoting cultural heritage and local economic growth. Part of the Bahari Maisha (Ocean Life) Project,…
he roads affected by the snowstorm over the weekend, including the N3 Toll Route, have now been reopened to traffic, according to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), reporting on Sunday night, September 22. These include key routes in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions left…
History has been made in Zambia with the reintroduction of five cheetahs, donated by Dinokeng and Kuzuko Game Reserves, to the 30,000-hectare LoleLunga Game Ranch. This marks a significant step in boosting Zambia’s cheetah population and rebalancing the ecosystem. The once barren land has been transformed into a thriving wilderness where elephants, buffalo, and cheetahs…
Mbano Manor Hotel by Mantis in Victoria Falls is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded Best Boutique Hotel in Zimbabwe at the 2024 AZTA Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents) Awards! Last year, Mbano Manor Hotel by Mantis was proud to take home the 1st runner-up spot, and now, securing the top award just…
Luxury Johannesburg boutique hotel, 10 2nd Avenue in Houghton Estate, will fall under the management of Dream Hotels & Resorts from October 1. “Dream Hotels is excited to be bringing another property under our umbrella in Gauteng,” said Chris Snyman, Dream Hotels’ Chief Development Officer. “10 2nd Avenue is a perfect fit in our diverse stable,…
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued assurances to passengers that it has contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption at King Shaka International Airport in Durban as a strike by the KZN E-hailing Council started today (Monday, September 16). The strike is expected to continue until the end of the week. Travellers expecting…
Amani Spa & Wellness has opened its doors at the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, offering guests a tranquil retreat within the Lowveld landscape. The spa features five treatment rooms including a VIP couple’s suite equipped with a private jacuzzi and outdoor deck. It offers a variety of massages, facials and nail treatments as well as…
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, recently announced the commencement of its six new weekly flights to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, starting November 1. The new service will use the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. This new route will strengthen Ethiopia’s presence in South Asia, providing convenient connections between Bangladesh and key destinations across Africa and beyond. …
South African Airways intends to open routes from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam in November, according to a media release issued on September 10. The airline also reports steady, sustainable growth three years after returning to the skies. Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said that between August 2022 and August 2024 the airline’s fleet…
The eastern black rhino population in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park has expanded with the arrival of five new rhinos from European zoos. This is the largest translocation of rhinos from Europe to Africa. The move is part of a major international collaboration overseen by Chester Zoo’s conservationists. Mark Pilgrim, Chester Zoo CEO, who manages the…
The coastal community of Bureh Town has unanimously agreed to a private sector management model for new tourism facilities at Bureh Beach. This decision, reached during a meeting organised by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is part of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). The SLEDP aims to enhance tourism in…
Wild Dogs Run Free: Another Conservation Victory for Painteddog.tv Victoria Nuttall-Smith 14/09/2024 In the heart of Rietspruit Game Reserve, a monumental chapter in wildlife conservation has just unfolded. The air is alive with the energy of freedom, as three wild dogs, two females and one male, have taken their first steps out of their enclosure…
Asilia Africa has been a pioneer in nature-positive travel in East Africa for the past 20-plus years, being at the forefront of protecting and restoring vital natural landscapes while improving the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. In our efforts to continuously expand upon our Positive Impact, we are incredibly proud to share…
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is thrilled to announce the completion of the first phase of its most ambitious refurbishment project to date. The first set of newly transformed Sea Facing rooms are now open and welcoming guests, offering a perfect blend of modern elegance, elevated comfort, and luxury. This marks the beginning of a…
He takes the reins from Nicky Fitzgerald who will remain close to the business as a shareholder and board member. Wendover and his family are deeply embedded in Africa: his son grew up in Madagascar, daughter in Uganda and he and his wife have childhood roots in Africa. He believes the world’s wild spaces and neighbouring communities…
The strike at all major airports in Kenya has been called off. The strike severely disrupted international and domestic flights on Tuesday night, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10, The industrial action left passengers stranded and disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport. It…
We’re just days away from the APTA Global Forum in Costa Mesa, CA, and we’ve saved the best for last—six unforgettable African safari trips and additional fabulous prizes worth nearly $60,000 are up for grabs! With a more intimate event, your chances of winning one of these incredible prizes are exceptionally high! Each trip promises…
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara has launched two new dining experiences offering travellers the chance to enjoy Zambia’s natural beauty while sampling local flavours. The Gorge Picnic and Zambezi Dining Experience combine scenic locations with locally sourced cuisine. The Gorge Picnic is hosted at Bobo Camp – an area with limited access in the…