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
With a projected growth of 3.7% in 2015 and accounting for nearly 9% of the continent’s GDP, Africa’s travel and tourism industry has incredible potential to help generate growth, create jobs and enable development. Yet, this potential remains largely untapped. Read More
Airlink is pleased to announce the re-introduction of air-services between Johannesburg and Nosy Be commencing Sunday 20 March 2016. Flights will operate weekly with a single return flight on Sundays. Initially the service will be on one of Airlink’s fleet of 18 Embraer ERJ 135 regional jet aircraft, and as soon as demand justifies, one…
Crystal Cruises has launched its newest ship — the 62-passenger yacht, Crystal Esprit — in the Seychelles.. The debut marks a milestone for the line, as it expands from its longtime fleet of two luxury cruise ships into the yachting world (and to river cruising in 2016).The elegant ceremony took place at Eden Island Marina…
All individual members in good standing by January 31st, 2016 will stand a chance of winning one of two trips to South Africa. Two members will each win one ticket to Cape Town or Johannesburg on SAA Airways, and 8 nights’ accommodation generously donated by these valued corporate members; 1 Ticket on SAA from…
Uganda Tourism Board has recruited three Public Relations firms to represent the country in source markets. This is a UTB strategy developed to increase the country’s tourist arrivals. If the plan succeeds, it will generate not only more revenue for the country, but more employment opportunities as well. The firms chosen to represent Uganda are…
Everyone knows about the great national parks of eastern and southern Africa – Masai Mara, Kruger and Serengeti all conjure up images of majestic landscapes, packs of lions lazing in the shade and herds of elephant roaming the savannah. But have you heard of Mole, Pendjari and Waza? These wildlife reserves are among the finest…
Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that preparations are being finalized to launch service to New York’s JFK airport by the end of June, to provide a vital link between New York and Africa once again with this new service. Flights from Addis Ababa to JFK will depart on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings, and…
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has elected Ugandan native, Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya, to serve as its new President. Sebunya will focus on advancing a clear policy agenda for wildlife as part of Africa’s future. This is aimed at ensuring that the continent’s blueprint for development and growth provides space and protection for Africa’s natural heritage.…
Lodges within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, have introduced a voluntary conservation levy, effective from January 2016. Concerned conservationists and stakeholders of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park region have created a collaborative group: The Conservation & Wildlife Fund (CWF). The objective of CWF is to work together with the wildlife authorities in Zimbabwe to raise awareness, resource…
Sun City’s iconic entertainment center closed its doors on Monday for a major refurbishment. According to a press statement, the entertainment center will be re-imagined and rebuilt at a cost of R300m as part of the R800m revitalization of Sun City. “The Entertainment Centre opened its doors in 1980, as Frank Sinatra crooned to roaring…
Early findings from the largest ever aerial survey of African wildlife – the Great Elephant Census (GEC) – are proving that big data can make a big difference when it comes to saving the world’s largest land mammal. The Africa-wide census, funded by Microsoft billionaire Paul G. Allen, took off in February 2014, with the…
North Island Seychelles makes the list of the 50 greatest hotels in the world A guide to the world’s best hotels, featuring the most amazing places to stay in destinations including Europe, Asia, Indian Ocean, Africa, Americas, Middle East and Caribbean, for honeymoons, luxury escapes and city breaks, as chosen and reviewed by Telegraph Travel’s…
Described as one of the last strongholds of Central African wildlife, Zakouma National Park in Chad is renowned for its free-roaming herds of elephants. Despite its history of terrible poaching, there has been only one incident inside the park since 2011 and elephant numbers are on the rise. This is largely due to the work…
Delegates attending events within the World Travel Market portfolio can take advantage of discounted air fares with oneworld airlines following a groundbreaking deal between the alliance and World Travel Market’s parent company Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE). Visitors and exhibitors are able to make reservations for themselves and a companion via a dedicated channel on the…
Space is available on some departures for these uniquely guided Migration focussed safaris. The tour will be guided by Carel Verhoef, Founder of HerdTracker and current presenter of Kenya Live. We are pleased to announce that ARP Travel Group has partnered with the innovative App “Herdtracker”, which gives accurate daily location of the wildebeest migration.…
By MARTIN MWITA, The Star: KENYA’s fate on direct flights between Nairobi and the United States now lies with America, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority reports. The country’s aviation industry must undergo a final audit by America’s Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates and oversees the American civil aviation sector. According to KCAA, Kenya must achieve…
By Dean Karemera, NEW TIMES Isabukuru Family, one of the 20 groups of mountain gorillas gazetted for research and tourism in Volcanoes National Park, welcomed a rare gift of twins born to Isaro yesterday. According to Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at Rwanda Development Board, the birth of the twins is great news to…
The Seychelles Tourism Board has confirmed the dates of the 2016 edition of the island’s Carnaval International de Victoria, the event set to continue to bring together the different cultures and people from around the world to one place. Dubbed as the ‘carnival of carnivals’, Carnaval International de Victoria, now going in its sixth year…
Set upon a raised deck with breath-taking views of the mighty Zambezi River and private Kandahar Island, the organic combination of wood, thatch, canvas and glass of Toa Spa blends effortlessly into the natural surrounds. Soothing interiors, in earthy tones, are complimented by copper, glass and splashes of vibrantly coloured ‘chitenge’ (African fabrics). Toa means…