World Travel Awards has reached an agreement with Realtours and the Associação Empresarial de São Tomé e Príncipe to host the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2017. The event will be held in the city of São Tomé, with major sponsors including CST, Mota Engil, HBD, BISTP and Ghana Link Networks Services already confirmed.…
fastjet has increased the number of flights on its route between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Nairobi in Kenya in response to strong passenger demand. From March 21st, fastjet will offer two daily return flights between each city every day of the week, making a total of 28 flights per week between Dar es…
Nkuringo Adventure Safaris is a well-established tours, travel, and safari company with experience in handling safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, as well as Kenya and Tanzania.The company will also be exhibiting for the 2nd year in a row at the Home Based Travel Agent Forum in Las Vegas later this month.They offer off-the-beaten pathcultural, trekking,…
By Adam Ihucha, Arusha Serena Hotels will invest $7 million (about Sh15.3 billion) this year to transform properties in Tanzania in efforts to maintain standards. The planned software and hardware infrastructural improvements for Serena hotels in the northern and southern Tanzania would cost $3 million while the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel facelift will cost…
Wilderness Safaris is delighted to launch hot air balloon safaris at Vumbura Plains and Little Vumbura camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, which will run from 18 April until end September 2016 to coincide with the dry season. To complement the balloon safari, guests can also opt for an exclusive eight-minute helicopter transfer to and from…
Reunion Island Tourism (IRT) and Google have partnered to enable users around the world to discover the 255 kms of trails and paths of this diverse and scenic island on the Internet. Viewers will have the opportunity to admire the landscapes, one more incredible than the next. Most of the hiking and cycling trails are…
The Kenya Tourism Board extends a warm welcome to attend a Magical Kenya Road Show from March 15 to March 17, 2016. Tour dates and complimentary events are as follows: Houston, TX: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Sheraton North Houston. Breakfast will be provided. San Francisco, CA: Wednesday, March 16, 2016…
Preparations are being finalized to launch Ethiopian Airlines’ service to New York’s JFK airport by the end of June. Ethiopian suspended flights to Newark in 2004 to provide non-stop service from Washington to Addis Ababa, with connections to its network in East, Central and Southern Africa. Ethiopian’s network will once again provide a vital link…
This is your chance to win the trip of a lifetime! First prize is a three-day, three-night photography safari to Mara Bushtops, conducted by world-famous astro-photographer and digital effects artist, Mark Gee, plus Swiss Airlines business class return tickets for two, from a Swiss Airlines destination in Europe to Kenya. Runner-up prizes of free holidays…
&Beyond will once again take over the management of the exclusive &Beyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve, as well as its 50 000 hectare (123 500 acre) wildlife concession on the Zambezi River, while also re-establishing an exclusive ground-handling operation in the area. “With the expansion of Victoria Falls Airport providing easier access and changing the dynamics of how guests…
A Kenyan wildlife conservancy organization announced on Monday that it has opened a new corridor, which will enable wildlife species to cross a main government road safely, without causing risks to local communities. The organization, Ol Jogi Ranch, which comprises a total size of 58,000 acres is located in northwestern Kenya’s Laikipia County, 225km out of the…
Extraordinary is delighted to introduce you to our latest little gem – Country Boutique Hotel in Whiteriver. Cindy Sheedy Walker, CEO of Extraordinary has expressed her delight in adding this 22 room boutique hotel to the Extraordinary Collection of Luxury Lodges and Hotels. “We will be offering several new packages in conjunction with our Kruger…
One of the few truly private tropical islands in the world will be opening its doors from April 2016. Thanda Island is the magnificent beach residence of the Swedish entrepreneur and philanthropist couple, Christin and Dan Olofsson. Situated within southern Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, this private island offers absolute exclusivity for families and…
Comair CEO Erik Venter says ticket sales for St Helena will commence as soon as the airport has been certified by the British Civil Aviation Authority. This, he said, should happen soon and the first flight will hopefully take place in May. They will be offering weekly flights to St Helena, every Saturday, on a…
The long-awaited re-opening of the Pafuri airstrip is here and we were excited to kick-start 2016 with guests flying directly into the Kruger National Park, which is where the safari begins. On arrival, guests are met by a guide and an open 4×4 safari vehicle for their transfer to the The Outpost. The transfer is…
Cape Town – Any globally competitive city knows that direct flight route access is a definitive part of the travel planning process for most travelers – especially those seeking convenience as they explore the world’s most sought-after destinations. In response, Wesgro has officially launched Cape Town Air Access – an international air route development in…
The sun has risen on a new era as Mabula Game Lodge launches the fresh new Mabula Game Lodge brand. Located in the scenic Waterberg region of Limpopo, Mabula Game Lodge is one of Africa’s premier game lodges. Home to the Big 5 and a vast range of fauna and flora, this gem of nature…
