The United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) announces the 2018 Associate Member Advisory Committee to be chaired by USTOA Board Member, Scott Wiseman, President of Travel Impressions. The committee includes APTA members David DiGregorio and David Kartagener. The 2018 Committee will consist of the following individuals: Airlines Nick Panza, Air Tahiti Nui Steve…
With our properties in some of the most biodiverse areas on the continent, Elewana Collection embraces the responsibility of protecting the wildlife in the surrounding habitats. Elewana Tarangire Treetops is located in a private Wildlife Management Area (WMA) called Randilen. We are one of the largest contributors to the conservation projects of Randilen WMA, administered…
Robert Mugabe resigned as Zimbabwe’s President after 37 years of autocratic rule on Tuesday, finally succumbing to the pressure of a military takeover and the humiliation of impeachment. The announcement came minutes into a joint session of the Zimbabwean Parliament in Harare, convened to prise the 93-year-old from power. As the Speaker read out a…
Olkiombo Airstrip, in the centre of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, will close for part of the day for the next two weeks for repairs and maintenance work. The closures will be from 05h30 to 10h00 and from 16h00 to 19h30 daily, from Wednesday, November 22 until the first week of December, Air Kenya…
The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) has appointed Nomasonto Ndlovu as CEO. LTA has been operating without a CEO since the departure of Ndumiso Matlala in April. Ndlovu’s role and functions will be central in assisting the Board to fulfil its mandate of marketing the province as a destination of choice. Ndlovu has gained experience from…
Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded SKYTRAX 4-Star certification at a special ceremony held in London on November 8, 2017. SKYTRAX, the most prestigious international air transport standards and quality rating organization, operates certified airline rating, a global airline standards ranking program. Ratings are determined through…
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group and SKYTRAX certified 4-Star Airline, is pleased to announce that it has won Airline of the Year Award, for the 6th consecutive year in a row, by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) during its 49th Annual General Assembly held on November 13, 2017, in Kigali. The AFRAA annual awards…
Zimbabwe’s army seized control of the country on Tuesday night, claiming it was removing “criminals” around Robert Mugabe. An army spokesman said on Wednesday that the army is holding Mugabe for his own safety. There is no official word from the Mugabe family as to their whereabouts.
On Harare’s streets, many expressed amazement and delight Wednesday that President Robert Mugabe’s long reign may be coming to a close, but people also admitted the future looked unstable. Mugabe, 93, has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 — longer than many can remember — and the sudden move against him by the military left some hoping…
The Trump administration plans to allow hunters to import trophies of elephants they killed in Zimbabwe and Zambia back to the United States, reversing a ban put in place by the Obama administration in 2014, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official confirmed to ABC News today. Even though elephants are listed as endangered under…
Stellenbosch was highlighted as an international tourism destination at the recent Annual General Meeting held by Stellenbosch Publicity and Marketing (SPM), the entity responsible for administering the Stellenbosch Tourism levy. SPM reported that, during the past fiscal year, more than R700 000 (€42 700) was made available for the tourism activities of Stellenbosch 360, as…
Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, is pleased to announce that it has finalized preparations to start five weekly flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, as of March 8, 2018.Buenos Aires is the world’s capital of Tango, home of centurion old buildings and a vibrant cultural scene. Argentina is one of the largest economies in Latin…
Jenman African Safaris has taken the steps to reduce water bottle usage on their tours through Madagascar as part of their responsible tourism policy. Unfortunately, bottled water is unavoidable in Madagascar as the local water is not safe to drink. Heat is another factor, with Madagascar’s hot climate and high temperatures it’s important for travellers…
This April, Thanda Island, the exclusive Indian Ocean hideaway located off the Southern coast of Tanzania, welcomed a female Green Turtle ashore, who laid her eggs on the beach between the boathouse and the helipad. In early June, the staff witnessed the final two hatchings make their way back to the water, for a total…
Uganda Lodges Ltd is currently constructing their newest lodge in Uganda, Elephant Plains, within Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is set beside the existing Simba Safari Camp and nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo. The site will feature panoramic views across the park’s extensive savannah plains teeming with wildlife as well as…
It’s one of those nights where the travel and tourism role players in South Africa come together to celebrate the best of the best in the industry. The black tie gala dinner for the national Lilizela Tourism Awards 2017 was held at the Sandton Convention Centre last night. KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga were among the provinces…
Intense, alien, and relatively unscarred by tourism – Djibouti’s a worthy addition to your travel plans, says Georgina Wilson-Powell I say Djibouti. You say – bless you? A tiny east African nation, Djibouti is one of Lonely Planet’s top places to visit in 2018. Never heard of it? Don’t worry, they’re used to it here.…
