Norse Atlantic Airways, a Norwegian low-cost, long-haul airline, is launching new seasonal flights between London Gatwick and Cape Town, its first African destination. Starting on October 28, 2024, Norse Atlantic will offer three flights a week in a fleet of modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering Economy and Norse Premium cabins. Passengers can choose from various fares, including Light, Classic, and Flextra, with different baggage allowances, meal services, and ticket flexibility.
This new service provides another direct flight option from London to Cape Town, joining British Airways and Virgin Atlantic on this popular route. Norse Atlantic's fares are competitively priced, including a very affordable option with reduced in-flight service, including only a single non-alcoholic drink. ‘We are thrilled to introduce our new route between London and Cape Town. By breaking the duopoly on this route, we are not only expanding travel options for consumers but also driving down costs and putting the customer back in the pilot’s seat,’ said Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO and Founder of Norse Atlantic Airways.
Qatar Airways is increasing its flight frequency to Entebbe, Uganda, from 1 August to 30 September to meet rising summer demand. The airline will operate 11 weekly flights between Doha and Entebbe, up from the current daily service. Hendrik du Preez, Vice President for Africa, emphasised the improved connectivity for passengers travelling from global destinations to Uganda and the airline's commitment to enhancing air connectivity across Africa. This expansion is part of Qatar Airways' strategy to tap into Africa's growing market potential, with recent new offerings serving Kinshasa, Abidjan, and Harare. The airline now operates 180 weekly flights to various African destinations, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the continent's aviation sector growth.
Primate trekking is Uganda's most popular drawcard, from trekking to the mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest and the Golden Monkeys of Mgahinga National Park, amongst a host of other primate species. Uganda is also home to excellent national parks and beautiful Rift Valley lakes. Jinja, on the shores of Lake Victoria, near the source of the Nile River, is Uganda's adventure capital offering world-class white-water rafting and a host of other adventure activities.
Uganda national carrier, Uganda Airlines, has successfully acquired slots at London Gatwick Airport, a major hub in South London, following the completion of ICAO safety audits.
Securing slots at London's major airports has historically been challenging due to high demand and limited availability. They had initially obtained slots at Heathrow but lost them after delays in clearance from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency. Safety audits have now been completed. The Uganda High Commission in London has confirmed that the airline will launch direct flights to London later this year.
Uganda Airlines celebrates its 5th Anniversary in August this year and is pushing to expand its route network and modernise its fleet. The second phase of its network development strategy starts with the launch of new flights to Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, starting in September 2024.
Flights to Abuja, Nigeria, will begin on 12 September, on an A330-800 aircraft flying twice weekly. This supplements current services to Lagos, Nigeria.
The airline will also begin 4 weekly flights to Lusaka, Zambia, and Harare, Zimbabwe. This route will begin on 25 September on CRJ-900 aircraft. They will operate 4 times weekly in a triangular pattern: Entebbe-Lusaka-Harare and Entebbe-Harare-Lusaka, ultimately returning to Entebbe.
The new services are part of Uganda Airlines' 10-year strategy to connect East, West, North, and South Africa. The new routes join the airline's existing destinations, including Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Juba, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Zanzibar. With the expansion, the airline takes on Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Ethiopian Airlines, who have long controlled the airways from their hubs in Nairobi, Kigali, and Addis Ababa. In the last phase of the project, Uganda Airlines will expand its presence across Europe and Asia, with the Gatwick slots as the first step.
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Meanwhile, AirKenya Express has unveiled the new Arrivals Terminal at Wilson Airport. Wilson Airport is the Nairobi Airport serving regional destinations. The new terminal features a spacious baggage retrieval area and luxurious washrooms. The state-of-the-art private Passenger Departure Lounge offers the best start to a Kenya Fly-in Safari.
South African low-cost carrier, FlySafair, is adding two Boeing 737-800 NGs to its fleet to meet high market demand and rising December travel bookings in South Africa. This expansion will increase the airline's daily flight capacity by 12 to 14 flights, with the first aircraft entering service in September and the second in November. The new planes, each adding 189 seats per flight, will likely bolster routes within South Africa's Golden Triangle of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. This addition will bring FlySafair's total fleet to 36 aircraft, aiming to keep air travel affordable for South Africans and support family connections and domestic tourism.
FlySafair has also launched a new twice-weekly route to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit, the gateway to the Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger Safari area, from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Flights started on 2 August.
