The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg and Shambala Private Game Reserve in the Waterberg, comprising of Zulu Camp and Nelson Mandela Villa, has announced the launch of their newly redesigned websites, www.saxon.co.za and www.shambalaprivategamereserve.co.za, offering users an improved and innovative design concept in conjunction with an easy-to-use booking process, and seamless integration of…
Dear APTA Corporate Members We’re getting ready to print our 2018 APTA Corporate Directory and now is your chance to have your company featured. All directory advertisements are due by July 21st . Rates & Specifications can be found here. The print version of the APTA Corporate Directory is distributed to all APTA members and is…
The public areas at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve, Mpumalanga, have burned down after a fire broke out around 04h00 on Wednesday June 21. The fire was contained within the hour and none of the accommodation was affected. The cause of the fire is still unknown. All staff and guests are…
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya- Africa. The reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley in primarily open grassland. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment. The Masai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas. The annual wildebeest’s…
In a letter to the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has made it clear that Uganda’s gorilla-tracking permit fees will not be raised as previously rumoured.. Sources close to UWA have also confirmed a significant increase in advance sales for gorilla permits, which are now already open for up to…
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s recent Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand took as its theme ‘Transforming our World’ and sessions dissected the role, challenges and opportunities for Travel & Tourism to contribute to the global sustainable development agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Protecting environments, habitats and biodiversity is a fundamental part…
It’s a great thrill for the JG Black Book Collection to welcome the Elewana Collection and its 14 properties across Kenya and Tanzania. It’s also a pleasure to welcome James Haigh, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Elewana, back to the JG Black Book family, who many of you will know from his days…
The Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris 2018 Guided brochure was launched at Indaba 2017 (16 – 18 May) and offers an extended range of day tours as well as new and improved overland tours. A Comfortable, A Cut Above and Premium accommodation options are still available on the overland tours, but with low season rates…
As an increasingly popular destination on Africa’s travel radar, Zambia is fast becoming a safari hotspot due to its unspoilt wilderness, abundant wildlife, thrilling Zambezi River activities and a growing collection of exceptional luxury lodges on offer. Mariska Yntema, Product Manager at Jenman African Safaris says “One can now explore the best of Zambia’s natural…
George Cohen, Managing Director of The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Rutherford as the new General Manager from 1 June 2017. Rutherford joins with a wealth of hospitality experience beginning with a seven-year stint at the Cape Grace Hotel where he gained a strong background in both guest…
The new African Dream is coming along for its debut on the Chobe & Zambesi Rivers in December. Please Enjoy this rendering of the elegant vessel with only 8 suites. This will be a 9 day program inclusive of: 1 – Night in Johannesburg 3 – Nights on the RV Africa Dream 3 – Nights…
California Dreamin’ – APTA is going back to the Beach! Join us in San Diego, California September 15th & 16th, 2017 The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is pleased to announce that our annual National Forum will be held in San Diego, California on September 15th & 16th, 2017 at the Bahia…
It’s now easier than ever to combine the traditional “Northern Circuit” with a few days in Selous or Ruaha. Coastal Aviation have made it possible to Fly FAST and direct from Serengeti to Selous & Ruaha and then to Dar Es Salaam / Zanzibar in a comfortable (fast and pressurized) 9-seater Pilatus PC12 aircraft. Flight CQ500 Depart Arusha 08:15…
Coastal Aviation have recently opened a transit lounge in Dar es Salaam nearby the airport (only four minutes driving). Our guests can enjoy a complimentary transfer and take a nap in case of long layover, totally free of charge! It is open 24/7, useful for night arrivals and departures (e.g. Turkish, Ethiopian…) Read More
Wilderness Safaris is sponsoring a safari for 2 valued at over $20,000.00 in support of Rhino Ride. (Click Here for details) The aim of the Long Ride to Free them is to raise funds create global awareness for the current poaching crisis on Rhinoceros in Southern Africa. In doing so, to the shed light on this…
The Hon Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities and previously Uganda’s Tourism Minister, inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Uganda Tourism Board, the official Government destination marketing agency for Uganda. Hon Daudi Migereko, former Minister of Lands, will chair the board and members of the Board of Trustees will serve a…
Volcanoes Safaris have been at the forefront of reviving gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region since the gorilla parks. Today, Volcanoes Safaris is the leading luxury lodge company in Uganda and Rwanda. To celebrate the opening of the Dian Fossey Map Room at Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris is offering a special six-day safari to…
