Total international air arrivals to Cape Town International Airport between January and February surpassed the 200 000 mark and exceeded the 2019 figure of 194 058 for the same period, breaking all previous records in the last five years. At key attractions in regions across the province, visitor numbers are up 20% year-on-year. “This is…
Heavy rains have caused flooding at the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park, affecting Ebb & Flow Camp. Yesterday, Tuesday, April 9, SANParks sent out a release warning that initial reports indicated there had been over 200mm of rain over a six-hour period and a spring high tide. SANParks standby personnel were physically…
Minor Hotels has signed a strategic partnership with The Cavaleros Group to manage a hotel in Johannesburg. This marks the debut of Minor Hotels’ NH Collection brand on the African continent. From July 1, the group will manage the hotel in Sandton, the financial district of South Africa’s largest city. The 329-key property will first…
To watch the video trailer, click here >> Our LIVE Conservation is unlike any wildlife documentary, film, or broadcast in the world! A taste of what our guests who partake in conservation while on a Painteddog.tv safari can expect. Viewers/online guests not only join the excitement of extremely important, often action-packed Conservation happening on the…
The Warm Heart of Africa welcomes you to the 5th edition of “Takulandirani” Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE) to be held from 25th to 27th April, 2024 at the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. Registration is ongoing for this year’s Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE2023). Also known as ‘Takulandirani,’ the event…
Idris Elba has shared details of his “dream” to turn an island off the coast of Sierra Leone, the country where his father was born, into an environmentally friendly smart city. The actor is working with his childhood friend to develop Sherbro, which is roughly the size of the Isle of Man, after the island was…
Hilton has opened its second hotel in Namibia, with its Hilton Garden Inn brand debuting in the country. Hilton’s newest Windhoek hotel opened its doors on Monday, March 18. It is close to the Warehouse Theatre and the National Museum of Namibia. The hotel is also near major businesses and is a 45-minute drive from…
After years of dedicated service, the Seychelles Tourism Department bade farewell to David Germain, its Director of Marketing for Africa and the Americas. With a 40-year career in the industry, Germain played a pivotal role by significantly contributing to Seychelles’ tourism marketing endeavours and overall success. He started his journey at Travel Services Seychelles (TSS) before…
Africa’s Eden, the gateway to the tourism network of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, will host its 2024 Hosted Buyer Show at Ciêla Resort & Spa in Lusaka from April 22-25. The event places a particular focus on African buyers from southern Africa, East Africa, Indian Ocean Islands as well as some from West Africa.…
Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has launched the ‘Air Connect Namibia’ project in a bid to create new international routes at the country’s airports, ultimately increasing direct air access to the nation. The project was initiated following the Namibia Aviation and Connectivity Forum held in 2022, which brought together international and domestic aviation stakeholders from the…
Uganda tourism authorities have indicated that the country’s tourism sector is on a path to full recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism industry performance report 2023, released by Ugandan Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butime, revealed that Uganda’s tourism sector had demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2023. The Minister said tourism…
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, inaugurates its Jinka airport project, unveiling a new terminal and support facility buildings. The new state-of-the-art airport terminal is now open for service, following a grand celebration held today in Jinka, one of the emerging cities in the South Ethiopia Regional State. The two-and-a-half-year project covered…
TAASA Lodge, located in the Northern Serengeti, now offers an interconnected tent option. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the African bush, just steps away from your loved ones. This unique accommodation features two spacious luxury tents linked by a covered walkway, offering extra space and privacy while still allowing you to connect with…
Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic, both members of the SkyTeam alliance, have unveiled a strategic codeshare partnership. Virgin Atlantic will place its code on Kenya Airways’ London flights, providing passengers with seamless access to Kenya Airways’ extensive network of destinations in Africa and beyond. Kenya Airways will place its code on Virgin Atlantic flights to…
June Chepkemei, former Acting MD of the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), has been named the new CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board. Chepkemei will hold the position for the next three years, succeeding John Chirchir who has been at the helm of the tourism board in acting capacity since November 2022. Her appointment was confirmed via a…
The Lighthouse Precinct project in the Cape Agulhas National Park – a R54.9 million (€2.6m) investment by the Department of Tourism – is about 73% complete and is on track to open in June. This was announced by Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, following her progress visit to the project yesterday (Tuesday, March 26). She…
New York Stock Exchange-listed hospitality company, Hilton, has opened its newest property, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles – marking the boutique lifestyle brand’s debut in the Indian Ocean. Situated in the south of Mahé, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles is the brand’s first resort property in the world. Located just a short drive from the Jardin du Roi (Spice…