This new route, along with the existing service between Cape Town and Nelspruit, facilitates much easier access for international tourists to prime wildlife destinations like Kruger National Park and the private reserves that surround it. FlySafair’s interline partners: KLM, Air France, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air Seychelles, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Proflight (Zambia) and Condor can integrate this offering for their clients.
Regional airline, Airlink, is boosting flights to Zimbabwe with an increase in its direct Durban-Harare service to provide a daily return flight from 7 August 2024 in its modern 44-seat Embraer E140 Regional Jets. The aircraft offers a choice of aisle or window seats – they do not have middle seats.
“We are going daily on the route in response to our customers’ positive reaction to the convenience and great value of our direct service on this route. It is an appealing combination that promotes business, trade, tourism and travel between the two key cities and enhances the economic competitiveness of the regions they support,” said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.
Fastjet Zimbabwe is a low-cost carrier operating under the Fastjet brand, alongside Fastjet Tanzania. The airline has expanded to offer twice-daily flights on weekends between Harare and Bulawayo to meet domestic demand. Its Harare-Kariba route is currently suspended due to seasonal demand, but Fastjet is considering future local tourism opportunities in the country.
Fastjet Zimbabwe operates a fleet of 5 50-seater ERJ145 Embraer aircraft and currently also provides double daily flights on the ever-popular cross-border routes, between Victoria Falls & Johannesburg, as well as daily services to Kruger in South Africa from Victoria Falls. This allows for a great combination of two of Southern Africa's top destinations, Victoria Falls and Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger.
South African Airways (SAA) has resumed its codeshare partnership with Brazil's Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, effective immediately. This renewed agreement, which was on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, now includes flights between Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Rio de Janeiro, as well as domestic routes in both nations. The partnership allows SAA to code-share on over 20 Gol-operated flights within Brazil
TAAG Angola Airlines, the state-owned airline and flag carrier of Angola, will significantly increase its flight frequency to South Africa starting 4 September 2024. It is adding 3 extra flights per week from Cape Town and 2 additional flights from Johannesburg to Angola's capital city, Luanda.
This scheduled update is designed to address growing demand and enhance connectivity between South Africa and Angola. Angola is one of the 5 Southern African nations — Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — participating in the regional visa scheme of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. At the heart of the area, the Kavango river system forms the lifeblood of the Okavango Delta, after rising in the Angola highlands.
Kenya's private safari aviation company, Governors' Aviation, has announced that it is expanding its services by offering private charter flights to popular wildlife destinations across East Africa. Travellers can enjoy increased convenience and flexibility with private cross-border charters from Kenya to neighbouring Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. New routes will include flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Musoma and Serengeti in Tanzania, Kigali in Rwanda, and Entebbe in Uganda, as well as from Masai Mara and Kisumu to these destinations. All routes can be customized to meet clients' preferences and itineraries.
Lanseria International Airport, a privately owned international airport conveniently situated northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, is also scheduled for a major upgrade project worth over a billion rand (approximately £40 million). In the face of growing demand for air travel in Southern Africa, the upgrade is aimed at enhancing Lanseria's capacity and attracting more airlines and international visitors through its doors. Work begins this year and is expected to be completed by 2031.
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The Masai Mara National Reserve is witnessing a surge in tourism as the annual wildebeest migration gets underway, with hotels reporting up to 95% occupancy. The peak season, which runs from July to September, draws millions of wildebeest crossing from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park into Kenya's Maasai Mara, creating the spectacle that attracts thousands of international and local tourists eager to witness what is often dubbed the world’s eighth wonder.
The recent floods in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti caused disruptions such as the temporary closure of the Oloololo Gate and damage to camps along the Mara River, including Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Governors’ Camp. Flooded roads and bridges complicated access to popular viewing spots, while high water levels delayed the wildebeest crossings, leading to unusual animal concentrations at certain riverbanks. Despite these challenges, lodges quickly initiated recovery efforts to accommodate tourists during the peak migration season. Masai Mara Reserve management expects over 100,000 tourists this year, with Chief Park Warden Stephen Minis noting a significant increase in visitor numbers in recent weeks.
As a result of the recent floods, the wet conditions have made the Mara River uncrossable and this has affected balloon safaris in Serengeti National Park at the regular balloon launch site, Kogatende. The balloon safari company has secured an alternative balloon launch site, the Lamai Wedge, which is more easily accessible as it lies north of the river. Shared flights are available for groups of 6 and private charters are on request. However, Serengeti Balloon Safaris said: “When the crossing is open, we still recommend and ask that all northern Serengeti guests (including those staying in the Lamai Wedge) fly from our normal launch site (Kogatende) on the south bank of the river for the best overall flight path”.
