Timket, the Ethiopian Epiphany, takes place January 18, 2019. This awe-inspiring religious occasion honors the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan and is celebrated throughout Ethiopia. The two-day event is both solemn and joyous, a rich spectacle of exuberant songs, spontaneous dances, and colorful processions. The traditional ceremony includes carrying the Tabot (replica of…
For the ultimate in luxury on the lakeshore, The Makokola Retreat have now opened a set of brand new stunning lakeside suites and a sunset villa boasting terrific views of Lake Malawi, with state-of-the-art infinity pools for the perfect getaway. Built along the far side of the resort, pitched by the beach on the shores…
Loisaba Conservancy is a hub for applied conservation research in the northern Kenyan landscape. Our research partners The Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo, Space for Giants and Lion Landscapes are constantly on the lookout for high quality images that can be used to identify specific individuals. As a result, Space for Giants and San Diego…
Last month, the celebrated festival of music and culture Lake of Stars returned to Malawi for its 15th anniversary event, smashing all previous festival records and delivering a 3-day extravaganza that left festival goers in awe. Despite challenges including high winds and sandstorms Lake of Stars shone brightly, proving it’s worth yet again as Malawi’s…
In the Land of Origins, the original source of coffee! Ethiopia is host to the inaugural International Coffee Event, Dec. 4-5, 2018. The event is expected to draw multiple stakeholders from all over the world including coffee exporters, coffee researchers, coffee roasters and exhibitors. Ethiopian Airlines, along with Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority, Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association, Ethiopian Tourism…
As interest in travel to Uganda continues to grow, Uganda Tourism is pleased to announce the successful habituation of three gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following approximately two years of daily exposure to humans, these gorillas have been incorporated into the country’s gorilla trekking program, bringing the total…
Airlink has introduced a business class service to it’s Cape Town-Victoria Falls route. The airline offers direct flights from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. The business class service will be available to international premium travelers who arrive in Cape Town and travel directly to Victoria Falls. A premium cabin will be available to the passengers…
CroisiEurope’s African Dream was officially inaugurated on the 23 September 2018, on the banks Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba with key members of the government of Zimbabwe, including Dr Constantino Chiwenga, the Vice-President of the country, Mary Mliswa, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland, and Prisca Mupfumira, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry. The presence of official…
Leslie Lodge in Blantyre, Malawi has been completely revamped. The lodge was taken over by new owners at the end of 2016. The renovation included an overhaul of all guest rooms as well as the addition of seven more rooms with a fresh look and trendy feel. The lodge now has 17 rooms, 13 of which have…
Tintswalo at Lapalala Wilderness has opened in the Waterberg region, Limpopo. It is one of only two commercial lodges within the 44 500-hectare Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. The family-friendly lodge comprises seven luxury tented suites with private plunge pools, en-suite bathrooms and outdoor baths and showers, and includes a two-bedroom family suite. The lodge accommodates a total…
The 7th Annual Aitong Free Medical Camp is proudly organized by the Land & Life Foundation, the charitable arm of Elewana Collection. The Foundation is a non-profit focused on supporting communities living in and near the key conservation areas of East Africa. We strongly believe that securing land for conservation, protecting species and providing communities…
Fair Trade Tourism has recently announced that it will be establishing a partnership with Travelife, Europe’s biggest sustainability organisation for tour operators. Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris, as an Approved Fair Trade Tourism Tour Operator will now also have access to Travelife training and tools to help further positive change in their own business and…
Ethiopia is a trending destination you will see on more and more travel media must-visit lists. A great way to see what all the buzz is about is the Great Ethiopian Run (GER), happening Sunday, November 18, 2018 in the vibrant capital city of Addis Ababa. Billed as the “Greatest Fun Run in the World,”…
The Kigali Cultural Village (KCV) in Rwanda’s capital city has completed phase one of construction. Located on Rebero Hill, Kicukiro District, with expansive views of the city, the facility is due to be an eco-tourism and cultural village to promote and conserve the culture and environment of Rwanda. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB),…
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has opened two new hiking trials in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. The Belvedere day walk is estimated at around five hours and will start at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, head to Belvedere Guest House and then back to Bourke’s Luck. The Waterval trail is a three-day-long hike…
I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear,” First Lady Melania Trump lamented on the final day of her solo four-country trip to Africa, which took her last week to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt. She was reacting to criticism of the pith helmet she had worn earlier in Kenya.…
