Namibia is increasing its entry fees for foreign visitors to major national parks and reserves by 86%, effective April 1. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism confirmed that fees for adult foreign nationals visiting top-tier attractions will increase from N$150 (US$9.40) to N$280 (US$17.50) per person per day. The attractions include Etosha National Park, Cape…
The Global Travel Collection has recently started offering Malawi as a destination. Their Senior Manager Revenue Development, Andy Hampshaw met up late last year with a delegation from the Malawi Ministry of Tourism to review the planned Malawi packages, and Andy shared the following blog with us recently: “We had the honour to welcome the…
Marriott International’s Autograph Collection brand has opened its first safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, located near the park’s Fort Ikoma gate, comprises 15 tented suites and one two-bedroom villa – each with private decks with views of the Serengeti wilderness. A render of the exterior of a tented…
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced, on January 21, that all attraction sites managed by the entity are now open. This announcement follows a comprehensive assessment conducted after recent heavy rainfall that affected Mpumalanga’s tourism sector. Citing the safety of visitors as a top priority, the agency urged visitors to exercise caution and adhere to all…
Kaelo Destinations, officially launching in January 2026, is a new global travel collection created to unite exceptional, conservation-led places under one shared vision. Initially comprising two properties, the renowned Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana and the celebrated Pambele Beach House in Mozambique — Kaelo sets a new standard for sense-awakening travel. The name Kaelo, meaning…
We are pleased to inform you that Miracle Experience has commenced operating balloon flights in the Warangi area of Serengeti, and has proved to be a stunning experience. This new location represents an exciting opportunity for us to elevate the experience offered to your valued, high-end clientele Operating all year round with a minimum of…
Mantis Collection is set to open a new lodge in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province on March 1. Mantis Hiddn in Addo is set within an 800 hectare private reserve and operates entirely off-grid through solar power, water harvesting and recycling systems. The lodge comprises 12 mountain suites and two private villas, which feature earth-tone interiors,…
Hideaways Africa confirms the temporary closure of Amava River Lodge in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region following severe and highly localised flooding along the Olifants River on 15 January 2026. Exceptional rainfall across parts of the Lowveld caused the river to enter full flood and overtop its banks. The situation was intensified by the failure of…
Days of heavy rainfall in the Greater Kruger National Park have rendered dozens of game lodges in the region’s private reserves temporarily inaccessible and forced the cancellation of flights from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS). Unrelenting rainfall since January 9 has triggered the flooding of rivers within the Kruger National Park (KNP) and adjoining private reserves. Chris Stamper,…
Along with several closures of camps and roads in Kruger National Park, specific tourism sites in Mpumalanga have temporarily closed following heavy rainfall with authorities citing safety concerns. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency confirmed the temporary closure of Bourke’s Luck Potholes. In addition, The South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) announced the temporary closure of…
Uganda has completed its first-ever translocation of rhinos between protected areas with four southern white rhinos moved from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. The operation, led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), marks the first phase of a national programme that will see 20 rhinos relocated to Ajai. The four animals are currently…
Enduata Camps has opened ‘Wild’ Wakati Camp – a new tented safari camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti. Lounge. Source: Enduata Camps ‘Wild’ Wakati Camp now operates year-round and is positioned in an area that is part of a key stage of the Great Migration. Bedroom. Source: Enduata Camps The camp has light-footprint tented structures handcrafted in…
Uganda will open a new passenger terminal at Entebbe International Airport by the end of this month. The 20 000sqm terminal will be commissioned in phases and is expected to boost the airport’s passenger-handling capacity from two million passengers to at least 3,5 million annually, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). The new…
After nearly a decade of lobbying, Kenya has launched its national convention bureau – a development the country’s MICE industry is calling a turning point for Kenya’s global competitiveness. The decision, announced this week, has been widely hailed by industry stakeholders as a strategic reset for a sector that has long punched below its weight…
Phil is PNW APTA Board Member and Chair for Responsible Tourism and Conservation. Phil has spent most of his adult life living and working deep in Africa’s wild places, guiding, managing, and training in some of the continent’s largest and most remote game reserves. A professional naturalist safari guide, Phil has led guests on…
Malawi’s Visa waiver scheme introduced in 2024 has now been revoked. As from 2 January 2026 most nationalities around the world now require visas to enter Malawi. The new regulations are based on reciprocity – visas are now required for any country that demands visas of Malawians. The official Gazette confirming this change in regulations…
Warm greetings from Baobab Beach Resort & Spa. As part of our ongoing journey to continuously refresh and elevate the Baobab experience, we would like to share an important operational update with you. Selected sections of the resort will be temporarily closed to allow for carefully planned enhancement and refurbishment works from 15 April 2026…
