Marriott plans to open just under 20 hotels in the Middle East and Africa region in 2019, across brands including St Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott and The Autograph Collection. The properties will add over 3,000 rooms to the group’s portfolio, and are part of plans to open 100 hotels and around 26,000 rooms across…
The Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture is working on revolutionalising the tourism industry in Malawi. Director of Tourism, Isaac Katopola, discusses some of the highlights of 2018 and expectations for 2019 with DENIS MZEMBE. Excerpts: What have been some of the major highlights of the tourism industry in Malawi…
The Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) government is set to officially open its own Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Mbabane in May, Times of Swaziland reported. This announcement was made by the Minister of Public Service, Christian Ntshangase during a media press conference held at the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) conference room recently. The multi-million…
The Elewana Collection is delighted to announce that Virginia McKenna will join guests at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje in Meru National Park to celebrate 20 years since the property opened. Special events will take place from the 3rd to 6th July 2019 including dinner under the stars followed by a screening of Born Free, a bush…
From tanzanites to cute travel trinkets, shopping in Cape Town has come along over the last few years. The international inflections and blend of Afro-Euro style is evident in the sophisticated and styled prints, decor items, art, jewels, accessories and clothing. While many designers have found themselves in boutiques around the globe, there is nothing…
“Nyamatusi” –lightly translates to “Wild Game,” this transcends perfectly to its location. Nyamatusi is set in one of the most remote parts of Africa the old untouched landscape of Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. African Bush Camps are proud to announce this wonderful addition to our Mana Pools portfolio which provides a signature alternate for…
Invitation to US Operators and Agents: JOIN BASECAMP EXPLORER ON A JUNE FAM WELCOME TO MARA NABOISHO – HOSTED BY BASECAMP EXPLORER 4-NIGHT/5-DAY TRADE FAM June 16-19, 2019 Basecamp Explorer Kenya will be hosting a trade FAM to its properties in Mara Naboisho Conservancy and the Masai Mara – from June 16-19, 2019.…
June 9 is the start date for Ethiopian’s new nonstops from Washington’s Dulles International (IAD) to Abidjan, with continuing service to Addis Ababa. The new route will be the airline’s second service from the U.S. to Côte d’Ivoire‘s largest city. Ethiopian will operate this route three times a week, on board Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The overnight…
The CEO of South African Tourism, Sisa Ntshona, has been suspended, the board said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. The board is investigating allegations received against Ntshona via its anonymous tip-offs reporting mechanism, the statement said. It did not elaborate on what the allegations were. It said the investigations would be conducted in the…
Cycle Malawi currently have a collection of special offers on their tours and scheduled departures. With day trips such as the Zomba Plateau MTB Day Tour at only $90 per person, and 7-10 Day departures exploring the country from $1470 per person. There is limited availability, so enquire today for further information. Mount Mulanje is a dramatic towering…
Uganda’s newest lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Elephant Plains, is seeking to position itself as a destination for wedding and honeymoon business. Elephant Plains is a brand new luxury lodge located on the most spectacular view point in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perched 941 metres above sea level, high upon the…
Hideaways is offering agents the opportunity to familiarise themselves with its amazing new property Rio Azul. Spend 4 days unwinding after the hustle and bustle of Indaba in a secluded tropical wilderness where you can explore the pristine mangrove forest and blue lagoon surrounding the lodge, while feasting on fresh seafood. Exciting activities such as…
A core part of Jenman African Safaris’ business beliefs is responsible tourism, and part of this is a mission to positively and beneficially engage with the local communities of the areas we travel to. When it comes to the children of those communities we take extra care to ensure that they benefit sustainably from any…
Extraordinary is celebrating 10 years of creating memories this year! Anniversaries are opportunities to recollect our memories and to cherish them again. We are so grateful to have this opportunity to celebrate our milestone with all of you. We all value your loyal support and friendship over the past ten years. It is rightly…
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest Aviation Group in Africa and SKYTRAX certified Four Star Global Airline, is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as the Official Carrier for the 2019 World Press Freedom Day Global Conference to be held in Addis Ababa from May 1-3, 2019. The conference is jointly organized by UNESCO, the…
African Bush Camps annual guides training took place last month, at Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park. African Bush Camps founder Beks Ndlovu, himself a professional guide for over 23 years was on site to formally welcome and thank his colleagues and good friends. Beks and Africa Bush Camps have long acknowledged the need for sustained…
