We know the life of a travel agent is not easy. Sending your clients on their dream holiday’s day after day can be frustrating due to the inevitable vacation envy that comes with working in the travel industry. Well, now it’s your turn to travel! If you are attending WTM in Cape Town from 19…
While South Africa’s 12.8% increase in the number of overnight tourists recorded during 2016 compared to those recorded during 2015 is laudable, further analysis into the data reveals there’s still significant work to be done to ensure long-term, sustainable and successful tourism growth. Read More
October 23-27, 2017 on Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Sea The third annual Summit of the Family Travel Association (FTA) is a trade-only, conference-style event that brings together 200 family travel agents, experts, industry leaders, destinations, and media for three full days of inspiring presentations, interactive workshops, enlightening research, and a diverse array of networking…
Plans for the construction of 18 tourism establishments are excluded from the moratorium on large hotels in Seychelles, a top official of the ministry of tourism said. The moratorium on large hotel projects except those already approved by the government was announced by the Seychelles’ former President James Michel during the Independence Day celebrations on…
In June last year, mayor De Lille made a call for proposals in regard the unfinished bridges on the foreshore, asking the private sector to submit ideas for the development of the precinct. The response to the City’s call for proposals was overwhelmingly positive, with great enthusiasm from the private sector. Six proposals will are…
Jenman African Safaris’ Grow Africa Foundation has partnered with Subz Pads to bring much needed attention to the taboo topic of menstruation in Zimbabwe by providing girls at Dingani Primary School in Hwange with washable sanitary pads and panties. One out of ten teenage girls throughout Africa’s most rural regions misses a considerable amount of…
The Mozambique government has announced that all visitors to the country are now eligible for tourist visas at borders equipped with the necessary facilities to issue these biometric visas. 26 border posts have been issuing these particular visas since 2005, but there has been confusion regarding which countries’ nationals were eligible for them. Many Mozambican Embassies were…
Federal Airlines regrets to announce that, as from1 March 2017, we no longer provide shuttle flights to the Phinda Private Game Reserve. With great appreciation for our long-standing partnership with &BEYOND, we have conceded to withdraw our Phinda base and aircraft from the Reserve to avoid an unsustainable situation, as the route does not support…
The Hide Safari Camp, 1992 – 2017The Hide began its days with ten East African-style tents, each one en suite and with its own front veranda. Today, the main camp hosts up to twenty guests in beautiful tented accommodation under thatch. The Hide’s iconic dining area soars above the waterhole, heightening the experience of the surroundings…
Travellers wanting to make the most of SA’s Cape Town and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, can now do so with the new Airlink direct flight between the two hotspot destinations. The daily flights except for Saturdays, between Cape Town and Victoria Falls will be effective from 2 July. The flight departs from Cape Town International at…
Namibia’s colonial German heritage is evident in the capital city, where neo-baroque cathedrals and castles sit next to steel-and-glass high rises. Colour is everywhere. Windhoek doesn’t look like your typical African capital. Not only is it quite safe, but it is also free from the architectural clutter found in so many other major cities across the…
As from 26 March 2017, Airlink will increase the frequency of its flights between Nelspruit KMIA and Livingstone to a daily service. Additional flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays, departing from Nelspruit at 11h35 and arriving in Livingstone at 13h10. From 2 July 2017, Airlink will add a second flight, operating daily between Cape…
We are excited to announce officially the launch of the new Chobe Game Lodge brand. The re-brand includes a modernized logo, which will be accompanied by a new website in April 2017. The announcement ties in with the start of ITB 2017 (the world’s largest travel trade show), hosted by Botswana, the first-ever Southern Africa partner country.…
Thornybush Nature Reserve has begun removing its eastern boundary fence with the Timbavati, a process that should be complete by early May.According to Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection’s MD, Nic Griffin, the removal will make the 14 500-hectare Thornybush also open to the Greater KNP, as Timbavati is unfenced to the Kruger National Park. “This has…
South African Airways (SA) is proud to announce a new codeshare route with Air Seychelles (HM) from Seychelles (SEZ) to Durban (DUR). Air Seychelles will be introducing direct services between SEZ-DUR as from 30th March 2017. The flight will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays and it is already open for sale.Read More
ITB is considered to be the world’s largest tourism trade fair with over 110,000 trade attendees and more than 11,000 exhibitors. Visit us at ITB – 8-12 March 2017. We’ll be ready to welcome you to our stand #133 in Hall 20 Southern Africa On Show. Contact Us or See you in Berlin!
