Djibouti is out of this world. It’s a claim no travel writer should ever make, but it really is as if a great chunk of Mars has been carved out and jigsawed on to the Horn of Africa. Seated on the Afar Triple Junction, –, the meeting-point for three of the Earth’s tectonic plates, which…
Choda is one of the few traditional dances still practised on the Mozambique shores of Lake Malawi. Each year, a number of villages invite their neighbours to a dance-off. Male drummers, positioned in the centre, are surrounded by a thick, two-tiered circle of women, who are colourfully-clad and resplendent with sunglasses and whistles. – As…
Ranger Safaris partnered with Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE to offer a special Photographic Safari & Clinic. The 2 week program is designed for serious and amateur photographers that want to improve their photographic skills. The itinerary is packed with extended game drives, bush walks and cultural visits to give participants a large variety of photo opportunities.…
South African Airways Vacations launched its 2016 Collection brochure, featuring an expanded portfolio of air-inclusive vacation packages to destinations in Southern and East Africa. All SAA Vacations packages include round-trip air transportation on South African Airways, with origins from over 100 cities in the U.S., as well as hotel accommodations, airport transfers, sightseeing and a…
Mombasa, 12 January 2016, Speaking at the opening of Kenya’s first luxury yachting marina (English Point Marina) in Mombasa, H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta announced an unprecedented tourism incentive package to attract world travellers back to Kenya. Visa fees for children under 16 will be scrapped indefinitely from 1st Feb 2016. VAT charges on National Park…
&Beyond is set to expand its island footprint by adding &Beyond Vamizi Island to its portfolio. We will take over the management of the island, situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of northern Mozambique, from 01 March 2016. The island’s six luxury private villas will continue to operate under our signature brand of…
Condé Nast Traveler, Written by Sarah Khan: Botswana’s appeal as a classic safari destination is timeless: It boasts a great mix of topographical diversity, as well as a staggering range of activities—from elephant-back rides to river cruising—all in a fairly compact region. The Okavango Delta, with its iconic lodges, should be the first place you…
AFK Insider by Roxanne Reid There are more than 40 water holes in Etosha, each with its own strengths – unless they’re dry or there’s water everywhere in the veld after good rains, which usually fall between November and April. For the most consistently good wildlife sightings over the years, here are 10 of my…
On the 7th of January, the beloved Chapman’s Baobab, a national monument of Botswana and one of the 3 largest trees in Africa, fell. It is not yet clear what caused Chapman’s to fall, or whether the tree is still alive. The National Parks and Museums authority of Botswana is sending a team of botanists…
Traveller24: 2016-01-11 09:36 – Selene Brophy The Kaza uni-visa, which allows visitors from 40 countries to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia using the same document, has been reinstated, after initially being put on hold towards the end of December. This was due to Zambia’s running out of the required stamps, Zimbabwean Minister of Tourism, Dr…
In a bid to save Africa’s elephant populations from extinction in the wild, Botswana has joined Kenya, Gabon and Uganda by signing a declaration which makes it the fourth country to join The Giants Club, an elephant-protection plan to fight the illegal ivory trade. With The Giants Club implementation charity, Space for Giants, work is…
Senegal’s Blues du Fleuve is an annual music festival founded and headlined by Baaba Maal – a singer so popular and influential in this part of the world that in the course of the weekend a shipment of mosquito nets is dropped off at his house, courtesy of the minister of health, to protect his…
Without a doubt, the most popular tourist attraction in Zambia is the Victoria Falls, an experience that is on most travellers’ bucket lists The falls are unforgettable. However, it is Zambia’s off-the-beaten-track treasures that keep intrepid travellers coming back for more. Zambia is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and people from more…
The Africa Travel Association will become an operating element under the Corporate Council on Africa, effective immediately. The formal announcement was made at the New York Times Travel Show on January 8, 2016. Stephen Hayes, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) said, “The addition of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) to…
BioCarbon Partners (BCP), supported through the USAID Community Forests Program (CFP), in partnership with the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), and Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), are proud to announce achieving the world’s first carbon neutral national park from operations in Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. Every single tourism concessionaire based in Lower Zambezi National Park (NP),…
Tourism continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors in Africa. and the continent has witnessed a significant improvement in tourism activities since 2013. The 2015 edition of the Africa Tourism Monitor, released by the African Development Bank, in partnership with the New York University, Africa House and the Africa Travel Association,…
