In a bid to further boost its tourism numbers and grow its economy, Kenya has introduced the Digital Nomad Work Permit and the Transit and Long Connection Travellers Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The initiatives were launched by President William Ruto at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 in Nairobi. This historic first for the country’s tourism industry…
The mobile Roving Bushtops camp will begin alternating its location between the southern and northern Serengeti from June 2025 to capitalise on seasonal wildlife movements, including the great wildebeest migration, providing better game viewing opportunities year-round. From June to October, the camp will be based in the northern Serengeti about 15 minutes from the Mara…
The Introduction of Blue Wildebeest to Rietspruit Game Reserve In an exciting conservation effort, 56 wildebeest have been successfully reintroduced onto Rietspruit Game Reserve in Limpopo, breathing new life into the region’s dwindling population. These animals, which made the journey from Thabazimbi, will bolster the reserve’s very small existing population, providing a much-needed boost to…
We are proud to see Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis in J-burg featured in the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Awards online publication. Vivari Hotel and Spa has been honoured with two Haute Grandeur Global Awards this year: Best Luxury Hotel in Africa and Best Hotel Service in South Africa. These accolades are a reflection…
On Tuesday, October 22, the Namibia Tourism Board will host an exclusive networking event following the World Travel Expo (WTE) in Miami. Held at the Rum Room in Miami Beach, the event offers travel agents and tour operators an opportunity to connect with Namibia’s top tourism suppliers, learn about the destination, and explore exciting travel…
ATTA has announced the appointment of its first African female CEO, Kgomotso Ramothea, with a vision to further expand the continent’s largest tourism network. Ramothea’s appointment comes as James Haigh steps in as ATTA’s new Chair from October 2024, taking over from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin. Ramothea brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications across various industries. Her…
Uber, in partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, has launched a full-day ‘Uber Safari’ in Cape Town. As the latest experience in Uber’s ‘Go Anywhere’ series of limited-edition travel products, Uber Safari will be exclusively available on the Uber app from October 1, 2024, until February 1, 2025. The full-day trip includes a pick-up in…
The African Traditional Sports and Games Council (ATSGC) has officially designated Namibia as host of the inaugural African Traditional Sports and Games in 2026. The event aims to celebrate Africa’s cultural heritage through traditional sports, promoting unity and cooperation among nations across the continent. The games are designed to showcase athletic talent and the diverse…
ENVI Sisini Serengeti is thrilled to announce the plans to open ENVI Sisini Mara, a luxury tented camp in the Northern Serengeti region of Tanzania, renowned for the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, set to open in February 2025. With a commitment to sustainability, ENVI Sisini Mara seamlessly harmonises…
JENMAN African Safaris is excited to announce the launch of its very first Diving Safari Packages. For those who have always dreamed of exploring coral reefs alongside Africa’s incredible wildlife, this is the perfect opportunity. These unique packages blend the thrill of diving with land safaris, catering to both seasoned divers and curious beginners alike.…
We’re excited to share that Mantis EPIC Hotel and Suites in Rwanda has been nominated for the Hoteliers Circle Bright Ideas – Innovation & Tech Award for its Banana Leaf Slipper Project! In partnership with the Hirwa children’s foundation, traditional hotel slippers have been replaced with 100% eco-friendly ones made from dried banana leaves. This…
The Malawian government has initiated a programme to enhance tourism on Likoma Island by providing snorkelling and diving courses to local operators. Joyce Storey, Assistant Tourism Officer for Likoma, emphasised that these skills will play a crucial role in attracting more visitors to the island’s rich marine environments. A two-week training course was conducted in…
The Chobe Princess by Mantis Unveils Stunning New Look! The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis, renowned for its unique river safari experiences, is pleased to announce the completion of exquisite soft refurbishments to its three Chobe Princesses. The Chobe Princess, a fleet of intimate houseboats (and smaller siblings of the Zambezi Queen) float along the…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) proudly celebrated the success of its Global Forum 2024, held in Costa Mesa, California, from September 19-22. This event marked APTA’s first Global Forum in the United States since before the COVID-19 pandemic, following the immense success of last year’s Forum in Cape Town, South…
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He was the second African leader to give a keynote speech at today’s morning session. More info here
Hospitality company Accor has expanded its portfolio in Africa with the opening of a new Sofitel-branded property in Benin. The new Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa offers 198 rooms, including 14 suites and five duplex suites featuring private pools. It will also offer five bars and restaurants, which will open progressively between this month and…
Namoroka Tsingy Camp, a new tented camp in Madagascar’s Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, has officially opened and welcomed its first guests. This new property offers an exclusive experience in one of Madagascar’s most remote natural environments. Key features of the Namoroka Tsingy Camp include: Location: The camp is the only accommodation available within the Tsingy de…
