MORE Family Collection, which owns and manages a collection of luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, and exclusive-use residences in South Africa and Zimbabwe, welcomed Monwana Game Lodge to its property portfolio last week. Previously allied with Safari Lodges and Classic Retreats (SLACRSA), Monwana Game Lodge offers an exclusive safari experience in the Thornybush Nature Reserve,…
African hotel chain, CityBlue Hotels, signed an agreement this month with Diar Hospitality and The Emin Pasha Hotel & Spa in Kampala, Uganda, to add the luxury four-star hotel to its growing portfolio. The Emin Pasha Hotel’s 20 rooms include Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Suites, Executive Suites, and Superior Suites. There are also two lounge areas,…
Ila Safari Lodge in Kafue National Park, Zambia, has closed after its main lodge area was destroyed in a devastating fire that started around midnight last Thursday (June 15), There were no injuries to guests or staff. According to Vincent Kouwenhoven, Green Safaris Founder and Director of the lodge, the boma area (reception, dining, bar, and…
A new ultra-luxury tented lodge will open in the Babanango Game Reserve in the Zululand region of KwaZulu Natal in September, adding to the reserve’s appeal as a new, highly attractive safari destination. Madwaleni River Lodge on the banks of the White Umfolozi River is the fourth and most exclusive lodge to be opened in…
In an effort to raise awareness on the challenges conservationists face in Africa, four cyclists will embark on a journey of 5000km across Africa, passing through Malawi and three of its top national parks. The project, named the Cycling 4 Wildlife Foundation, sees four cycling enthusiasts on a mission to raise €100k in donations for…
The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Uganda officials after the African nation passed an anti-LGBTQ law that was condemned by many countries and the United Nations, the U.S. State Department said on Friday. The law, considered one of the harshest in the world, was enacted in May and carries the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,”…
APTA is pleased to announce that Christo Brand will be a keynote speaker at the APTA Global Forum being held in Cape Town, South Africa September 26-30, 2023. Afrikaner farm boy Christo Brand joined the South African prison service at age 17 to avoid having to serve in the military, as all white males were required to…
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) wishes to inform all stakeholders that the 13th edition of Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2023 wil not take place this year. Kenya will instead host the 3rd edition of the East African Regional Tourism Expo (EARTE). EARTE is a regional travel fair showcasing the region’s diverse tourism offering to consumers,…
Emirates and Kenya Airways announced an interline partnership yesterday (June 12), which allows customers of both airlines access to new destinations on the two airlines’ networks within a single itinerary. The agreement will provide customers with increased travel options and seamless baggage check-in to their final destination. Emirates customers will now be able to fly…
Marriott International has signed five new deals in Africa under its Protea Hotels brand, spanning four countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria. Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President of Development, Africa, and All-Inclusive, EMEA at Marriott International, said: “Protea Hotels has a rich legacy in Africa, and we are thrilled to further strengthen the brand’s footprint.…
New exclusive-use Amber Villa has recently launched at Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve within South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park region. Responding to a growing call from families to enjoy staying in one space, the Amber Suite has been transformed into a private villa at the edge of the lodge in…
Aha Hotels & Lodges is making the most of the location of its new luxury tented camp in the Kruger National Park, which features seven self-catering tents that overlook the game-rich Sabie River. Aha’s new Nkuhlu Tented Camp is halfway between Skukuza and Lower Sabie on the renowned H4-1 road. It is a popular location…
Its an exciting month ahead for the Setari Camp family as Kate Holmes and Grant Truthe open their 3rd offering, TREEHOUSE at KALA, within the private Setari concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The Treehouse at Kala is set on a private island in the heart of the Okavango and boasts 3 suites (6 beds)…
Zimbabwe has now dropped its COVID-19-related entry health regulations with immediate effect, putting it in step with the rest of the region. There was some confusion when the Zimbabwean government announced on May 12 that regulations would be dropped, when entrants to the country found that the old rules were still in force and they…
Mozambique’s national carrier, LAM, has announced the resumption of flights to Lusaka, a route it had ceased serving over 30 years ago. From June 30, LAM will operate flights to Lusaka three times a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The decision reflects LAM’s commitment to expanding its regional network and fostering greater connectivity between…
TAASA Lodge, launches their Long Stay Offer for 2023/2024. Please find Details below. Reach out to Rita Anagnostopoulos for more information. [email protected] PACKAGE DETAILS This offer includes: • A 5 night stay for two people sharing • All-inclusive basis (all meals and selected house beverages) • Unlimited safari experiences including full day game drives, night…
Hideaways Mogotlho Safari Lodge, a distinguished property under the renowned Hideaways brand, is proud to announce a series of significant improvements aimed at elevating the guest experience. With a steadfast commitment to upholding the exceptional standards associated with the Hideaways brand, Hideaways Mogotlho Safari Lodge has recently completed two upgrades that are set to improve wildlife encounters…
