New “Game Changer” Flight Connects Addis to Maun

Industry players have hailed Ethiopian Airlines’ new flight linking East Africa (Addis Ababa) to Maun, Botswana – location of prime tourism hotspot, the Okavango Delta – as a ‘game changer’ for tourism in the country. The airline has commenced three times weekly services to Maun, its second destination in Botswana. Gaborone was the first. Miriam Tichapondwa, Wilderness Botswana…

Uganda Signs MoU for New International Airport

Uganda’s government has signed an MoU with the United Arab Emirates for the construction of an international airport to boost tourism to the underappreciated Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast of the country. Signed on Thursday, June 20, the agreement comes after talks between the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Ugandan…

Air France Connects Paris with Kilimanjaro

Air France will inaugurate a thrice-weekly route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, as an extension of the Zanzibar flight, from November 18. The additional destination is among the first new additions to the airline’s 2024-2025 winter schedule, and forms part of its long-haul network diversification strategy. The route will operate on…

Pacific Northwest APTA Chapter Officially Launched

The Pacific Northwest Chapter (PNW) of APTA launched on June 18, 2024 with great success, with three suppliers from Kenya, and a local Kenyan caterer providing authentic Kenyan cuisine, and entertainment was a drumming troupe and dancers, which had the attendees up and dancing and playing instruments. The grand prize winner received an all-expenses-paid trip…

James Haigh Appointed Chairman of ATTA

The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has appointed James Haigh as its new Chair, effective October 1. A leading figure in the African tourism industry, Haigh brings over 15 years of extensive experience across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and beyond, from Morocco to the Seychelles and São Tomé and Príncipe. Half day Gauteng easy e-Bike…

Nomad Tanzania Introduces Star Beds at Kigelia Camp

Tour operator, Nomad Tanzania, has introduced star beds at its Kigelia camp. Every room at Kigelia now features a hand-crafted star bed, offering guests a unique and immersive experience under the African night sky. Elevated platforms provide a new perspective on the wildlife below, enhancing the safari experience. Kigelia comprises six tented accommodations, including a…

An Underwater Train Could Link Europe and Africa by 2030

Imagine being able to board a train from Spain to Morocco, and travel efficiently—and sustainably—between Europe and Africa in under six hours. Thanks to a historic rail tunnel project currently being considered by the two countries’ transportation ministries, the first-ever rail link between the two continents could become a reality in just a few years. Undersea tunnels connecting…

Emirates to fly to Madagascar via Seychelles

Emirates will launch flights to Madagascar from 3 September 2024, offering more choice and connectivity for travellers, and driving inbound leisure and business travel to the country. The four-weekly flights between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR), will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles. Boosting international travel to and from Madagascar, the flight times…

Introducing Bush & Beyond Private

As requests for exclusive use properties grow, we are thrilled to present Bush & Beyond Private for your travelers! Conde Nast Traveler has recently featured the exclusive options found onboard NaiSabah and at House in the Wild. Good thing for planners and their travelers is that there are options at all of our Bush & Beyond family…

South Coast Hotel to Relaunch as All-inclusive Resort

Southern African hotel group Dream Hotels & Resorts will relaunch its Blue Marlin Hotel on KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast as an all-inclusive establishment following a sweeping refurbishment, just in time for the country’s spring season in September. The Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape will offer an upgraded pool area and modernised facilities, along with an array of…

Intrepid Backs Female Anti-Poaching Heroes

In the run-up to World Female Ranger Day on June 23, Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company and a leader in responsible tourism, is putting the spotlight on its ongoing partnership with the Black Mambas, South Africa’s renowned all-female anti-poaching unit. This collaboration is a testament to the power of women in conservation…

The Reimagined Kapama Karula Family Villa’s

Dear Travel Partner,   Finally, an exciting announcement: The Reimagined Kapama Karula Family Villa’s.   We are bursting with pride, ready to invite you to explore the refurbished Superior Family Villa’s at Kapama Karula. Our 5-star premium lodge, setting an even higher benchmark for luxury and comfort in the heart of the African bush.  …

