Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Archer Aviation to bring an all-electric air taxi network to the region. The deal makes Ethiopian Airlines the second customer under Archer’s ‘Launch Edition’ programme, following Abu Dhabi Aviation. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is a piloted four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed for short, efficient urban flights. Ethiopian…
Southern Sun has concluded a series of refurbishments across five of its hotels in Johannesburg’s key business districts, Sandton and Rosebank. In Sandton, the 24-storey Sandton Towers underwent an interior redesign including the renovation of its Club Floor, Atrium Restaurant, rooftop pool and lobby area. Artistic elements such as sculptures by Anton Smit and a revamped fountain…
THE Outpost lodge, a Rare Retreats property situated on a private concession in the northernmost corner of the Kruger National Park, has introduced a first-to-market safari experience that utilises specialised sound equipment to fully immerse guests in the auditory environment of the African bush. During game drives, guests are given headphones connected to a microphone…
FEDERAL Airlines has opened bookings for its new daily direct flight from Johannesburg to the world-renowned Londolozi Private Game Reserve within the Sabi Sand. The service starts on June 1. “With FedAir’s new direct Londolozi service, guests will enjoy an effortless transition from city to safari, allowing them to maximise their time in the wilderness…
The Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is now accepting buyer applications! Scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, MKTE is one of East Africa’s premier tourism trade events—bringing together over 300 exhibitors and 3,000 tourism professionals from across the region and around the world. Here’s the exciting news for…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for the 2025 APTA Global Forum, taking place in Arusha, Tanzania from September 24–26, 2025 at the stunning Gran Meliá Arusha. This year’s forum marks an exciting new chapter as it becomes officially aligned with two…
The Namibian government has announced that starting 1 April, 2025, US tourists as well as visitors from more than 30 other countries will be required to obtain a visa on arrival before entering the country. As reported by IOL, the US Embassy in Namibia recently released a notice, which urged travellers from the US to begin…
Air Tanzania has announced a new direct route between Dar es Salaam and Kinshasa from March 26. The service will operate four times a week using an Airbus A220-300. The new route is expected to enhance economic ties, providing business travellers and government officials with a more efficient link between the two countries. The service will…
The long-awaited reopening of Mzuzu and Karonga airports is just three weeks away, marking a significant milestone for northern Malawi. Deputy Minister of Transport Steven Malondera confirmed the exciting news during an inspection of Karonga airport, emphasizing the transformative impact this move will have on mining, agriculture, and tourism in the region. Karonga Airport, which…
South African Tourism has asserted that, despite planning challenges in the lead up to Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI), arrangements for the trade show remain on track. South African Tourism COO Darryl Erasmus acknowledged that forward planning for the event – taking place from May 12-15 – was affected by issues related to the appointment of an events…
Entebbe-based (EBB) Uganda Airlines (UR) will commence scheduled services to the British capital in May. The airline will offer four flights a week between EBB and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), operated with an Airbus A330-800 aircraft. UR’s fleet comprises two A330-800s and four CRJ900s. The airline had hoped to launch the route last year, but…
Seychelles has officially launched the Seychelles Challenge – a seven-day, six-night sailing event set to take place from July 20-27. Designed to establish the archipelago as a leading sailing destination, the regatta will bring together experienced sailors, enthusiasts and visitors for a multi-island maritime competition. The Seychelles Challenge is being organised by WorldSport and Tourism…
Lalibela Wildlife Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is undergoing significant expansion through land acquisitions and ecological restoration efforts. The initiative aims to rehabilitate former agricultural land, restoring natural ecosystems and creating a more balanced wildlife habitat. The process includes clearing a former peach and prune farm where the removal of fruit trees and controlled…
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), have entered into a strategic partnership that aims to grow the North American source market by 11% by the close of this financial year. Under the partnership, KQ has extended a 15% discount on published fares from the USA, Canada and Mexico for the…
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has endorsed a landmark agreement that will see key island closures in the Western Cape to protect the critically endangered African penguin. The deal, struck between the fishing industry and conservation organisations BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds,…
Air France-KLM and CemAir are proud to announce that they have signed and implemented an interline agreement that will expand connections to more destinations across South Africa. Leveraging Air France-KLM’s major gateways in Johannesburg and Cape Town, this strategic collaboration will enable seamless travel between long-haul international flights and regional routes, offering passengers increased flexibility…
Due to runway restrictions and slot constraints, Ethiopian Airlines announces flight cancellations affecting JFK and EWR routes. Impacted flights and dates are as follows: Affected Flights: Airport Flight Number Days Affected Cancellation Period JFK ET 514 / ET 515 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday April 15 – April 14, 2025 EWR ET 508 / ET 509 Tuesday,…
CornerSun Destination Marketing is honored to announce its newest client, Cottar’s Safaris, one of the most iconic names in African safari. Beginning March 15, 2025, CornerSun will represent Cottar’s Safaris in North America, continuing the company’s extraordinary legacy of conservation, hospitality, and unparalleled luxury in the Maasai Mara. For more than a century, Cottar’s Safaris…
Qatar Airways has increased its flights from Doha to Durban (via Maputo) from five to seven weekly flights. The airline has also announced frequency increases to several other African cities. Dar es Salaam-Kilimanjaro has seen an increase from three to seven weekly flights, while Entebbe now has 11 weekly flights, up from seven.
