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…
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced, on January 21, that all attraction sites managed by the entity are now open. This announcement follows a comprehensive assessment conducted after recent heavy rainfall that affected Mpumalanga’s tourism sector. Citing the safety of visitors as a top priority, the agency urged visitors to exercise caution and adhere to all…
Days of heavy rainfall in the Greater Kruger National Park have rendered dozens of game lodges in the region’s private reserves temporarily inaccessible and forced the cancellation of flights from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS). Unrelenting rainfall since January 9 has triggered the flooding of rivers within the Kruger National Park (KNP) and adjoining private reserves. Chris Stamper,…
Along with several closures of camps and roads in Kruger National Park, specific tourism sites in Mpumalanga have temporarily closed following heavy rainfall with authorities citing safety concerns. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency confirmed the temporary closure of Bourke’s Luck Potholes. In addition, The South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) announced the temporary closure of…
Uganda has completed its first-ever translocation of rhinos between protected areas with four southern white rhinos moved from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. The operation, led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), marks the first phase of a national programme that will see 20 rhinos relocated to Ajai. The four animals are currently…
Enduata Camps has opened ‘Wild’ Wakati Camp – a new tented safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti. Lounge. Source: Enduata Camps ‘Wild’ Wakati Camp now operates year-round and is positioned in an area that is part of a key stage of the Great Migration. Bedroom. Source: Enduata Camps The camp has light-footprint tented structures handcrafted in…
Uganda will open a new passenger terminal at Entebbe International Airport by the end of this month. The 20 000sqm terminal will be commissioned in phases and is expected to boost the airport’s passenger-handling capacity from two million passengers to at least 3,5 million annually, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). The new…
After nearly a decade of lobbying, Kenya has launched its national convention bureau – a development the country’s MICE industry is calling a turning point for Kenya’s global competitiveness. The decision, announced this week, has been widely hailed by industry stakeholders as a strategic reset for a sector that has long punched below its weight…
Malawi’s Visa waiver scheme introduced in 2024 has now been revoked. As from 2 January 2026 most nationalities around the world now require visas to enter Malawi. The new regulations are based on reciprocity – visas are now required for any country that demands visas of Malawians. The official Gazette confirming this change in regulations…
Marriot Bonvoy has opened Morea House in Camp’s Bay – the group’s first Autograph Collection hotel in Cape Town. The hotel features 90 rooms and suites designed by local interior architect Tristan du Plessis with mountain or ocean views. On the ground floor, the OMRI restaurant serves modern Lebanese-South African cuisine and features a beach-facing terrace and…
Zimbabwe’s move to apply standard-rated VAT of 15.5% to tourism services from January 1 is increasing financial and contractual pressure across the tourism sector, particularly for operators managing long-lead international bookings negotiated under the previous zero-rated framework. Confirmed in the 2026 national budget, the measure raises the standard VAT rate from 15% to 15.5% and, more…
Hilton is set to expand its presence in Africa this year with the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Kintele in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Situated in the city’s Kintele district, the hotel will comprise 200 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre, tennis court, spa and beauty salon. The hotel will also house a…
Malawi’s tourism sector has decried the country’s implementation of a reciprocal visa policy that requires travellers from numerous previously visa-exempt countries to apply for e-visas at costs of between US$50 for single entry (for a maximum stay of 90 days) to US$250 for multiple entries. The policy, which requires travellers from all countries that subject…
Zimbabwe has confirmed a change to the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) that will impact tourism activities and transfers effective 1 January 2026, following confirmation of new legislation signed into law. In addition to the previously announced VAT increase, VAT will now be applied to all tourism activities and transfers that were previously zero…
Voyager Beach Resort has announced a series of planned product enhancements scheduled for 2026, aimed at further improving the guest experience while ensuring continued resort operations throughout the refurbishment period. The resort plans to fully refurbish all 43 Pool View Rooms and remodel several key public areas, including the Sports Pool Area, Kaskazi Bar, Michezo…
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg has opened its new Destination Lobby and Lobby Lounge, marking the completion of a redevelopment project that began in 2023. The work is the final phase aimed at expanding facilities, strengthening events capacity and creating new guest and visitor spaces. Regional Vice President and GM Martin Cody said: “The Destination Lobby…
Aeroportos de Moçambique (AdM) announced plans to invest US$43,5 million into the expansion and modernisation of Pemba Airport in Cabo Delgado. According to Club of Mozambique, Cabo Delgado AdM Director, Eduardo Mutereda, briefed state representatives on the proposed upgrade, which will include an expansion of the airport’s terminal, runway and apron, the construction of a new power…
Marble Hospitality will introduce a new five-star hotel and two food-and-beverage outlets within the Olympus Sandton development – adding a major hospitality component to the mixed-use project by Tricolt Group and Growthpoint Properties. Marble Hospitality currently operates upmarket dining brands in South Africa including Marble in Rosebank, Saint in Sandton and the Pantry by Market…
LIFT has applied to the International Air Services Council to operate three weekly flights between Durban and Mauritius. If approved, the service would mark the airline’s first international expansion, adding to its current domestic network linking Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
SAA and Turkish Airlines formalised a codeshare agreement on December 5, offering international travellers seamless access to destinations in Southern Africa. Under the new agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its flight code on SAA-operated flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls and Mauritius. These ticket sales will commence…
InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town will open on December 15, with bookings available from December 22, introducing a renewed identity at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. First opened in 1997 by former South African President Nelson Mandela, the hotel enters a new phase with updated interiors, expanded facilities and new dining concepts. Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned…
Wilderness Rwanda has opened Wilderness Magashi Peninsula – an exclusive new camp set on a private peninsula in Akagera National Park. The park is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. “Magashi Peninsula is an exciting addition to our private concession within the park,” said Manzi Kayihura, Wilderness Rwanda Executive Director. “Akagera…
Malawi Airlines has confirmed it will launch a new Lilongwe–Entebbe route on 15 December 2025, operating four times per week. The service is expected to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity between Malawi and Uganda. The announcement followed a meeting at Malawi Airlines headquarters between Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador (Rtd) Col. Fred Mwesigye, and…