Marriot Bonvoy has opened Morea House in Camp’s Bay – the group’s first Autograph Collection hotel in Cape Town. The hotel features 90 rooms and suites designed by local interior architect Tristan du Plessis with mountain or ocean views. On the ground floor, the OMRI restaurant serves modern Lebanese-South African cuisine and features a beach-facing terrace and…
Zimbabwe’s move to apply standard-rated VAT of 15.5% to tourism services from January 1 is increasing financial and contractual pressure across the tourism sector, particularly for operators managing long-lead international bookings negotiated under the previous zero-rated framework. Confirmed in the 2026 national budget, the measure raises the standard VAT rate from 15% to 15.5% and, more…
Hilton is set to expand its presence in Africa this year with the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Kintele in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Situated in the city’s Kintele district, the hotel will comprise 200 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre, tennis court, spa and beauty salon. The hotel will also house a…
Malawi’s tourism sector has decried the country’s implementation of a reciprocal visa policy that requires travellers from numerous previously visa-exempt countries to apply for e-visas at costs of between US$50 for single entry (for a maximum stay of 90 days) to US$250 for multiple entries. The policy, which requires travellers from all countries that subject…
Zimbabwe has confirmed a change to the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) that will impact tourism activities and transfers effective 1 January 2026, following confirmation of new legislation signed into law. In addition to the previously announced VAT increase, VAT will now be applied to all tourism activities and transfers that were previously zero…
Voyager Beach Resort has announced a series of planned product enhancements scheduled for 2026, aimed at further improving the guest experience while ensuring continued resort operations throughout the refurbishment period. The resort plans to fully refurbish all 43 Pool View Rooms and remodel several key public areas, including the Sports Pool Area, Kaskazi Bar, Michezo…
Architectural vision by Belgian architect Bram Bortolin and locally made structures anchor a refined, place-first experience inside Tarangire National Park Tanzania, January 5, 2026 — Siringit Collection unveils Siringit Tarangire Camp, a new, design-forward safari camp set amid the indigenous flora and elephant corridors that define Tarangire National Park. Opening June 2026, the intimate camp brings Siringit’s…
Audit Confirmation Both Miracle Experience Balloon Safaris and Miracle Air recently received formal confirmation of compliance following independent on-site audits conducted in October 2025 by Bluesky by Bostonair, an internationally recognised authority in aviation safety. These audits were commissioned in response to earlier developments this year, when the EU and UK Civil Aviation Authority placed…
Emboo joins the Asilia portfolio – a partnership for impact Asilia was founded 21 years ago when a collection of owner-run camps came together with a shared belief that tourism, done right, could be a force for good. That same belief continues to guide us today, as we strive to create Impact at Scale…
Back by popular demand! Wondering how safe Africa really is? Phil breaks it down with practical, common-sense tactics that show why safari travel is not only safe, but smart. He’ll also guide you in matching your clients’ budgets with the right accommodations, from rustic to exotic, and help you confidently manage their expectations, so your…
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg has opened its new Destination Lobby and Lobby Lounge, marking the completion of a redevelopment project that began in 2023. The work is the final phase aimed at expanding facilities, strengthening events capacity and creating new guest and visitor spaces. Regional Vice President and GM Martin Cody said: “The Destination Lobby…
Aeroportos de Moçambique (AdM) announced plans to invest US$43,5 million into the expansion and modernisation of Pemba Airport in Cabo Delgado. According to Club of Mozambique, Cabo Delgado AdM Director, Eduardo Mutereda, briefed state representatives on the proposed upgrade, which will include an expansion of the airport’s terminal, runway and apron, the construction of a new power…
Marble Hospitality will introduce a new five-star hotel and two food-and-beverage outlets within the Olympus Sandton development – adding a major hospitality component to the mixed-use project by Tricolt Group and Growthpoint Properties. Marble Hospitality currently operates upmarket dining brands in South Africa including Marble in Rosebank, Saint in Sandton and the Pantry by Market…
LIFT has applied to the International Air Services Council to operate three weekly flights between Durban and Mauritius. If approved, the service would mark the airline’s first international expansion, adding to its current domestic network linking Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
SAA and Turkish Airlines formalised a codeshare agreement on December 5, offering international travellers seamless access to destinations in Southern Africa. Under the new agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its flight code on SAA-operated flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls and Mauritius. These ticket sales will commence…
InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town will open on December 15, with bookings available from December 22, introducing a renewed identity at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. First opened in 1997 by former South African President Nelson Mandela, the hotel enters a new phase with updated interiors, expanded facilities and new dining concepts. Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned…
