We are thrilled that two of Volcanoes Safaris Great Ape lodges are included in the Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards top 10 Safari Lodges in 2024! Travel+Leisure readers have voted Mount Gahinga Lodge 4th and Kyambura Gorge Lodge 6th favorite safari lodges in Africa, and both lodges feature in the top 100 Hotels in the World!…
Hideaways Africa is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its portfolio, Hideaways Mhara River Camp, located in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. Officially joining the Hideaways family on August 20th, this exceptional camp offers an unparalleled wilderness experience on a remote, private, and previously unexplored concession. About the camp Located in Mana Pools National Park,…
Uganda has announced the resumption of hiking activities to the Margherita Peak, the highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains following months of suspension due to safety concerns. The suspension was announced in May by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a state agency responsible for wildlife conservation, following the formation of a crevasse or deep open…
Thursday, August 22nd at 2pm Eastern Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/570388590842203989 Everyone has heard of Victoria Falls (for good reason!), but Zimbabwe offers so much more than that. Zimbabwe is a destination that has it all – amazing wildlife, national parks with very few crowds, access to both land and water environments, diverse activities, impressive safari accommodations,…
On 14th August, the World Health Organisation declared outbreaks of mpox in Africa to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. What is mpox? Mpox is a viral infection that was previously known as “monkeypox”. It shares some similarities with smallpox, to the extent that smallpox vaccine may be protective; however it is much less…
Mashatu in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve is developing the Lala Limpopo sleepout hide due to launch in October. The exclusive overnight photography experience was established through a partnership with concessionaire C4 Photo Safaris and co-founded by Shem Compion, a professional photographer. The newly constructed hide has been strategically placed in the ground to seamlessly blend…
The NamibRand Nature Reserve in southwestern Namibia has been designated as Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park in recognition of its commitment to preserving the pristine environment and providing a quiet sanctuary for wildlife and visitors. Acknowledging the rapid extinction of quiet locations around the world, the honour is bestowed by Quiet Parks International to places…
Kenya Airways has announced a significant upgrade to its fleet on key routes between Nairobi and South Africa from this month. A number of its Johannesburg and Cape Town services have been upgraded to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to enhance connectivity between the two countries. The airline currently flies from Cape Town to Nairobi nine…
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…
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 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,…
The safari industry is on the cusp of a new era, one where the wonders of the African wilderness can be experienced by anyone, anywhere in the world, without stepping foot outside their home. Painteddog.tv is leading this transformation with its groundbreaking Live Virtual Safaris—an innovative offering that redefines how we connect with nature and…
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…
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…
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 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…
Thanks to our loyal safari guests and supporters, we were able to save a pack of wild dogs from almost certain death. Watch the highlight video here >> Near the reserve where Painteddog.tv brings the wild to life with daily LIVE virtual safaris, a small pack of four male wild dogs found themselves in a…
Discover the Wild: Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, now known as Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch in Uganda! Experiencing Rhino Trekking on Foot – Birding – Nature Walks – Nocturnal Walks Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Rhino Trekking on Foot in Uganda Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can…
We are thrilled to share with you a few of the guest speakers that will be joining us for Forum in September. More information about the event as well as registration can be found here. We hope to see you in Orange County! Let’s be honest, we all follow the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on social…
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!
Watch a video of the rescue here >> During a LIVE Safari in Pridelands, Painteddog.tv’s safari guide, cameraman, and guests spotted an injured cow elephant with a potentially life-threatening injury, and with at least 1 calf with her. Our team, along with Pridelands Conservancy and Balule Nature Reserve, decided to try and help the mother…
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…
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 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,…
In a significant boost to Tanzania’s tourism industry profile, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has been nominated to represent the global affiliate members board at the 67th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, in Livingstone, Zambia. In an official email, UN Tourism officials, including Ion Vilcu and Mar de Miguel,…
The African Tourism Union has announced a new festival in Sierra Leone, which aims to become an annual event. This festival will feature cultural showcases, food festivals, fashion shows, and investment forums, enhancing Sierra Leone’s appeal as a vibrant tourism destination. AfriCaribbean Festival is more than a festival; it’s a bridge connecting continents, cultures, and…
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 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…
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…
Uganda Airlines has announced new routes to Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Zambia, building on gains the national carrier has made in re-establishing its post-COVID capacity. On Tuesday, July 17, the airline announced on social media that it was starting flights from Entebbe to Abuja from September 12, and Lusaka and Harare from September 25. The Abuja…
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…
Bushwise Field Guides and the Sabi Sabi Collection are proud to announce a new initiative to train the next generation of field guides through the Sabi Sabi Ranger Academy in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. This initiative will sponsor students from local rural communities to complete field guide training, equipping them with valuable skills and providing them…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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/
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 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…
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…
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…
Qatar Airways is expanding its operations in Africa with an increase in flight frequency to Entebbe, Uganda by an additional three flights a week to meet summer demand. From August 1 to September 30, the carrier moves from a daily service to operate 11 weekly flights between Doha and Entebbe. The increased flight frequency comes…
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’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…
We are thrilled to announce that Cape Grace has been voted one of the best city hotels in Africa by Travel + Leisure 2024 World’s Best Awards! This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, passion, and expertise of our amazing team, from those behind the scenes to those in direct contact with…
Kristy Angellotti has been appointed as Singita’s Country Manager for North America, effective from July 1. Kristy will lead the US-based sales team, collaborating closely with Jessie Tate and Rachel McGuire. She brings 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, specializing in sales, marketing, and event and project management for travel trade…
Several SA airlines received praise at the recent 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards event. Two South African airlines topped the charts in categories specifically for the African continent. SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS The Skytrax World Airline Awards began in 1999. It is based on customer satisfaction surveys in terms of which airlines they consider to…
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…
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…
Chem Chem Safari is honoured to have been named the Heart for Heritage and Community Champion at the ATTA Awards 2024. Chem Chem’s ethos centres on strengthening, supporting, and celebrating the region’s diverse communities. This award is a testament to the tireless work by Chem Chem Safari — through its philanthropic and conservation arm, Chem…