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…
Safarilink Aviation has unveiled a series of significant schedule changes for 2026—including a brand-new connection between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Entebbe—strengthening regional connectivity across East Africa and providing improved travel options for both leisure and business passengers. New Nairobi–Kisumu–Entebbe Service Launching December 15, 2025 Beginning 15 December 2025, Safarilink will introduce a new scheduled service…
Marriott International has entered the DRC with the opening of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa. Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa Located in an upscale neighbourhood near the Congo River, the hotel offers 88 guest rooms – many with balconies. Facilities include an atrium lobby with natural light and local…
Kenyan low-cost carrier Jambojet is preparing for its most significant expansion since its launch more than a decade ago, outlining plans to triple its fleet and extend operations across East, West and Southern Africa. According to Aerospace Global News, the airline currently operates nine De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops on domestic and short regional routes. Jambojet…
Banyan Tree’s new property in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park has opened bookings for stays from May 2026. Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, will open with a mix of six one-, two- and three-bedroom villas overlooking the park’s Great Ruaha River. Ranging in size from 245-425 square metres, each of the villas will feature a private…
Bookings have opened for Asilia Africa’s Erebero Hills luxury eco-lodge scheduled to open in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in August 2026. Set in 18 hectares of reforested land on the forest’s edge, the lodge will feature eight suites (including two triple suites) with glass-fronted interiors, private viewing decks, king-size beds and bathrooms with baths and…
Africa Showcase 2025 concluded its most ambitious North American tour to date, delivering four energizing events in Atlanta, New York, San Diego, and Vancouver from November 11–19. The showcase once again proved itself to be the continent’s premier platform for meaningful trade connections, product education, and strengthening Africa’s presence in the North American market. This…
The Victoria Falls border post between Zambia and Zimbabwe is now operating 24 hours a day. The decision came into effect immediately on November 13 following a government gazette from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. The border post previously operated from 06h00 to 22h00 on the Zimbabwe side. Running over the Victoria…
LATAM Airlines will launch thrice-weekly flights between São Paulo (GRU) and Cape Town (CPT) from September 2026. The flights will be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This marks the arrival of the first South American carrier to fly to CPT. LATAM currently flies five times a week from GRU to Johannesburg. James Vos, Cape…
Classic Zambia Safaris will open its third camp in Kafue National Park with the launch of a five-room lodge slated for August 2026. Aimed at exclusive-use bookings, Lwenge River Camp will be located on the banks of the Kafue River, a few kilometres upstream of the company’s existing Musekese Camp. Amenities announced so far include…
The Tanzanian government has committed to upgrading the 38km road linking Rukoma village and Mahale Mountains National Park in Uvinza District with officials emphasising the move as essential to improving access and increasing domestic tourism. Kigoma Regional Commissioner Simon Sirro said the road’s poor condition remains a major barrier to tourism growth with travellers taking five to…
On July 1 next year, Emirates will launch a third daily flight between Dubai and Cape Town. Operated by a Boeing 777, the new service will boost seat capacity on the route by over 600 seats every day. EK778 will depart Dubai at 10h25 and arrive in Cape Town at 18h05. The return flight, EK779,…
Safarilink has announced a new route connecting Nairobi Wilson to Entebbe, Uganda, via Kisumu, Kenya, with operations starting on December 15. The airline will offer daily flights on the route with the booking window running from November 1 to December 31 and the travel period set for December 15 to March 31, 2026.