Namibia’s only airline, FlyNamibia, told Tourism Update that its expansion plans were well under way, having specifically targeted Victoria Falls and Maun as new routes with significant growth potential. The airline launched its new thrice-weekly service from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) to Maun International Airport (MUB) on July 3. The return flight to WDH operates…
Marriott International Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Capuano, recently engaged in discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the company’s ongoing commitment to improving Ethiopia’s hospitality and travel sector. Capuano discussed Marriott’s expansion plans in Ethiopia, with the expected addition of nine properties. This would bring the company’s current portfolio in the country to 11…
To celebrate its 40th birthday, Protea Hotels by Marriott has announced the opening of two new properties, including its first in Angola. The Protea by Marriott Luanda is situated between the Luanda CBD and Talatona, with easy access to a range of businesses and private event destinations. The 84 guest rooms and suites are decorated in…
The Sun City Hotel will undergo a complete upgrade of all 340 rooms, bedroom corridors, bedroom terraces and the Sun Terrace beginning in August. The refurbishment, which will be carried out in phases, is set to be completed in November 2026. The first 67 renovated rooms will be ready by the end of November, just…
Qatar Airways is expanding its operations in Africa with an increase in flight frequency to Entebbe, Uganda by an additional three flights a week to meet summer demand. From August 1 to September 30, the carrier moves from a daily service to operate 11 weekly flights between Doha and Entebbe. The increased flight frequency comes…
Tanzanian hospitality operator TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps has announced the launch of a new family-friendly mobile tented camp in the Serengeti, due to open in July 2025. Designed as a complement to its existing flagship TAASA Lodge in the Great Migration circuit of Northern Tanzania, TAASA Migration Camp will relocate throughout the year to…
Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Ministry has called on visitors to continue with their travel plans to the country during the July to September high season, asserting that the tourism sector has been unaffected by recent public protests. The ministry’s Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led a high-profile meeting with key industry stakeholders at the start of the month…
We are thrilled to announce that Cape Grace has been voted one of the best city hotels in Africa by Travel + Leisure 2024 World’s Best Awards! This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, passion, and expertise of our amazing team, from those behind the scenes to those in direct contact with…
Kristy Angellotti has been appointed as Singita’s Country Manager for North America, effective from July 1. Kristy will lead the US-based sales team, collaborating closely with Jessie Tate and Rachel McGuire. She brings 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, specializing in sales, marketing, and event and project management for travel trade…
Several SA airlines received praise at the recent 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards event. Two South African airlines topped the charts in categories specifically for the African continent. SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS The Skytrax World Airline Awards began in 1999. It is based on customer satisfaction surveys in terms of which airlines they consider to…
Hideaways Africa is proud to announce that Hideaways Nantwich Lodge has been recognized in Tripadivsor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. This recognition places Hideaways Nantwich Lodge in the top 10% of hotels worldwide, reflecting our commitment to exceptional guest experiences and sustainable tourism. The Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award celebrates accommodations that consistently receive authentic traveler…
Thursday, July 25th at 1pm Eastern Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1162894515442909022 Volcanoes Safaris, pioneer of great ape ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda, have opened a new chimpanzee lodge in Uganda, Kibale Lodge. Join Kevin James, COO Volcanoes Safaris, and Betty Nassuna, Sales Manager for an introduction into Kibale Lodge, updates from Volcanoes community and conservation projects, and…
Chem Chem Safari is honoured to have been named the Heart for Heritage and Community Champion at the ATTA Awards 2024. Chem Chem’s ethos centres on strengthening, supporting, and celebrating the region’s diverse communities. This award is a testament to the tireless work by Chem Chem Safari — through its philanthropic and conservation arm, Chem…
Travulous is delighted to announce the dates for two unique 7-day Familiarisation Trips to Uganda in 2024 and 2025: FAM Trip 1: visits Entebbe, Murchison Falls NP, Fort Portal and Bwindi Impenetrable NP View Itinerary Online Complete Application Form FAM Trip 2: visits Entebbe, Queen Elizabeth NP and Bwindi Impenetrable NP View Itinerary Online Complete Application…
Sanctuary Retreats | East and Southern Africa Wednesday, July 17th at 2pm Eastern Register Here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6636959389193642069 Join us on safari as we explore the world of Sanctuary Retreats across East and Southern Africa. We’ll highlight our favorite lodge combinations, share how to secure the best value on safari for your travelers, and provide a sneak…
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)has introduced a new online booking system for tour operators marking a drastic improvement in the delivery and management of their reservations and booking systems for gorilla bookings and other pristine attractions and wildlife in the protected areas. This reflects the UWA’s commitment as a leader in championing sustainability through the…
TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps, a renowned hospitality operator in Tanzania, is thrilled to unveil its newest addition, TAASA Migration Camp, set to open in July 2025. This unique and family-friendly tented camp, designed to complement their existing “TAASA Lodge” in Northern Tanzania, offers families and adventurers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Great…
Premium lodge collective Singita has added an exclusive-use five-bedroomed villa, Singita Milele, to its offerings in the Serengeti. Situated on the top of Sasakwa Hill, in the national park’s Grumeti Reserve, the residence features individually designed suites, named Journey, Pride, Coalition, Dazzle and Crash, paying tribute to the Serengeti’s iconic wildlife, namely giraffe, lion, cheetah, zebra…
This past week, the Painteddog.tv crew joined a team of conservation experts to broadcast LIVE a crucial mission to protect Black and White Rhinos in a remote reserve in South Africa. Braving tough terrain and a tight schedule, our goal was simple — trim the horns of all the Rhinos on the property quickly and…
Peace has returned to Kenya. This after Kenyan President, William Ruto, pulled the controversial Finance Bill 2024/2025 this evening (June 26) following widespread protests. The Bill, published earlier this month, sought to raise US$ 2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. This Bill impacted a number of business sectors in…
Desert and Delta Safaris has launched the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp in Botswana, an exclusive overnight expedition from Nxamaseri Island Lodge, offering access to one of the world’s most undiscovered Unesco World Heritage Sites, Tsodilo Hills. The camp features eco-friendly pods inspired by traditional nomadic Bushman dwellings, providing an immersive experience in the region’s cultural…
Industry players have hailed Ethiopian Airlines’ new flight linking East Africa (Addis Ababa) to Maun, Botswana – location of prime tourism hotspot, the Okavango Delta – as a ‘game changer’ for tourism in the country. The airline has commenced three times weekly services to Maun, its second destination in Botswana. Gaborone was the first. Miriam Tichapondwa, Wilderness Botswana…
Uganda’s government has signed an MoU with the United Arab Emirates for the construction of an international airport to boost tourism to the underappreciated Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast of the country. Signed on Thursday, June 20, the agreement comes after talks between the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Ugandan…
Air France will inaugurate a thrice-weekly route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, as an extension of the Zanzibar flight, from November 18. The additional destination is among the first new additions to the airline’s 2024-2025 winter schedule, and forms part of its long-haul network diversification strategy. The route will operate on…
The Pacific Northwest Chapter (PNW) of APTA launched on June 18, 2024 with great success, with three suppliers from Kenya, and a local Kenyan caterer providing authentic Kenyan cuisine, and entertainment was a drumming troupe and dancers, which had the attendees up and dancing and playing instruments. The grand prize winner received an all-expenses-paid trip…
At Painteddog.tv, we’re proud to not only set new expectations in immersive real-life safari & wildlife experiences, but we are also the only company in the world bring you live broadcasts of groundbreaking conservation efforts. In doing so, we not only showcase the beauty of wildlife but also to highlight innovative approaches to preserving endangered…
On June 4th in NYC, the elegant Orangery at the Warren Street Hotel was the setting for a remarkable fundraising event hosted by Painteddog.tv. The mission? To secure funds for a large-scale rhino horn trimming initiative on a South African nature reserve, aimed at protecting wild black and white rhinos. This humane procedure involves carefully…
The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has appointed James Haigh as its new Chair, effective October 1. A leading figure in the African tourism industry, Haigh brings over 15 years of extensive experience across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and beyond, from Morocco to the Seychelles and São Tomé and Príncipe. Half day Gauteng easy e-Bike…
Africa Showcase extends an invitation to join them in LOS ANGELES (14 Nov), CHICAGO (18 Nov) or TORONTO (20 Nov) for a program that emphasizes business growth, market insights, and the solidification of partnerships. This event caters to both seasoned Africa travel specialists and top-producing agents poised to introduce or expand your Africa portfolio. We…
Tour operator, Nomad Tanzania, has introduced star beds at its Kigelia camp. Every room at Kigelia now features a hand-crafted star bed, offering guests a unique and immersive experience under the African night sky. Elevated platforms provide a new perspective on the wildlife below, enhancing the safari experience. Kigelia comprises six tented accommodations, including a…
Imagine being able to board a train from Spain to Morocco, and travel efficiently—and sustainably—between Europe and Africa in under six hours. Thanks to a historic rail tunnel project currently being considered by the two countries’ transportation ministries, the first-ever rail link between the two continents could become a reality in just a few years. Undersea tunnels connecting…
Emirates will launch flights to Madagascar from 3 September 2024, offering more choice and connectivity for travellers, and driving inbound leisure and business travel to the country. The four-weekly flights between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR), will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles. Boosting international travel to and from Madagascar, the flight times…