A Spanish tourist was tragically killed by a herd of elephants at Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa recently, after leaving his vehicle to take photographs. Authorities reported that the 43-year-old man was attacked as he approached a herd of elephants which included young calves. Rangers frequently warn that elephants are very protective of their offspring and often respond angrily when they perceive a threat to youngsters. Piet Nel, acting chief conservation officer for North West Parks and Tourism Board, emphasised that visitors to Pilanesberg are explicitly warned against leaving their vehicles while in the park, and are even required to acknowledge these rules in writing. “In some cases, people are oblivious to the dangers in the parks,” Nel said. "We must remember that you are entering a wild area.”
A young giraffe with a severely deformed neck has been photographed in Kruger National Park, sparking widespread interest and concern. The giraffe, whose neck appears zigzagged, was first spotted by travel blogger Lynn Scott during a wildlife tour in a private game reserve within the park. Scott shared the images on Facebook on July 5, though the exact location and date of the sighting were withheld to protect the animal from potential poachers. Speculation about the giraffe's condition has led to various theories, including the possibility of a broken neck. However, experts, including Sara Ferguson, a veterinarian and conservation health coordinator at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, have cautioned against jumping to conclusions without more evidence. Ferguson suggested that the giraffe might be suffering from severe torticollis, a condition that can cause the neck to twist abnormally, rather than a broken neck. Further investigation, such as radiographs to check for broken bones, would be necessary to confirm the exact nature of the giraffe's condition.
On the subject of giraffe necks … Giraffes fight by engaging in a behaviour known as "necking," where they swing their long necks and use their heavy heads to deliver powerful blows to each other. These battles, typically between males competing for dominance or mating rights, can be intense, with the giraffes using their necks like sledgehammers to strike their opponent's body and legs.
On July 18, 2024, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement to establish the ZIMOZA Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) at the State House in Harare. The agreement marks a significant step in regional conservation efforts. Spanning over 39,165 km², the ZIMOZA TFCA includes areas in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia, and aims to enhance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and economic development. Zimbabwe will initially coordinate the TFCA for the first two years, with Mozambique and Zambia taking turns in subsequent years. The initiative is expected to boost conservation efforts and stimulate tourism growth across the region.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced significant upgrades to accommodation facilities in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a remote desert reserve between South Africa and Namibia. The project will see the refurbishing of chalets at Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp, the main entry point on the South African side, and the more secluded Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp. Despite the renovations, SANParks assures visitors that booked accommodations will remain unaffected, with the upgrades aimed at enhancing the visitor experience in this culturally significant and visually striking cross-border conservation area. The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, spans South Africa and Namibia and captivates visitors with its dramatic desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and stark beauty. This remote reserve is home to desert-adapted wildlife such as Hartmann's mountain zebra and gemsbok, and holds cultural significance for local Nama communities. The park’s minimal development and vast, arid expanses offer an adventurous and tranquil escape, perfect for 4x4 driving, hiking, and stargazing. Its unique combination of natural grandeur and cultural heritage makes it a compelling destination for those seeking an immersive desert experience.
This 10-day Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana Safari offers exceptional value and authentic wildlife safari experiences in diverse settings. It is ideal for mature travellers, allowing for deeper immersion in the natural surroundings without the rush.
Discover awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, experiencing it from both the Zimbabwe & Zambia banks of the Zambezi River, and choose from a host of activities on offer, at a pace that suits you. Unwind on scenic boat cruises along both the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, a perfect way to get up close to Africa's fascinating birds and animals. Stay at comfortable 4-star safari lodges and enjoy premium game viewing as you settle into the safari routine. Spend 3 nights in Zimbabwe's renowned Hwange National Park and witness the untouched beauty and vibrant life of this celebrated park. Next, stay at Chobe National Park in Botswana renowned for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife. This is a top southern Africa safari on a budget, ideal for mature travellers!
Explore South Africa's stunning Garden Route on this new 6-Day South African Safari - Cape Town, Oudtshoorn & Garden Route Tour and discover its quaint destinations.
