The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has confirmed that there were no cases of Ebola in Rwanda and that the country remains open for tourism. In a May 25 statement, the RDB said national parks, hotels, conference venues and tourism facilities continue to operate as normal while maintaining health and safety standards. The Ministry of Health has…
Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania is set to open Uhuru VIP Terminal – its newest airport terminal – on July 1. The terminal will be operated by Miracle Concierge. It will provide check-in support, immigration assistance and security screening alongside direct boarding and arrival clearance services. A lounge area will serve meals and drinks while additional…
Uganda Airlines has suspended Kinshasa flights until further notice, following recent Ebola developments in the region. “This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure in the interest of health, safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and the wider public,” the airline said in a statement. Those affected by the cancellations are advised to…
Effective June 10, Emirates will operate its direct daily Durban services, EK775 and EK776. Currently, the flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flights operate according to the following schedule: EK776 departs Durban at 18h40 and arrives in Dubai at 05h00, the following day. EK775 departs Dubai at 10h15 and arrives in Durban…
Effective June 15, Etihad will resume flights between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg. The flights will operate three times weekly. The route restoration comes as Gulf carriers continue rebuilding schedules after severe operational disruptions caused by regional airspace restrictions and conflict-related closures earlier this year. In March, Etihad suspended scheduled commercial services to and from Abu…
Mashatu Game Reserve once again welcomed guests and riders from around the world for the 2026 edition of the Land of the Giants Cycling Event — a seven-day wilderness cycling experience combining adventure, conservation and connection in one of Botswana’s largest private game reserves. Held within the vast and varied terrain of the Northern Tuli…
Jenman African Safaris has introduced Wild Wonders of Madagascar, a thirteen-day guided group tour designed for travellers who want to discover the island’s rare wildlife, diverse landscapes, and unique ecosystems in one seamless journey. The tour explores some of Madagascar’s standout regions, from the rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to the lush forests of Montagne d’Ambre…
The 2026 APTA Global Forum is set for September 25–27 in Livingstone, Zambia, at the newly renovated Avani Victoria Falls Resort — steps from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This year’s program is shaping up to be exceptional, bringing together leading buyers, operators, and destination partners from across North…
Travel advisors selling Africa may be fielding questions about the recently reported Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has also spread into Uganda. While the situation is serious and should be monitored closely, it is important to put the news in context for clients. According to NBC News, the outbreak has grown…
Hilton and Umfolozi Hotel and Spa have signed an agreement for the development of Umfolozi River Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal. The signing marks the brand’s second Tapestry Collection property in South Africa within the past year. The hotel is expected to open in 2028. “With 12 hotels trading and in the pipeline across the country, and…
Privately owned Zimbabwean start-up Flycristal Airways has secured its first aircraft as it prepares to launch domestic and regional charters. Johannes Simau, Founder of Flycristal Airways, told Travel News they would charter a 19-seat Let 410 and an Embraer 120. The Let 410 will initially be deployed on key domestic routes linking Harare to Bulawayo, Mutare, Kariba, and…
Cape Town, Zimbabwe and Namibia have formed a strategic tourism partnership aimed at positioning Southern Africa as a more competitive multi-country destination for international travellers. The agreement, first explored at WTM Africa 2025, focuses on regional coordination, joint marketing and facilitating easier cross-border travel for long-haul visitors. The partnership aims to encourage longer stays, increase…
Industry stakeholders say Botswana’s repeal of anti-gay laws could substantiate the country’s appeal to the international LGBTQ+ travel market and improve confidence among travel advisors and tour operators selling the destination. According to Martina Barth, International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) Membership Manager Africa/UK/Germany, the legislative change sends an important signal to the international travel trade. “It’s…
Airlink will launch the first non-stop flights between Cape Town and Zanzibar from October 3. Flights will operate every Saturday, departing Cape Town at 08h15 and arriving in Zanzibar at 14h30. The return flight will depart Zanzibar at 15h30 on the same day and arrive in Cape Town at 20h50. The route will be served…
The Lux Collective and Cleo Capital Group Ltd have entered into an agreement with the Rwanda Social Security Board to develop and manage lodges and resorts across Rwanda. Destinations include Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. The agreement was signed at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali. Phase 1…
Emerging Destinations is pleased to announce the return of Minor Hotels and Anantara resorts in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to our portfolio of cool destinations around the globe. Minor Hotels is a global hospitality leader with over 560 hotels and resorts across six continents, a diverse portfolio of F&B businesses and a selection of luxury transportation services. With over…
We are pleased to share the current progress update on the Uhuru VIP Terminal at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), officially opening on 1st July 2026. Operated by Miracle Concierge, the Uhuru VIP Terminal introduces a refined and seamless way to move through the airport. Designed around flow, efficiency, and attention to detail, it offers a…
Botswana is largely known for its Okavango Delta. Yet, the Northern Tuli in its far eastern corner (aka the “Land of Giants”) offers a completely unique safari that truly has be experienced … and right now is the perfect time to visit! In the words of our owner, Stephen Lansdown CBE, “You haven’t been to…
How to Confidently Sell Uganda: Gorilla Trekking, Culture, Luxury Lodges & Seamless On-the-Ground Delivery Thursday, May 14th at 1pm ET Register HERE Uganda offers one of the most complete and authentic travel experiences in Africa — from mountain gorillas and chimpanzee tracking to classic safari, rich culture, and high-quality lodge experiences, all within one destination.…
In early 2026, Hideaways Africa conducted a cross-border guides training programme, bringing together field guides from properties across Zimbabwe and Botswana. The training was hosted at Hideaways Nantwich Lodge and focused on strengthening guiding standards, improving field-based interpretation, and aligning guest experience across the portfolio. The initiative forms part of an ongoing annual programme designed…
Air Tanzania has launched its inaugural Dar es Salaam–Seychelles route, marked by a ceremonial welcome at Seychelles International Airport. The new connection strengthens regional integration, boosts multi-destination tourism, and links East Africa’s safari experiences with the Indian Ocean’s luxury beach destinations, enhancing global travel access. Read more from eturbonews
Auberge Collection has expanded into Africa with the launch of Auberge Safari, a collection of nine safari camps and lodges across Tanzania. The portfolio brings together conservation-led safari operators Legendary Expeditions and Chem Chem Safari under one umbrella. The properties are located across Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, including the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Arusha and the…
Singita has completed upgrades to Lebombo – a 15-suite lodge in the Kruger National Park. The main lodge now includes an art gallery showcasing pieces from across Southern Africa, alongside artefacts and objects found on the concession, as well as a lounge area. The lodge’s interiors now feature a brown and cream palette with fabrics,…
Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has confirmed that only concession shuttle vehicles and certain lodge-based guides will be permitted to transport visitors along the final 4×4 stretch to Deadvlei from May 1, tightening access beyond what many operators expected following last year’s postponement. From May 1, self-drive vehicles will no longer be permitted beyond the 2×4…