SAA has reported a profit to National Treasury this financial year ending March 31, 2023. According to Daily Investor, Treasury has told Parliament that SAA (as a group) had turned a profit of R500 million (€24.2m) for the year, versus a budgeted loss of R740 million (€35.8m). SAA (the airline) turned a profit of R31 million…
In April 2023, the share of overseas tourists to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) reached full recovery compared with pre-pandemic levels in April 2019. In April this year, the airport recorded 67 747 tourist arrivals, 87% of whom originated from overseas markets and 13% from the African continent. This is according to the monthly tourism…
Malawi is actively prospecting for investment in tourism-related projects in an effort to increase visitor numbers by rolling out engaging activities at tourism sites. Speaking at the Malawi Investment Forum in Johannesburg on May 24, Malawi’s State President, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, introduced multiple investment opportunities in tourism in the country known as ‘the warm heart…
Sales and marketing representation company, Inspirational Places, has extended its portfolio of luxury hotels and safari lodges with the addition of the new Walkers Plains Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp is set to open on June 25, accommodating 16 guests in six luxury rooms and two family rooms that have two bedrooms each.…
The route will initially offer three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a carefully planned schedule to cater for both leisure and business travellers. The route is between King Mswati III International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. RN 301departs SHO at 10h20 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and arrives in CPT…
Jamala Madikwe, on the South African side of the border with Botswana, will reopen in October following a complete rebuild of its main lodge area after a devastating fire last December. A new building is under construction at the main lodge with a large new triple-volume entrance, new lounge and bar, dining room, ‘sofa safari’ armchair…
Cable car operations at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) will close for two weeks in July to allow for annual maintenance work to be carried out. Cable cars will not be operational between July 24 and August 7. “The safety and comfort of our visitors are very important to us. Our annual maintenance…
Kumbali Country Lodge is especially pleased to invite you to experience the two new features of the property. The Summer House is an enchanting sunlit conservatory that houses an array of vines, potted flora and blossoms interlacing the ceiling. Seating 60 guests, the green house chapel is an inimitable (maybe even magical) place for intimate events.…
The Hideaways team is thrilled to announce the appointment of our new lodge managers at Hideaways Camp Kuzuma in the Chobe Region, Botswana. Please join us in welcoming Arno and Adele, a dynamic duo with a shared passion for Africa and a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. Arno brings a wealth of experience…
A brand new route from Airlink will soon allow travellers to fly direct from Johannesburg to the two main cities of Malawi. Starting in September 2023, Airlink will begin operating flights between Johannesburg and Lilongwe and Blantyre, making Malawi the 16th country to be included in Airlink’s comprehensive route network, reports Travel News. Airlink CEO and MD,…
Classic Africa Safaris is pleased to report on a special offer with One&Only Rwanda. Helicopter transfers are FREE of charge between lodges if staying 3 nights at O&O Nyungwe House and 3 nights at O&O Gorilla Nest applicable for bookings from 01 Oct through 14 Dec 2023 only. Request availability for this special offer in…
With its traditional elegant architecture and furnishings reminiscent of the early 1920s, the hotel would have 75 luxurious residential units. Tanzania has approved a construction of a multi-million-dollar five-star lavish contemporary hotel within the Serengeti National Park, as it seeks to enhance leisure travel. The $18 million, stylish and eye-catching, Lake Magadi Serengeti Hotel, stands…
The legislation is among the most restrictive of its kind in the world and was condemned by Western leaders and the United Nations human rights body. The president of Uganda signed a punitive anti-gay bill on Monday that includes the death penalty, enshrining into law an intensifying crackdown against L.G.B.T.Q. people in the conservative East…
Despite being near extinction in the early ’90s, and thanks to the pioneering work by the conservationist, Philip (Flip) Stander, the desert lions on the Skeleton Coast and in northwest Namibia are now not only surviving, but also breeding and thriving. Numbers have increased from just 20 lions in 1992 to around 100 today and, while…
The number of British Airways flights from London to African gateways has been restored to pre-pandemic levels and the airline is now expanding its services to the continent. BA operates daily flights from Heathrow to Abuja, Accra, Nairobi and Lagos and double-daily services to Johannesburg. It also offers an expanded double-daily service to Cape Town over the city’s summer…
Last week (Thursday, May 25), Kenya Airways successfully undertook the first long-haul commercial flight from Africa to Europe using sustainable aviation fuel produced by Italian oil and gas company Eni, reports airspace-africa.com. The Boeing 787-800b Dreamliner departed on the ground-breaking flight from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Schiphol, fuelled by a blend of JetA1 fuel…