Starting and ending in Cape Town, begin your journey along popular and scenic Route 62, the country's longest wine route! Explore Barrydale, known for its historic charm and vibrant arts scene, and sip on world-class port in Calitzdorp. In Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital, see the ostrich mansions and marvel at the stunning Cango Caves with their ancient stalactites. Traverse the scenic Prince Alfred’s Pass through the Tsitsikamma Forests, rich with birdlife and ancient trees. In Knysna, relax on a lagoon cruise, sup on oysters, explore shops & art galleries, or visit the Motorcycle Museum on Thesen Island. Step back in time at Mossel Bay’s Bartholomew Dias Museum, home to the iconic Post Office tree. Swellendam, South Africa's third oldest town, offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, while Arniston captivates with its turquoise waters, brightly painted fishing boats and a colossal sea cave. Stand at the southernmost tip of Africa in Cape Agulhas National Park and seek out Africa's Big 5 at a private Garden Route Game Reserve. End your adventure in Hermanus, the ultimate spot for whale watching.
This new 5-Day South African Safari - Kruger, Makalali & Panorama Route - is an affordable South African Safari that takes you from Johannesburg to the iconic Kruger National Park. You'll spend 2 nights at a Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park. The adventure continues at the breathtaking Makalali Private Game Reserve, where you'll stay at a beautifully located riverside safari lodge and enjoy guided 4x4 game drives in open game-viewing vehicles. On the way back, you'll explore the scenic Panorama Route and spend a night at a charming hotel in Graskop before returning to Johannesburg.
The highlight of this tour is the Makalali Private Game Lodge, an exciting new safari destination that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Africa. Situated on a 26,000-hectare conservancy near the Drakensberg Mountains, Makalali is renowned for its unique design and commitment to ecotourism. With its thatched spires, earthy walls, and Pan-African cuisine, the lodge offers a warm and authentic experience amidst the untamed bushveld. Home to a great diversity of animals, including the Big Five and the critically endangered African wild dog, Makalali provides an unforgettable safari experience.
The Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (CRCI) in Zimbabwe is expanding with the upcoming launch of a second community sanctuary. This initiative successfully relocated 2 white rhinos to the Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary in 2022. The programme not only reintroduces rhinos but also provides significant social benefits to local communities, such as funding the operation of the Ngamo Clinic. The new Mlevu Sanctuary, located near Ngamo, is set to welcome 2 more rhinos in September 2024, furthering these conservation and community engagement efforts.
The CRCI is unique in that it reintroduces rhinos onto communal land rather than in government or private reserves, directly benefiting local communities through employment, education, and revenue from tourism. The first sanctuary at Ngamo has already become a popular destination for international visitors and local school children, with the rhinos protected around the clock by trained Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts from nearby villages. Additionally, the sanctuary’s high-tech fencing not only safeguards the rhinos but also helps prevent problematic wildlife from encroaching on local villages, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Looking ahead, a third rhino sanctuary is planned, with the ultimate goal of consolidating these community sanctuaries into a larger conservancy that will include land from Hwange National Park. This expanded protected area aims to support a viable population of free-roaming white and black rhinos and other wildlife, while also creating a self-sustaining buffer zone around the park that benefits both the environment and the surrounding communities.
National Geographic reports that Edward Ndiritu, who leads the anti-poaching unit at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in central Kenya, has implemented a community-focused approach that has dramatically reduced poaching rates. Since joining the conservancy as a rhino monitor in 1996, Ndiritu has witnessed the dramatic decline of Kenya's black rhino population from 20,000 in 1970 to fewer than 300. His strategy involves engaging local communities by providing agricultural training, medical facilities, and business support, which encourages locals to help prevent poaching. Ndiritu has also integrated advanced technology, such as cameras, sensors, and a Domain Awareness System, to anticipate and thwart poaching attempts. This comprehensive approach has been highly effective, with no rhinos killed by poachers in Lewa since 2020.
Emphasising the importance of community involvement and ranger welfare, Ndiritu’s innovative methods earned him the inaugural Wildlife Ranger Award from Tusk in 2015. Despite ongoing challenges like sophisticated poaching networks and funding issues, he remains hopeful about the future of wildlife conservation in Lewa and beyond.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reports a significant reduction in rhino poaching within the parks of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa following the implementation of a dehorning program in April. Before this initiative, the region experienced a troubling average of 30 to 40 rhino poaching incidents per month. Since the dehorning began, this figure has dropped to approximately 5 per month from May to July, demonstrating the effectiveness of the measure in protecting these endangered animals.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received a significant boost in its conservation efforts recently with the donation of 6 drones from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). They were presented by UNDP representative Nwanneakolam Vwede-Obahor to Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, Tom Butime. These state-of-the-art drones are expected to enhance real-time aerial surveillance, improve monitoring of remote areas, and aid in tracking animal migration and habitat health.
