Robert Mugabe resigned as Zimbabwe’s President after 37 years of autocratic rule on Tuesday, finally succumbing to the pressure of a military takeover and the humiliation of impeachment. The announcement came minutes into a joint session of the Zimbabwean Parliament in Harare, convened to prise the 93-year-old from power. As the Speaker read out a…
Olkiombo Airstrip, in the centre of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, will close for part of the day for the next two weeks for repairs and maintenance work. The closures will be from 05h30 to 10h00 and from 16h00 to 19h30 daily, from Wednesday, November 22 until the first week of December, Air Kenya…
The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) has appointed Nomasonto Ndlovu as CEO. LTA has been operating without a CEO since the departure of Ndumiso Matlala in April. Ndlovu’s role and functions will be central in assisting the Board to fulfil its mandate of marketing the province as a destination of choice. Ndlovu has gained experience from…
Zimbabwe’s army seized control of the country on Tuesday night, claiming it was removing “criminals” around Robert Mugabe. An army spokesman said on Wednesday that the army is holding Mugabe for his own safety. There is no official word from the Mugabe family as to their whereabouts.
On Harare’s streets, many expressed amazement and delight Wednesday that President Robert Mugabe’s long reign may be coming to a close, but people also admitted the future looked unstable. Mugabe, 93, has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 — longer than many can remember — and the sudden move against him by the military left some hoping…
The Trump administration plans to allow hunters to import trophies of elephants they killed in Zimbabwe and Zambia back to the United States, reversing a ban put in place by the Obama administration in 2014, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official confirmed to ABC News today. Even though elephants are listed as endangered under…
Stellenbosch was highlighted as an international tourism destination at the recent Annual General Meeting held by Stellenbosch Publicity and Marketing (SPM), the entity responsible for administering the Stellenbosch Tourism levy. SPM reported that, during the past fiscal year, more than R700 000 (€42 700) was made available for the tourism activities of Stellenbosch 360, as…
Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, is pleased to announce that it has finalized preparations to start five weekly flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, as of March 8, 2018.Buenos Aires is the world’s capital of Tango, home of centurion old buildings and a vibrant cultural scene. Argentina is one of the largest economies in Latin…
Jenman African Safaris has taken the steps to reduce water bottle usage on their tours through Madagascar as part of their responsible tourism policy. Unfortunately, bottled water is unavoidable in Madagascar as the local water is not safe to drink. Heat is another factor, with Madagascar’s hot climate and high temperatures it’s important for travellers…
Camp Jabulani, located within the Kapama Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit in the greater Kruger area, has played an important role in the preservation of the rhinoceros population. The Kapama Private Game Reserve has been in the Roode family since 1952 and has continued to evolve over the years. From humble beginnings as a degraded…
This April, Thanda Island, the exclusive Indian Ocean hideaway located off the Southern coast of Tanzania, welcomed a female Green Turtle ashore, who laid her eggs on the beach between the boathouse and the helipad. In early June, the staff witnessed the final two hatchings make their way back to the water, for a total…
The New York Travel Show will be held on 26 January 2018 – 28 January 2018 at the Javits Convention Centre in New York. This is the largest travel-trade show of its kind in the US, and the largest consumer travel show in the country, attracting more than 20,000 consumer attendees over 3 days. More…
Uganda Lodges Ltd is currently constructing their newest lodge in Uganda, Elephant Plains, within Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is set beside the existing Simba Safari Camp and nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo. The site will feature panoramic views across the park’s extensive savannah plains teeming with wildlife as well as…
It’s one of those nights where the travel and tourism role players in South Africa come together to celebrate the best of the best in the industry. The black tie gala dinner for the national Lilizela Tourism Awards 2017 was held at the Sandton Convention Centre last night. KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga were among the provinces…
Intense, alien, and relatively unscarred by tourism – Djibouti’s a worthy addition to your travel plans, says Georgina Wilson-Powell I say Djibouti. You say – bless you? A tiny east African nation, Djibouti is one of Lonely Planet’s top places to visit in 2018. Never heard of it? Don’t worry, they’re used to it here.…
Airlink has added a second direct flight to its Cape Town – Nelspruit KMIA routing. The additional flights operate every day of the week except Saturday. Flight SA8665 and SA8668 are operated on a 36-seater Embraer RJ135. SA8665 departs Cape Town at 15h00 and arrives at Nelspruit KMIA at 17h15. SA8668 departs KMIA at 17h35…
MSC Cruises Immigration Officer on board MSC Sinfonia has advised that with immediate effect, all non-Southern African Development Community passport holders require a Mozambican visa. The visa must be obtained prior to departure, should guests want to disembark at any Mozambique port, including Portuguese Island, Pomene, Maputo, and Ilha de Mozambique. Immigration services will no…