The Gathering 2016 – An APTA Northeast Event Join us as we celebrate the start of the most prestigious travel show in the USA, the New York Times Travel Show, in January 2016. Take this unprecedented opportunity to meet some of the finest product suppliers on the African Content – those who we feel are…
INCA – International Nature & Culture Adventures will introduce a new safari in Zimbabwe sure to appeal to adventurous travelers. From March through December 2016, INCA will offer the 10-day Footsteps of Giants that includes six nights in Hwange National Park at two different safari lodges and three nights at a camp on the Zambezi…
A new report by New World Wealth reveals which safari destinations in Africa are the most popular among the world’s super-wealthy. The top-rated safari lodges were based on a recent New World Wealth survey, which focused on the preferences of the super-rich. Africa received approximately 43,000 multi-millionaire visitors in the 12 months to September 2015,…
January 8-10, 2016Complimentary Trade Day Exhibition Only! (Regular price: $20) Exclusive time in the Exhibition — meet with over 500 exhibitors, representing over 150 different countries in the following pavilions: Adventure, Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Caribbean, Cruise, Europe, Latin America, Mexico, River Cruises, Sponsor, Spa & Wellness, Travel Services and the U.S.A. See who’s exhibiting…
PROSPECTS of career opportunities in the hotel and hospitality industry in Nigeria and other African countries have received a tremendous boost with the debut of the African Hospitality Academy in Lagos. The Academy, operated with the support of The Hague Hotel Schools of the Netherlands, intends to revolutionise and enhance the nation’s hotel and hospitality…
On Thursday, 10 December, Game Rangers International (GRI) hosted a celebration to honour the achievements of Cosmas Mumba, the Project Manager of GRI – Zambia Primate Project. As the first ever Zambian, Cosmas was recently nominated to the prestigious Tusk Conservation Award, supported by HRH Prince William. Cosmas attended the glittering award ceremony in London…
December 2015 – The Wilderness Safaris conservation team was honoured to host Prince Harry in Botswana recently as part of a three-month trip to southern Africa to take part in various frontline conservation activities, including the company’s pioneering Botswana Rhino Project. On his Instagram account, Prince Harry wrote: “Trying to stop a three-tonne rhino with…
Off the tourism map for decades, Ethiopia has become an accessible tourism destination in recent years. The government’s tourism promotion entity, the Ethiopian Tourism Organization, has mounted a campaign to publicize the country’s rich menu of historical, cultural and natural attractions. But the going has been tough. Soon after the Ethiopian Tourism Organization got its…
Turkish Airlines has launched flights to Port Louis and Antananarivo, the capitals cities of Mauritius and Madagascar. The Istanbul-Port Louis-Antananarivo flights are being operated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in both directions with the airline planning the addition of Monday flights from February 8, 2016 with . Read More
Marriott Rewards, Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty program, announced that members can now earn South African Airways (SAA) Voyager miles for stays at more than 4,000 Marriott hotels across 16 distinctive global brands. As part of this new partnership, Marriott Rewards members can now also redeem points for SAA Voyager miles. “Providing our members with even…
Transport Cabinet Secretary said Kenya had completed “almost all” relevant audit requirements by the United States aviation authorities, hence the bold projection. “We anticipate that we shall commence direct flights to the USA by May 2016, having as of now cleared almost all aviation audit issues,” Mr Macharia told the Nation. Kenya has been pushing…
Use Discount Code: TEO50 to take advantage of this special savings!$10 (regular price: $20) NY Times Trade Only Trade Day Exhibition Only Registration includes: Exclusive time in the Exhibition — meet with over 500 exhibitors, representing over 150 different countries in the following pavilions: Adventure, Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Caribbean, Cruise, Europe, Latin America, Mexico,…
Thank you to our loyal readers and members for your support and encouragement in the first year of our newsletter. THE APTA DISPATCHES WILL RESUME IN 2016
Jenman African Safaris and African Luxury Hideaways are very excited to launch their Responsible Tourism initiative, The Grow Africa Foundation. We want to have a positive impact on the environment, society and economy of the places we travel to. Our initiative’s mission and focus is to support local communities as well as building awareness of…
Kenya has been voted the world’s leading safari destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA), giving a major boost to the tourism sector. This is the second time it has scooped the prestigious global award. The country previously won the award in 2013. Kenya bagged the award after overcoming fierce competition from South Africa, Botswana,…
The new $150 million Victoria Falls International Airport opened to passengers officially on Sunday. Set to change the face of the region, the potential impact on tourism in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is extremely positive with the potential of long haul direct routes instead of flights via Johannesburg, South Africa. The new airport sports an upgraded…
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has approved the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The resolution, adopted on 4 December, recognizes “the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in…
