The Kingdom of Eswatini has published its official Tourism COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines as part of an ongoing process to help relaunch the country’s tourism industry. The guidelines, endorsed by the World Health Organization, have been created by the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) and Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs in partnership with the Hospitality &…
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said Wednesday that it has signed world marathon record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge as magical Kenya destination ambassador. KTB’s CEO Betty Radier said the engagement, commencing in July, will see Kipchoge promote the east African nation as a preferred tourism destination locally, regionally and internationally through various campaigns.…
Earlier this month, the President of the Republic of Kenya, announced that residents can now travel internally, with domestic flights resuming on 17 July and Kenya’s International Airports will open on 1 August 2020. In conjunction with this, The Elewana Collection has implemented a phased opening strategy with Elewana AfroChic Diani opening on the 17 July,…
Return of the Safari Pioneers. Staring…You! Departing November 2020 We have done our homework. We have solid Great Plains protocols. We have tested our camps and systems ensuring your safety. And we have heard from you about your desire to escape but to do it when the time is right. The time to plan your return is now…
BLOOD LIONS has launched their first two webinars relating to the captive predator breeding industry in South Africa. These webinars unpack important elements of the industry and, amongst others, include topics such as the conservation “con”; the impact that cub interactions and lion walking have on the international tourism and volunteer sector; the truth about captive (canned)…
Three local airfields in Uganda are set to be upgraded to international airports according to Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) This is part of the government’s efforts to develop Uganda’s air transport network that will connect the country to all major cities of the world to compete successfully for economic growth opportunities. The Airports that…
Five months into the lockdown, Holden Safaris is making good use of time by polling Travel Advisors and offering webinars. Holden Safaris is in Newport Beach, California, an area rich with some of the most experienced travel advisors as well as a pool of highly discriminating travelers. The APTA Orange County chapter is home to…
The Zimbabwe government has approved the COVID-19 Guidelines and Protocols for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector developed by the Zimbabwean Tourism Authority (ZTA). The ZTA emphasised the need for all players in the tourism industry to strictly observe and adhere to the set COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. These guidelines are meant to protect both the…
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has released a list of incentives that are hoped to help the revival of the country’s tourism sector as the COVID-19 shut down begins to ease. Sam Mwandha, the UWA Executive Director says the incentives are expected to support the Tourism industry to get back on its feet. He says…
RwandAir will resume operations on August 1, initially flying between Kigali and selected destinations in Africa, including Dar es Salaam and Lusaka, as well as Dubai. More destinations will be added as countries lift travel restrictions. RwandAir CEO, Yvonne Makolo, said: “The demand will grow gradually as passengers become more comfortable travelling during this pandemic.” Commenting…
SAA will terminate all its aircraft leases by the end of the month, leaving it with one functional A320, which it charters to a world food programme, and nine old uneconomical A340s, which the airline owns but is struggling to sell. SAA has been returning all leased aircraft over the past few months, the last…
African countries are offering tourists from all over the world the chance to travel the continent and even go on safari by virtual means. But is this a satisfactory substitute for the real thing? The sun rises slowly above the horizon of the African savanna. Against its glowing light can be seen the silhouettes of…
Although Malawi has historically not been one of the most visited African countries, times appear to be changing. Over the last decade, tourism has grown steadily, with the last five years seeing a rapid acceleration. Malawi has a beautiful landscape and friendly population, so it is a natural choice for holidaymakers. However, one avenue that…
The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) will focus on safe tourism as a main part of its marketing strategy. STB Chief Executive, Sherin Francis, conveyed this to key stakeholders via an online meeting as Seychelles prepares to welcome commercial flights from August 1. Francis reiterated the precautionary measures taken by the destination through the Department of Tourism,…
Bid and win three nights for two at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara Camp, whilst raising funds for The Land & Life Foundation’s Pamoja Fund. The auction will start on Friday, July 17 and end on Sunday, July 26 2020. The package is valid until December 31, 2021 and is fully inclusive,* however, does not include flights…
Malawi is being widely applauded over the successful and peaceful completion of its recent Presidential election, which was historic for a number of reasons. It was only the second time an election had been re-run in Africa after an annulment, and the very first that the opposition subsequently went on to win. It is notably…
