Ticket sales for the 2026 APTA Global Forum in Livingstone, Zambia are already moving quickly—but now there’s even more reason to secure your spot. We’re excited to announce the first batch of pre- and post-Forum FAM opportunities, giving attendees the chance to extend their stay and experience some of Southern Africa’s most compelling tourism products…
Songa Africa has opened bookings for Icyayi Songa Lodge in the foothills of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park. The lodge, due to open in May, features a tea-inspired theme reflecting the surrounding plantations. A render of the outdoor shower at Icyayi Songa Lodge. It will feature 20 suites including family villas. The 166 square metre…
Silverback Lodge Relaunches in Uganda, Setting a New Benchmark for Conservation-Led Luxury in Bwindi On World Wildlife Day, 3 March 2026, Marasa Africa marks the official international launch of Silverback Lodge, unveiling a completely rebuilt and reimagined flagship property next to Uganda’s extraordinary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. High-res images: Silverback Tuesday 3 March…
Luxury Africa Curated Experiences Across Southern & East Africa Join PNW APTA Chapter for an exciting and inspiring presentation designed specifically for Travel Advisors seeking to elevate their luxury Africa portfolio. Presenters are: Rita Anagnostopouls – US Sales and Marketing Manager Shai Goodman – Mateya Safari Lodge They will take you on a curated journey through…
Beyond the Plains Africa Safaris is a specialist safari and wilderness operator focused on delivering immersive, experience-led journeys across Africa’s most remarkable landscapes. The company works closely with carefully selected camps, lodges, and guiding partners to create authentic, conservation-minded experiences that connect travelers with the continent’s wildlife, culture, and natural heritage. To support its continued…
Join First Diamonds for their FIRST BEACH PARTY an exclusive evening celebrating the achievements of 2025 and setting the stage for an extraordinary 2026. In partnership with: Botany House | BAE Estates | Cobra Car Experience | TopWatch | Imali Express | Yacoob Yachts | Grand Africa | Rove SA | Rabinowitz Photography First Diamonds…
Nairobi, Kenya — Boutique safari operator Beyond the Plains Safaris has officially announced the launch of its 2026 Kenya and Tanzania Safari Series, while opening new partnership opportunities for international tour operators and travel advisors seeking reliable ground handlers for Kenya safaris and Tanzania safaris. Based in Nairobi, Beyond the Plains Safaris is a locally…
Absent for two decades, white rhinos have been reintroduced to Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to a statement issued by African Parks, the park lost its last northern white rhino to poaching in early 2006 when wildlife populations were declining and armed groups were active in the region.…
The V&A Waterfront is set to open a R230 million (US$14 million) superyacht marina in October. The developers say this will be the first-ever superyacht marina in sub-Saharan Africa and it aims to position Cape Town on the global stage as a premium superyacht berthing destination with the port also pursuing Gold Anchor accreditation. The development comes…
Fastjet has launched afternoon flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe. Flight FN8504 departs daily from JNB at 14h30 and arrives in VFA at 16h20. The route improves access for afternoon arrivals on domestic and international flights.