It has been more than two weeks since the tragic crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302. The heartbreak for the families of the passengers and crew who perished will be lasting. This has forever changed their lives, and we at Ethiopian Airlines will feel the pain forever. We pray that we all continue to find strength…
Zimbabwe’s biggest tourism expo, the annual Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo (SHWTE), is predicted to see even greater numbers than last year. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has announced that the expo will take place from September 12 to 14 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds in Bulawayo, and will showcase a wide variety of…
Tongole Wilderness Lodge is excited to finally be within the fenced sanctuary area of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve (NKKWR). The fence was initially erected by African Parks to ensure a safe and controlled release of the 500 elephants and other wildlife that was translocated from Liwonde and Majete to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in 2016 and 2017. The fence line…
We are extremely proud of the work done in the Randelin WMA. The WMA (Wildlife Management Areas) concept provides communities with economic benefits and the Tarangire ecosystem is expanded for the wildlife. Protecting these areas are essential to the conservation of our wildlife and working with the communities within Tarangires is the key to its…
Madagascar still remains a bit of a mystery to the rest of the world, but not to us. Jenman African Safaris have been the Madagascar experts for many years now and we know it’s an incredible destination for the adventurous traveller. So to help agents learn more about the country, understand its unique allure and…
Hideaways CEO Katja Quasdorf has been invited to give a talk at WTM about a subject very dear to our hearts: Combining forces in the pursuit of the greater good! In fact, she has since adopted the neologism ‘co-opetition’ – the practice of business competitors putting aside their rivalries in the spirit of selfless cooperation,…
“Almost every successful endeavor begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and we have the power to make it so.” – David Brooks Somalisa Camp has been nominated for Zimbabwe’s Leading Tented Safari Camp 2019 at the World Travel Awards and we need your help to win! We’ve created countless lifetime…
Elewana Afrochic works hand in hand with Diani Turtle watch to help the species thrive. We currently have four nests in our hatching grounds with a total of 398 eggs expected to hatch around Easter time. Stay tuned for updates as we work to save these endangered species. Come and stay with us at Elewana…
AirKenya will launch flights between the Maasai Mara and Entebbe, Uganda, starting June 1, via Kisumu for immigration purposes. AirKenya Reservations Manager, Catherine Kimwele, told Tourism Update that the flights would be daily, “initially starting with a Grand Caravan (11-seater), and will progress to an 18 or 50-seater, depending on the loads”. The flight will depart the Maasai…
Most of the wildlife in Kenya lives outside of government parks and reserves, so it is critical to work with communities that are sharing land and resources with the wildlife that we want to protect. To better understand the ways that people are interacting with and perceiving leopards, in June 2017 a collaborative partnership between…
Vineyard Global Appointed US Representative for Basecamp Explorer Kenya March, 2019 Vineyard Global, a boutique PR and Marketing firm headquartered in Boston has been appointed to represent Basecamp Explorer Kenya’s five properties in the Masai Mara Reserve area. With the opening of its newest luxury lodge, Leopard Hill in the exclusive Mara Naboisho Conservancy, in…
Known as “the warm heart of Africa” for many reasons, Malawi is brimming with opportunity and generosity, just begging to be discovered by the outside world. Largely untouched by modern-day tourism, Malawi is an incredibly diverse, welcoming nation well worth exploring. After you’ve gone on a Big 5 Safari and explored Africa’s Greatest Lake, dive deeper into Malawi with our…
As Sierra Leone honours the work of Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country last week, there are major changes being made by the government to seriously position the country as a ‘must visit’ tourist destination. The Order of…
Back to basics is the theme for African Bush Camps latest addition, Linyanti Expeditions opening early May. The new camp keeps in style with our other expedition style camps. Going back to basics strengthens the foundation of an authentic safari, submerged into what is purely Africa. The basics are not a compromise on comfort or…
Following the recent announcement of managerial changes at Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the new Chief Executive Officer, Lilly Ajarova and Deputy Bradford Ochieng have officially assumed office. Ajarova, who replaces Stephen Asiimwe, was until recently the Executive Director at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Ochieng who replaces John Ssempebwa has hitherto served…
Sierra Leone honored Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country this past week, with three major announcements – first, bestowing the country’s highest honors on Dr Jane Goodall; second, the announcement of changes in the visa policy to allow…
Loisaba Conservancy is a hub for cutting-edge conservation efforts throughout Laikipia, such as the Citizen Science initiative, which records sightings of certain animals using SMART technology installed on a tablet, which each vehicle is equipped with for guests to get involved and the LionLandscapes collaring for coexistance program, is another. This innovative method helps human…