Zanzibar is taking a leap towards sustainable tourism with the Kizimkazi Hiking Loop – a 10 km eco-tourism trail in southern Zanzibar. This collaboration between UNDP Tanzania, State University of Zanzibar and Zanzibar’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities combines technology with nature in promoting cultural heritage and local economic growth. Part of the Bahari Maisha (Ocean Life) Project,…
he roads affected by the snowstorm over the weekend, including the N3 Toll Route, have now been reopened to traffic, according to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), reporting on Sunday night, September 22. These include key routes in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions left…
History has been made in Zambia with the reintroduction of five cheetahs, donated by Dinokeng and Kuzuko Game Reserves, to the 30,000-hectare LoleLunga Game Ranch. This marks a significant step in boosting Zambia’s cheetah population and rebalancing the ecosystem. The once barren land has been transformed into a thriving wilderness where elephants, buffalo, and cheetahs…
Mbano Manor Hotel by Mantis in Victoria Falls is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded Best Boutique Hotel in Zimbabwe at the 2024 AZTA Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents) Awards! Last year, Mbano Manor Hotel by Mantis was proud to take home the 1st runner-up spot, and now, securing the top award just…
Luxury Johannesburg boutique hotel, 10 2nd Avenue in Houghton Estate, will fall under the management of Dream Hotels & Resorts from October 1. “Dream Hotels is excited to be bringing another property under our umbrella in Gauteng,” said Chris Snyman, Dream Hotels’ Chief Development Officer. “10 2nd Avenue is a perfect fit in our diverse stable,…
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued assurances to passengers that it has contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption at King Shaka International Airport in Durban as a strike by the KZN E-hailing Council started today (Monday, September 16). The strike is expected to continue until the end of the week. Travellers expecting…
Amani Spa & Wellness has opened its doors at the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, offering guests a tranquil retreat within the Lowveld landscape. The spa features five treatment rooms including a VIP couple’s suite equipped with a private jacuzzi and outdoor deck. It offers a variety of massages, facials and nail treatments as well as…
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, recently announced the commencement of its six new weekly flights to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, starting November 1. The new service will use the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. This new route will strengthen Ethiopia’s presence in South Asia, providing convenient connections between Bangladesh and key destinations across Africa and beyond. …
South African Airways intends to open routes from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam in November, according to a media release issued on September 10. The airline also reports steady, sustainable growth three years after returning to the skies. Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said that between August 2022 and August 2024 the airline’s fleet…
The eastern black rhino population in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park has expanded with the arrival of five new rhinos from European zoos. This is the largest translocation of rhinos from Europe to Africa. The move is part of a major international collaboration overseen by Chester Zoo’s conservationists. Mark Pilgrim, Chester Zoo CEO, who manages the…
The coastal community of Bureh Town has unanimously agreed to a private sector management model for new tourism facilities at Bureh Beach. This decision, reached during a meeting organised by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is part of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). The SLEDP aims to enhance tourism in…
Wild Dogs Run Free: Another Conservation Victory for Painteddog.tv Victoria Nuttall-Smith 14/09/2024 In the heart of Rietspruit Game Reserve, a monumental chapter in wildlife conservation has just unfolded. The air is alive with the energy of freedom, as three wild dogs, two females and one male, have taken their first steps out of their enclosure…
Asilia Africa has been a pioneer in nature-positive travel in East Africa for the past 20-plus years, being at the forefront of protecting and restoring vital natural landscapes while improving the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. In our efforts to continuously expand upon our Positive Impact, we are incredibly proud to share…
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is thrilled to announce the completion of the first phase of its most ambitious refurbishment project to date. The first set of newly transformed Sea Facing rooms are now open and welcoming guests, offering a perfect blend of modern elegance, elevated comfort, and luxury. This marks the beginning of a…
He takes the reins from Nicky Fitzgerald who will remain close to the business as a shareholder and board member. Wendover and his family are deeply embedded in Africa: his son grew up in Madagascar, daughter in Uganda and he and his wife have childhood roots in Africa. He believes the world’s wild spaces and neighbouring communities…
The strike at all major airports in Kenya has been called off. The strike severely disrupted international and domestic flights on Tuesday night, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10, The industrial action left passengers stranded and disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport. It…
We’re just days away from the APTA Global Forum in Costa Mesa, CA, and we’ve saved the best for last—six unforgettable African safari trips and additional fabulous prizes worth nearly $60,000 are up for grabs! With a more intimate event, your chances of winning one of these incredible prizes are exceptionally high! Each trip promises…
