The new curated Soweto Art Tour, by Toura Travel Therapy, is now available to visitors in Johannesburg, offering travellers a route through one of South Africa’s most historic and culturally significant urban areas. The new art-focused tour has been launched by Thabo Modise, Founding Director of Toura Travel Therapy, also known as Thabo the Tourist. According…
Lemala Camps & Lodges, part of the Tourvest integrated tourism group, has acquired Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp, marking its entry into the Kenyan market. Located just outside Amboseli National Park and offering views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the camp will retain its name and branding. Lemala will oversee operations, bringing its regional experience to the property…
The European Union has recently made the decision to temporarily restrict all airlines certified by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) from operating within EU airspace. While Auric Air does not operate direct scheduled services to or from Europe, we understand that this development may raise concerns among our partners, clients, and stakeholders, particularly those…
PSCinc is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Camp Khwai. Located in the Okavango Delta along the Khwai River, with views of the Moremi Game Reserve, Camp Khwai is your destination to experience the largest inland delta in the world. With six king tents and one family tent you can expect a welcoming and…
A Night Beneath the Stars, Redefined Shenton Safaris, a name synonymous with authentic safari experiences, is proud to announce the launch of the newly reimagined Numbu Star Bed at Mwamba Bush Camp – a luxurious night under the stars that completes Mwamba’s exceptional wilderness offering. For over 33 years, Shenton Safaris has captured the hearts…
From One Family to Another: A Legacy Continues as Hemingways Collection Acquires Richard’s River Camp in the Maasai Mara Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday July 22nd, 2025 — Luxury hospitality and travel group, Hemingways Hospitality, announced the acquisition of Richard’s River Camp, a pioneering eighteen bed luxury safari camp in Mara North Conservancy in the Maasai Mara.…
Dolphin Tours & Safaris Receives Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award We are proud to announce that Dolphin Tours & Safaris has been honored with the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award — formerly known as the Certificate of Excellence. This recognition places us among the top 10% of listings worldwide on Tripadvisor, a testament to our ongoing…
Africa’s first museum dedicated solely to parrots has opened in Bigodi on the edge of Uganda’s Kibale National Park. The Grey Parrot Museum focuses on the conservation and ecology of the African grey parrot – one of the world’s most threatened bird species. Kibale is best known for its chimpanzees but also supports a stable…
Durban has a new addition for adventure seekers: the Waterfall-to-Waterfall Hiking and Camping Trail, a three-day, two-night slackpacking route designed for outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the region’s untouched beauty without the burden of carrying heavy gear. Developed by Green Corridors, a social enterprise dedicated to environmental and community impact, the trail winds through some…
Join us September 24–26, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania, for the most impactful Africa-focused travel event of the year! Whether you’re a seasoned Africa expert or just starting to grow your Africa business, the APTA Global Forum is your opportunity to network with top suppliers, deepen destination knowledge, and connect with like-minded travel professionals from across…
Date: Tuesday, August 26th Time: 2pm Eastern Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2291521219437409114 There’s never been a more exciting time to revisit – or discover – Cottar’s Safaris. One of East Africa’s most iconic safari experiences is entering a new era marked by significant upgrades to both Cottar’s 1920s Camp and the exclusive-use Cottar’s Bush Villa, alongside expanded…
Title: Iconic Southern Africa with African Bush Camps Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 2pm Eastern Register Here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3833381768211414873 Explore African Bush Camps’ “Icon” properties, which offer ultra luxury in the wild. From Lolebezi Lodge on the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi region, to Thorntree River Lodge by Victoria Falls, to the new Atzaro…
Africa just earned global recognition with the addition of five new UNESCO World Heritage Sites at the 47th World Cultural Committee session, currently taking place in India. These new designations celebrate both the continent’s ecological richness and deep cultural legacy. Among the honored sites is Sierra Leone’s Gola-Tiwai Complex, a biodiversity hotspot home to the…
TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps proudly announces the successful opening of TAASA Migration Camp, the latest addition to its luxury safari portfolio. Now open in the breathtaking Kogatende region within the Northern corridor of Serengeti National Park, the mobile camp has officially welcomed its first guests, marking the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter for…
Auric Air is proud to announce that it has been named Tanzania’s Leading Domestic Safari Carrier at the World Travel Awards 2025 — marking the airline’s ninth win in this prestigious category. This recognition underscores the trust and loyalty of our passengers and partners, and highlights the unwavering commitment of our entire team. Each flight,…
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced a proposal to revise national park entry fees across the board. KWS says the move, detailed in the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, is part of a broader effort to address a KSh12 billion (€80 million) annual funding shortfall that threatens the…