Tiffindell, South Africa’s only ski resort, has closed shop and is now for sale. The resort in southern Drakensberg, in the Eastern Cape, is one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa, along with Afriski Mountains Resort in Lesotho. According to the Tiffindell website and Chris Stevens, an avid supporter of Tiffindell and CEO of…
“They never had a pretty girl from Joburg, see me now and that’s what they prefer,” South African music sensation Tyla sings on her new track, Jump. The music video for the song, featuring scenes from Johannesburg’s townships, streets and nightclubs has been viewed more than seven million times on YouTube since it was launched about two…
As requests for exclusive use properties grow, we are thrilled to present Bush & Beyond Private for your travelers! Conde Nast Traveler has recently featured the exclusive options found onboard NaiSabah and at House in the Wild. Good thing for planners and their travelers is that there are options at all of our Bush & Beyond family…
Join us in celebrating the revival of the PNW APTA Chapter with a spectacular launch event! Meet and learn from distinguished Kenya suppliers representing top hotels, camps, lodges, and tour operators in Kenya. Gain valuable insights from experienced and local DMCs, marketing agencies, and travel agencies on how to successfully promote Africa as a premier…
Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997, will open Kibale Lodge in Uganda on July 1, its fifth lodge in Africa. Situated a 30-minute drive from Kibale Forest, the lodge sits on a ridge with views of the Rwenzori Mountains looking towards the west, and the Queen Elizabeth National…
Southern African hotel group Dream Hotels & Resorts will relaunch its Blue Marlin Hotel on KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast as an all-inclusive establishment following a sweeping refurbishment, just in time for the country’s spring season in September. The Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape will offer an upgraded pool area and modernised facilities, along with an array of…
In the run-up to World Female Ranger Day on June 23, Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company and a leader in responsible tourism, is putting the spotlight on its ongoing partnership with the Black Mambas, South Africa’s renowned all-female anti-poaching unit. This collaboration is a testament to the power of women in conservation…
Dear Travel Partner, Finally, an exciting announcement: The Reimagined Kapama Karula Family Villa’s. We are bursting with pride, ready to invite you to explore the refurbished Superior Family Villa’s at Kapama Karula. Our 5-star premium lodge, setting an even higher benchmark for luxury and comfort in the heart of the African bush. …
Namibia could soon see its top tourism source markets removed from its visa exemption list, due to the countries “not reciprocating the favourable treatment granted to their nationals when visiting Namibia”. In a statement on May 24, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, said Namibia’s Cabinet had granted authorisation for the introduction…
The Pacific North West (PNW) APTA Chapter is back, and a chapter board is in place and ready for their launch event scheduled for June 18th 2024. The Chapter will cover the entire PNW region of Washington and Oregon States with Seattle as the Headquarters. The board has been involved in setting up and aligning the…
Enjoy exclusive discounts on contracted rates when booking at TAASA Lodge for stays between October 2024 and May 2025 Stay dates between October 2024 – February 2025 • Receive an additional 15% off your contracted rates Stay dates between March 2025 – May 2025 • Receive an additional 30% off your contracted rates T&C’s •…
Marking its 30th anniversary, the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) announced the launch of the ATTA® for Action Awards. This new programme aims to recognise and celebrate organisations and companies across Africa making significant strides in impactful tourism practices. The launch of the ATTA® for Action Awards comes at a crucial time when the…
Volcanoes Safaris, the pioneer of gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997, announces the opening of Kibale Lodge in Uganda on 1 July 2024. Bookings now open! Volcanoes’ fifth lodge is a landmark development: it creates a unique circuit linking the finest gorilla and chimpanzee sites in Africa. Kibale Lodge sits on a…
Join Painteddog.tv for cocktails to celebrate Rhinos, raising awareness about the threats facing these beloved icons of Africa. We aim to raise $54,000 for a critical conservation operation headed by the respected non-profit organization, Rhino Revolution, that will help protect a large at risk population of Black and White Rhinos in South Africa. Click here…
Exciting news in the south as we launch a new addition to our intimate little bush camp. From June 2024 every room at Kigelia will be seamlessly integrated with a hand-crafted star bed. Each platform is raised up to bring a whole new perspective on the wildlife below. We invite guests to embrace this celestial…
Emirates will resume services to Nigeria from 1 October 2024, operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, and offering customers more choice and connectivity from Nigeria’s largest city to, and through, Dubai. The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return…
Saving the Survivors (STS), a field-based, non-profit conservation organization registered in South Africa, UK and USA, is excited to announce that Alan Feldstein from Infinite Safaris has joined our board of directors from 1 April 2024. As head of Infinite Safari Foundation and owner of Infinite Safari Adventures, a custom African Wildlife Safari Company, Alan…
Zambia emerged as the “Best Leisure Destination in Africa” at the 2024 Global Traveler Awards, which took place on Thursday 16th May at The Union League of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Global Traveler, the source for luxury travelers, announced the winners of its 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards in its May Leisure Travel Issue. Global Traveler…