Airlink has added a second direct flight to its Cape Town – Nelspruit KMIA routing. The additional flights operate every day of the week except Saturday. Flight SA8665 and SA8668 are operated on a 36-seater Embraer RJ135. SA8665 departs Cape Town at 15h00 and arrives at Nelspruit KMIA at 17h15. SA8668 departs KMIA at 17h35…
MSC Cruises Immigration Officer on board MSC Sinfonia has advised that with immediate effect, all non-Southern African Development Community passport holders require a Mozambican visa. The visa must be obtained prior to departure, should guests want to disembark at any Mozambique port, including Portuguese Island, Pomene, Maputo, and Ilha de Mozambique. Immigration services will no…
Ethiopian Airlines Group is pleased to announce that its new B-787-9 aircraft has made its maiden commercial flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.Ethiopian operation with B-787-9 is part of its commitment to deliver exceptional level of service to the African market by operating the latest technologically advanced aircraft in the market. Passengers have enjoyed the unique onboard…
It is with great sadness that the APTA community has learned of the passing of Steve Fitzgerald. He was well known, greatly respected, and much loved throughout our industry – first as founder of Halcyon Hotels, then managing director and CEO of CCAfrica (later &Beyond) for 15 years. Most recently, he and wife Nicky built and managed Angama Mara in…
Great Plains Conservation’s Cape Town office has put a common reservations inbox in place to increase efficiency. Inquiries for our properties in both Kenya and Botswana can now go to reservations@greatplainsconservation.com. You are still welcome to address the email itself to whichever consultant with whom you prefer to work. Should that person be absent someone…
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline in Africa, and the Ethiopian Airports Services are pleased to announce to their valued customers that they now offer free Wi-Fi at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport as of October 2017. Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “Availability of seamless customer focused service, both onboard and at…
In line with their commitment to help preserve wild places through impact investments that have a positive impact on the environment and its custodians as already demonstrated at Huab Under Canvas, Ultimate Safaris introduce their newest venture, Sossus Under Canvas in the Greater Sossusvlei-Namib Landscape. Located on the private 24,000 hectare Neuhof Nature Reserve which…
Tarangire has long been a special place for us. Head Nomad guide, Richard Knocker started his bush career here and this very site was Mark & Milly Houldsworth’s first marital home. The location was home to one of the earliest camps in Tarangire, and for good reason. We’re far enough south to have our little…
Wellworth Hospitality will be exhibiting at WTM London 2017. Please send us an email to p.sunil@wellworthgroup.com, to make an appointment and visit us on Stand No. AF-140 to discuss about our existing and upcoming properties. Wellworth Hospitality owns & operates Luxury Collection Lodges/Camps and Picturesque Destination Resorts. Luxury Collection Lodges includes Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge…
It is with great excitement that we announce our partnership with the Aujan Family in Victoria Falls with the Stanley & Livingstone Hotel. This will see the evolution of the MORE circuit to include some of Southern Africa’s most distinctive destinations and experiences – Cape Town; Big 5 Safari within four South African game reserves;…
Auric Air has been voted again as Tanzania’s Leading Domestic Safari Carrier at World Travel Awards 2017. Auric Air quotes: “This is a proud moment for us and we thank you very much for your valuable votes. Our shiny new award comes after the much talked about Africa Gala Ceremony held by the World Travel…
Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Dept. in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines Group has launched E-Visa service for African and international participants of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions to be held in Ethiopia (eff. Sept. 20, 2017). With the launching of the E-Visa, participants of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions to be held in Ethiopia,…
Elephant’s Eye, Hwange is now offering night game drives. Nighttime in the African bush is an experience like no other. The sun sets and the stars appear, slowly filling the sky as it gets darker. The night sounds of the bush are unique too; hooting owls, hyenas “laughing”, perhaps even some lions roaring, and the…
Jenman African Safaris has a great new feature on their agent website, online FIT quoting. Now it’s possible for agents to create their own quotes or update already received quotes for their clients online through the site. This means that agents can create quotes at any time, quickly and conveniently. It’s a simple process but…
Safari Logistics, an initiative to promote cost-effective Travel around Zimbabwe, has created this easy to read a breakdown of recommendations for international flights into Zimbabwe. Safari Logistics links with these inbound flights to the top wildlife areas in the country including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Matusadona, and Mana Pools National Park.…
Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris has become the latest tour operator to be approved by Fair Trade Tourism (FTT), joining the list of nearly 60 operators committed to showcasing Africa’s most responsible tourism portfolio. Announcing the approval, Jane Edge, MD of Fair Trade Tourism, said: “Springbok Atlas carries a wealth of knowledge of South Africa’s…
Situated in the heart of the Matobo Hills, just outside the boundary of the National Park lies Khayelitshe House. Enclosed by the iconic balancing rocks and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of massive boulders, Khayelitshe House was designed as a relaxed weekend escape for Professional Guide Beks Ndlovu and his family. Khayelitshe’s charm comes from…