With its amazing reduced rates for international guests held for the rest of the year, Nkwichi Lodge’s latest newsletter has an overview of what to expect on Lake Malawi over the next few months, plus a run-down of the various activities available at the lodge and across the Manda Wilderness Reserve. For the remainder of…
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa and SKYTRAX certified 4 Star global airline, is pleased to announce the resumption of its flight to Mogadishu, Somalia, effective November 2, 2018. The flight will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday and will depart Addis Ababa at 10:00am and arrive in Mogadishu at 11:30am. The return flight…
Kymberly will be representing &Beyond Africa, Asia and South America and will focus on Retail Sales in Western U.S.A. and Canada. She will be based in Vancouver, and supported by Shaun Strydom, Group Sales Manager, who is located in our Johannesburg office. Meet Kymberly From her early days in 2004 as Director, Industry Relations with…
There are many enthralling activities when you venture from the comfort and beauty of the idyllic lake view at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Guests can opt for active game drives or walking safaris to discover the lion, leopard and large herds of elephant and buffalo. Boating Safaris, lake cruises and fishing are also on offer…
Good news for those traveling between Somalisa and Victoria Falls, Safari Logistics has added an additional route to the 2019 Flight schedule. We will now be able to fly guests out of Somalisa to Victoria Falls Airport to connect with the SA8691 Airlink flight to Cape Town as well as the KQ792 flight to Cape…
Ethiopian Airlines this week was voted Africa’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2018 at the Durban International Convention Centre. The star-studded ceremony marked the sixth leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. …
African Bush Camps Foundation has triumphed in our ambition of raising full scholarships for 23 orphaned and vulnerable students in the Hwange Area, Zimbabwe, as part of our 2018 High School Scholarships Programme. We are truly proud of this initiative and would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all those who contributed to this…
Named as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda presents its brilliance with its breathtaking greenery, soaring mountains, deep lakes, and their ultimate treasure above all is the population of the remaining gorillas in the world. With the most luxurious 3-Day Gorilla Tracking Tour offered by Congo Discovery Safaris, individuals now get the chance to travel deep into Bwindi…
When it comes to wildlife conservation, poaching is a critical issue that needs to be tackled head-on. As a responsible eco-lodge with a prime focus on sustainability and conservation, Elephant’s Eye, Hwange is committed to protecting the wildlife in and around our lodge. We have been collaborating with the Conservation and Wildlife Fund (CWF), of which Hideaways…
COME ENJOY A TASTE OF AFRICA – Only a metro card required. Sponsored by: The Africa Channel, Guinness Extra Stout, Wave The African Restaurant Week Festival line-up: + Over 25 restaurants/food vendors representing cuisines from all of Africa – North, South, East and West + Local/International/celebrity/emerging chefs + Chef demos, and goodie bag giveaways +…
Named as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda presents its brilliance with its breathtaking greenery, soaring mountains, deep lakes, and their ultimate treasure above all is the population of the remaining gorillas in the world. With the most luxurious 3-Day Gorilla Tracking Tour offered by Congo Discovery Safaris, individuals now get the chance to travel deep…
Air Kenya and Aerolink Uganda interline service to launch in June 2019 Bucket list travelers seeking to combine a Kenyan safari with gorilla trekking, a boat safari on the Nile, and other uniquely Ugandan adventures will be able to do so easier than ever with new interline air service launching next year. Starting June 1,…
The Uganda National Roads Association (UNRA) has announced that the new 525m-long bridge across the source of the Nile in Jinja will be opened this month. Construction began in January 2014 and was expected to cost US$125 million, financed largely by a loan from the Japanese government with the Ugandan government supplementing the remainder of…
Airlink’s direct services between Cape Town and Victoria Falls as well as Johannesburg and Walvis Bay now offer an intra-continental (as in intra Europe) style business class service. International premium travelers arriving in Cape Town and travelling onwards to Victoria Falls, on Airlink, will now be able to enjoy the additional benefits afforded by continuing…
Mpumalanga has been plagued with protests, as locals in both Mpumalanga and Limpopo are taking action over service delivery issues. Many protestors have taken to the streets to voice their frustration, however, such action is taking its toll on the tourism industry. Tourism Update recently conducted a poll, asking readers to vote whether the ongoing service…
Congo Discovery Safaris bring tourists and adventurers to explore Uganda and Rwanda through the 5-Day Budget Gorillas and Masai Mara Safari Tour. The tour brings tourists to Uganda and Rwanda to explore and visit the mountain gorillas and see the magnificent Mara, the home of the richest concentration of Kenyan wildlife. For travelers who would…
Immigration department spokesperson Joseph Chauwa said the rolling out of the online visa is a milestone in the country’s history, saying tourists will now be able to apply for visa and where applicable pay for the visa online. “Our contractors, Technobrain are working round the clock to ensure that the facility is rolled out by…
