In the last 12 months, the Radisson Hotel Group has signed over 15 new hotels, bringing its total in Africa, including its pipeline, to over 100. Recent signings include: South Africa: Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga, scheduled to open in 2029, will offer 155 rooms in studios and apartments. It will be located in a newly…
Condor will introduce a fourth weekly flight between Johannesburg and Frankfurt from May 11. Flights will depart from Johannesburg at 18h35 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and arrive in Frankfurt at 06h00 the following day.
Severe flooding has struck the Luangwa Valley in Zambia following heavy rainfall that caused both the Lupande and Msandile Rivers to burst their banks. The region is experiencing its worst flooding in nearly two decades, with widespread impact on communities surrounding one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations, South Luangwa National Park. The flooding has…
Uganda Airlines will receive $113 million in government funding to acquire 10 new aircraft, boosting direct connectivity and tourism. The move comes as disruptions affecting Gulf carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates are pushing African airlines to expand routes and reduce reliance on Middle East hubs. Read more from Tourism Update
The Diar Group has announced the development of two mixed-use residential and hospitality properties on Kenya’s coastline: Diani Beach Residences and Oceara Residences. Both properties will be branded CityBlue Hotels. The group will partner with Staroot Real Estate in the development and management of Diani Beach Residences. Oceara Residences is secured through a deal with Sands…
Bush Ways Botswana will open Mababe Tented Camp this month (April 2026). The property is set on the banks of the Khwai River in the Mababe private concession and will open seasonally from April to December. Shared spaced includes a tented lounge. Mababe Tented Camp will comprise eight Meru-style tents accommodating a maximum of 16…
As part of Hilton’s broader strategy to grow in sub-Saharan Africa, the global hospitality company is to open a new Hilton Garden Inn Polokwane in South Africa and a Hilton Lusaka Pyramid in Zambia. Hilton said it had signed 29 deals in 15 countries over the past year, which would see its African footprint growth…
Ugandan wildlife authorities have reintroduced rhinos into a remote protected area where they were once poached into extinction, an event seen by conservationists as a milestone in efforts to support the recovery of a species threatened by poaching. On Tuesday, two southern white rhinos from a private ranch in the East African country were reintroduced into Kidepo…
Two of the world’s 12 Long Run Accredited Global Ecosphere Retreats have undertaken a leadership immersion between Kenya and Indonesia. Cottar’s Safaris (Maasai Mara, Kenya) and Nikoi and Cempedak Islands (Indonesia) will undertake a cross-continental CEO Exchange in April, as Louise Cottar, CEO of Cottar’s Safaris, and Andrew Dixon, CEO of Nikoi and Cempedak Islands,…
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 will take place May 11–14 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, in partnership with Durban Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission. BONDay kicks off on May 11, with Trade Show Days running May 12–14. Non-hosted buyer applications are now open. The show brings together a broad…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
The Hilton Durban closed on February 5 following the end of a management agreement between Hilton and the property owner, African American Properties Hotel Pty, a subsidiary of the Bin Otaiba Hotel Group. “Despite our continued efforts to maintain a constructive partnership, the management agreement came to an end on February 5, 2026. As a result,…
Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate in Wellington, Western Cape, has fully reopened following a six-month partial closure for upgrades. The refurbishments include upgraded facilities, additional rooms and a refresh of its dining venues. The estate’s four-star guesthouse has added 20 rooms to its offering, bringing the total number of rooms to 40. Read…
Auric Air has added a new aircraft, the Cessna Grand Caravan 5H-ABA, to its fleet. The aircraft is configured with executive-style seating and is now operating across the airline’s network in Tanzania and elsewhere in East Africa. It is also available for private charter. According to the airline, the aircraft maintains the Grand Caravan’s operational…
A new zipline adventure experience has launched at Houw Hoek Hotel on the N2 in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Developed by Cape Canopy Tour in partnership with Houw Hoek Hotel, the product is a single, continuous dual-line ride completed in approximately 30 minutes. It operates on a fully free-sale basis with no…
Mozambique’s tourism sector has been caught off guard by the sudden implementation of a new e-visa and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system launched in collaboration with VFS Global. Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours, expressed “deep concern” about the manner in which the new e-visa system was implemented. “A significant concern is the complete lack…
The City of Cape Town officially opened the Bo-Kaap Market on February 14 and 15, formally recognising it as a permanent public trading space. The market has been operating since December 2025. “It was great fun visiting the bustling Bo-Kaap Market on Saturday as Capetonians and tourists came out to enjoy this iconic part of…