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has been named among the Top 5 Africa Resort Hotels in the 2020 World’s Best Awards by United States magazine Travel + Leisure for the second consecutive year. Each year thousands of Travel + Leisure readers vote in the World’s Best Awards on their favorite hotels, cities, islands and more, with hotels rated on their facilities, location, service,…
We are delighted to announce that after three and a half months, Elewana AfroChic Diani will once again welcome guests to enjoy our warm coastal hospitality. Located along a secluded section of Diani Beach, the hotel offers a magical setting of white sands, rustling palm trees, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The…
An unforgettable safari experience is choreographed from the heart, a value shared between directors Garth Jenman, Hideaways, and Brett Mcdonald, Flame of Africa. It is these values that formed the foundations of a partnership between the two, joining forces and visions to create exceptional African getaways. CEO Katja Quasdorf hosted the conversation stage by interviewing Garth…
At Wellworth Hospitality, we value the safety and security of our guests and team members as top priority. We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure guest safety as our Hotels/Lodges/Camps/Resorts reopen, we have elevated our Safety Protocol even further by launching…
Education is the currency of survival, however not an economy everyone has access to. This harsh truth pertains mostly to women and is exemplified for the local female residents in rural areas. Jonathan Dube, Jenman African Safaris Guide, recently spoke to CEO Katja Quasdorf on our “Safari Guide Chronicles” platform about the importance of community project funding…
Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, has announced a phased reopening of the country, including the resumption of international flights from August 1. Domestic flights will resume on July 15. However, the current nationwide curfew has been extended for a further 30 days. “In the next 21 days we shall study patterns of interactions and the spread of the…
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Masa Square opened in Gaborone, on July 2, the first of its brand in Botswana. It features 152 rooms and 30 extended-stay apartments. It is located in Masa Square lifestyle centre in Gaborone, a 20-minute drive from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. The hotel also offers conference facilities and meeting…
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana will open in October. The lodge is on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. The 12 individually designed air-conditioned suites include a two-bedroom family suite situated on two linked islands. Xigera Safari Lodge will feature two luxury spa rooms,…
The Kampala Serena Hotel reopened its doors this month, following Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, which reopened on June 1. Hotels have been allowed to reopen from June 1. “We are selling to the local market, since regional borders and international flights are not open yet,” said Country Sales Manager of Kampala Serena…
With the news of Tanzania opening borders to international arrivals, Ranger Safari’s has been working hard in the past weeks to put together a document with well-thought COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures. Following the recommendations set by the Government of Tanzania, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), this document is aimed at ensuring guests…
Malawi has many attributes that make it ideal for post-lockdown tourism, covering the need for distancing and providing what many travellers are now seeking: Open spaces – Malawi is all about wildernesses, highland areas, wildlife reserves and wide beaches. No mass tourism/Uncrowded – Malawi is still off the beaten path in tourism terms with no…
Commercial flights to be welcomed to Seychelles in August 2020, the holiday destination confirmed the authorization for commercial flights to enter Seychelles as of 01st August 2020.
The quick action taken by Stellenbosch means it is the first destination in sub Saharan Africa to be awarded the prestigious Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, designed the special Safe Travels stamp to enable travellers to identify destinations and…
In the middle of Mozambique, at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley, Gorongosa National Park is a haven for wildlife. Crocodiles patrol its rivers, hippos splash in its lakes, antelopes graze on the floodplains and lions stalk the savanna, looking for their next meal. Some of the park’s creatures, such as the…
Watch Auric Air – Safety, Hygiene and Sanitization Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPn9HXKFH6A For more information on our Standard Operating Procedures in response to COVID-19, click here
As steps get into high gear on re-opening the country, Kenya has been awarded the Safe Travel Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) which is a forum for the travel and tourism industry. The accreditation came in recognition of the country’s adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols dubbed ‘Safe Travels’ in the wake…
A meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Committee for Transport, Logistics and Trade of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has just ended. It took place over 4 days by videoconference resulting in West Africa reopening borders. The objective was to provide a coordinated response to the fight against the coronavirus and to examine the possibility of reopening…
During the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, was the go-to airline for essential travel, repatriation flights and airlift of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE). With the easing of travel restrictions across the globe, Ethiopian is pleased to announce that it’s happy to welcome back business and leisure travelers with programs aimed at safeguarding…
