The Rwandan Cabinet has appointed Michaella Rugwizangoga as the new Chief Tourism Officer for the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). She brings a wide range of expertise related to strategic planning, project management and product development to the tourism development team. The Council member of the World Economic Forum has previously served as the CEO of Volkswagen Mobility…
Trade partners in the Victoria Falls region have welcomed the start of a second daily fastjet flight between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, adding much-needed airline seat capacity over peak dates. Fastjet’s extra frequency also replaces some of the capacity lost from South Africa owing to the cancellation of flights by British Airways (operated by Comair),…
FlySafair has revealed plans for expansion, including the addition of eight new aircraft to its fleet (five in the short term). The carrier voiced its hopes too, of more regional routes. Comair’s departure from the market has created a supply vacuum, with about 40% of seat capacity lost overnight. FlySafair says this opens opportunities for…
South African apartheid created a storied past of both struggle and triumph. Ker & Downey shares South Africa’s most famous 20th-century historical sites and where to see them. South African Apartheid From 1948, the system of segregation known to the world as apartheid became far more rigid than it had in years past. However, it was…
The Reimagined Hamiltons Tented Camp – Kruger National Park We are thrilled to announce the extensive redesign of the renowned Hamiltons Tented Camp deep in the heart of the Mluwati Concession of Kruger. Many will know and love the unique position of the luxury tented camp named after the legendary Cl. Stevenson Hamilton (first warden…
Comair, which grounded its British Airways (domestic) and Kulula flights a week ago due to a funding crunch, has failed to raise the cash it needs to return to the air. Its business rescue practitioners said in a statement on Thursday the “requisite funding could not be raised for the company to continue with its…
Newmark Hotels’ Serengeti Sojourn Mobile Camp has announced a new location for its second home. After years of opening in Tanzania’s Lobo region every June, the luxury mobile camp is now making Togoro 1 (there are three camps in the area) its second home base for the month. The Serengeti Sojourn Mobile Camp has a…
By the end of June, the iconic Cape Wheel will move from its current location in front of the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre to a new location offering views of Robben Island and beyond, passing ships moving to and from the Waterfront and the commercial port, while still retaining views of the city bowl and Table…
Fastjet Zimbabwe has introduced a second daily flight between Victoria Falls International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. The flights commenced on June 8 and are operated by a 50-seat Embraer Regional Jet. Flights now depart from Johannesburg at 09h55 and 11h10. The return flights depart from Victoria Falls at 13h00 and 13h20. Fastjet…
After a journey of more than 17 hours and 700 kilometres across Zimbabwe, the first two White rhino to roam Hwange in nearly 20 years are now settling into their new home in the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary bordering the park. Guests staying at Bomani or Camelthorn lodges inside Hwange National Park and on Imvelo’s…
Classic Africa Safaris is pleased to report that Mahogany Springs Lodge in Buhoma, Uganda is undergoing refurbishments and launching a new chalet. The comfortable river-front lodge sits just outside of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the bustling town of Buhoma. Barrie Gotch, managing director, updated CAS this week on the extensive design refurbs that…
Click Here to Register – https://t.e2ma.net/click/gqlvzo/wq078n/01bfovb Session 3: Spring Back to South Africa! Regions covered: Southern Africa Corporate Member Presenters: South Africa Tourism & Springbok Atlas Date: Thursday, June 9th Time: 2PM New York time The APTA Executive Board is excited to host Session 3 of 3 in our Explore Africa Webinar Series. We are thrilled to have Springbok Atlas and South African Tourism join us for this…
Tanzanian authorities have renovated 2 000km of roads in 22 national parks as the country braces for an influx of tourists following the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, says an official. According to reports, Francis Michael, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said the roads were renovated using funds given by…
A new eco-lodge is under construction in Maputo National Park and is on track to open in December. Tourism Manager of the park, Hélsio Azevedo, said the lodge was yet to be officially named and would offer 72 beds, including 24 chalets and self-catering units as well as a beach-front restaurant. There will also be a…
The new, year-round flight from United Airlines to Cape Town supports economic recovery in the Western Cape and will provide much-needed relief to the tourism and hospitality sector in the province, with the New York/Newark-Cape Town route expected to generate R523 million (€31.8m) worth of direct tourism spend within its first year of operation (June…
The Kenya Wildlife Service, which conserves and manages the diverse wildlife of the East African nation, tweeted that yesterday morning (June 7) an extremely rare and special birth happened in Aberdare National Park. Twin baby elephants were safely introduced to the world, bringing the total number of known living sets of elephant twins in the…
