Here is the latest news, events, and flights in Africa for December & January.
From Zambia and Tanzania to South Africa, here is what's new in Africa's parks.
Zambia’s Kasanka National Park is once again hosting one of nature’s most astonishing spectacles: the annual fruit bat migration. From October to January, millions of straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) converge in the park’s swampy Mushitu forest, drawn by the abundance of seasonal fruits like wild loquats and water berries. This incredible gathering, believed to be the largest mammal migration on Earth, sees the bats flying en masse at dawn and dusk, creating breathtaking displays that attract wildlife enthusiasts and researchers from around the globe.
Along with the Kasanka Bat Migration, you can read more about The Biggest Animal Migrations in Africa, including flamingos, sardines, whales, and carmine bee-eaters.
Beyond the visual marvel, the bats play a crucial role in forest regeneration, dispersing seeds across Central Africa as they feed and travel. However, this ecological wonder faces threats from deforestation and climate change, which could impact both the bat population and the region's biodiversity. Despite its environmental significance, the migration remains shrouded in mystery. Scientists are still uncovering the bats’ migratory routes, reasons for their Kasanka gatherings, and the full extent of their ecological impact.
The Tanzanian government has announced significant progress on the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark, which is set to open to visitors in May 2025. The park was funded by the Chinese government for 25 billion Tanzanian shillings ($9.5 million) and constructed by China Railway. The Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark is located in northern Tanzania's Arusha region, an area with the remarkable landscapes of the Great Rift Valley carrying huge geological, ecological, and cultural significance. This will be the first Geopark on the African continent.
Bordered by the renowned Serengeti National Park and saline Lake Natron, it features altitudes ranging from the depths of the Ngorongoro Crater at 600 m (1,968 feet) to Oldoinyo Lengai towering at 2,962 m (9,717 feet), which the locals know as "Mountain of God," an active stratovolcano unique for producing natro-carbonatite lava. The Geopark encompasses iconic paleontological sites like Olduvai Gorge, showcasing fossils and tools spanning 2.6 million years, and Laetoli, famed for the 3.6-million-year-old hominid footprints illustrating early bipedalism.
A foundation stone-laying ceremony was recently held in the town of Karatu. Tourism Minister, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana highlighted the project’s role in preserving cultural heritage, including the Laetoli hominin footprints, while underscoring the enduring partnership between Tanzania and China. The park provides a welcome addition to the wonders of a Ngorongoro Crater Safari.
If you are interested in Africa's heritage gems, then read our blog African Safaris to Must-Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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The Cape Mountain Zebra, once on the brink of extinction with numbers as low as 60 in the early 20th century, is finding renewed hope through dedicated conservation efforts led by WWF South Africa and CapeNature. Numbers of this zebra species, which is endemic to South Africa, have recovered to an estimated 5,185 animals, but they have been confined to just three locations.
Thanks to a generous donation, a 4,172-hectare property located south of the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve has been secured as a sanctuary for the species. The site, named Zebraskop, aims to bolster the genetic health of these zebras by supporting a metapopulation across multiple habitats. Conservationists have been carefully managing the land, selling off excess game to fund the recovery of overgrazed veld and establish a breeding herd of Cape Mountain Zebras in the area. Efforts include relocating mountain zebras from fragmented populations, such as a mare from Kammanassie Nature Reserve who had wandered off the reserve and found solace among a herd of cattle. She was reunited with her kind under carefully managed conditions. In September 2024, two more zebras were brought in – one a stallion was airlifted from a farm adjacent to Gamkaberg (it too had left the reserve) and yet another Kammanassie mare.
The Zebraskop initiative also includes plans for a wildlife corridor to connect the property to the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, providing the mountain zebras with safe passage to expand their roaming range. Currently, a small herd of relocated zebras, including two mares and a stallion, is settling well, despite minor social dynamics. With numbers now at an estimated 5,185, the Cape Mountain Zebra remains a conservation success story, yet challenges such as habitat fragmentation, genetic diversity, and hybridisation persist, making Zebraskop a vital lifeline in the ongoing effort to secure their future.
In addition to this wonderful initiative, Sanbona, a Big 5 safari destination near Cape Town, is doing excellent work with the Cape Mountain Zebra. You can read more in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Conservation.
Discover the enchanting Sian Simba River Lodge, a luxury tented camp on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream and just a short distance from the iconic Victoria Falls. With 12 exclusive tents, including a family unit accommodating up to five guests, the lodge offers a tranquil retreat with spectacular views of the river and surrounding wilderness. Guests can relax at the infinity pool overlooking the Zambezi or enjoy gourmet dining at the Zambezi Spirit Restaurant or a fireside braai (barbeque) under the stars. Families and groups can indulge in fun on-site activities like board games and giant chess, ensuring a memorable stay for all.