Cape Town – South African Airways (SAA) has announced that, as from 1 April 2016, check-in gates for flights on domestic routes from Johannesburg will be closing 10 minutes earlier than usual. Previously, SAA closed check-in for all domestic flights 30 minutes before boarding. However, this has now been changed to 40 minutes before departure for all…
Scheduled safaris can be the best answer for an exceptional Tanzanian holiday experience. Combining like-minded travelers who share a passion for Africa’s wildlife reduces travel costs and often forges lasting friendships. ARP Travel Group’s Ranger Safaris offers three standards of accommodation on our most popular schedule tour – the Simba Safari. The adventurer enjoys the…
Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 23, 2016) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, is honoured to be named “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa” in the annual Best in Business Travel Awards survey by readers of Business Traveller Magazine. The Best…
BEST BEACH GOES TO SEYCHELLES IN LIST OF FIFTY BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD The Guardian newspaper of the UK has just published their list of the World’s Best fifty beaches and the picture-postcard beach of Source D’Argent on La Digue island was ranked No.1. That beach on La Digue Island of the Seychelles was…
Calling all agents and tour operators! The Kenya Tourism Board extends a warm welcome its upcoming Road Show 2016. The event will be an opportunity to meet, learn from and enjoy presentations and in-depth discussions with expert suppliers and properties from Kenya. Discover the beautiful sights, sounds and cultural treasures Kenya has to offer. Please…
NAIROBI, KENYA: The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Najib Balala, has appointed Ms. Jacinta Nzioka Mbithi as the Acting Managing Director, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). The out-going Managing Director, Mr. Muriithi Ndegwa, who has been at the helm of KTB for slightly over six years, served two full terms. Announcing the appointment, the Cabinet Secretary assured…
New APTA members Singita, have announced that on selected Thursdays in September, November and December 2016, flights will operate between Singita Pamushana and Victoria Falls. This year, these flights will be available on certain dates only, but the aim is to establish a more regular routing in 2017. FAST FACTS Routing: • Singita Pamushana Lodge –…
Commended by the international judging panel for its outstanding entry, variety of experiences as well as the thought and detail behind its offering, Franschhoek-based La Motte Wine Estate has again been acknowledged by the Drinks International Wine Tourism Awards for Best Food and Wine Matching Experience. This is the third time La Motte has won…
By Marc Nkwame, Daily News Seronera — Two new special surveillance aircrafts, set to be deployed for aerial patrols over Serengeti National Park and Selous Game Reserve, have landed in Tanzania. Valued at nearly 1.2bn/- the two ‘Aviat Aircraft Husky A-IC’ planes have been donated by Germany in its ongoing support to the local war…
16 February 2016 ROVOS RAIL PURCHASES THE SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS Early in January of 2016 Rovos Rail purchased the Shongololo Express train of 19 coaches and agreed to employ all the personnel. “Operating a three-star train had always been at the back of my mind. When I learned that the Shongololo Express was on offer the…
A TOTAL of 17 new wild dogs have just been released in the Serengeti plains. This brings the number of the endangered carnivorous species in the country’s second-largest National Park to nearly 325 and counting. The releases were the last of a series of six packs releases from the Serengeti Wild Dog Conservation Project, aimed…
With its stunning rock formations, a remnant of a wet period in the region, which ended 4,000 years ago, the Ennedi plateau is seen as a contender for a heritage listing with UNESCO. Stefan Kröpelin at the University of Cologne in Germany, travelled to the remote region last October, with a small team to take samples…
In the centre of La Réunion, the tiny French island that bobs in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mauritius, there is another sort of island. This one is even more isolated. Formed when the magna chamber of a major volcano collapsed some three million years ago, the verdant Cirque de Mafate is separated from…
Good Morning America‘s Amy Robach is going on safari — and she’s taking viewers with her on an immersive virtual reality tour of one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Africa. Robach is taking the technology of tomorrow to an ancient paradise in Tanzania, where “GMA” will broadcast live video of wild animals in…
Elewana is pleased to announce the appointment of James Haigh to the position of Director of Sales & Marketing, effective from 1 March 2016. Joining the Elewana team based in Nairobi, James will lead the group’s sales and marketing activities and will play a pivotal role in delivering a number of key initiatives during 2016…
NTWANANO TOURS & TRAVEL, a new APTA member, based in Nelspruit near the Kruger National Park – South Africa, offers specialized tours for the Blind and Visually Impaired travelers. The Tours explore the senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing and spatial awareness. We visit the Kruger National Park, local botanical gardens, wineries, local breweries and…