For the first time on record, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust has reported a sighting of an Egyptian vulture, an endangered species that has never before been seen in Malawi. The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to global population and geographic range declines over the last century (BirdLife…
Kumbali Country Lodge is especially pleased to invite you to experience the two new features of the property. The Summer House is an enchanting sunlit conservatory that houses an array of vines, potted flora and blossoms interlacing the ceiling. Seating 60 guests, the green house chapel is an inimitable (maybe even magical) place for intimate events.…
Peermont’s Emperors Palace in Kempton Park opened it’s newest culinary destination on 1 December 2022. Reign replaces the long-standing Aurelia’s Restaurant which closed in July, and establishes a new trendy food destination for lovers of quality cuisine. Reign is a full service destination eatery that offers a contemporary spin on classic dishes that are complicated…
Wellworth Collection is thrilled to announce their participation in the highly anticipated Kili Fair in Arusha, taking place from June 2nd to June 4th. We kindly invite you to visit our stall at T10 & T12 to explore the world of Wellworth Collection and embark on a journey of discovery. At Wellworth Collection, we are…
Registration is open for the APTA Global Forum and FAM trips are now fully rolled out. Many of the APTA Corporate Members are extending special offers for pre and post tours throughout Africa in conjunction with the APTA Global Forum. Offers so far include (click for details and booking info): Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek – Discounted room…
The renowned Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe is getting a fresh new look, with new furniture, soft furnishings and décor across its 72 rooms and central area, which includes the Buffalo Bar and MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant. Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) CEO, Ross Kennedy, said the refurbishment, which should be completed by the end of June, was part of the…
Great Plains Conservation has unveiled a range of upgrades for some of its luxury tented camps in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Mara Nyika Camp has reopened after an upgrade, showcasing its exclusive new two-bedroom Sambuk Suite. The suite has a private entrance and includes the services of a dedicated butler, vehicle, and guide, all included in…
Qatar Airways and Air Seychelles have signed a codeshare agreement. Under the codeshare, Qatar Airways will place its code on Air Seychelles-operated flights between Mahé and Praslin, enabling passengers to continue their journey using a single booking. Currently, Qatar Airways operates a daily flight between Doha and Seychelles International Airport (SEZ). Qatar Airways serves over…
MSC Cruises SA plans to invest a further R30 million (€1.45m) in Durban’s cruise terminal, and expects to see a slight increase in the number of cruise passengers sailing out of the city in the 2023/24 cruise season, according to Ross Volk, MD of MSC South Africa. The cruise line, the only one that currently homeports…
They look wildly different from us but Southern Ground-Hornbills have surprisingly ‘human’ characteristics when it comes to their behaviour. According to Dr Lucy Kemp, this is just one of the reasons that this species is truly remarkable, and she is certainly the expert. “Southern Ground-Hornbills are amazing tourism attractions; they are a flagship umbrella…
It is a sad and difficult time for the family, the tourism industry and the business community in Tanzania. Abbas Moledina, the pillar of Ranger Safaris in Arusha, one of the most successful tour companies in Tanzania, has passed. The astute businessman described as “soft spoken but sharp as a razor “passed away on May 11th…
African Bush Camps is excited to introduce the newest addition to its collection: Atzaro Okavango Camp. Opening March 2024, this ultra-luxury property is ideally situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta in the NG32 area, offering an eco-friendly oasis in the heart of Botswana’s wilderness, and providing a harmonious integration with the natural environment.…
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered between the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and GreenCop Development PTE, Ltd., a Singapore-registered company, will develop the carbon-offset project as they seek to hook a share of the carbon credit billions to bankroll conservation of a territory covering 2.4 million hectares in Southern Tanzania. The voluntary carbon offset project that…
Post-outbreak travel to Africa tourism is rebounding strongly, with key destinations including South Africa experiencing significant visitor growth, outpacing global arrivals in 2023. African tourism was “one of the hardest-hit sectors” during the pandemic, said Patricia de Lille, South Africa’s minister of tourism, speaking at the Africa Travel Indaba conference in Durban, South Africa this past…
Kenya has revised its COVID-19 travel regulations, removing the requirement for all travellers entering the country to show proof of either vaccination or a pre-departure COVID-19 test, with effect from May 9. Now, only travellers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form…
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the island of St Helena’s tourism sector, but since the lifting of restrictions in August 2022, the remote destination has shown strong signs of recovery. Estimates forecasted that the peak tourist demand season for 2022/23 (between October to March) was likely to see around 50% of the number of visitor…
A brand new luxury tented camp, Mara Siana, is poised to open in the newly formed conservancy, Mara Ripoi (just outside Kenya’s famed Masai Mara National Reserve) on June 10. The camp is one of the founding members of the conservancy that was officially established on February 15 this year. The 7 700-hectare Mara Ripoi…