GweGwe Beach Lodge has confirmed the launch of scheduled seat-in-aircraft flights between Durban and Mkambati Nature Reserve on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, effective August 1. The service will operate twice weekly, departing every Friday and Monday from Virginia Airport in Durban. Using a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron aircraft with capacity for four passengers, the flight time…
FlySafair confirmed on Wednesday (July 16) that negotiations with its pilot group, represented by the trade union Solidarity, had reached a deadlock. This will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action. The strike certificate gives union members the right to strike following the required…
Renegade Air launched its new Nairobi-Kisumu scheduled flight service on July 2. The service uses the airline’s new ATR 42-500 aircraft, which carries 48 passengers. It operates twice daily with the morning flight departing from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport at 07h00 and arriving at Kisumu International Airport at 07h45. The morning return flight departs from Kisumu at…
Rwanda will receive a US$9 million grant from the Global Environment Facility to support ecosystem restoration and climate resilience in the Nyungwe-Ruhango Corridor. The project will be implemented by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority with technical support from the World Bank. Implementation is expected to begin in August 2025, targeting key districts in Rwanda’s Southern Province…
After years of drier than usual conditions, the 2025 Okavango Delta annual inundation has returned in force. Speaking to Tourism Update, Walter Smith, Sales Director for Ker & Downey Botswana, shared insights on the current situation and its implications for camp operations and ecological resilience. “This year’s annual Okavango Delta flood is a unique welcome, considering the…
There’s been a whole lot of pant-hooting at Nomad this week, as the results of the 2025 World Travel Awards were announced, and we’re proud to share that Nomad Tanzania has scooped three major honours in recognition of our camps and the extraordinary crew behind them. This year’s awards include: • Tanzania’s Leading Safari Lodge 2025 — Lamai, Serengeti • Tanzania’s…
Miracle Experience has been honoured with one of Africa’s highest accolades, Africa’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator 2025, at the World Travel Awards. Voted by past guests and industry partners, the award recognises their excellence in safety, sustainability, and unforgettable balloon safari adventures over Tanzania’s Serengeti and Tarangire. miracleexperience.co.tz/worldtravelaward2025
At Impodimo Game Lodge, the ongoing commitment to conservation lies at the heart of all operations. Protecting wildlife and preserving the integrity of the reserve remain top priorities. To continue supporting these crucial efforts, Impodimo Game Lodge will be adjusting its conservation levy effective from 15 July 2025, with the adjustment applicable into 2026. These…
Delta Air Lines is making a bold statement in West Africa with the unveiling of a new premium lounge at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) and the upcoming deployment of its most advanced aircraft, enhancing transatlantic travel for Nigerian passengers. The premium lounge—opened July 1—features Nigerian-inspired design, high-speed Wi-Fi, private relaxation spaces, and curated…
If you’re planning to attend the APTA Global Forum in Arusha this September, here’s your perfect reason to extend your stay in East Africa: Buyer registration is now officially open for Essence of Africa 2025, taking place October 7–9 in Malindi, Kenya. This premier meetings-driven event is Africa’s International Buyer Forum, connecting pre-qualified international buyers…
The countdown is on—and you do not want to miss this. The APTA Global Forum 2025, our most immersive and impactful gathering yet, is heading to Arusha, Tanzania from September 24–26, 2025—and space is filling fast. This isn’t just another conference. It’s a front-row seat to the future of tourism to Africa, surrounded by the…
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated a formal stakeholder consultation process on a proposal to extend the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site across the border into Mozambique’s Maputo National Park. This follows a request from the government of Mozambique, which is seeking to inscribe Maputo National Park as part of…
Sabi Sabi has completed upgrades at two of its properties: Little Bush Camp and Bush Lodge. The six guest suites at Little Bush Camp now feature bigger bathrooms with stone vanities, oversized mirrors and bespoke wall lighting. Other additions include timber-slat and leather headboards, a custom-designed drinks armoire, curated artworks, an array of patterned cushions,…
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (Fundo Soberano de Angola) to bring the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand to Angola with the planned opening of Sheraton Luanda in early 2026. The 326-room hotel will be located on Luanda Bay near the city’s commercial, cultural and diplomatic districts. Planned facilities include…
The interline agreement between SAA and Uganda Airlines (UR) has gone live, enabling seamless travel across both carriers on single ticket. The interline agreement enables agents to book trips from the following domestic destinations to Entebbe, via Johannesburg, on a single UR ticket: Cape Town Durban Port Elizabeth Additionally, the interline agreement enables agents to…
Qatar Airways has resumed flights from Doha to Kigali with immediate effect. The route will be operated with an Airbus A320, featuring 12 flat-bed Business and 120 Economy class seats. Flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday as follows: Doha to Kigali – flight QR1389 departing at 08h20 and arriving at 13h30 Kigali…
We’re excited to launch our new long-stay savings – a 10% discount on accommodation for guests staying 5 nights or more at any one, or combination, of Bush & Beyond properties. Here’s how it works: A minimum two-night stay per property is required. Day rooms and split-night stays at The Emakoko aren’t eligible. The Emakoko…