Have you been dreaming of going to Kenya and discovering its unforgettable landscapes, filled with superb wildlife? Watchzing the warm Indian Ocean, hug its coastline and gazing up at Mount Kenya, towering above a tapestry of farms?It’s no wonder Kenya is a top destination! Enter today to win a 7-day safari adventure from Lonely Planet…
It’s time for APTA Executive Board Nominations for the term 2017-2020 Currently, the Executive Board has two openings and three board members who are up for re-election. If you would like to join our dynamic board of travel professionals promoting tourism to Africa, please submit your name along with a short bio (100 words) by June 15,…
The sharing economy à la Uber and Airbnb threatens African businesses and society when imposed from outside:The emergence of the sharing economy has disrupted many industries, with vanguard companies like Uber and Airbnb leading the way. Made in Africa solutions are fighting back. Read More
There is no better place than out in the remote darkness of the African bush to appreciate the mysteries of the sky and hear the stories of their relationship to times gone by.CANSAF night sky presenters relate traditional African folklore to the passage of the stars and planets in a fascinating presentation.The evening starts with an…
The all-new One&Only Nature Resorts portfolio will feature Wolgan Valley, as well as two new Rwandan properties: One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. Each new luxury lodge will feature the same exclusive location and access as other One&Only properties—and both will strive to follow Wolgan Valley in achieving carbon-neutral certifications by CarbonZero. Read More
KwaZulu Cruise Terminal — a joint venture between MSA Cruises SA and Africa Armada Consortium — has been announced as the preferred bidder for the Durban Cruise Terminal, worth R200-million. The announcement was made by Transnet National Ports Authority Chief Executive‚ Richard Vallihu‚ during a media conference in Durban on Tuesday‚ which was also attended…
State-owned airline Air Namibia has be given approval to fly in and out of the United States, allowing it to join the ranks of an exclusive set of African carriers with permission to do so. Previously, only South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Moroccan Royal Air Maroc and Cape Verde’s TACV airline have enjoyed the…
Le Marché Central, located in the old city of Casablanca, will be renovated and converted into a gourmet dining and a tourist area. Directorate of Local Collectivities (DGCL) and the Regional Council of Casablanca-Settat region allocate MAD 15 million to this project, which has been piloted by Casablanca Patrimoine, an organization for local social development. …
The Tracker Academy, supported by the Tswalu Foundation, has started a tracker training course at the Tswalu Kalahari Training Centre. The fundamental ambition is to restore indigenous knowledge in Africa. The aim of the training is to empower tracker graduates to become ambassadors for the African wildlife industry by bringing authenticity and accuracy to environmental…
Proflight will be offering direct connections between the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi in both directions on a daily basis. In 2018 they will also be operating daily direct flights between Livingstone and the Lower Zambezi, avoiding the traditional connections through Lusaka. These direct links will be helping to reduce travel times and improve…
Singita Serengeti House embodies sophisticated safari living in one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas. The driving force behind Singita’s conservation work in the Serengeti is a 100-year purpose of preserving and protecting large areas of African wilderness for future generations and the success of these efforts means unrivaled wildlife sightings and high concentrations of game throughout the year. Reopening…
Two major ostrich farms in the Oudtshoorn area have stopped offering ostrich rides to tourists, responding to concerns from European clients and others about the birds’ welfare. A third farm is sticking with the feature, saying its regulations include tourist weight restrictions and that an ostrich does not experience discomfort while trotting with someone on…
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Pennyroyal Gibraltar Limited, to debut The Ritz-Carlton brand in the exotic Zanzibar Archipelago, with the 90 room all-suite and villa resort to open in 2021. The Ritz-Carlton Zanzibar, located within a 45-minute drive from Zanzibar International Airport, will provide easy access to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town…
Safarilink has announced a further expansion to its route network: four times a week service to Zanzibar from 01 July 2017. The flights will be operated by recently acquired 52 seat Dash 8-315 aircraft on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Read More
The Tanzania government has announced intentions of raising the fees that lodges and permanent camps located within Tanzania’s National Parks pay each night to the government. Click Here At the moment, there are a number of challenges to this move by hoteliers and tour operators to have this increase postponed until January 2018. However, indications are…
Seychelles is set to have a third UNESCO World Heritage Site after it completes the final dossier for Venn’s Town, site of an old mission community’s ruins, a top research official said. The Principal Research Officer of the Seychelles National Heritage, Julianne Barra, said that work on the dossier to have Venn’s Town declared a United…
The main structure at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge will be re-thatched between June 1st and 15th, 2017. We would like to reassure you that during this project your valued guests will experience the same high standards you have come to expect! Regrettably, the MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, Buffalo Bar and swimming pool will be closed during this…