Sian Simba River Lodge is a gateway to adventure, offering thrilling activities such as safaris in Zambezi National Park, visits to the falls, birdwatching, bush walks, and serene boat cruises along the river. Optional excursions include fishing safaris, scenic helicopter tours over Victoria Falls, and adrenaline-filled experiences like bungee jumping and white-water rafting. Conveniently located 45 minutes from Victoria Falls International Airport, the lodge provides inclusive rates covering meals, drinks, transfers, park fees, and daily activities, making it an ideal base for exploring the wonders of magnificent Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.
A Sian Simba River break is also the perfect add-on to these Botswana Safaris:
Duma, a 45-year-old elephant rescued from Pretoria Zoo, is adapting to life at Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo after decades in captivity. His rehabilitation is gradual, with supplemental food provided as he learns to browse and navigate his new environment. Duma is exploring mud baths, interacting with warthogs, waterbuck, and baboons, and beginning to communicate with distant elephants at Shambala and the nearby Welgevonden Reserve. Experts monitor his progress closely, ensuring his health and stability.
Prince William, speaking at the United for Wildlife conference in Cape Town, honoured fallen rangers, including Anton Mzimba, killed in 2022 by rhino poachers. Highlighting rangers’ critical roles, he announced a life insurance program for 10,000 African rangers under the 5-year Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative, backed by the Royal Foundation. During his South Africa visit, William met President Cyril Ramaphosa, attended the Earthshot Prize Awards, and praised youth climate leaders’ innovative ideas as “breathtaking.”
Cape Town Mayor, Gordin Hill-Lewis recently hosted a ceremony to reintroduce the Cape Water Lily to the False Bay Nature Reserve. This replanting supports wetland restoration efforts and celebrates the Earthshot Prize. Hill-Lewis called the lily the "Earthshot Lily," symbolizing Cape Town’s commitment to sustainability and conservation.
Scientists at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology have made a groundbreaking discovery: the larvae of the Kenyan lesser mealworm can consume and break down polystyrene, or styrofoam. This is the first known instance of an African insect capable of digesting this tough-to-decompose plastic. The larvae’s gut bacteria help break down the material, and researchers are exploring how these microbes and enzymes can be used to combat plastic pollution, particularly in regions like Africa, where waste is a significant issue. Future studies will focus on isolating these microbes to create more efficient methods for plastic degradation, potentially revolutionizing recycling and landfill solutions.
In September 2021, 64 endangered African penguins were found dead at the Boulders colony in Simonstown, Cape Town. Necropsies revealed Cape honeybee stings as the likely cause. The penguins may have disturbed a bee nest, though the exact cause remains unclear. This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of the critically endangered species which numbers just 42,000 mature individuals in the wild.
In Kenya's Tsavo region, a nine-year study by Save the Elephants shows that beehive fences reduce elephant incursions by 86%. Developed to address human-elephant conflicts, the project involves 49 farmers who install interconnected hives around their crops, using elephants' natural aversion to honeybees for protection. While this strategy helps protect farms and provides supplemental income from honey sales, the growing populations of both humans and elephants continue to escalate the conflict.
Cape Town, South Africa, is gearing up for a potentially record-breaking tourism season, following an 18% rise in international visitors in December 2023 and a 13% increase in early 2024. Recently named Africa's Leading City Destination at the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year, the city attracts tourists with its affordability compared to global hotspots like London and New York. Key trends include a full programme of experiential offerings such as the Durbanville Wine Safari, and thriving cruise tourism, which generated R1.32 billion in the 2023/24 season. Strong infrastructure continues to bolster Cape Town's appeal, benefiting both tourism and property markets.
African Parks and Zambia's remote Liuwa Plain Community have produced a short documentary to celebrate 20 Years of Coexistence and Conservation Successes in the beautiful Liuwa Plain National Park.
Uganda has launched a new mobile app to boost its tourism sector as visitor numbers recover to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Developed by the Uganda Tourism Board, the app provides a centralized platform for visitors to access real-time information on attractions, services, weather, security, and travel advisories. It also includes features like location services, emergency support, and route planning, helping local businesses showcase their tourism offerings. The app is expected to solidify Uganda's position as a top African safari destination.
Known as the "Pearl of Africa," Uganda offers diverse experiences, from mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to white-water rafting on the Nile and vibrant cultural traditions showcased at UNESCO sites and local festivals.
Africa Festive Season Events |
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Jamhuri Day celebrated on December 12, marks Kenya's independence - Madaraka - in 1963, becoming a republic - Jamhuri - in 1964. There are parades and ceremonies around the country, while Nairobi hosts the Trooping of the Colour.