Several Malawi lodges have detailed plans for improvements in 2026, including the addition of 21 luxury family suites at Makokola Retreat on the shores of Lake Malawi. In addition to the new suites, the lodge is renovating its swimming pool and revamping its coffee lounge. Other lodges undergoing enhancement include: Kaya Mawa (Likoma Island) with…
Abelana Game Reserve, which confirmed significant flood damage at Abelana River Lodge following last month’s flooding across Limpopo, says the property will require extensive clean-up and refurbishment despite minimal structural damage. In a statement, the reserve said Abelana River Lodge’s 20 suites and public areas were affected. The recovery period is expected to be about…
SANParks has provided updates on the status of several camps in the Kruger National Park (KNP) affected by heavy flooding in January. Partial reopening of Letaba Rest Camp – which suffered extensive damage to accommodation, fencing and main areas – will take at least three months. The camp will only be fully operational towards the…
Following last year’s successful second edition on the Kenyan coast, Essence of Africa has announced that its third edition will take place at Diamonds Bijoux in Zanzibar from 20–22 October 2026, continuing the event’s journey across Africa’s leading tourism destinations. The decision to host the 2026 edition in Zanzibar aligns with growing global interest in…
Malawi’s position as one of Africa’s most compelling emerging safari destinations continues to strengthen, with significant upgrades and new experiences rolled out across the country’s leading parks and lodges in 2025 — and further developments planned for 2026. In Liwonde National Park, managed by African Parks, infrastructure improvements enhanced both guest comfort and safari capacity.…
RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened Riu Palace Swahili, its third hotel in Tanzania, in Nungwi, northern Zanzibar. The 505-room, adults-only property is RIU’s first Elite Club hotel in Zanzibar. The Elite Club area of the property comprises 76 rooms, including 52 with private pools and 24 with sea views. Elite Club guests have access…
Pan-African infrastructure investor Harith has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire FlySafair, in a transaction that could see South Africa’s largest domestic airline move into entirely local ownership, subject to regulatory approvals. The deal remains subject to approvals from the Competition Commission and aviation regulators, including the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC). While…
Luxury conservation brand Singita has announced two upcoming, purpose-driven running events designed to blend adventure, conservation and female empowerment in East Africa. In February 2027, Singita will partner with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to host the Ubumwe Women’s Trail in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. The multi-day, all-women event combines trail running with a guided…
A new purpose-built eight-seater “Panga boat” has been introduced by Governor’s Camp for Lake Naivasha excursions at its Loldia House property in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Dubbed MV Furukombe by the Loldia House team, the boat is powered by a 100HP four-stroke engine and enables early boat rides and access to Crescent Island and Naivasha Raptor Centre…
Rwanda is staking a bold claim in Africa’s aviation and tourism landscape with the development of the US$2 billion Bugesera International Airport infrastructure project envisioned to transform the country into a regional air transport hub. Located 40km south of Kigali, the new airport is expected to fundamentally change how travellers, investors and airlines access the country…
Zambia’s Department of Immigration has announced updated visa fees, effective 1 January 2026 until further notice. Travel advisors and operators should note the following changes: Visa Fee Updates Single-entry visa: increased from USD 25 to USD 50 Double-entry visa: increased from USD 40 to USD 80 Multiple-entry visa: increased from USD 75 to USD 80…
Malawi Tourism has released a round-up of the expansion plans and product enhancements lined up for some of the country’s tourism operators this year. Land & Lake Safaris Lake & Land Safaris, which runs a variety of guided and self-drive tours throughout the country, has introduced new gap year and “bucket list” travel tours and…
As we kick off 2026, we want to share several important updates that reflect the collective voice of our members and the continued evolution of APTA as a stronger, more impactful association. Member Vote: Moving Forward TogetherThank you to everyone who participated in our recent member vote. By an overwhelming margin, members voted in favor…
Namibia is increasing its entry fees for foreign visitors to major national parks and reserves by 86%, effective April 1. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism confirmed that fees for adult foreign nationals visiting top-tier attractions will increase from N$150 (US$9.40) to N$280 (US$17.50) per person per day. The attractions include Etosha National Park, Cape…
The Global Travel Collection has recently started offering Malawi as a destination. Their Senior Manager Revenue Development, Andy Hampshaw met up late last year with a delegation from the Malawi Ministry of Tourism to review the planned Malawi packages, and Andy shared the following blog with us recently: “We had the honour to welcome the…
Marriott International’s Autograph Collection brand has opened its first safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, located near the park’s Fort Ikoma gate, comprises 15 tented suites and one two-bedroom villa – each with private decks with views of the Serengeti wilderness. A render of the exterior of a tented…