Africa is increasingly appreciative of the arts in its various forms – photography, drama, music, spoken word and poetry are continuously strengthened and encouraged by events across Africa. The recent Karibu Music Festival in Tanzania, the Art and Beer Festival in Kenya and the Lagos Photo Festival are great reference to the embracing of the…
The famous Carnival Calabar is currently underway in Nigeria. Already a major attraction for tourists with it’s international museum, botanical garden, slave history park, amusement park, the city’s Calabar Festival is known as Africa’s largest street Party. Carnival Calabar is a unique display of Africa heritage showcased through music, dance, drama and visual creativity which is reflected…
The new Camp Okavango will open on 14 April 2016 following a full rebuild of the entire camp. Stunning public areas accessed by raised walkways will be linked with the new luxury suites boasting expansive views right across the Okavango Delta. The new Camp Okavango will consist of eleven guest suites and one family suite.…
African Bush Camps would like to inform all valued friends, colleagues and supporters that the rebuild process of Khwai Tented Camp in Botswana has unfortunately experienced additional delays and the reopening date of both Khwai Tented Camp and its NEW FAMILY CAMP will now be 1st September 2016. As a result, they will no longer…
Due to recent developments in the planned refurbishment at &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, which now include additional upgrades to the tents and decks, &Beyond has taken the decision to close the camp from 03 January to 11 May 2016. The camp’s 10 luxury tents will now be undergoing a full rebuild and refresh. Using…
CHICAGO, USA – December 9th, 2015 – Star Alliance is set to expand its network reach with the launch of its Connecting Partner Model. Under this new concept, routes operated by “low-cost” and “hybrid” airlines will be able to connect to the Alliance network. This will allow customers of Star Alliance member carriers to select…
By Cecilia Okoth – New Vision As the tourism industry becomes highly competitive, Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) in partnership with AMREF flying doctors have introduced an air ambulance insurance cover in Uganda. According to Ezra Rubanda, the acting secretary general UNCCI, the insurance cover code named Maisha air ambulance scheme will…
The APTA 2016 individual membership drive has been extended to accommodate the many members whose current 12 month term expire in January. As decided at a meeting of the Presidents and National board during the recent APTA National Forum, going forward, members will be considered in good standing for 12 months from the day they…
Cooking over an open flame is something special to the African bush – African Luxury Hideaways will be dedicating a week to sumptuous food, wine and fantastic game viewing. We are inviting clients to experience gourmet food and wine pairing at Elephant’s Eye, Hwange in Zimbabwe. Indulge in world-class wines and learn all about open-fire…
Etihad Airways recently enhanced its presence in East Africa with launch of new services between Dar es Salaam and Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight was welcomed at Julius Nyerere International Airport with a water-cannon salute, and a troupe of traditional Tanzanian dancers. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion, which was attended by…
MasterCard’s latest African cities index examined African cities’ economic outlook according to their potential for inclusive urbanization. The 74 analyzed cities were ranked by twenty five economic and social indicators and are organized into three categories by population size: large (more than one million), medium (between 500,000 and one million) and small (under 500,000). Once ranked, the…
Lilongwe, Nov. 23 (RETOSA) –The Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA) has launched its Southern Africa Women in Tourism Awards at its 2nd Annual Southern Africa Women in Tourism which took place on 23 and 24 November in Lilongwe, Malawi. The awards, which aim to recognize women’s contribution and projects in tourism development in…
A stunning hotel is being constructed on the outskirts of White River, Mpumalanga. With an expected opening in mid-January 2016. Cindy Sheedy Walker CEO of Extraordinary has expressed her delight in adding this hotel to the Extraordinary Collection of Luxury Lodges and Hotels. “We will be offering several new packages in conjunction with our Kruger…
South African Airways has been, for the 12th consecutive year, honored by Global Traveler Magazine, as “Best Airline in Africa” in the magazine’s annual GT Tested Reader’s survey. The magazine presented the award to Todd Neuman, Vice President, Commercial for South African Airways in North America at a ceremony held on December 8, at the…
Please feel free to share this handy info-graphic with your clients to assist when planning a trip to Cape Town this festive season. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL SIZE
This year’s Gathering will take place in New York City on the first evening of the New York Times Travel Show. Details are still to come but save the date for January 8th at 6pm when we’ll celebrate the start of the most prestigious travel show in the USA, the New York Times Travel Show.…
The first Stellenbosch Street Soirees for the season will spill onto the bustling Drostdy Street on 9 December. showcase the town’s unique food and wine culture on its oak-lined streets, allowing locals and visitors alike to sip, savour and share in the vibrant spirit of this ‘forever young’ town. These fun gatherings are happening in…