Ethiopian Airlines Group is pleased to announce that its new B-787-9 aircraft has made its maiden commercial flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.Ethiopian operation with B-787-9 is part of its commitment to deliver exceptional level of service to the African market by operating the latest technologically advanced aircraft in the market. Passengers have enjoyed the unique onboard…
Great Plains Conservation’s Cape Town office has put a common reservations inbox in place to increase efficiency. Inquiries for our properties in both Kenya and Botswana can now go to reservations@greatplainsconservation.com. You are still welcome to address the email itself to whichever consultant with whom you prefer to work. Should that person be absent someone…
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline in Africa, and the Ethiopian Airports Services are pleased to announce to their valued customers that they now offer free Wi-Fi at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport as of October 2017. Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “Availability of seamless customer focused service, both onboard and at…
In line with their commitment to help preserve wild places through impact investments that have a positive impact on the environment and its custodians as already demonstrated at Huab Under Canvas, Ultimate Safaris introduce their newest venture, Sossus Under Canvas in the Greater Sossusvlei-Namib Landscape. Located on the private 24,000 hectare Neuhof Nature Reserve which…
It is with great sadness that the APTA community has learned of the passing of Steve Fitzgerald. He was well known, greatly respected, and much loved throughout our industry – first as founder of Halcyon Hotels, then managing director and CEO of CCAfrica (later &Beyond) for 15 years. Most recently, he and wife Nicky built and managed Angama Mara in…
Following recent upgrades at Robben Island, new requirements have been implemented for those who wish to visit during the upcoming high season. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa), advises that all would-be visitors to the island will now be required to provide relevant identification when purchasing a ticket. This could include identification documents (ID),…
Marriott International has announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel, marking the debut of the brand in Tanzania.In the course of more than 120 years, The Arusha Hotel has emerged as a city landmark, playing host to many dignitaries and well-known personalities since it was founded in 1894.Rebranded after renovation,…
On Thursday, less than three weeks after a museum dedicated to the fashion pioneer was inaugurated in his home city of Paris, the Yves Saint Laurent museum in Marrakech, the sunny Moroccan city beloved by the late designer, opened its doors to the public. The Marrakech museum, designed by the French architectural firm, Studio KO,…
Tarangire has long been a special place for us. Head Nomad guide, Richard Knocker started his bush career here and this very site was Mark & Milly Houldsworth’s first marital home. The location was home to one of the earliest camps in Tarangire, and for good reason. We’re far enough south to have our little…
Big Life Foundation was co-founded by photographer Nick Brandt and conservationist Richard Bonham in September 2010. Big Life has expanded to employ hundreds of Maasai rangers to help protect 2 million acres of wilderness in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem of East Africa. Click here to learn more about their recent work to stop the deadly trend of part-time poachers.
Wellworth Hospitality will be exhibiting at WTM London 2017. Please send us an email to p.sunil@wellworthgroup.com, to make an appointment and visit us on Stand No. AF-140 to discuss about our existing and upcoming properties. Wellworth Hospitality owns & operates Luxury Collection Lodges/Camps and Picturesque Destination Resorts. Luxury Collection Lodges includes Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge…
In the last eight years, travel and tourism grew by 17.3 percent in the top ten fastest-growing global destinations. This reflects the rapid growth rate of the tourism industry. Tourism grew from 30 percent in 1980 to 45 percent in 2015 and is expected to reach 57 percent by 2030. This indicates that countries seeking new…
Volcanoes Safaris, the leading luxury lodge company in Rwanda and Uganda, is pleased to announce that its four lodges have all received awards in the 30th annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. The four Volcanoes Safaris Lodges in the Top Resorts in Africa category were Virunga Lodge, Mount Gahinga, Kyambura Gorge Lodge and Bwindi. Volcanoes is the only company to have its three properties in Uganda included.…
The Thanda Team is very honoured to have received top accolades at the World Travel Awards. Thanda Island Tanzania won “Africa’s Leading Luxury Island” and Thanda Safari South Africa won both Africa’s and South Africa’s Leading Luxury Private Villa for our five-bedroom Villa iZulu. Thanda Island is a truly private tropical island. Situated within southern Tanzania’s Marine Reserve, Thanda offers complete exclusivity for families and…
It is with great excitement that we announce our partnership with the Aujan Family in Victoria Falls with the Stanley & Livingstone Hotel. This will see the evolution of the MORE circuit to include some of Southern Africa’s most distinctive destinations and experiences – Cape Town; Big 5 Safari within four South African game reserves;…
Auric Air has been voted again as Tanzania’s Leading Domestic Safari Carrier at World Travel Awards 2017. Auric Air quotes: “This is a proud moment for us and we thank you very much for your valuable votes. Our shiny new award comes after the much talked about Africa Gala Ceremony held by the World Travel…
Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Dept. in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines Group has launched E-Visa service for African and international participants of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions to be held in Ethiopia (eff. Sept. 20, 2017). With the launching of the E-Visa, participants of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions to be held in Ethiopia,…