By Judith Namutowe Proflight Zambia has signed a sales and purchase agreement with South African (SA) Express to enable customers across the country to make joint bookings. Proflight Director of Government and Industry Affairs, Phillip Lemba, explained that the agreement would enable Proflight customers to book flights to three destinations within the SA Express network. This…
A new luxury safari lodge, Mambeti Camp, is expected to open its doors in early 2017 in Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia. Mambeti Camp will comprise six luxury villas, including a two-bedroom family villa with the capacity to accommodate a total of 15 guests. It is being funded by African Parks, a non-profit…
Cape Town – Emirates has increased capacity on its Zambia and Zimbabwe flight with the deployment of a larger Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. First deployed on the route on 1 February 2016, the new aircraft replaced the smaller Airbus A340-300, offering an additional 97 Economy Class seats per flight. The aircraft has eight private suites in First…
Timbuktu (Mali), February 4 – A consecration ceremony of the Timbuktu mausoleums was held today at the initiative of the local community. Such a ceremony was last held in the 11th century. This new consecration ceremony is the final phase of the cultural rebirth of the Timbuktu mausoleums, after their destruction by the armed groups who…
Walta Information Center reports that Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc has announced its intention to introduce its growing Four Points brand in Ethiopia, with a new-built property, developed by an Ethiopian company, Alemgenet Trade and Industries PLC. The Four Points of Sheraton Addis Ababa is scheduled to open at the beginning of the year…
From humble beginnings Springbok Atlas has been a household name for generations for day tours and long distance tours for local and international travelers. It was established in 1946 as a small local tour company offering tours into the Kruger National Park for school children during the weekends and school holidays. Today Springbok Atlas Tours…
In 2016, Deeper Africa will unveil a new kind of wildlife safari. Their Zimbabwe Conservation and Culture itinerary introduces guests to anti-poaching patrols, lion guardians who mediate conflicts between lions and communities, and people who protect wildlife at the village level. The highlight of this safari is joining in on an actual patrol with anti-poaching…
Written by Taqi Moledina On arrival at the Serengeti Explorer Camp we were warmly welcomed by very friendly faces and we were offered cool refreshing face towels which was presoaked in ancient African herbs aiding to take off dirt particle from our skin. The lounge tent was very comfortable and well setup with a rustic…
With bespoke package options, travelers can now effortlessly combine their safari in South Africa with a luxurious beach escape to White Pearl Resorts in Mozambique. White Pearl Resorts has become a first choice for many travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind beach escape. With a total of only 21 suites, each with private plunge pool and unobstructed…
Cape Town – The departments of home affairs and tourism have finally announced that the controversial visa laws – which required all minors travelling to or going out of SA to have an unabridged birth certificate – will be scrapped in favour of an updated passport for minors with printed details of both parents. Director-General…
Serengeti Explorer Camp is excited to launch their new interactive children’s club based in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. The children’s club is an extension to the product created by Pollmans Tours & Safaris (Kenya) or Ranger Safaris (Tanzania) to learn more about the environment, people, landscapes, birdlife, plantlife and wildlife. Learning through…
It gives us great pleasure to introduce Little Machaba Camp to our group – Opening 20 April 2016. The camp is located on the same island as Machaba Camp, overlooking a large flood plain. Situated next to Machaba main Camp, it offers a similar experience however being a lot smaller and more exclusive. Only four…
Congratulations to the winners in our 2016 Individual Member Drive. They are: Dori Peterson (San Diego Chapter) CADENCE, 4686 59th Street, San Diego, CA 92115, who wins 1 Ticket on SAA from JFK / IAD to JNB / CPT 2 nights at Cape Town Hollow , Cape Town 2 nights at Devon Valley Hotel,…
Kenya’s travel and tourism industry receives a boost as travel technology leader launches new service at an official event welcomed by the County Executive for Finance, County Government of Nairobi and attended by the CEO and Vice Chair of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents Travelport, a leading Travel Commerce Platform providing distribution, technology,…
World Travel Awards has unveiled the nominees for its upcoming Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2016. This year, the ceremony, the first event on the annual Grand Tour, will be hosted by Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on April 9th. With more than 1,500 nominations now revealed, voting is expected to be…
An extremely rare white giraffe calf was recently spotted in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. Omo is leucistic, which means she still has pigment in her soft tissues, such as her eyes, but not her skin cells. Though uncommon, leucism occurs in many species, including penguins, eagles, and hippos. Read More For the next two weeks, readers can bid…
Following a recent expedition supported by Born Free USA and Born Free Foundation, wildlife conservationists have confirmed for the first time that lions are living in a remote national park in Ethiopia. The discovery was made after an expedition into the heart of Alatash National Park in northwest Ethiopia.Read More