Wilderness Rwanda has opened Wilderness Magashi Peninsula – an exclusive new camp set on a private peninsula in Akagera National Park. The park is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. “Magashi Peninsula is an exciting addition to our private concession within the park,” said Manzi Kayihura, Wilderness Rwanda Executive Director. “Akagera…
The Boma Lounge at Arusha Airport – Miracle Air is a luxurious setting, that redefines the pre-flight experience with a seamless, private alternative to the usual terminal queues and check-in lines exclusively to Miracle Air passengers. Miracle Air Passengers enjoy personalized meet-and-greet service, a complimentary welcome drink, private check-in, fast baggage handling, and boarding pass issuance,…
Malawi Airlines has confirmed it will launch a new Lilongwe–Entebbe route on 15 December 2025, operating four times per week. The service is expected to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity between Malawi and Uganda. The announcement followed a meeting at Malawi Airlines headquarters between Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador (Rtd) Col. Fred Mwesigye, and…
As we approach a new year, Amaya would like to thank our travel partners for a fantastic first season. Your continued support has been incredible, and we can’t wait to welcome even more guests in 2026. During its inaugural year, Amaya was pleased to extend an exceptional introductory opening rate to the trade as a…
Safarilink Aviation has unveiled a series of significant schedule changes for 2026—including a brand-new connection between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Entebbe—strengthening regional connectivity across East Africa and providing improved travel options for both leisure and business passengers. New Nairobi–Kisumu–Entebbe Service Launching December 15, 2025 Beginning 15 December 2025, Safarilink will introduce a new scheduled service…
TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps proudly announces that TAASA Migration Camp has successfully completed its first full seasonal relocation, moving from Kogatende in the northern Serengeti to the iconic Ndutu region for the 2025/2026 green season. Following a highly successful northern season in Kogatende, the camp closed briefly in November to facilitate the move and…
Marriott International has entered the DRC with the opening of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa. Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa Located in an upscale neighbourhood near the Congo River, the hotel offers 88 guest rooms – many with balconies. Facilities include an atrium lobby with natural light and local…
Kenyan low-cost carrier Jambojet is preparing for its most significant expansion since its launch more than a decade ago, outlining plans to triple its fleet and extend operations across East, West and Southern Africa. According to Aerospace Global News, the airline currently operates nine De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops on domestic and short regional routes. Jambojet…
Banyan Tree’s new property in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park has opened bookings for stays from May 2026. Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, will open with a mix of six one-, two- and three-bedroom villas overlooking the park’s Great Ruaha River. Ranging in size from 245-425 square metres, each of the villas will feature a private…
Bookings have opened for Asilia Africa’s Erebero Hills luxury eco-lodge scheduled to open in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in August 2026. Set in 18 hectares of reforested land on the forest’s edge, the lodge will feature eight suites (including two triple suites) with glass-fronted interiors, private viewing decks, king-size beds and bathrooms with baths and…
Africa Showcase 2025 concluded its most ambitious North American tour to date, delivering four energizing events in Atlanta, New York, San Diego, and Vancouver from November 11–19. The showcase once again proved itself to be the continent’s premier platform for meaningful trade connections, product education, and strengthening Africa’s presence in the North American market. This…
The Victoria Falls border post between Zambia and Zimbabwe is now operating 24 hours a day. The decision came into effect immediately on November 13 following a government gazette from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. The border post previously operated from 06h00 to 22h00 on the Zimbabwe side. Running over the Victoria…
LATAM Airlines will launch thrice-weekly flights between São Paulo (GRU) and Cape Town (CPT) from September 2026. The flights will be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This marks the arrival of the first South American carrier to fly to CPT. LATAM currently flies five times a week from GRU to Johannesburg. James Vos, Cape…
Classic Zambia Safaris will open its third camp in Kafue National Park with the launch of a five-room lodge slated for August 2026. Aimed at exclusive-use bookings, Lwenge River Camp will be located on the banks of the Kafue River, a few kilometres upstream of the company’s existing Musekese Camp. Amenities announced so far include…
The Tanzanian government has committed to upgrading the 38km road linking Rukoma village and Mahale Mountains National Park in Uvinza District with officials emphasising the move as essential to improving access and increasing domestic tourism. Kigoma Regional Commissioner Simon Sirro said the road’s poor condition remains a major barrier to tourism growth with travellers taking five to…
On July 1 next year, Emirates will launch a third daily flight between Dubai and Cape Town. Operated by a Boeing 777, the new service will boost seat capacity on the route by over 600 seats every day. EK778 will depart Dubai at 10h25 and arrive in Cape Town at 18h05. The return flight, EK779,…
Safarilink has announced a new route connecting Nairobi Wilson to Entebbe, Uganda, via Kisumu, Kenya, with operations starting on December 15. The airline will offer daily flights on the route with the booking window running from November 1 to December 31 and the travel period set for December 15 to March 31, 2026.