FlySafair confirmed on Wednesday (July 16) that negotiations with its pilot group, represented by the trade union Solidarity, had reached a deadlock. This will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action. The strike certificate gives union members the right to strike following the required…
Renegade Air launched its new Nairobi-Kisumu scheduled flight service on July 2. The service uses the airline’s new ATR 42-500 aircraft, which carries 48 passengers. It operates twice daily with the morning flight departing from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport at 07h00 and arriving at Kisumu International Airport at 07h45. The morning return flight departs from Kisumu at…
Rwanda will receive a US$9 million grant from the Global Environment Facility to support ecosystem restoration and climate resilience in the Nyungwe-Ruhango Corridor. The project will be implemented by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority with technical support from the World Bank. Implementation is expected to begin in August 2025, targeting key districts in Rwanda’s Southern Province…
After years of drier than usual conditions, the 2025 Okavango Delta annual inundation has returned in force. Speaking to Tourism Update, Walter Smith, Sales Director for Ker & Downey Botswana, shared insights on the current situation and its implications for camp operations and ecological resilience. “This year’s annual Okavango Delta flood is a unique welcome, considering the…
At Impodimo Game Lodge, the ongoing commitment to conservation lies at the heart of all operations. Protecting wildlife and preserving the integrity of the reserve remain top priorities. To continue supporting these crucial efforts, Impodimo Game Lodge will be adjusting its conservation levy effective from 15 July 2025, with the adjustment applicable into 2026. These…
Delta Air Lines is making a bold statement in West Africa with the unveiling of a new premium lounge at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) and the upcoming deployment of its most advanced aircraft, enhancing transatlantic travel for Nigerian passengers. The premium lounge—opened July 1—features Nigerian-inspired design, high-speed Wi-Fi, private relaxation spaces, and curated…
If you’re planning to attend the APTA Global Forum in Arusha this September, here’s your perfect reason to extend your stay in East Africa: Buyer registration is now officially open for Essence of Africa 2025, taking place October 7–9 in Malindi, Kenya. This premier meetings-driven event is Africa’s International Buyer Forum, connecting pre-qualified international buyers…
The countdown is on—and you do not want to miss this. The APTA Global Forum 2025, our most immersive and impactful gathering yet, is heading to Arusha, Tanzania from September 24–26, 2025—and space is filling fast. This isn’t just another conference. It’s a front-row seat to the future of tourism to Africa, surrounded by the…
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated a formal stakeholder consultation process on a proposal to extend the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site across the border into Mozambique’s Maputo National Park. This follows a request from the government of Mozambique, which is seeking to inscribe Maputo National Park as part of…
Sabi Sabi has completed upgrades at two of its properties: Little Bush Camp and Bush Lodge. The six guest suites at Little Bush Camp now feature bigger bathrooms with stone vanities, oversized mirrors and bespoke wall lighting. Other additions include timber-slat and leather headboards, a custom-designed drinks armoire, curated artworks, an array of patterned cushions,…
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (Fundo Soberano de Angola) to bring the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand to Angola with the planned opening of Sheraton Luanda in early 2026. The 326-room hotel will be located on Luanda Bay near the city’s commercial, cultural and diplomatic districts. Planned facilities include…
The interline agreement between SAA and Uganda Airlines (UR) has gone live, enabling seamless travel across both carriers on single ticket. The interline agreement enables agents to book trips from the following domestic destinations to Entebbe, via Johannesburg, on a single UR ticket: Cape Town Durban Port Elizabeth Additionally, the interline agreement enables agents to…
Qatar Airways has resumed flights from Doha to Kigali with immediate effect. The route will be operated with an Airbus A320, featuring 12 flat-bed Business and 120 Economy class seats. Flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday as follows: Doha to Kigali – flight QR1389 departing at 08h20 and arriving at 13h30 Kigali…
A new seasonal, pre-scheduled tourism-only border crossing between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe has been approved by the Ministers of Home Affairs in both countries. It will operate through the Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor via the Pafuri-Sengwe access point within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). The pilot project…
Sopa Lodges, in collaboration with Leo Sky Africa, has launched a new astro tourism offering at Samburu Sopa Lodge in Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya. “It is a proud moment for us at Sopa Lodges to introduce our latest innovation – astro tourism,” said Kennedy Ayoti, COO of Sopa Lodges East Africa. “This innovative experience is…
CityBlue Hotels recently opened Kilua Residences by CityBlue in Mombasa, Kenya. This marks the property group’s second property in the coastal city after CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites opened in December 2017. Located along the shores of Shanzu, Kilua Residences is a four-star beachfront aparthotel featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Facilities include an outdoor…
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort has finalised an extensive refurbishment of several key areas of the property. Notable improvements include refreshed exteriors for the Beach Villas and Beach Pool Villas and a full renovation of the two-bedroom villas, including the introduction of new contemporary furnishings. The villas, along with public areas, the gym and Anantara Spa,…