Luxury Africa Curated Experiences Across Southern & East Africa Join PNW APTA Chapter for an exciting and inspiring presentation designed specifically for Travel Advisors seeking to elevate their luxury Africa portfolio. Presenters are: Rita Anagnostopouls – US Sales and Marketing Manager Shai Goodman – Mateya Safari Lodge They will take you on a curated journey through…
The African travel community has lost one of its most respected and recognizable figures with the passing of Jim Holden, founder of Holden Safaris and a longtime friend to many across the APTA community. Born in Lusaka, Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia), Jim’s life and career were deeply shaped by Africa from the very beginning. He…
Ticket sales for the 2026 APTA Global Forum only opened in mid January but already the show is 47% sold out! We expect the show to be completely sold out by spring so if you plan to attend, the time to register is now! Taking place September 25–27, 2026, in Livingstone, Zambia, at the Avani…
Kenya’s tourism industry is navigating an unusually challenging period as two major disruptions are slowing the flow of visitors and complicating logistics for tour operators: the aviation crisis in the Middle East and severe flooding in parts of the country. Middle Eastern carriers operate some of the fastest and most affordable routes into East and…
The Zimbabwean government has increased VAT (value-added tax) and applied it to tourism services. In light of this the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has announced increases to entry fees for the Victoria Falls rainforest. Entry for international day visitors is now as follows until further notice: Rainforest main gate: USD58 per person VIP gate: USD174pp…
The East African Community (EAC) stepped onto the global tourism stage at ITB Berlin 2026, unveiling the first promotional video for its regional tourism brand, “Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe.” Premiered at the world’s leading travel trade fair in Berlin, the video highlights East Africa’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, cultures and travel experiences, as…
APTA members looking to connect with African suppliers from the comfort of their desks have a final opportunity to join OurAfrica.Travel 2026, a virtual trade show running March 16–20. The platform brings together 200+ exhibitors spanning Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands for a week of scheduled meetings, product updates, and networking. The format is…
Virgin Limited Edition has announced a redesign of Ulusaba in South Africa’s Sabi Sand. Both lodges – Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge – closed at the end of January 2026 and will reopen on April 1, 2027. Rock Lodge will feature nine suites including five new Rock suites and two interleading Makwela suites. The two…
Nyumbu Luxury Collection is preparing to open a new lodge, Upeo Serengeti, in Tanzania’s northern Serengeti with a soft opening scheduled for September. The lodge’s name, Upeo, meaning “horizon” in Swahili, reflects the property’s design, which frames expansive views across the northern Serengeti landscape. The design intends to integrate with the surrounding environment. The lodge…
This year, from the 1st – 7th May 2026, riders and guests from around the world will gather in Mashatu Game Reserve for something truly extraordinary — the EPIC Land of the Giants Cycling Event. For a few unforgettable days, riders traverse 120-180km of ancient elephant paths, open plains and winding riverbeds on mountain bikes, guided by expert rangers…
The Environment and Land Court in Narok, Kenya, has dismissed a petition seeking to halt operations at the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp. The petition, filed by Joel Meitamei Ole Dapash, raised concerns related to the camp’s location along the Sand River within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In response, the camp’s developers confirmed that…
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has shown support for Cabinet’s drive towards halting captive lion breeding in South Africa with new provincial legislation designed to phase out captive lion facilities: The agency will no longer issue permits to new captive lion facilities. The captive breeding of lions will no longer be permitted. The importing of lions…
The Cape Winelands Airport is facing a final hurdle before construction can commence as several appeals from neighbouring landowners await a decision from Anton Bredell, the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The airport project secured environmental authorisation in October 2025 following an extensive assessment process but its progression towards a…
Minor Hotels, in partnership with Dubai-based Infinity Developments, is developing the NH Collection Pemba Island Resort in Tanzania. The 145-room resort is scheduled to open in February 2030 a short drive from Pemba Airport. It will feature a selection of guest rooms, suites and villas as well as dining and MICE facilities. “Introducing the NH…
Thursday, April 16th at 1pm Eastern Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/718905136507949658 Kaelo Destinations: Extraordinary Places with Meaningful Impact Join us for an exclusive introduction to Kaelo Destinations, a premium collection of extraordinary places shaped by natural beauty, authenticity and purpose. From the award-winning safari landscapes of Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana to the acclaimed secluded coastal escape…
Kenya plans to upgrade and expand Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) over the next five years under a US$2 billion modernisation programme. The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) and the Kenya Airports Authority reviewed the implementation status of airport projects across the country and unveiled a breakdown of expansion plans for NBO. According to the…
Air Congo, the newly established flag carrier of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has announced a significant expansion of its route network, marking a major milestone in its evolution from a domestic operator to a regional player in Africa’s aviation landscape. The airline, which commenced operations in December 2024 with domestic flights out…
In a major step for the aviation sector, Kenya Airways has completed its first intra-African flight from Nairobi to Cape Town using a 50% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, in line with international standards set by International Air Transport Association and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, Sunday Tribune reported. The airline…