Namibia to Remove US & Canada From Visa-exempt List

Namibia could soon see its top tourism source markets removed from its visa exemption list, due to the countries “not reciprocating the favourable treatment granted to their nationals when visiting Namibia”. In a statement on May 24, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, said Namibia’s Cabinet had granted authorisation for the introduction…

Exclusive Discounts Available at TAASA Lodge

Enjoy exclusive discounts on contracted rates when booking at TAASA Lodge for stays between October 2024 and May 2025 Stay dates between October 2024 – February 2025 • Receive an additional 15% off your contracted rates Stay dates between March 2025 – May 2025 • Receive an additional 30% off your contracted rates T&C’s •…

ATTA Launches the ATTA for Action Awards to Spotlight Meaningful Impact in Tourism Across Africa

Marking its 30th anniversary, the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) announced the launch of the ATTA® for Action Awards. This new programme aims to recognise and celebrate organisations and companies across Africa making significant strides in impactful tourism practices. The launch of the ATTA® for Action Awards comes at a crucial time when the…

Volcanoes Safaris Opens Kibale Lodge on 1 July 2024

Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997, announces the opening of Kibale Lodge in Uganda on 1 July 2024. Bookings now open! Volcanoes’ fifth lodge is a landmark development: it creates a unique circuit linking the finest gorilla and chimpanzee sites in Africa. Kibale Lodge sits on a…

Emirates Returns to Nigeria From 1 October

Emirates will resume services to Nigeria from 1 October 2024, operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, and offering customers more choice and connectivity from Nigeria’s largest city to, and through, Dubai. The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return…

Zambia Wins Best Leisure Destination in Africa

Zambia emerged as the “Best Leisure Destination in Africa” at the 2024 Global Traveler Awards, which took place on Thursday 16th May at The Union League of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Global Traveler, the source for luxury travelers, announced the winners of its 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards in its May Leisure Travel Issue. Global Traveler…

Florida APTA – Meet & Greet Happy Hour June 3rd

Please join us from 5:30pm – 7:30pm in welcoming Belinda McIntyre, International Sales Director, for the Hemingways Collection Kenya. Contact Jill Polsky to RSVP  floridaapta@gmail.com and Kathryn Monaco for more in Kmonacopscinc@gmail.com. Monday, June 3rd, 2024 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Place: The Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport, 166 N Compass Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004  

Hemningways Watamu Awarded Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice 2024

The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards are annual accolades given by TripAdvisor, one of the world’s largest travel platforms. These awards honor the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and experiences around the globe, based on the reviews and opinions collected from millions of travelers on the TripAdvisor website and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Please contact…

Nomad’s Walking Safaris Launched Into Ruaha

Our commitment to the untamed wilderness has always been epitomised through the art of walking safaris – stripping away all the excesses and exploring the quieter corners, on foot. We have designed and launched an old-school mobile camp to venture into the most remote areas of Tanzania. Our Expeditionary Walking Camp is designed with mobility…

Delta Airlines Goes Premium on SA Routes

US carrier Delta Air Lines has announced the upgrade of aircraft used on flights between Atlanta and Johannesburg and Cape Town, to cater for increased demand for premium services from US travellers. The airline will upgrade its flights to a higher-premium configuration Airbus 35H A350-900, effective from June 20 for Johannesburg and from September 9…

Virgin Expands Portfolio in East Africa

Virgin Limited Edition has added Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya to its collection of retreats worldwide, effective from July 1. Situated within Tsavo West National Park, the camp offers 17 luxurious tented suites. It is Virgin Limited Edition’s ninth property and its fifth presence in Africa. With Mahali Mzuri, it is Virgin’s second…

Namibia Broadens Visa-on-Arrival to Land Borders

Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has officially launched visas on arrival at the Oshikango, Mohembo, Oranjemund, Ariamsvlei, and Noordoewer border posts. The country has also introduced a new visa-on-arrival programme at Walvis Bay Harbour in an effort to improve cruise tourism. Previously, visas on arrival were only possible at Hosea Kutako International Airport,…

Cheryle Velsor Steps Down as Executive Director of APTA

Today, the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) announces the departure of Cheryle Velsor from her position as Executive Director. Cheryle has led APTA with distinction and dedication, extending her term beyond its expiration to support the association through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. As she transitions into semi-retirement to focus…