Tanzania’s government has been slammed for slashing the budget allocated to conservation and tourism by 47% in the 2025/26 financial year. The budget for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has been reduced from the TZS596.1 billion (€192.5 million) allocated in 2024/25 to TZS317.4 billion (€102.4 million). The Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) – the umbrella body representing…
With registration now open for the 2025 APTA Global Forum in Arusha, Tanzania (Sept 24–26), one key reason to act fast is the lineup of incredible pre- and post-Forum FAM trips exclusively available to attending buyers. These deeply discounted journeys—some as low as $260 for a 4-day flight safari—offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore Africa’s…
U.S. hotel chains Hilton and Marriott have announced African expansion drives to tap into the continent’s rapid tourism growth. Rising business and leisure travel on the continent has made it increasingly attractive for multinational companies and Hilton said on Wednesday that it plans to more than triple its African portfolio to more than 160 hotels.…
The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis has introduced a new onboard spa offering aboard the Zambezi Queen, a houseboat on the Chobe River. Treatments are performed by Namibian massage therapists who have completed training with Skin Concepts Namibia. The spa uses products from the Kalahari Lifestyle range by Franck Global, including botanical oils. The spa…
The Mauritian government’s 2025/26 budget revealed that the island destination would implement a tourist tax from October 1. The fee of €3 a night will apply to all tourists, aged 12 and older, staying in hotels, guesthouses, tourist residences and on vineyards (domaines). The government estimates that the tax will raise MUR2 billion (€38 million),…
The Tintswalo Collection is set to expand its portfolio of boutique hotels in Cape Town with the addition of Tintswalo Summer House, along the False Bay coastline in the suburb of Glencairn, in December 2025. The property is the result of a full restoration of the historic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, which Tintswalo acquired in…
South Africa’s fully digital electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for short-term tourist visas will go live by the end of September, according to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber. The ETA, which will initially apply to visa applications for stays of under 90 days, was first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address…
Ennismore has announced its first hotel signing in South Africa with the launch of Mama Shelter Cape Town. The property will open in the City Park building, formerly home to the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in the city centre. The hotel will include 127 guest rooms across three categories and 68 branded residences, comprising 36…
Tanzania has announced plans to introduce a mandatory travel insurance fee of US$44 (€38) for all foreign visitors entering the country. Announced in the 2025/2026 fiscal budget, the new policy will provide coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, baggage issues, and other incidents. According to Business Insider Africa,the non-refundable insurance fee is expected to be administered through…
From June 15, RwandAir will increase its Johannesburg-Kigali flights from seven to 11 flights per week. The airline currently operates a daily return flight on the route. From June 15, the following flights will be added to the schedule: Flight WB103, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, will depart Johannesburg at 03h10 and arrive in…
Gonarezhou National Park has welcomed the return of white rhinos for the first time in nearly 100 years, marking a significant conservation milestone for Zimbabwe. The reintroduction is the result of work by the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, a collaborative effort between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society with support…
Virgin Limited Edition’s Mahali Mzuri has officially reopened after its first full interior redesign since launching in 2013. Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in Kenya’s Greater Maasai Mara, the 12-tented safari camp, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection, has reopened in time for peak season and the Great Migration. The refurbishment…
A new mountain biking and e-biking route through the buffer zones of the greater Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania has opened. Operated by Leonotis Adventures’ Lake Natron Camp, the “Ride the Serengeti” itinerary is a five-day, four-night, point-to-point cycling programme for small groups. The guided trail connects Klein’s Camp area in the north (Klein’s, Lobo, Kogatende…
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is proud to announce the launch of Shamwari Air Shuttle — a new, bespoke luxury air service providing seamless access to the award-winning reserve. Beginning mid-December 2025, this exclusive offering eliminates the need for lengthy ground transfers, redefining the journey to Shamwari with comfort, convenience, and style. Key Features of the…
Robben Island Museum (RIM) will suspend all public tours to perform maintenance and renovations ahead of the G20 Summit in November. Tours will be suspended from June 16 until September 1 as RIM prepares to host G20 dignitaries from around the world. “The decision to suspend tours was not taken lightly,” said RIM in a statement. “While…
Newmark Hotels & Reserves recently announced the addition of two properties to its portfolio: Toro River Lodge in South Africa and Thitaka Lodge in Namibia. Toro River Lodge is set along the Makhutswi River bank in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, Limpopo. It is an existing property that will reopen under Newmark’s management in…
A new draft proposal by the Department of Transport (DoT) could restrict foreign airlines from operating stopover flights between domestic points, potentially affecting tourism and raising airfares, say experts. In its Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy, published on May 23, the DoT stated: “Stopover rights have the potential to negatively impact the South African domestic…