A new seasonal, pre-scheduled tourism-only border crossing between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe has been approved by the Ministers of Home Affairs in both countries. It will operate through the Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor via the Pafuri-Sengwe access point within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). The pilot project…
Sopa Lodges, in collaboration with Leo Sky Africa, has launched a new astro tourism offering at Samburu Sopa Lodge in Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya. “It is a proud moment for us at Sopa Lodges to introduce our latest innovation – astro tourism,” said Kennedy Ayoti, COO of Sopa Lodges East Africa. “This innovative experience is…
CityBlue Hotels recently opened Kilua Residences by CityBlue in Mombasa, Kenya. This marks the property group’s second property in the coastal city after CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites opened in December 2017. Located along the shores of Shanzu, Kilua Residences is a four-star beachfront aparthotel featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Facilities include an outdoor…
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort has finalised an extensive refurbishment of several key areas of the property. Notable improvements include refreshed exteriors for the Beach Villas and Beach Pool Villas and a full renovation of the two-bedroom villas, including the introduction of new contemporary furnishings. The villas, along with public areas, the gym and Anantara Spa,…
Tanzania’s government has been slammed for slashing the budget allocated to conservation and tourism by 47% in the 2025/26 financial year. The budget for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has been reduced from the TZS596.1 billion (€192.5 million) allocated in 2024/25 to TZS317.4 billion (€102.4 million). The Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) – the umbrella body representing…
MORE Family Collection Complimentary flights open the skies to Marakele National Park Johannesburg, South Africa, 19 June 2025 – Getting to one of South Africa’s most dramatic and diverse Big Five safari destinations just got a whole lot easier. Guests heading to Marataba Game Lodges can now skip the 3.5-hour road trip from Johannesburg and…
With registration now open for the 2025 APTA Global Forum in Arusha, Tanzania (Sept 24–26), one key reason to act fast is the lineup of incredible pre- and post-Forum FAM trips exclusively available to attending buyers. These deeply discounted journeys—some as low as $260 for a 4-day flight safari—offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore Africa’s…
U.S. hotel chains Hilton and Marriott have announced African expansion drives to tap into the continent’s rapid tourism growth. Rising business and leisure travel on the continent has made it increasingly attractive for multinational companies and Hilton said on Wednesday that it plans to more than triple its African portfolio to more than 160 hotels.…
The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis has introduced a new onboard spa offering aboard the Zambezi Queen, a houseboat on the Chobe River. Treatments are performed by Namibian massage therapists who have completed training with Skin Concepts Namibia. The spa uses products from the Kalahari Lifestyle range by Franck Global, including botanical oils. The spa…
The Mauritian government’s 2025/26 budget revealed that the island destination would implement a tourist tax from October 1. The fee of €3 a night will apply to all tourists, aged 12 and older, staying in hotels, guesthouses, tourist residences and on vineyards (domaines). The government estimates that the tax will raise MUR2 billion (€38 million),…
The Tintswalo Collection is set to expand its portfolio of boutique hotels in Cape Town with the addition of Tintswalo Summer House, along the False Bay coastline in the suburb of Glencairn, in December 2025. The property is the result of a full restoration of the historic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, which Tintswalo acquired in…
South Africa’s fully digital electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for short-term tourist visas will go live by the end of September, according to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber. The ETA, which will initially apply to visa applications for stays of under 90 days, was first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address…
Ennismore has announced its first hotel signing in South Africa with the launch of Mama Shelter Cape Town. The property will open in the City Park building, formerly home to the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in the city centre. The hotel will include 127 guest rooms across three categories and 68 branded residences, comprising 36…
Tanzania has announced plans to introduce a mandatory travel insurance fee of US$44 (€38) for all foreign visitors entering the country. Announced in the 2025/2026 fiscal budget, the new policy will provide coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, baggage issues, and other incidents. According to Business Insider Africa,the non-refundable insurance fee is expected to be administered through…
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is excited to be hosting its Global Forum at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania from 24-26 September 2025. On the fence about attending? Please join this Town Hall style webinar where we will be talking about all of the exciting things to come…
Discover the Magic of Africa with Amazing Africa, a Destination Management Company Join us as we present Amazing Africa, as they bring the heart and soul of Africa to life! From the wild beauty of Southern Africa and the iconic landscapes of East Africa to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean Islands—they specialize in…
From June 15, RwandAir will increase its Johannesburg-Kigali flights from seven to 11 flights per week. The airline currently operates a daily return flight on the route. From June 15, the following flights will be added to the schedule: Flight WB103, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, will depart Johannesburg at 03h10 and arrive in…