The Radisson Hotel Group has debuted the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. The hotel is just five minutes from King Shaka International Airport, and has easy access to several popular beaches. It is within walking distance of the Umhlanga Beach Promenade, and is also close to the Durban ICC, with direct access to the luxury…
The Urban Lusaka is a 75-key boutique hotel set in the diplomatic area where Kabulonga, Leopards Hill and Woodlands meet. Only 30 minutes from Kenneth Kaunda International airport and convenient to Lusaka’s commercial centers, this architecturally exciting property has become an instant Lusaka landmark. Known as an ‘art hotel’, The Urban Hotel features ArtSpace, an…
From spine-tingling wildlife encounters to legendary landscapes and a whole lot of wine, we can’t say enough about South Africa – it really does seem to have it all. With luxury travellers itching for something new, we hosted an exclusive ‘Relaunch South Africa’ trip in March for our US trade partners. Our goal was to showcase…
Over the last 2+ years, the world has changed. Countries, economies, political realities, social structures, and personal opinions on various issues have permanently altered. But one thing has not changed – the basic human desire to travel, to explore, to define the world around us as we live and breathe. We invite you to our…
Comair has announced the abrupt suspension of all its flights, both kulula and British Airways operated by Comair. The suspension took effect yesterday evening (Tuesday, May 31). Sales of tickets on both carriers have also been suspended. The airline says the suspension is in force while it secures additional funding. In a media release issued…
Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife plans to implement several interventions – including reducing the number of visitors and increasing park fees – to curb high season overcrowding in some of its national parks and to encourage travel throughout the year. This is in response to growing concerns regarding the impact that overcrowding of safari vehicles and…
A new airline, KuvaAir – operated by Zimbabwe-based Executive Air – is set to connect tourism destinations in Zimbabwe, and will launch its inaugural Harare-Hwange-Victoria Falls flight on June 1. This is according to reports from Zimbabwe’s state-owned newspaper, The Herald. The Herald reports that KuvaAir will operate flights linking Harare, Kariba, Victoria Falls and Hwange on…
The Kenyan government recently confirmed that by the year 2030, all of its national parks and game reserves will allow non-fossil fuels. All facilities relating to hospitality and tourism will also be required to prioritise renewable energy in a bid for a more sustainable environment. Kenya’s CO2 emissions amounted to roughly 16m tons in 2020,…
After a journey of 17+ hours and 700+ kilometers across Zimbabwe, the first two white rhino to roam Hwange in nearly 20 years are now settling into their new home in the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary bordering the park. The two rhinos, Thuza and Kusasa, were named by two generous donors from a list of…
South African Airways welcomes AVIAWORLD (AVIAREPS JV), a global leader in tourism and airline representation, as their general sales agent in North America. Effective immediately, AVIAREPS will be assuming responsibilities for all sales and marketing representation for South African Airways in the U.S. and Canada. South African Airways, together with AVIAREPS, look forward to continuing…
The Malawian Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has announced that all incoming travellers that are fully vaccinated and have a digital vaccination certificate will no longer be required to produce a COVID-19 PCR certificate to enter the country from June 1. Unvaccinated travellers, or travellers who do not have a valid electronically verifiable COVID-19 full…
The launch of the Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, took place on Sunday (May 22), the International Day for Biodiversity. The South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI) said the official declaration of the Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden was important, as it was the first national botanical…
Ethiopian Airlines is to add a Friday flight from Addis Ababa to São Paulo and Buenos Aires from July 1, reports Simple Flying. The flight currently operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The flights stop at São Paulo before continuing to Buenos Aires. The full schedule is as follows: ET 506 departs Addis Ababa at 10:05…
Discover the iconic safari destinations of Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit, including the baobab dotted Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ngorongoro Crater and an overview of the world-renowned Serenget with this APTA Featured Webinar! https://apta-africa.com/webinars/tanzanias-northern-circuit/
Guests have access to a wider variety of travel options when staying at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort. LAM has begun flying directly between Johannesburg and Vilanculos, with two flights a week, the LAM flights from OR Tambo International Airport to Vilanculos are scheduled to arrive at 13h10. Guests will then be able to take a complimentary…
Uganda Tourism Board and Jinja City Authority have concluded plans to develop Jinja as a gateway tourism city in the Eastern part of Uganda, executives said on May 19. The plans are a result of a meeting held between the UTB, Jinja City Council officials and the Private Sector at the Jinja City Hall under…
2 Crew Operations Auric Air Services Ltd is pleased to announce the introduction of a “2-crew operation” on its entire route network. After operating its fleet of single crew designed C208Bs on single-pilot standard operating procedures for over 170,000 flight hours, covering a distance that could take you around the world 1,180 times, Auric Air…