The Innovation Awards were designed to uncover the most inspiring, bold and unexpected achievements in African travel, from conservation and community projects through to high concept design and the individuals having a big impact on the scene. This year, two new categories, RISE AFRICA and SUPPORT AFRICA, recognized the efforts of up-and-coming African travel stars and…
The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are aimed at recognizing best practice in sustainable tourism within the industry globally, based upon the principles of environmentally friendly operations; support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage; and direct benefits to the social and economic well-being of local people in travel destinations around the world. These…
The beautiful, abundant rains have come to an end, the park is looking lush and we welcome our staff back to camp. Anabezi is now open for guests and Amanzi opens on May 1st. The season has got off to a very wet start with the Chiwengwa and the Mushika still flowing from what has been…
Fair share All participants involved in a tourism activity should get their fair share of the income, in direct proportion to their contribution to the activity. Fair sayAll participants involved in a tourism activity should have the right and opportunity to participate in decisions that concern them. RespectBoth host and visitor should have respect for…
In a bid to attract more visitors to Johannesburg, increase tourism and create more job opportunities, Joburg Tourism, Bryanston Organic & Natural Market and the Liliesleaf Farm heritage site have jointly introduced a free shuttle bus service between selected Sandton hotels and the two prime tourist attractions in northern Johannesburg. The service allows tourists to…
Africa’s tallest indigenous tree has been discovered in a remote valley, at the foot of the highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Last year, researchers exploring a remote valley on the mountain (two hours’ walk from Mrusunga Forest in Kidia ward, Moshi rural district), discovered the towering tree, which reaches 81.5 metres into the sky and sets a…
Wild Shots was founded in 2012 and is South Africa’s premier annual wildlife photography conference. Wildlife photography is hugely popular in South Africa, and Wild Shots provides the first centralized event of its kind, bringing together amateurs and professionals alike, to learn from, and be inspired by, the best in the business. Wild Shots is…
Botswana’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism has announced a mandatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL) to raise funds for conservation and national tourism development, support the growth of the industry, broaden the tourism base, and improve the lives of the people of Botswana. As from the 1st of June 2017, with the exception of…
Wilderness Safaris is thrilled to announce the launch of Private Journeys – a fully integrated division within the company that has evolved from the previously independent-brand, Wilderness Touring Cape Town. The new Private Journeys division offers exceptional tailor-made, privately-guided tours of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, the Winelands and other Western Cape attractions. Private Journeys…
A new pass, offering visitors quick and easy access into the popular Garden Route, is underway, thanks to a strategic partnership between Cape Town Pass and Wesgro. Wesgro launched the new Garden Route Pass, offering discounted rates, with various discounts via its App, its online store or at selected partners in the Western Cape region. Users can buy one…
=We are proud to announce that Jill Wagner has joined our Great Plains Conservation team based in Cape Town,” says Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains Conservation. “I’ve known Jill for a good few years and watched and listened to her comments from across the room at various round-table meetings. I immediately recognised that spirit…
Le Quartier Français, part of Leeu Collection’s hospitality offering in Franschhoek, will be closed from 22 May 2017 to 10 July 2017, while upgrades to all rooms and suites are taking place. 15 Rooms, including the LQF Villa, will undergo a soft refurbishment and will be returned to inventory on 10 July 2017. A full…
The year 2016 was a busy and interesting one for the African hotel market. Hotel investment in Africa made progressive strides, with new hotels launched in new countries and cities across the continent. Economics, political events, currency volatility and fluctuating tourism demand brought both challenges and opportunities to hotel markets across the region. Here, African-based…
When travelers think of experiencing their first safari, it’s usually South Africa that tops their wish list. But it’s time to consider Kenya, a country known for its picture-perfect savannas loaded with wildlife. In fact, the animal population is so dense in this country that even its capital, the very urban Nairobi, has its own…
The World Economic Forum has, for the past 11 years, engaged leaders in travel and tourism to carry out an in-depth analysis of the Travel and Tourism competitiveness of 136 economies across the world. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index measures “the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel…
Reminder: The Table Mountain Cableway will shut down operations for renovation and maintenance of the cars from Monday 24 July to Sunday 6 August 2017. Tickets booked for the week of 18 July 2017 will have their usual seven-day validity period shortened to the following: • 18 July – 6 days • 19 July – 5 days…