Tanzanian regional carrier Flightlink has announced the introduction of two routes connecting Kenya and Tanzania. The airline will operate flights from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, to Arusha Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Wilson to Arusha Starting June 15, Flightlink will operate daily flights between Wilson Airport and…
The Minister of Tourism notes the recent update by the United States Department of State to its travel advisory for South Africa. We respect the sovereign right of all nations to provide guidance to their citizens travelling abroad. We also acknowledge the recent meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump and the subsequent media coverage that…
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has confirmed the Municipal Planning Tribunal’s approval of a six-storey hotel development at 150 Buitengracht Street in the Bo-Kaap following an extended consultation and redesign process. The vacant site, situated at the interface between the Bo-Kaap heritage protection overlay zone and the central city, attracted significant public attention due to its proximity…
Wilderness Rwanda has announced plans to open a second luxury safari lodge, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, in Akagera National Park in September 2025. Located on a private concession in the eastern region of Akagera, the camp will overlook Lake Rwanyakazinga with views extending towards the Mutumba Hills.The site lies within Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and…
Tanzania’s government has provided official clarification on new foreign currency regulations following a meeting with tourism stakeholders on May 22. Johnson Nyella, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, clarified that businesses are still allowed to quote and receive payment in foreign currency for cross-border services provided to foreigners. These services include international tour packages and…
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently provided further information on years-in the-works construction of an international airport for the Maasai Mara. Narok International Airport, valued at KSH1.4 billion (€9.5 million) is now set for completion by March 2026 and is being co-funded by the county and national government. Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony, Ruto said: “Narok is known for its tourism.…
Uganda’s luxury tourism offering has expanded with the launch of ELEVATE, the country’s first helicopter-based safari experience. Developed in partnership between Nile Safari Lodge, Kampala Executive Aviation and NOVAM Ltd, the new product enables high-end travellers to explore Uganda’s landscapes from the air. The initiative offers an alternative to the traditional road or water-based safaris…
In an effort to attract more visitors and investments in its tourism sector, the government of Tanzania has announced the reduction of fees and duties in tourism sector, designed to give boost to businesses and encourage investment from local stakeholders. The newly introduced fees cover tourist class hotels, tour guides, and mountain climbing agencies. The…
A powerful new wildlife documentary titled Mashatu: Land of Leopards will have its African premiere at the Wildscreen Festival, from 12-13 June 2025, hosted in Maun, Botswana for the very first time! Watch the Trailer Here. (feel free to embed from YouTube) Filmed entirely at Mashatu Game Reserve over three years, the story is set in the heart of one…
The establishment of a dedicated tourism authority, along with advances by NGOs and the public sector in developing new eco-tourism areas, is showing encouraging signs for enhancing Malawi’s competitiveness as a leading African destination. In April, Malawi enacted its 2025 Tourism Act, which marked the first overarching revamp of the country’s tourism legislation since 1968.…
The Wilder Group has unveiled its newest safari camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara – Paradise Plains – due to open on August 15. Set along the banks of the Mara River, the camp will feature eight luxury solar-powered, en-suite rooms and one family suite – each with antique furnishings, copper bathtubs and private lounges. Tents will…
Radisson Hotel Group has announced its market entry into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with two new hotel signings: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi. The developments mark a significant milestone for the group’s Central African expansion. Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa is scheduled to open in late 2026. Located on Boulevard…
Why this matters: New Online Brand Hub Launched: Tourism stakeholders can now access exclusive brand assets, co-branding opportunities, and marketing materials at uncoverkaza.com/become-a-media-partner. Brand Ambassador Programme: Businesses and media partners invited to join the Kavango Zambezi movement by signing the Brand Pledge. Largest Terrestrial Conservation Area in the World: Spanning five southern African nations and…
South African Airways plans to restart service to Washington Dulles International Airport next year. The airline’s chief executive officer, John Lamola, posted the news April 12 on LinkedIn. The carrier previously serviced Dulles in 2020. Lamola posted that he had recently traveled to Lagos, Accra, and Dakar as part of “South African Airways’ mission to rebuild and strengthen our…
Ellerman House, a boutique Cape Town hotel, has opened Curate – an immersive, multi-course fine-dining experience. Set within the hotel’s wine gallery, which houses a 10 000-bottle collection, Curate offers a multi-course tasting menu drawing inspiration from Southern Africa’s culinary heritage and diverse cultures. The space was designed in collaboration with renowned artist and sculptor Angus Taylor.…
Speaking at a media event during last week’s We Are Africa trade show in Cape Town, Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis said that Emirates intends to launch a third daily frequency on the Cape Town-Dubai route. But Emirates would not confirm the third frequency. An EK spokesperson said only: “Cape Town is an important gateway on our…