June is almost here; It’s that time of the year traditionally known as High travel season. International Airports, local Airstrips, hotels and resorts will will get busy again after over two years of no much travel. Over the Years BC (Before Covid), the major items on the checklist as you prepared for travel were a…
Guests who book a minimum of three nights at any Elewana Collection safari property in the Kenya or Tanzania bush and combine it with a three-night stay at Kilindi Zanzibar are entitled to a 25% discount on the Kilindi rates. This extraordinary Bush & Beach Package is available through the year — even during the high season…
Take a break from the city and screens, and dive into the natural playground of Matatane Camp, where your kids can get active and let their imaginations run wild! Matatane Camp is a great weekend getaway where families can shut out the outside world and immerse themselves in magical outdoor experiences. Hiking, game viewing, mountain…
Ever found yourself in a difficult situation looking for reasons as to why you must travel to a particular destination? Ever thought so hard why you should recommend that specific country? One doesn’t need a lot of persuasion or think so hard before choosing Uganda as a destination of choice. Uganda’s based Destination Management Company, Adventure Consults, shares…
PRESS RELEASE New Wild Dog Pack for Mabula JOHANESBURG MAY 16, 2022 – Mabula Private Game Reserve is proud to announce the exciting new wild dog introduction on the reserve. The recent arrival of two male wild dogs in 2021 resulted in great excitement from the Mabula team. A newly formed pack of 4…
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added five countries to its list of Level 3 ‘high risk’ travel destinations for COVID this week. The five new countries are South Africa, Lesotho, Antigua and Barbuda, and Taiwan. South Africa was previously on Level 2 and Lesotho on Level 1. New omicron sub…
Tanzania National Parks’ (TANAPA) recently introduced bicycle tourism saw 27 cyclists reach the top of the 4 566m-high Mount Meru in the north of the country. The cyclists, including both tour operators and tourists, completed their attempt to conquer Africa’s fifth highest mountain in three days. Speaking at the foot of Mount Meru, Albert Mziray, Assistant Commissioner…
Passengers no longer need to take a PCR test prior to their departure for Kigali, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Health over the weekend. A rapid antigen test taken 72 hours before departure is now accepted. Travellers still have to take a second antigen test at their own expense (US$5/R80) on…
Delta Air Lines has announced that it will take its Johannesburg frequency from three to six flights a week, with effect from May 25. A Delta spokesperson told Tourism Update the additional flights had been for sale for some time. “We are seeing significant demand for travel between South Africa and the US from both points of…
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Tourism Board to promote tourism and boost visitor arrivals and inbound traffic to South Africa from key markets across the Emirates network. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 by Badr Abbas, Emirates’…
The luxury travel brand show, We Are Africa – organised by This is Beyond, hosted by the City of Cape Town and headlined by South African Tourism – has drawn approximately 700 people to the DHL Stadium in Cape Town this week. The four day show, which kicked off yesterday, includes participation by 320 exhibitors…
SATSA has received several reports of international travellers, especially travellers arriving from the United States, arriving at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) only to find they have to undergo a rapid antigen test despite showing proof of vaccination. The reason for the test requirement appears to be that most travellers from the US do not have a…
The Kingdom of Eswatini Government and Airlink have agreed to dissolve their joint-venture airline business, Eswatini Airlink, which will cease operations from June 1. Airlink and the Kingdom’s new national carrier, Eswatini Air, will then provide scheduled air services between Johannesburg and King Mswati III International Airport. Eswatini Airlink currently operates multiple daily services between…
Machaba Safaris will open a brand-new classic safari camp, Mana River Camp, in Mana Pools National Park on May 15. The camp is a temporary camp, functioning for seven months of the year, from May to November Mana River Camp occupies the site formerly known as Mwinilunga. It has six classic three-module Sahara Lodge tents…
SANParks has begun its three-year R370m upgrade and refurbishment programme in the Kruger National Park. Funds for the infrastructure upgrade were obtained predominantly from an Infrastructure Development Programme and allocated to SANParks from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. “The decline in tourist revenues under COVID-19 has impacted our revenue but the need to…
Premier Hotel & Resorts recently hosted a ground-breaking ceremony in Thohoyandou to mark the building of the hospitality gourp’s 25th hotel in the portfolio. Tsakani Masia, who attracted the interests of the Premier Hotel & Resorts, is the owner of African Century Group, and the founder of the project, reports Ghanamama. Premier Hotel Thohoyandou, situated in…
Every Easter weekend, thousands of people from around the world flock to the quiet Ghanaian towns of Kwahu and Atibie for a paragliding festival and Easter carnival that residents hope may establish the West African nation as a hub for extreme sports. This year marked the festival’s return to its annual schedule after the Covid-19 pandemic forced…