This May, two new mountain gorilla babies were born in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, joining the species’ growing, population of more than 1,000 in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Every birth is a success for the species. Mother Kabagyenyi and father (Silverback) Bweza are looking after their baby in the Nshongi…
Kenya’s National Treasury has allocated KES11.3billion (€94m) to the tourism sector to help it recover following the effects of COVID-19. This is in addition to the KES500 million (€4.1m) the government set aside earlier this year. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani said KES2billion (€16.6m) of the amount would be shared by community reserves to jump-start the tourism…
The National Heritage Council of Namibia has announced the reopening of heritage sites under its direct management. All sites reopened on June 20 except the Brandberg Mountain National Heritage Site, which will open on June 29. Namibia’s State of Emergency continues with eased restrictive measures and COVID-19 regulations will be observed at the heritage sites,…
Malawi’s new President Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in Sunday in the capital Lilongwe, after he defeated two candidates, including former President Peter Mutharika, in the tightly contested presidential election rerun held last week. There was jubilation from hundreds of people who gathered at the Bingu International Convention Center, in Lilongwe to witness Chakwera and his…
Jenman African Safaris have amended our policies and reviewed our terms and conditions to accommodate new regulations, as well as to eliminate health risks for clients and staff. We have maintained up to date procedures and strategies which facilitate healthy journeys and a risk-adjusted booking process. All guided group safaris will run with a maximum…
Avoid The Dirtiest Parts of an Airplane (or Clean Them) The first way to help keep yourself healthy for your adventures is to make sure you come in contact with as few germs as possible. There are three main areas of a plane to try to avoid and minimize your contact with germs: the bathroom, tray tables…
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the reopening of tourism activities, with international charter flights resuming on Wednesday (June 17). “Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travellers and operators to thrive in these unprecedented times,” said Chief Tourism Officer of RDB, Belise Kariza. “We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature…
Virgin Atlantic plans to relaunch its London Heathrow-Johannesburg route on September 15. Johannesburg is one of 17 destinations that the airline aims to relaunch as soon as travel restrictions are eased. Head of Middle East, Africa and India of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Liezl Gericke, says the relaunch of the Johannesburg route is tied to acquiring the…
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has on Tuesday, June 23 kicked off the inspection of hotels to ensure compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) put in place by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in the wake of COVID-19. The SOPs aim to provide health and safety protocols for all s hotel and accommodation…
Serendib Hotels, a chain of hotels and resorts in some of Malawi’s most popular hotspots, have some exciting opportunities for those wishing to volunteer and also benefit from an extended working holiday in the sunshine! Responsible for running the Serendib Blantyre collection, the Blue Waters and Kambiri Beach resorts in Salima and the Zaburi Beach resort by the Mangochi Lakeshore, Serendib hotels are offering a wide…
Wellworth Hotels, Lodges, Camps and Resorts has announced the launch of Wellworth Salama!, its new program aimed at elevating safety and sanitization procedures in accordance with the guidelines from WHO and the Tanzania Ministry of Health. Wellworth Salama redefines processes so guests can continue to enjoy indulgent services and distinctive experiences with peace of mind.…
Safari guides are accredited as the essential services of an African adventure. Their passion, knowledge and insight of the natural world provides us with a deeper perspective and respect for the environment, and the delicate nature in which it exists. Jenman African Safaris are excited to announce the first part of our ‘Safari Guide Chronicles’…
The fragility of our environment is multi-layered, as is our potential for positive impact through conservation projects. Involvement with such initiatives as CWF are not only imperative for anti-poaching, but extend to conservation awareness through forest and fire management in order to protect natural spaces and our wildlife. The Conservation Wildlife Fund (CWF), founded in…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has provided some clarity on the ‘Advanced Level Three’ easing of further restrictions. This was to ensure the further opening up of certain economic sectors, the president said. The eased restrictions include opening up of registered and licensed accommodation facilities as well as allowing conferences and meetings for a maximum of 50…
One of Uganda’s best known mountain gorillas, Rafiki, has been killed. Four men have been arrested, and they face a life sentence or a fine of $5.4m (£4.3m) if found guilty of killing an endangered species. Investigations showed that Rafiki was killed by a sharp object that penetrated his internal organs. There are just over…
Air Namibia, which requested and was refused a US$119m government bailout last October, has been rescued by an allocation from the Namibian department of public enterprises. But the carrier could still be heading for possible restructuring, Namibian President, Hage Geingob, told parliament on June 5 that the airline should be liquidated since it required constant government…