VulPro@Shamwari has celebrated a groundbreaking achievement with the birth of the first-ever Cape vulture and white-backed vulture chicks in captivity in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Hatching in June and July, these chicks mark a significant milestone for VulPro's mission to protect and restore vulture populations. As Africa's only vulture conservation organisation, VulPro is leading efforts in population restocking and supplementation to combat the decline of vulture species, with plans to release these birds at Shamwari Game Reserve, where they will be equipped with tracking devices.
A collaborative effort in Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago has led to the successful restoration of a coral reef affected by coral bleaching and environmental damage. Launched in 2021, the conservation initiative involves local islanders working with the non-profit Africa Foundation. Islanders trained as conservation rangers have created underwater nurseries to grow and replant coral fragments, significantly improving reef health and establishing artificial reefs to support marine life. The restoration project has achieved impressive results, with 80% coverage restored on Mnemba Island's "house reef." Additional measures, including limiting visitor numbers, increasing tourist fees, and suspending fishing around the reef, have further aided recovery. These actions have led to decreased illegal fishing practices and increased local knowledge of sustainable methods, benefiting both fishermen and eco-tourism.
Encouraged by the success, the Zanzibar government plans to expand the restoration efforts to other threatened areas. Project coordinator Bakari Jaha highlights the vital connection between sea conditions and coral health, hoping the Zanzibar model will serve as an example for global coral conservation. The project demonstrates a successful blend of community involvement and sustainable tourism in protecting and restoring marine ecosystems.
Kenya's Baringo County is experiencing a tourism boom as millions of flamingos, including thousands of young birds, have migrated to Lake Bogoria after a successful breeding season at Tanzania's Lake Natron. The migration, which typically occurs between June and July, has led to a surge in visitor numbers coinciding with the peak tourism season. The lake's senior warden, James Kimaru, reports that the flamingos' migration pattern has remained consistent for seven years, with the birds spending several months in Kenya before returning to Tanzania.
Local accommodations are currently fully booked for the next two months, prompting plans for expansion with additional rooms and tented camps. The influx of flamingos has increased the lake's profile, surpassing Lake Nakuru in flamingo populations due to rising water levels and pollution there. Kimaru highlights the successful breeding season and the positive impact on tourism, as the birds' arrival and extended stay in Kenya coincide with the peak tourist period.
South African National Parks (SANParks) is facilitating the protection of the last remaining remnant of critically endangered Knysna Sand Fynbos (KSF), in collaboration with landowners and several local conservation organisations.
Fynbos is a unique and diverse plant biome found in South Africa's Cape Floristic Region, characterised by its shrubland and heathland vegetation. Renowned for its high biodiversity, with many endemic species, it is adapted to the region’s unique Mediterranean climate. Knysna Sand Fynbos is a specific type of fynbos found along the coastal areas of South Africa’s Garden Route, characterised by its adaptation to sandy soils. This rare and critically endangered vegetation type features a diverse array of plant species, including proteas, ericas, and restios.
The Western Heads-Goukamma Conservancy (WHGC) was established in 2004 and covers a crucial area of the Knysna Sand Fynbos, which once spanned 15,000 hectares along the Garden Route coast but now only exists in 1,478 hectares due to agricultural, commercial, and developmental pressures. This region is also vital for both biodiversity and the hydrological health of the Knysna Estuary, which supports nature-based tourism and the local economy of the town of Knysna which has grown rapidly in the past decade. Conservation challenges include habitat fragmentation, inappropriate development, pollution, uncontrolled fires, and invasive plant species, exacerbated by climate change. The devastating 2017 Knysna fires severely affected the vegetation.
To address these threats, the WHGC has secured funding from the Table Mountain Fund to enhance conservation efforts, such as securing land and making agreements with private landowners, community structures such as Communal Property Associations (CPAs) and occupiers of state-owned communal land for voluntary biodiversity stewardship and invasive plant eradication.
Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is temporarily closed for its annual essential maintenance. As part of its commitment to global safety standards, the Table Mountain Cableway will receive a thorough inspection to ensure compliance with international best practices and equipment specifications to ensure its continued safety and reliability. While the closure may inconvenience visitors, the 7-week shutdown is scheduled during the quieter winter season to minimise disruption for tourists. Normal operations will resume on 1 September 2024.
Popular Cape Town venue, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, has just debuted its first amphibious 'Waterfront Duck' bus. This dual-function vehicle is designed for land and sea tours around the expansive waterfront district. Inspired by similar attractions in Boston, the 'Waterfront Duck' was conceived by Keith Lindsay in 2008, combining bus and boat capabilities to take visitors on the ride of their life, while showcasing the area's history and marine ecology. This ambitious project is poised to become a permanent, iconic activity for both locals and tourists in Cape Town.
In July 2024, UNESCO recognized several new World Heritage Sites in Africa, reflecting the continent's diverse cultural and historical significance.
Among the additions is the 'Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites' in South Africa, consisting of 14 locations integral to the country’s struggle for human rights and the anti-apartheid movement. Key sites include the Union Buildings in Pretoria, sites associated with the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa when police opened fire on a peaceful protest against apartheid's pass laws, and The Great Place at Mqhekezweni, a centre of Xhosa political and cultural life. The sites collectively honour Nelson Mandela’s role in the country's reconciliation and political transformation.
Another significant inclusion is Melka Kunture and Balchit in Ethiopia, located in the Upper Awash Valley. These archaeological sites, dating back 2 million years, offer crucial insights into early human evolution, including fossils of Homo erectus and archaic Homo sapiens, and the adaptation of early hominids to high-altitude environments during the Pleistocene epoch. The findings include ancient tools and remains that shed light on prehistoric human activities and adaptations.
Also included were the Historic Ruins of Gedi located in Kilifi County on the coast of Kenya, roughly 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Mombasa. Dating from the 10th to 17th centuries, Gedi was a prominent Swahili trade centre with sophisticated urban planning and unique water management systems. The site includes well-preserved structures like the great mosque, palace, and pillar tombs, showcasing the architectural and cultural achievements of the Swahili civilization.
Adventure Travel Company, Adrift, has been officially accepted as the first Associate member of the International Rafting Federation (IRF) from Uganda. This marks a significant milestone for the company, known for its safety in rafting on the River Nile.
Uganda offers some of the world’s premier white-water rafting experiences, on the Nile River near Jinja. The region is renowned for its exhilarating rapids, ranging from Grade 3 to heart-pounding Grade 5, providing an adrenaline-pumping adventure for both novice and experienced rafters. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and lush scenery, the Nile's powerful currents and challenging drops make it a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers.
The IRF aims to enhance and unify rafting worldwide, maintaining and promoting the practice and development of rafting, both competitive and recreational. The new affiliation strengthens Adrift's standing in the global rafting community and ensures the highest standards for rafting trips on the River Nile in Uganda.
Tours visiting Jinja & the Nile:
Tanzania’s Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources has mandated that all tourism-related fees be paid in local Tanzanian shillings from now on. This new policy, effective immediately, applies to a variety of services including visitor fees, filming permits, and business licenses, which were previously charged in US dollars. This directive follows Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba’s recent ban on dollar transactions for local payments, aimed at stabilizing the Tanzanian shilling. Tanzania National Parks implemented this policy on 1 July 2024. Tourists are now advised to exchange foreign currency for shillings to facilitate these transactions. This is a significant shift in Tanzania’s tourism sector, which has traditionally required dollars for all these transactions. Digital payments are converted to Tanzanian shillings using the Bank of Tanzania's exchange rate.
South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelethini will attend this year’s Umthetho Cultural Festival held in the Mzimba District of Malawi from 3 August. The event celebrates and preserves the rich heritage and traditions of the Ngoni people who are dispersed across Southern Africa. Held annually at Malawi's Hora Mountain, the festival attracts participants from South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, fostering cultural exchange and unity amongst the Ngoni diaspora. It not only honours Ngoni cultural practices, such as traditional dances, feasts, and rituals but also serves as a platform to address pressing issues of the day.
This year’s event is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the reign of Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mmbelwa V. The festival, themed "Uniting Against Climate Change Under the Decade of His Majesty Mmbelwa V," will feature traditional dances, feasts, and discussions on environmental issues. Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera will also attend. The event underscores the importance of cultural unity and environmental sustainability in the region, emphasizing both celebration and activism.
