Essence of Africa, an international buyer forum for African tourism, has announced its programme for the 2026 edition. The event will take place in Zanzibar from 20–22 October. The programme will bring African tourism businesses together with international travel buyers. Sessions will examine changing market demand, tourism growth opportunities and experiences attracting visitors to the…
Morocco’s capital, Rabat, has been named among the world’s best places to visit in 2027 by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet, earning recognition for its blend of historic heritage, modern architecture and coastal attractions. The North African city features in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 selection alongside destinations including Québec in Canada, California’s Coastal…
Frenchman Alain Prost claimed the last of his four Formula One world championships at the Kyalami Circuit near Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1993, the last time the continent hosted a Grand Prix. The event’s subsequent collapse brought Formula One’s presence in Africa to an abrupt end. More than three decades later, Africa is preparing for…
Minor Hotels announces the signing of Anantara Retreat Rabat, marking the group’s debut in Morocco with a 38-key luxury retreat in the country’s capital with an anticipated opening in early 2030. The hotel is being developed in partnership with Bloom Holding, the Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer with a diversified portfolio spanning residential, mixed-use, hospitality,…
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will become the first airline in Africa to offer Starlink internet service onboard, with the service rolling out progressively across 41 aircraft from early 2027. Announcing the partnership, Starlink said, “Soon, passengers and crew onboard Royal Air Maroc will have access to Starlink, the same high-speed, low-latency internet that is already…
Robin Pope Safaris has opened Kujana Camp in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park as the safari operator celebrates its 40th anniversary. Situated on the Discovery Channel of the Zambezi River, the camp accommodates up to eight guests in four Meru-style tents – each with an en-suite bathroom and private viewing deck. Activities include game drives,…
Eight Cape Town (CPT) beaches have retained Blue Flag status for the 2026/27 season with four additional beaches named pilot sites. The announcement was made at the annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards in Hermanus on October 8. The recognised beaches are Bikini Beach, Camps Bay, Clifton 4th, Fish Hoek, Llandudno, Melkbosstrand, Muizenberg and Silwerstroomstrand.…
SANParks has appointed new restaurant operators at selected camps in Kruger National Park following the expiry of previous concession agreements and a competitive tender process. At Lower Sabie, the former Mugg & Bean will reopen as Sabie River Café. Pretoriuskop’s Wimpy will become Le Lapeng Burgers and Grill and Berg-en-Dal’s Tindlovu Restaurant will be transformed…
Tsowa Safari Island has opened Tsowa River Spa. Operated by Isibindi Africa Lodges, the nine-tent lodge is located on the Zambezi, upstream of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Set on a wooden deck above the river bank, the spa offers full body treatments. Every treatment begins with a foot cleansing ritual using cool stones on hot…
South Africa and the US are exploring an increase in air service frequencies between the two countries. Collen Msibi, National Spokesperson for the Department of Transport, told Tourism Update that South Africa and the US have expressed mutual interest in increasing the current allowance of 23 weekly frequencies. “A technical meeting to explore the modalities of…