Chem Chem is constantly working to improve its guest experience across its lodge and tented camps. With this in mind, Chem Chem has some exciting upgrades coming to its properties over the next few months, from a brand-new pool at Little Chem Chem to air conditioners in all Chem Chem Lodge’s tented suites. Download our…
Auric Air Services Ltd, a Tanzania-based regional air operator flying both scheduled and charter services across East Africa has entered into a MOU with Surf Air Mobility Inc, a leading regional air mobility platform to upgrade up to 12 of Auric Air’s Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with Surf Air’s proprietary electrified powertrain technology once certified. Surf Air now…
We couldn’t be more proud to share that both the Cape Grace Hotel, A Fairmont Managed Hotel and Vivari Hotel & Spa by Mantis have won first place at the 2024 Luxe Awards. After an extensive refashioning of the iconic Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in Cape Town, we have been named as the…
Drier than usual conditions owing to less summer rain have allowed Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia to open early rather than closer to autumn as is more usual. The park opened on March 1. Situated to the far west of the country (almost on the border with Angola), Liuwa Plain is a small conservation area…
Kenya Airways (KQ) has partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board to strategically position the country as a tourist destination in North America through a trade roadshow. The roadshow, scheduled to take place from today (March 19) until Thursday (March 21) in New York, Boston, and Toronto, aims to showcase Kenya and stimulate travel demand for…
South African domestic and regional airline, CemAir, will launch direct flights between Johannesburg and MalaMala Game Reserve, starting June 1. MalaMala is one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. It shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park and is situated between the park and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The…
uShaka Marine World has welcomed the settlement of its wage dispute with the South African Municipal Workers Union – the union representing the bargaining unit employees. The strike officially ended on Friday (March 15). Following the end of strike, the employees returned to work and the venue reopened to guests on Saturday (March 16). Village Walk Mall,…
Join Painteddog.tv’s Brent Leo-Smith for an evening of drinks and lively conversation about the African safari experience and conservation initiatives. Painteddog.tv is a technology-driven wildlife film production company, and provider of life-changing safaris. Brent Leo-Smith has over 20 years of combined safari, conservation, and film-making experience has helped guide Painteddog.tv to achieving some remarkable feats…
Painteddog.tv’s LIVE Virtual Safaris Embark on a virtual adventure like no other with Painteddog.tv’s LIVE Safaris! Immerse yourself in the majesty of the wilderness from the comfort of your home or office, as we bring you real-time experiences straight from the heart of nature. Our LIVE Safaris are more than just a glimpse into the…
In the first weekend of March, 2024 the Minister of Tourism – Honorable Rodney Sikumba, officiated at the re-opening of Ila Safari Lodge, which now features a new boma area and villa, Ila Safari House. The Minister congratulated the proprietor of Ila Safari Lodge for the job well done, and noted that the developments at…
ARP is thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new website, designed to serve as the cornerstone for all the agents who collaborate with ARP Africa. This digital platform is dedicated to showcasing their extensive safari services across the breath-taking landscapes of East Africa. Created with their agents in mind, the website features a wealth of resources, including detailed itineraries,…
Exhibitor registrations are now open for Essence of Africa, Africa’s International Buyer Forum, an innovative meetings-driven tourism event designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between buyers and sellers within Africa’s tourism industry. The event is scheduled to take place from October 2-4, at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Launched by On Show Solutions and Experience Africa…
A new luxury sole-use tented camp, Daunara Safari Camp, is scheduled to open in the Okavango Delta in April. The five spacious tented suites offer panoramic views of the Delta. Connected by raised wooden walkways, three standalone suites provide privacy, while two interconnected suites with a shared sitting room cater for families. Owners Lisa and Dave Lubbock, inspired by…
Airlink will resume its Richards Bay flights on Tuesday, March 12. The resumption of flights follows the reinstatement of the approval by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) of Richards Bay Airport’s fire and rescue services to Category 5 level, allowing the facility to accommodate scheduled airline operations. Half day Gauteng easy e-Bike with wild…
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed the presence of a female elephant in the Knysna forest and fynbos area under its management. As a result, the entity has conducted two types of assessments (sociological and ecological) to make evidence-based decisions for managing the elephant/s in the future. A targeted survey was conducted as part…
Minor Hotels is set to launch a luxury holiday development in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar alongside resort chain Anantara. The Bangkok-headquartered hotel owner and operator announced its intention to build the 181-key Anantara Zanzibar Resort on 5 March, with a scheduled launch date in 2027. Africa has established itself as the second-fastest-growing tourism market in recent…