African Bush Camps has recently entered into a partnership with Index Select, a cutting-edge agency based in the USA. Index Select will support African Bush Camps in the American market in sales, marketing and PR. Index Select is a global hospitality consulting firm with a simple creed of conveying remarkable stories to the best in…
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced an increase in the price of gorilla permits that will now cost a flat fee of 600USD in both low and high seasons for all visitors effective immediately. This price increase will also affect tourists who had already made bookings for the low seasons of April, May and November.…
Tanzania’s Vice President, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan has inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum at the Olduvai Gorge. Speaking during the ceremony, Ms Hassan said she was optimistic that the museum would help increase the number of tourists and researchers visiting the country. “Olduvai Gorge is where the history of a human being can be traced, so I…
We’ve listened to your feedback and taken action. Our Elewana Information Manual has been updated and is now fully digital! The link below will direct you to the Information Manual, where you will find important details, facts and figures pertaining to each of the Elewana properties, The Land and Life Foundation and SkySafari. To keep…
We are thrilled and delighted to announce that one of our finest and most-loved professional guides, Lewis Mangaba, was honored with a PURE award. Lewis was crowned the ‘Unsung Hero’ – an award dedicated to recognizing the dedication and passion of guides who go an extra mile to offer a truly transformational experience to their…
The little-known Akagera National Park hugs Rwanda’s eastern borders a three-hour drive from the capital Kigali. Ruzizi is just 30 minutes inside the gates of the park. The Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant – can all be found here thanks to the efforts of the lodge owners, the non-profit conservation organization…
Ethiopian Holidays, a division of the continent’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, has lined up the top ten honeymoon destinations in Africa for your nuptial bliss. Africa has it all: abundant wildlife, breath-taking landscapes, ancient wonders, exquisite beaches and an incredible variety of cultures. It is the perfect continent for newlyweds looking to experience the ultimate romantic…
Wellworth Hospitality will be exhibiting at Magical Kenya Tourism Expo 2017. Please feel free to visit us on our Stand No. F-9 to discuss about our existing and upcoming properties. Wellworth Hospitality owns & operates Luxury Collection Lodges/Camps and Picturesque Destination Resorts. Luxury Collection Lodges includes Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge & Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge.…
Let the tour division of the continent’s #1 airline, Ethiopian Airlines, be your guide on your next African adventure. Ethiopian Holidays has comprehensive vacation programs to suit all interests and budgets, providing tour packages which range from one-day stopover options to full-scale journeys in Ethiopia and destinations in Eastern and Southern Africa like Tanzania, Kenya,…
As the world marked the United Nations designated World Tourism Day on Wednesday, many Africans took advantage of the day to show the world the side of Africa never seen before. Individuals and state institutions alike flooded Twitter with such pictures using the hashtag #WoorldTourismDay to besides educating the world of the numerous sites in…
Wanderlust Portfolio is pleased to introduce its newest family owned and managed client, Selous Safari Company. With three spectacular lodges located in the remote beauty of Southern Tanzania, each property is equally special with its own style and charm. As all three properties are situated in the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness, guests will experience a…
ETHIOPIAN Airlines, Africa’s largest airline group, in partnership with Flocash, a leading Pan-African provider of electronic payment services has enabled online mobile payments on its website to allow its Zimbabwean customers to buy and effect payment for ticket online. Travellers can now book and pay for tickets eamlessly on Ethiopian Airlines website www.ethiopianairlines.com using their…
Auric Air Services Ltd will be attending World Travel Market 2017. Please feel free to visit us on Tanzania Tourist Board Stand No. AF 140. Please arrange to meet with us to discuss Arusha/Serengeti, Serengeti/Zanzibar, Entebbe/Serengeti, Masai Mara/ Serengeti, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and Mafia Island flight schedule and STO Rates.
Under African Skies is excited to introduce this amazing lodge, in the Savuti area of Botswana, to our portfolio. Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge aims to provide discerning travellers to Botswana with a unique, first-class safari experience in an eco-friendly and eco-sensitive environment. Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge lies on the ledges of Ghoha Hills in the…
The Seychelles are to welcome British Airways back in March 2018. British Airways has announced that it will be resuming scheduled flights to Seychelles as from March 2018. The United Kingdom’s flag carrier, also one of the world’s leading scheduled international passenger airlines, will launch direct flights to Seychelles as of March 24, 2018. British…
It is business as usual. The trips to Robben Island are continuing. On Friday 15 September 2017, Thandi, one of Robben Island Museum’s (RIM) chartered passenger ferries, experienced trouble during its return trip to Cape Town. Once Port Control received the distress call from the ferry, Port Control immediately implemented emergency procedures, along with notifying the…