Offer of 1 Night free accommodation if you book your safari with Blue Ocean Safaris Villa. Highlights›Experience unparalleled wonders of the wild as well as the beautiful landscape›Embrace Zanzibar’s rich history and vibrant culture and also a romantic destination›Experience the coral gardens, appreciated by the scuba divers and snorkelers›Reach the foot of the World’s Highest…
The ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’, also known as the Seychelles Carnaval, has been postponed to October. this year Since its inception in 2011, the Seychelles Carnaval has traditionally been held in April, but as of this year, it will be incorporated as part of the annual Creole Festival held in October each yearRead More
Ethiopian Tourism Organization is coming to North America and hosting a series of workshops in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. 20 different Ethiopian suppliers will be on hand along with the senior leadership of Ethiopian Tourism Organization to meet with travel agents and tour operators in all three cities. Media briefings will also take…
Given that Mpumalanga has been awarded the opportunity to host World Tourism Day on 27 September 2017, the province’s government has declared 2017 the ‘year of tourism’. “Tourism carries significant weight in South Africa’s and Mpumalanga’s economy, and is one of the leading elements of international trade,” says Mpumalanga’s MEC of Finance, Economic Development and…
South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa – and Africa’s most awarded airline – is pleased to announce that Todd Neuman has been named as the Executive Vice-President for the Americas, effective immediately. A 35-year airline and travel industry veteran, Neuman joined South African Airways in 2006 as head of sales,…
Beautifully-set in the heart of Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and bordering Africa’s greatest reserve, Masai Mara, is the stunning Olare Mara Kempinski, a luxury tented camp to enjoy authentic African experience and unparalleled class and comfort. The award-winning camp is surrounded by riverine woodland on the banks of the famous Ntiakitiak River where hippos and other…
The Table Mountain Cableway will be shutting down from Monday 27 July to Sunday 9 August, 2016, for its annual maintenance. This year, maintenance will include servicing the generators, sewage and water pumps and more. Besides this, something of a makeover will be undertaken: The cable cars will be re-branded in shiny new creative artwork and have their heel…
Friday, July 8, will go down in history for not only the residents of Kigali, but for Rwandans in general, as the day the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), was inaugurated. The facility is now billed one of the capital’s greatest landmarks, President Kagame thanked chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the entire AU Commission for trusting…
Bwabwata National Park, established in 2007, covers 6,274 kilometers of northeast Namibia and forms part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), the world’s largest conservation area.The park is located between Botswana and Angola, on an important migration route for African elephants and other wildlife. It aims to use its substantial natural resources…
Fair Trade Tourism has launched a new app magazine designed to bring both discerning travellers and members of the travel trade stories, information and travel ideas from its impressive portfolio of world-leading sustainable tourism products across Africa. Available on both Apple and Android devices (tablets and smartphones), the launch edition focuses on bush and beach…
Forget the pub crawl. ‘Vine hopping’ is the fun, sophisticated way to indulge your wine cravings…. Instead, head to Stellenbosch for a well-deserved holiday, made more memorable by discovering exciting, award-winning wines from South Africa’s Western Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch is said to have the highest concentration of quality wine producers in the world – a blend…
As from 1 October 2016, Saadani River Lodge and Saadani Safari Lodge will be operating independently from Sanctuary Retreats. From this date, therefore, Sanctuary Retreats will no longer be involved in the operational management, sales, marketing and reservation activities of Saadani River Lodge and Saadani Safari Lodge. However, all sales and marketing contracts entered into…
Do you have last minute clients looking to see the migration? If so then think Mara Expedition! Mara Expedition is a 5 tent camp that sits on the footprint of the old Mara Toto camp on the shaded banks of the Ntiakitiak River. Set just inside the Masai Mara Reserve, Mara Expedition is ideally placed…
Retreat. Just the word conjures up images of a serene place, far away from the rest of the world, where you can relax and revive. And this is exactly what Azura Retreats offers with its new luxurious bush-and-beach dual private villa honeymoon experience. If you’re looking for a unique honeymoon in some of the world’s…
Under African Skies is excited to introduce Dunhu Ramambo to our portfolio. It is the premiere provider of luxury houseboats on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, offering scheduled departures from Binga (a few hours drive from Victoria Falls and Hwange) Activities include: game viewing from tender boats, fishing, sundowner activities, or just luxuriating on the deck of…
Seychelles wins #1Travel + Leisure Island Award CAPE TOWN, 6 July, 2016 – The Seychelles has today been named the #1 Top Island in Africa and the Middle East in Travel + Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best Awards. The prestigious Travel + Leisure 2016 World’s Best Awards are voted by readers of the international publication, who…
Kiki Paris is pleased to announce the launch of the Wanderlust Portfolio, a full service, creative marketing and representation firm. Multi generation owned and managed Takims Holidays in Tanzania and Dinknesh Ethiopia Tours are the Wanderlust Portfolio’s first Africa suppliers. The Takim family opened the first travel agency in Zanzibar in 1950 and was licensed…
Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has undergone soft refurbishments of two of its 5 star lodges – Riverdene Family Lodge and Sarili Lodge. Riverdene Family Lodge and Sarili Lodge have seen soft refurbishments, to improve on the existing luxury five star standards, by Grahamstown based Interior decorator, Tracy Mills Interiors. Interior refurbishments have…
As of 21st July, any visitor needing a visa to enter Uganda is required to apply through the online application system (https://visas.immigration.go.ug) prior to arrival. The applicant must upload clear copies of current passport, yellow fever certificate and a passport photo. On completion of the online application, travellers will receive a bar-coded e-mail notification to…
As of January 2017, Federal Airlines will operate four weekly flights between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) and the Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal. Nik Lloyd-Roberts, Commercial Manager at Federal Airlines, points out that the new service will open up both the Kruger area and the Phinda reserve and its surrounds. He adds…
A yoga retreat is the perfect way to unwind and truly experience Africa and African Luxury Hideaways is offering a yoga retreat with Capetonian yoga teacher Stuart Kirton this December – a 5-night, 6-day safari package for travellers who wish to recharge mind, body and soul. Clients can experience the Zimbabwean country’s beauty and hospitality, connect…
White Pearl Resorts, a luxury five-star resort in Mozambique, remembers Mandela; his legacy; his love for children and the importance he placed on our youth’s education. Mandela Day was launched in 2009 in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18th July. It’s more than a commemoration of Madiba’s life and legacy, it’s a call to…
If you’re in the business of selling travel, one of the most important things to know is to whom you are selling it. What makes up the American travellers – who they are, where they want to go – is constantly shifting. While it’s impossible to know everything about travellers, we can look to MMGYs…
Introducing the Trails of Botswana: a discovery of Botswana’s sought after safari destinations, both well travelled and unexplored. Sun Destinations combines world renowned national parks, game reserves, and exclusive private concessions in these expertly tailored itineraries linking the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Linyanti, and Savuti regions of Chobe National Park. Participating safari camps range…
On Sunday night as the country was celebrating the July 4th weekend, Ethiopian Airlines touched down at Newark International Airport marking the beginning of new direct service from EWR to ADD via Lome, Togo. The event was attended by over 300 Ethiopian stakeholders including the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr Tweolde GebreMariam and Ambassadors from…
The Boma – Place of Eating, on the premises of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Resort in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, has been re-branded as The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show. The Boma’s food offering is being fine-tuned under the guidance of South African chef, Arnold Tanzer, as part of a refreshment exercise to enhance…
ARUSHA, Tanzania – The Tanzanian finance and planning minister, Dr. Philip Mpango has defended the proposal to introduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on tourism services. Presenting the Tanzania 2016/17 budget proposals in Parliament two weeks ago, Dr. Mpango said the government would impose VAT on tourism services, such as park fees, ground transport services,…
Property worth millions of shillings was destroyed after a deadly fire razed the popular Neptune Hotel in Diani beach, Kwale County on Tuesday, June 28. More than fifty tourists had to be evacuated as the fire spread. Fire fighters from the Mombasa County fire department and Kenya Navy were called in to try and contain…
Blood Lions says it is proud to be able to launch the “Born to Live Wild” pledge, which has become a central part of what the overall campaign is trying to achieve. It announced that as a follow on from the initial pledge ‘document’, a new page has been added to the website, where an…
In another remarkable development, Ethiopian Airlines has broken a Guinness World Record for making the largest ever human image of an Airplane on June 29, 2016. The event was part of Africa’s first Airbus A350 XWB delivery and 350 Ethiopian Employees have gathered at Ethiopian Maintenance hangar to create an image of the actual A350…
The Responsible Tourist: How to find, book and get the most from your holiday, by Anna Spenceley & Andrew Rylance “Two important factors are influencing how we travel. Firstly, we are becoming increasingly aware of how our over-consumption is impacting on the environment. Secondly, the working environment is becoming even more demanding. Working hours increase…
The European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety list and Zambia has been removed from the so-called “banned” list”. This is a very positive step for the country’s aviation and tourism industry.Read More
&Beyond’s image gallery has been updated to include the latest photographs of &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp’s new suites and a few new images of &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp. Both camps underwent extensive refurbishments, including: &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp Nine tents were completely rebuilt and refurbished to offer a revised room layout with…
Cheli & Peacock Safaris is operated by Stefano Cheli and Liz Peacock. Ever since the company was started in 1985, Liz and Stefano have been running it hands-on. As a fun dynamic team that has worked together for many years, they are passionate about what they do. Some senior officers in the company have been…