Introducing Painteddog.tv – Safari Innovators Redefining expectations & setting new standards in immersive, transformative wildlife encounters. Who are we & what do we do? Operating from top-tier safari locations and complementing conservation endeavours, Painteddog.tv comprises a powerhouse team led by dynamic safari guides and presenters operating in real-time, showcasing the wonders of wildlife through the…
Zambia is a popular safari destination, with 30% of the country allocated as national parkland. The country also has the Zambezi River which flows into Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most jaw-dropping waterfalls. These natural sites are primed for a vacation in May, which marks the end of Emerald Season—the time of year when…
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a thrice-weekly passenger service to Freetown, Sierra Leone, via Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, starting from May 31. The new service will be operated by a Boeing 787-800. The flight schedule is as follows: Flight ET 943 from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Freetown (FNA) via Ouagadougou (OUA) will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight ET…
Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ experience at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary has now reopened to visitors. The experience offers an exclusive look at the fascinating world of its chimp residents. Established in 1993, Ol Pejeta’s Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides safety and solace to rescued and orphaned chimpanzees that cannot be reintroduced back into the wild.…
Kenya Airways will launch direct flights from Nairobi to the Mozambican capital, Maputo, from June 14. The flights will operate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight KQ740 will depart Nairobi at 09h50 and arrive in Maputo at 13h00. Return flight KQ741 departs from Maputo at 13h50 and arrives in Nairobi at 18h45.The new route is…
To our dear friends in travel, We trust this finds you all well and no doubt, as excited as we are for the year ahead, and all the travel opportunities 2024 may bring. We are excited to announce the newest additions to our portfolio, and in our quest for keeping with our ethos…
In an exciting development, Hideaways Africa proudly announces its official takeover of Bumbusis Wilderness Camp’s reservations, sales and marketing, marking a significant expansion within its esteemed Hideaways Collection. Effective February 22, 2024, all bookings and reservations for Bumbusi Wilderness Camp will seamlessly transition to the capable hands of the Hideaways Africa team. The dedicated team…
A passion for the environment and Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is woven into the very fabric of the Chem Chem’s story. The safari brand’s conservation journey, which spans 15 years, has seen the Kwakuchinja Corridor — a vital wildlife migratory route linking the Tarangire and Manyara national parks — transform from a land listed as ‘abandoned’…
Effective from July 1st, 2024, there will be an increase in permit fees for primate trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The new tariffs are as follows; Gorilla trekking permit fee for non-resident visitors: $800 (previously $700) Chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest…
In a stunning celebration of African wildlife, the 2023 JENMAN Photo of the Year Competition has declared Anya Koen from Namibia as the victor of the people’s choice photo competition! Showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of Africa’s animals, birds, and insects, this competition allowed the public to become the judges, making it a truly…
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operator in Africa, is pleased to announce a launch of a thrice weekly passenger services to Freetown, Sierra Leone via Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso starting from 31st of May 2024. This new route marks yet another milestone in the airline’s extensive network expansion endeavor, connecting more African countries and providing travelers with convenient and efficient…
Well-known historic landmark in Cape Town, The Lenox, is to be transformed into an artist residency and boutique hotel. The transformation initiative marks a pivotal movement in South Africa’s cultural landscape as it becomes France’s first artist residency established in a public-private partnership model. It will also create a unique boutique hotel, operated and managed…
Roots and Journeys is expanding its accommodation offering with the addition of four new adventure camps: Chora, Ngonti, Guda, and Manju, complementing their existing portfolio. These camps, designed to have minimal environmental impact, will welcome guests from March 1. Chora and Ngonti are situated within the Mababe River Private Reserve, while Guda and Manju are…
Zambian airline Proflight has expanded its Cape Town to Lusaka route, adding additional capacity, just seven months after the introduction of the route. The 3.5 hour flight is the only direct air connection between the two cities. First introduced as a twice-weekly flight in July 2023, Proflight launched its three-times weekly offering at an event…
Great Plains Conservation will open its new Mara Toto Tree Camp on July 1. The camp is located in a forest canopy of ebony trees in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. “This was the original site of our Explorer-Collection Mara Toto Camp, setup at ground level and, as a result, prone to higher water levels at times.…
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Morogoro Mishama Company to launch Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts to Zanzibar in 2025. Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort will feature 75 contemporary guest rooms and villas, all with views of the Indian Ocean. The resort will be in Bwejuu on the eastern coast of Zanzibar Island. Plans for…
Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region, has opened the doors of its re-imagined Karoo Lodge. Closed for seven months for extensive renovations, Samara’s flagship lodge, a restored farmhouse, re-opened just ahead of the festive season. “The redesign pays homage to this special region we call home. A great deal of…