Be inspired by melodies beneath the stars on a Botswana safari as musicians from the London Philharmonic Orchestra play… Belmond Safaris is excited to invite you on an unrepeatable adventure in Botswana’s greatest wilderness. Over six thrilling nights you’ll stay at two of Belmond’s newly designed lodges, when a unique evening of world class music…
South Africa will allegedly scrap the child visa requirements after visitor number declined by “1.5% year-on-year in the first seven months of this year,” Business Tech SA reported. The official announcement is expected to be detailed by President Ramaphose on Friday. According to a statement issued after a Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday, 20th September, a…
The importance of digital technologies in tourism, providing opportunities for innovation and preparing the sector for the future of work, is at the centre of World Tourism Day 2018, to be celebrated in Budapest, Hungary (27 September 2018). World Tourism Day is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on tourism’s actual and potential contribution to…
U.S. first lady Melania Trump will visit four countries in Africa next month, on her first major solo international trip. Mrs. Trump, the wife of U.S. President Donald Trump, will make stops in Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt during the first week in October, according to a White House statement released Wednesday. “October 1 will…
This stunning giraffe has not been photoshopped, she’s real! Omo, the 15-month-old beauty whose skin looks as if it was bleached, is suffering from leucism. It’s a condition that results in a partial loss of pigmentation. She was spotted in Serengetiin Tanzania by Dr Derek Lee, founder and scientist at the Wild Nature Institute. “Omo…
More than 200 people have died in a ferry capsize in Tanzania, as rescuers continue the rush to find survivors. At least 42 people drowned after the ferry sank in Lake Victoria, but government officials fear the final death toll could be more than 200, a senior official claimed. Read more here
Lions Paw Camp has been upgraded in the last few months and now has Carbon monoxide detectors, new flight sheets (rooftops), a new interior design, gees heaters, solar power instead of the generator power and a new menu. We offer now vegan, vegetarian, kosher gluten-free and a la carte menu. The Lions Paw Camp is…
The APTA Forum wrapped up in Denver Saturday night and it was one of our most successful Forums ever. Speakers from all aspects of the travel industry came together to educate, inform, promote and network all that Africa has to offer. APTA Forum is the nation’s premier gathering of the African travel industry with 100…
Elewana AfroChic Diani has begun season two of this year’s turtle hatchery project, which was started in order to help protect turtles and their natural habitats, thereby conserving the rapidly declining population of these magnificent creatures as well as the maintaining the balance of the ocean’s ecosystem. At the end of July, 138 eggs were…
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, has completed phase one of a $25m upgrade. CEO of Shamwari, Joe Cloete, says the investment both enhances the luxury experience of guests and ensures that Shamwari can continue attracting revenue to fund its conservation work. “We want Shamwari to be one of the world’s premier…
DAILY FLIGHTS added to MAFIA Island for the Whale Shark Season 2018/2019 01 October 2018 to 31 March 2019 This year do not miss the chance of watching these beautiful giants. Swimming with the biggest fish in the sea is an awesome experience that is easily accessible from Mafia Island, Tanzania. Here, the season to swim with them is the longest…
CroisiEurope’s Southern Africa Safari Cruise, Travel to the Ends of the Earth, was awarded with Travel Weekly’s Silver Magellan Award for Best Expedition Itinerary. The Safari Cruise program takes guests from the starting City in Johannesburg, North to the Cascade Lodge on Impalila Island along the banks of the Zambezi River. After three days at the lodge,…
Uganda’s national government has announced that a number of agencies in the country have been dissolved and will be incorporated into their relevant ministries. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) are among the 71 agencies to be disbanded. The announcement was made following a Cabinet meeting that took place on Monday,…
Qatar Airways will launch flights from Doha to Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa on December 9. The flight will operate four times a week and is Qatar’s second Kenyan destination, with the airline currently flying to Nairobi. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “Qatar Airways sees Kenya as an important market for…
Make sure you are at the APTA National Forum in Denver this week so you can hear Peter Lindstrom speak about the Changing Dynamics of Community Based Tourism in East Africa. You don’t want to miss his presentation “Talking with the Elders … and Now the Youngers.” Peter Lindstrom, Kenya born of Danish parents, grew…
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s oldest and largest coffee plantations, the Burka Coffee Estate, established in 1899 by German settlers and purchased much later by a group of Swiss investors in 1929. The Estate manages 342 HA of Arabica coffee, with which they have adopted an active and profound corporate…
Serendib Hotels and Resorts, responsible for running several large hotels and conference centres around Malawi have launched a unique lakeside dining experience on their new ‘floating restaurant’ docked at Blue Waters by Serendib. The Namalenje Lake Cruise is a self-powered boat which allows you to experience the beauty and magic of Lake Malawi whilst enjoying…