A large proportion of the African continent is devoutly Christian and Christmas is one of the largest events of the year. However, unlike the wintery traditions of the northern hemisphere, Christmas in Africa falls during the summer months. Christmas trees are also a little different, with cypress, mango trees or palm trees decorated with ornaments instead of the wintery fir trees. In Kenya, they believe Santa arrives on a camel or bike! Church services hold a central place in African Christmas traditions, with many vibrant church gatherings held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Everyone will dress in their best clothes and singing plays a big part in the celebration. In Zambia, most churches feature nativity games, and you can enjoy carolling in the streets in the run-up to Christmas. In Malawi, children go door-to-door singing Christmas carols in return for small cash donations. Food, family, and feasting are a highlight of the season, bringing families and communities together. In East Africa, roast goat is popular. Kenyans feast on grilled goat, chicken or beef on the nyama choma, while in Tanzania it is tradition to roast a full cow or goat to share with the whole village. Families often buy the animal in January and fatten it up all year, especially for the Christmas feast. This is usually accompanied by home-brewed African beer. In South Africa, it is popular for the Christmas feast to be an outdoor “braai” (barbecue). In Ethiopia, where Coptic Christians follow the Julian calendar, Christmas is celebrated on 7 January.
The Douz Festival, founded in 1910, is Tunisia's most prestigious celebration of Saharan and nomadic culture. Held annually in the town of Douz, the "gateway to the great Sahara," the festival showcases the heritage of the Arab-Berber Mrazig tribe. Douz, with its 40,000 residents and vast palm groves, transforms into a lively hub attracting thousands of visitors who come to experience this unique festival. Events include camel marathons, daring Arab-horse riding displays, Sloughi hunting dog demonstrations, together with music, exhibitions and a full programme of cultural and sporting performances. Tunisia's Douz Festival, founded in 1910, celebrates Saharan and nomadic culture with camel marathons, horse displays, Sloughi dogs, music, and cultural performances, transforming Douz "the Gateway to the Great Sahara", into a vibrant desert hub.
The Smoking Dragon Festival, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, takes place in South Africa's stunning Northern Drakensberg mountains. Smoking Dragon Festival blends live music, art, and workshops with outdoor adventures like hiking and ziplining, set amid the breathtaking Northern Drakensberg mountains, dams, and rivers. If you are interested in African Festivals, read our blog 11 Must-Do African Music Festivals which includes Smoking Dragon.
Beneath the Baobabs Festival in Kenya’s Kilifi region is a vibrant New Year’s celebration blending Afro-House, Electronic, and Hip Hop music with aerial silks, acrobatics, and Kenyan cultural performances. Set in a stunning 50-acre baobab forest, it features wellness workshops, creative therapies, and picturesque surroundings, attracting thousands annually for an epic New Year's bash.
Cape Town’s Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade, rooted in slave history, celebrates with vibrant Kaapse Klopse troupes in elaborate costumes performing Ghoema music. Held in January, it launches a month-long carnival competition, attracting thousands of locals and tourists to enjoy colourful cultural celebrations and spirited performances in the city’s streets.
Ethiopian Christmas, or Genna, celebrated on January 7th, focuses on vibrant church services with prayers, chants, and traditional netela attire. Festivities include feasting on dishes like doro wat with injera and traditional games symbolizing unity.
Zanzibar Revolution Day is celebrated annually on 12 January, commemorating the 1964 revolution that overthrew the Sultan of Zanzibar, Jamshid bin Abdullah, and his government. This day is a public holiday in Tanzania, marked by parades, military displays, and special performances on Zanzibar Island. A key feature of the celebrations is the release of balloons and pigeons by people born on January 12. The event also includes the Mapinduzi Cup football tournament created to honour the revolution, which sees Zanzibar clubs play against mainland Tanzanian teams, and occasionally clubs from Kenya and Uganda. |
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The Zambia-based commercial airline, Proflight Zambia, launched a Cape Town-Livingstone flight on 1 December. This service offers direct access to the iconic Victoria Falls from the favourite South African tourism hub. "Our timing is specifically designed around the tourism experience," said Proflight Zambia director of flight operations Josias Walubita. "Passengers can leave Cape Town after breakfast and be at Victoria Falls in time for an afternoon sunset cruise." There will be two flights per week, with an additional Saturday service during the peak holiday season from December to early January.
Victoria Falls is one of the world's iconic destinations. It can be visited from either Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls village) or Zambia (Livingstone). To take full advantage of the many cultural, wildlife and adventure activities on offer at this remarkable place, these 4-Day short-stay packages are available:
Meanwhile, Proflight Zambia has also entered a historic interline ticketing agreement with Turkish Airlines, marking its first partnership with a European carrier. Effective November 2024, the deal connects Proflight’s domestic and regional routes to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network of 346 destinations across 130 countries. This allows more international passengers to travel seamlessly to iconic Zambian destinations like South Luangwa National Park and Victoria Falls on a single ticket.