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara has launched two new dining experiences offering travellers the chance to enjoy Zambia’s natural beauty while sampling local flavours. The Gorge Picnic and Zambezi Dining Experience combine scenic locations with locally sourced cuisine. The Gorge Picnic is hosted at Bobo Camp – an area with limited access in the…
Revival of Akagera National Park in Rwanda as a tourist destination is a remarkable success story: the park experienced its best ever tourism year in 2023 when the protected area welcomed 54 000 visitors. Situated in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is one of 22 protected areas managed by conservation NGO African Parks in 12 countries. The NGO…
The village of Cape St Francis in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is establishing a new calamari route to celebrate the formative role of seafood in the town’s economy. The calamari route will be officially launched on Saturday, September 21. It will include 14 local restaurants offering visitors and food enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy…
Kenya Aviation Workers Union members strike in response to the “unlawful intended sale of JKIA” to Adani Airport Holdings of India. Hundreds of airline passengers found themselves stranded today at Kenya’s largest international airport due to a strike by aviation workers protesting a contentious agreement to lease the airport to India’s Adani Group. The Kenyan…
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced in the European Union (EU) in 2023, will have implications for small African travel companies with connections to the European market as the legislation forces greater transparency in reporting on sustainability practices of large companies and their value chains. The CSRD requires large and listed companies to report…
Karibu Camps & Lodges is excited to introduce Tarangire Elephant Spring, the newest gem in its esteemed collection of luxury lodges, nestled in the heart of Tarangire National Park. This idyllic retreat offers an unparalleled experience of the park’s famed elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, creating the perfect blend of comfort and nature. A…
Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is excited to announce the opening of its breathtaking new heated saltwater infinity pool. This luxurious addition solidifies the resort’s standing as one of Kenya’s top travel destinations, offering an extraordinary combination of relaxation, wildlife immersion, and natural beauty. As one of the largest infinity pools in the region,…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is thrilled to announce the finalized list of participating suppliers for the highly anticipated APTA Global Forum, taking place from September 19-22, 2024, in beautiful Orange County, California. This year, we are proud to showcase an exceptional selection of suppliers representing a broad spectrum of…
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) is implementing measures to address overcrowding at wildebeest migration viewing sites in Serengeti National Park. Massana Mwishawa, Deputy Conservation Commissioner, has announced plans to tackle issues such as reckless driving, overcrowding and entry delays, particularly at the busy Kogatende site. During peak seasons, the park can host up to 600 vehicles and…
Tintswalo Atlantic has converted its two-bedroom suite into two separate luxury mountain suites with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Situated along Cape Town’s Chapman’s Peak Drive within Table Mountain National Park, the two inter-leading suites are elevated above the water’s edge and can be booked together or separately. The Corsica suite, named after the French…
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) attracted many visitors on Monday morning, September 2, when the iconic site reopened after a seven-week maintenance period. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said, the cableway, visited by over a million tourists every year, sold 7 000 tickets on Monday. “Last year, we broke all tourism records with tourists coming…
South African low-cost airline, FlySafair, has announced another regional route to its line-up – Cape Town to Windhoek. It’s the airline’s first regional route out of the Mother City, and the twice-weekly flights commence on October 22. They will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of the airline said in a…
Green Safaris is a responsible tourism operator that runs a collection of lodges in Zambia and Malawi, including Likoma Island’s Kaya Mawa Lodge. Sustainability and support for conservation & communities are engrained in all that they do, so we’re excited to share their latest initiative – a cookbook! Recipes come from the chefs across the lodges,…
Idris Elba is on the move to take his greatest ambitions to Africa. The British actor plans to invest in the massive continent by developing an “eco-city” and “Zollywood” film studio. Afrotech reports the 51-year-old actor, whose father hails from Sierra Leone, wants to “house [his] ambitions” in his ancestral homeland. According to Elba, his aspirations can…
Destination Africa is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, designed to make planning your African adventure easier and more enjoyable. The updated website provides a choice of well-crafted itineraries and travel ideas, making it easy for travel agents to explore Africa’s multitude of options. One of the standout features of the new website is…
Ethiopian Airlines, will be operating NEWARK – ADDIS ABABA direct service from 02nd December 2024 with immediate connection to many of their destinations beyond Addis Ababa. The flight from JFK will be daily from 1st December 2024 with options via ABJ or LFW. Flights are updated in all GDS Free STPC at ADD for a…