Two lionesses introduced into Addo Elephant National Park’s Main Camp in Colchester on March 3 are now roaming the game viewing section of the park. The two-and-a-half-year-old sisters, from !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, had been acclimatising in a boma since December before their release. The new arrivals bring valuable genetic diversity to Addo’s lion population, which…
Ethiopian Airlines will increase frequencies to Nosy Be, Madagascar, from four to six weekly flights on June 20. The two additional services will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight ET 837 will depart from Addis Ababa at 10h25 and arrive in Nosy Be at 14h35. The return flight ET 836 will depart from Nosy Be…
The East African Community (EAC) is intensifying efforts to position the region as a leading global tourism destination through collaborative marketing. This follows the decision to take a joint stand at ITB Berlin this year, representing the region as a single tourism destination. It is the first step in a broader campaign aimed at improving…
Newmark Hotels & Reserves has opened the Modjadji Master Suite – a new addition to Geiger’s Camp at Motswari Private Game Reserve in Timbavati. The suite has been designed to accommodate two guests with a convertible lounge area for a family of four within its 139 square metre layout. The design embraces alfresco living –…
South Africa recorded a decline in rhino poaching incidents in 2024 with a total of 420 rhinos poached – 79 less than in 2023 when the total was 499. This is according to numbers released by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, showing that KwaZulu-Natal remained the hardest-hit province with a loss of…
GILTEDGE has been recognised as Virtuoso’s Top Producing On-Site Partner – Canada for 2025, a prestigious award honouring excellence in luxury travel sales. This accolade underscores GILTEDGE’s commitment to crafting exceptional African travel experiences and its strong partnerships within the Virtuoso network. Cape Town, South Africa – March 12, 2025 – GILTEDGE, a leading global…
The East African Community (EAC) will, for the first time, participate as a unified tourism bloc at ITB Berlin 2025 from March 4-6. Under the theme “Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe”, the region will highlight its diverse attractions. EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva said this initiative is part of a broader effort to attract international…
Norse Atlantic Airways is to adjust the flight schedule for its London Gatwick-Cape Town route. Frequency will increase from three weekly flights to four from April 1 until April 27. The schedule from April will be as follows: On Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Norse Atlantic departs Cape Town at 11h00 and arrives at London…
Babylonstoren has introduced an exclusive new accommodation offering, BLOU, in Keurboomstrand on South Africa’s Garden Route. The property, located along a sea-facing strip of land, features eight self-catering cottages set around a central courtyard with a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. BLOU will only be available to guests who have previously stayed at Babylonstoren…
Malawi has officially joined the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) – a step towards enhancing aviation connectivity across the continent. The signing ceremony took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 38th African Union (AU) Summit. Malawi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo signed the SAATM Solemn Commitment in the presence of Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, outgoing AU Commissioner for Infrastructure…
Serengeti Explorer, a new safari lodge in the western corridor of Serengeti National Park, has opened its doors. Positioned in a prime location for wildlife viewing, the lodge offers uninterrupted views and front-row access to the Great Migration. Guests are accommodated in 68 Savannah rooms and six Savannah suites. The lodge also features: An on-site…
With the roll-out of Namibia’s new visa requirements just a few weeks away (April 1), the country has launched the platform for its new visa on arrival (VOA) system. Key features of the new VOA system: Eligible travellers can apply and pay for the VOA online before travelling to reduce processing times at entry points.…
The East African Community (EAC) will, for the first time, participate as an entity having its own stand at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) – Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, from 4th – 6th March, 2025. Representing the region as a single tourism destination, the EAC will showcase its diverse attractions under the…
The Gambia is undertaking a bold transformation of its tourism sector with the development of a new marketing strategy and brand identity, designed to capitalise on emerging market trends and attract a more diverse visitor base. Through comprehensive consultation with private sector operators and public sector stakeholders, the initiative seeks to redefine The Gambia’s tourism…
After nearly three decades of welcoming guests from around the world, Sun International’s beloved Grand Dame, The Table Bay Hotel, officially closed its doors on 15 February to embark on an exciting journey of transformation. Come December 2025, the hotel will reopen as InterContinental Table Bay, Cape Town, following a major refurbishment that will elevate…
Travellers from Italy will soon have a new direct European winter connection to Mauritius with ITA Airways flights from Rome set to begin on November 7. The route will be operated twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays, with an Airbus A330neo. The service will run until March 27 next year. Italy was the Indian Ocean…