Lions symbolise strength, courage, power, royalty, protection, pride, authority, majesty and wisdom. They used to roam freely across most of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. However, as human populations developed and expanded, lions have gradually been confined to smaller and smaller habitats. Today, populations of wild African lions are limited to major African parks where there is enough food for these majestic predators, as well as sufficient land for them to roam.
While all lions in Africa are the same species (Pantera Leo), not all lion safari destinations are equal. While you can see these apex predators in Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, different destinations promise different kinds of African lion safari sightings. Read our recent article to learn more.
OppiPanne is a unique music festival set on the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana, billed as the world's most spacious festival offering a family and environmentally-friendly experience. Located 38km southwest of Nata, this adventurous destination kicks off with a Thursday afternoon party in the beer tent. Friday features a "Dress-up" theme with English and alternative music, while Saturday focuses on Afrikaans tunes. Attendees camp under the stars or stay at nearby lodges. The festival also supports nature conservation and local communities.
Ashenda is a vibrant women's festival celebrated in Tigray, Ethiopia, around the third week of August, with similar festivities in Lalibela and northern Wollo. Originally marking the end of the two-week Filseta fast and the ascension of Saint Mary, Ashenda has evolved into a celebration of girls' and women's status in society. Named after the tall grass "Ashenda," which girls wear as decorative skirts, the festival features young women plaiting their hair, dressing in eye-catching costumes, and taking to the streets with drums, singing and dancing for up to a week. The atmosphere is carnival-like, with groups of girls asking for symbolic payments from men before allowing them to pass, accompanied by young boys as "bodyguards." Evenings are filled with concerts and celebrations in nightclubs and bars.
The Umhlanga Reed Dance is one of Africa's most vibrant cultural spectacles, held annually in Eswatini. This centuries-old tradition sees up to 40,000 young maidens cutting reeds to present to the Queen Mother, a symbolic act to protect her residence. Over eight days, the girls, dressed in brightly coloured attire, dance and sing in a stunning display of pageantry, culminating on day seven with an event attended by the king. This festival, held annually, offers a unique cultural experience, drawing visitors to witness the spectacle of tradition, music, and dance amidst the scenic backdrop of the Ezulwini Valley in Eswatini.
The Chewa Kulamba Ceremony, held on the last Saturday of August in Mkaika, Katete District, Zambia, is a vibrant celebration of Chewa culture uniting people from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. This traditional event, hosted by Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi XI, sees over 200 subordinate chiefs and their communities gather to pay homage, celebrate a good harvest, and connect with their ancestors. The ceremony showcases the three principal roles of the Chewa King—Kalonga, Gawa, and Undi—while featuring the iconic Nyau-masked dancers who perform the Gule Wamkulu (Big Dance). The festival is an immersion into Chewa rites, traditional dances, and cultural pride.
Kwita Izina is Rwanda's annual gorilla naming ceremony held in Volcanoes National Park. This unique event, rooted in the Rwandan traditions for naming children, brings together conservationists, celebrities, and locals to celebrate the birth of new mountain gorillas over the past year. Since 2005, over 350 gorillas have been named, helping to protect these endangered creatures. The ceremony, set against the stunning backdrop of the Virunga Mountains, also offers opportunities for hiking, golden monkey tracking, and exploring Rwanda's rich cultural heritage.
The Lake of Stars Festival, held on the scenic shores of Lake Malawi, is one of Africa's most celebrated music and arts festivals, attracting a diverse crowd of international and local talent. This vibrant event combines music, art, and culture with the stunning natural beauty of Lake Malawi, offering attendees an unforgettable experience. With a lineup featuring top African artists, as well as international acts, the festival promotes cultural exchange and tourism while providing a platform for local artists to shine. The festival’s unique setting, lively atmosphere, and community-driven spirit make it a must-visit event in the heart of Africa.
The Run4Reforestation event is a vital fundraiser for TREEZ, aiding forest conservation efforts on the southwestern slopes of the Zomba Plateau in Malawi. The race features three routes: a 5km, 10km, and a challenging 21km, drawing local and international runners. The funds raised are pivotal for TREEZ’s conservation work and go towards urgent needs like Cyclone Freddy relief, as well as supporting environmental projects such as bush clearing, fire prevention, and afforestation. The event not only fosters community engagement through running but also reinforces TREEZ's commitment to natural regeneration and environmental awareness. Participants contribute to these goals while enjoying the scenic routes, helping to sustain both local conservation efforts and broader environmental objectives.
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