Elephant’s Eye, Hwange is now offering night game drives. Nighttime in the African bush is an experience like no other. The sun sets and the stars appear, slowly filling the sky as it gets darker. The night sounds of the bush are unique too; hooting owls, hyenas “laughing”, perhaps even some lions roaring, and the…
Jenman African Safaris has a great new feature on their agent website, online FIT quoting. Now it’s possible for agents to create their own quotes or update already received quotes for their clients online through the site. This means that agents can create quotes at any time, quickly and conveniently. It’s a simple process but…
With the festive season fast approaching, Pan-Africa’s low-cost airline, fastjet, has announced its schedule for domestic flights in Mozambique. The airline recently announced that it has established brand licence agreements with Federal Airlines and Solenta Aviation Mozambique, to gain the correct permissions for launching fastjet Mozambique. Fastjet will also launch flights between Johannesburg and Maputo, a…
The line-up for the 2017/2018 Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts has been announced. Along with a string of local stars, three international acts have been added to the concert season, which starts on 19 November 2017 and ends on 1 April 2018. Ismaël Lô from Senegal will be kicking off the Summer Sunset Concerts on 19…
Pollman’s Tours & Safaris has received the award for Kenya’s Leading Inbound Tour Operator in the World Travel Awards for the second consecutive year. Managing Director of Pollman’s, Khalid Shapi, and Zaheer Moledina were on hand for the ceremonies in Kigali on 10 October, where they accepted this prestigious award. Speaking on behalf of Pollman’s…
In anticipation of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, STR has highlighted Africa’s key hotel development and performance trends. Based on August 2017 data, Africa currently shows 301 hotel projects in the pipeline, accounting for 57,011 rooms, or 11 per cent of the continent’s existing room supply. Before his AHIF presentation on Wednesday, October 11th, Thomas…
Safari Logistics, an initiative to promote cost-effective Travel around Zimbabwe, has created this easy to read a breakdown of recommendations for international flights into Zimbabwe. Safari Logistics links with these inbound flights to the top wildlife areas in the country including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Matusadona, and Mana Pools National Park.…
Fastjet, the aspiring pan-African budget airline, has increased its presence in SA and Southern Africa through a brand-licensing agreement with Federal Airlines in SA and Solenta Aviation in Mozambique.Travel industry publication, Travel Meetings & Buyer, reports that the airline has moved its head office from London to SA. On Friday, holding company fastjet plc informed…
At the Africa Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa received industry honours, not only as South Africa’s, but also as Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel. Shambala Private Game Reserve, which was officially included as part of the Saxons all-inclusive urban bush offering in 2015, also won honours as South…
Organizers have announced that conservation will feature prominently in an annual commemoration of Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, on October 14, 2017. The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) expressed its resolve to place more energy and time into marketing Nyerere Day in Arusha, Tanzania’s designated safari capital this year, to recognize his…
On Monday, the Moroccan rail office announced that engineers are preparing to test Africa’s first high-speed railway this week, with trains reaching 320kilometres (200 miles) per hour. The ONCF reported that one train reached 275kph (170 mph) on Monday, along a stretch of track between the northern cities of Kenitra and Tangier. ‘This is already the…
Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris has become the latest tour operator to be approved by Fair Trade Tourism (FTT), joining the list of nearly 60 operators committed to showcasing Africa’s most responsible tourism portfolio. Announcing the approval, Jane Edge, MD of Fair Trade Tourism, said: “Springbok Atlas carries a wealth of knowledge of South Africa’s…
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company is celebrating its 88th birthday this week, with discount vouchers available in community newspapers. The cable cars have been running up the mountain since 1929, taking Capetonians and tourists to great heights to see the best of the iconic natural landmark of the city. Not only has the company been around…
SA’s Marine Dynamics wins global sustainable tourism award South African shark-cage diving company, Marine Dynamics, scooped a prestigious eco-tourism award at the Skål World Congress, Sustainable Tourism Awards 2017, in Hyderabad, India, on Friday, 6 October. Skål International is an organisation of tourism leaders around the world, “promoting global tourism and friendship”. Marine Dynamics won the award for…
Situated in the heart of the Matobo Hills, just outside the boundary of the National Park lies Khayelitshe House. Enclosed by the iconic balancing rocks and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of massive boulders, Khayelitshe House was designed as a relaxed weekend escape for Professional Guide Beks Ndlovu and his family. Khayelitshe’s charm comes from…
African Bush Camps has recently entered into a partnership with Index Select, a cutting-edge agency based in the USA. Index Select will support African Bush Camps in the American market in sales, marketing and PR. Index Select is a global hospitality consulting firm with a simple creed of conveying remarkable stories to the best in…