South Africa has officially designated Mkambati Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape its 31st Wetland of International Importance on the Ramsar List. The site, covering over 7 000 hectares along the Indian Ocean, is now listed as Ramsar Site No 2554. The recognition was announced on World Wetlands Day, February 2. Located 71 kilometres from Flagstaff,…
Severe flooding in the Madikwe Game Reserve on South Africa’s border with Botswana has forced the closure of several lodges along the Marico River until the end of April. Unprecedented rainfall – over 400mm in February – caused the Molatedi Dam in Limpopo to overflow and consequent flooding of the Marico River. This caused extensive…
Ishara, a luxury safari camp in the Maasai Mara, closed after last year’s flooding, has reopened following an extensive renovation and various activity and experiential enhancements. The upgrade includes expanded spa and wellness facilities, new culinary offerings, upgraded accommodation and a revitalised Canon Brand Experience Centre for photography enthusiasts. Key additions include an expanded Aya Spa,…
Tanzania’s tourism sector is set to shine at ITB Berlin 2025, and there’s no better place to experience the best of what the country has to offer than at the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) stand. From March 4th to 6th, 2025, TATO members—renowned for their expertise in mountain climbing, luxury safaris, balloon adventures,…
Rwanda’s government has announced that it will introduce a tourism levy to support development of the industry. Approved by Rwanda’s Cabinet as one of several tax policy reforms on February 10, the levy will be payable by tourists and fixed at 3% of the overall hotel room rate for the duration of stay. Cabinet’s statement…
Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection has announced the establishment of a new marine reserve in collaboration with the Zanzibar government. This protected zone covers the entire coast of Bawe Island to preserve its coral reefs and support the area’s rich biodiversity for future generations. The reserve prohibits fishing in the designated area to enable…
Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, is evolving into a hub of conservation, tourism and cultural innovation – buoyed by significant progress in 2024 and exciting plans for 2025. Key developments across conservation efforts, eco-tourism and hospitality highlight the city’s upward trajectory. In 2024, the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust introduced new visitor engagement initiatives at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.…
Experiential eco-tourism operator Wild Expeditions will open an exclusive-use, seasonal camp within its private concession in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park on May 1. Open during the prime game viewing months between May and the end of November, the Muddy Teak camp will be set among teak and ordeal trees on the banks of a natural waterhole around…
Several hiking trails in Table Mountain National Park have been temporarily closed due to ongoing fires in Red Hill and Hout Bay. Park authorities have urged visitors to avoid affected areas while firefighting teams work to contain the fires. The closures include the Kleinplaas, Lewis Gay and Jonkers dam trails. The Red Hill fire, which…
Chapman’s Peak Drive will be closed every Wednesday from 10h00 to 16h00 in February and March to facilitate critical conservation work by the Table Mountain National Park team. The project is focusing on removing invasive alien vegetation to help preserve the region’s biodiversity. The closures will take place on the following dates: February: 12, 19…
Experiential eco-tourism operator Wild Expeditions will open an exclusive-use, seasonal camp within its private concession in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park on May 1. Open during the prime game viewing months between May and the end of November, the Muddy Teak camp will be set among teak and ordeal trees on the banks of a natural waterhole around…
With Malawi recently included as the only African destination in leading travel trade body ABTA’s ‘Destinations to Watch in 2025’, this looks to be another year of growth for the fast emerging ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. In a series of articles, we’re taking a look at some of the developments from 2024 and plans for…
Tanzania set a new tourism record in 2024, welcoming 5.36 million visitors and surpassing its target of attracting five million tourists by 2025, according to Pindi Chana, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Dar es Salaam, Chana highlighted that, out of the total number of tourists, 3.22 million…
From March 4th to 6th, 2025, TATO members–including top mountain operators, balloon safari providers, hoteliers, safari companies, and beach holiday specialists—will be exhibiting at the heart of African Pavilion, Hall 21A, Stand 117. As Tanzania’s leading private-sector tourism association, TATO is committed to promoting the country’s unparalleled tourism experiences, from the legendary Serengeti safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro…
The APTA Global Forum, in partnership with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), is returning to Africa in 2025, and we’re thrilled to announce that Arusha, Tanzania, will be the host destination! Set against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most iconic safari gateways, this year’s forum will take place from September 24-26, 2025,…