February/March is calving season – a period when wildebeest, zebra, and other migratory animals give birth to their offspring. Once the calves are born, the herds don’t move much. The chance of witnessing a wildebeest birth is high. Predator interaction is also very likely, as lion and leopard move into the region to prey on…
In December, Seychelles North Island resort will join the Marriott International portfolio of properties through a franchise agreement, following which it will be operating as ‘North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort’. North Island will join over 100 hotels and resorts across 35 countries in The Luxury Collection portfolio – but will be the first hotel…
The Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest and most prestigious decoration, is awarded to those in Sierra Leone who have made valuable contributions to the country. The award was presented to Dr. Goodall on February 27th in recognition of her diligent and committed work to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the conservation of the…
Satemwa Tea Estate, located in the Thyolo region of South Malawi, has been nominated as one of Africa’s most dynamic growth businesses by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), in the second edition of the London Stock Exchange Group’s Companies to inspire Africa 2019. Satemwa has been in operation since the early 1920’s, and in the…
Ethiopian Airlines, the Largest Aviation Group in Africa and SKYTRAX Certified Four Star Global Airline, is pleased to announce to its valued customers worldwide that it has taken delivery of its first B737-800 freighter, the first of its kind in the Ethiopian Cargo fleet mix, on March 1, 2019. Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr.…
KLM has announced that, due to operational issues, 10 of its scheduled flights between Amsterdam and Nairobi will be operated by Kenya Airways between March 4 and 14. The 10 KLM-operated flights (KL566 and KL565) using a B747-400, will be operated by Kenya Airways using a Boeing 787-8. THE Kenya Airways flight numbers are KQ194…
Botswana has committed to join the Kavango-Zambezi (Kaza) uni-visa system, which will expedite the movement of tourists between the country and other Kaza members, Zimbabwe and Zambia. “The two Presidents [Zimbabwe and Botswana] welcomed Botswana’s decision to consider joining the Kaza uni-visa system, as it will assist in the promotion of tourism among the countries…
The narrow valleys and lush, steep slopes of southwestern Uganda are home to the legendary mountain gorillas – half the world’s population live here in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (the remainder live in neighboring Rwanda and the Congo). Mount Elgon national park in Uganda. GETTY IMAGES The aptly named 128-square-mile national park at the edge of the…
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) and the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association (RTTA) have agreed to jointly market the two countries as complementary destinations in a bid to provide tourists with an array of adventure experiences. TATO CEO, Sirili Akko, said the main objective of the partnership was to encourage tourists to increase their…
Tragedy can send a person spinning downward, and inward. Or the centrifugal forces can release them outward, into new endeavors. In the last seven years, Crystal Dyer has lost both her grandson, Devin, to gang violence and her own son, Christoph, through an accidental death. Instead of allowing these events to deter her spirit and…
We are delighted to announce the opening of our 3 new Luxury Safari properties, Ole Serai Luxury Camp – Kuro, Serengeti Lake Magadi Lodge, and Ole Serai Luxury Camp – Seronera that are set to open in June and March respectively. They are perfect for both a short or long stay. All the properties are…
The Government of Botswana is at a crossroads on whether to lift the ban placed on elephant hunting in 2014, or leave it in place. A report submitted by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue, which was commissioned by Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has put forward the recommendation that the ban be…
Sierra Leone will welcome Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country, February 27 to March 1st where, 27 years ago, she was instrumental in the founding of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The three-day visit highlights the emerging conservation movement…
Shanga by Elewana Collection has been selected as one of 3 finalists for the ‘Investing in People’ Tourism for Tomorrow Awards from the World Travel & Tourism Council. Shanga is a social enterprise based in Arusha Tanzania that trains and employs people with disabilities to produce high quality handmade craft items – glass blowing, beading…
Mara Nyika, a sister camp to Mara Plains, is the newest edition to the Great Plains Conservation family of camps in Kenya. Mara Nyika opens in August 2019 in the Naboisho Conservancy just in time for the migration! More about Mara Nyika This intimate four tent camp is set in a valley, straddling a small…
In July, Rovos Rail will introduce a new 15-day expedition through Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. This will be the first time in history that a passenger train will travel the famous east-to-west copper trail. Rovos Rail Communications Manager, Brenda Vos-Fitchet says this inaugural voyage sets off on July 16 from Dar es…