Qatar Airways is boosting its South African services to 35 weekly flights for the peak summer season which is expected to see record visitor numbers. From mid-December to mid-January, the expanded schedule will include 12 weekly flights to Cape Town, 18 to Johannesburg, and five to Durban via Mozambique. Marking its 20th anniversary in South Africa, the airline has also recently acquired a 25% stake in Southern African regional airline, Airlink, signalling confidence in Africa’s growing tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian budget airline, Flynas, is expanding its African network with the introduction of a new route to Uganda starting in January 2025. From 8 January, the airline will operate 3 weekly flights from Riyadh to Entebbe, Uganda. This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia's National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to connect the kingdom to 250 international destinations and serve 330 million passengers.
Etihad Airways, UAE national carrier, has announced that it will resume flights to Nairobi, Kenya, on 15 December 2024. They will operate daily flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). The service will utilise a modern Airbus A320, featuring both Business and Economy cabins. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “As we prepare to return to Nairobi, Kenya next month, we are committed to growing Africa flights and doubling our destinations over the next year ... We are expanding our frequencies, including boosting both Johannesburg and Casablanca to daily services from next summer." The new service marks a step in recovering services which had been stopped during the Covid outbreak. Etihad also has codeshare and interline partnerships with several African airlines, including Airlink South Africa, Air Seychelles, Royal Air Maroc, and EgyptAir.
16 November saw the arrival of the first direct AirAsia X (AAX) flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Nairobi, Kenya. This marks a historic milestone as the Asian airline's debut in East Africa and the first low-cost carrier from the ASEAN region to establish a direct air link to Kenya’s capital. The new route aims to foster cultural exchange, boost tourism, and strengthen trade ties between Southeast Asia and East Africa. Kenya’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Ekitela Moru, hailed the initiative as a significant step in promoting Kenya’s rich heritage and fostering bilateral ties. There will be four weekly flights. The route also provides seamless Fly-Thru options, connecting African travellers to Asia via Kuala Lumpur.
Ethiopian Airlines recently celebrated the arrival of Africa's first Airbus A350-1000 at Ethiopia's Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The grand occasion was marked by a spectacular water cannon salute and attended by government officials, diplomats, and representatives from Airbus and Thales. Along with the aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines received a generous donation of medical supplies worth over 100,000 Euros, facilitated by Aviation Sans Frontières and Airbus.
Boasting advanced technology, cutting-edge inflight entertainment, luxury seating and more, the aircraft promises a quieter, smoother experience for long-haul flights. This addition to Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet aligns with its Vision 2035 plan, setting new standards for African aviation. Ethiopian is set to receive three more A350-1000 aircraft in the coming months, cementing its place as one of Africa's leading airlines.
Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa, is also working on becoming Africa’s top conference destination through significant upgrades to its tourist infrastructure and cultural attractions. The Ethiopian capital, which already hosts the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, has held 20 major conferences in just the past 3 months. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently highlighted transformative projects, including Sheger Park, Friendship Park, Unity Park, and the Addis Ababa Science Museum, designed to enhance visitors' experiences and showcase Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. New additions like the Adwa Victory Museum and eco-friendly lodges further complement the city's diplomatic infrastructure.
In addition to these developments, plans are already underway for a new mega airport and 124 new aircraft to improve the country's connectivity for international events. These enhancements are expected to encourage conference delegates to explore Ethiopia's broader attractions, from the historic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the stunning Simien Mountains, supporting the nation’s tourism economy.
Private Kenyan airline, Skyward Express, has launched a new flight route between Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport, linking two popular East African holiday destinations. The airline will fly three times a week in a 109-seater Fokker 100 jet to offer a premium travel experience. The new service adds an alternative to Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania on the route and comes after Skyward opened a smart new hub at Jomo Kenyatta Airport.
The Nairobi – Dar es Salaam connection provides a popular add-on to Kenya Safari travellers who wish to end their adventure with a beach break in Dar-es-Salaam or on tropical Zanzibar Island just off the coast.
Dutch charter airline TUI has resumed flights to East Africa, for the first time in six years. Marking its return, a Boeing Dreamliner landed at Moi International Airport (MIA) in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa. The renewed service will connect Europe to Mombasa and Zanzibar, with two weekly flights. On the maiden flight from Europe, 40% of passengers planned to explore various sites in Kenya, while the remainder continued to Zanzibar. Before COVID, TUI Fly had regular direct routes linking Mombasa to several key European cities, making it easier for tourists to travel to Mombasa by reducing the need for layovers or connecting flights that previously were required to reach the coastal region.
Air Tanzania has begun direct flights from Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania’s economic hub, to Johannesburg, South Africa. The route was launched on 30 November and will offer four weekly flights on Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The new service will introduce nearly 3,000 monthly seats in each direction, enhancing travel options between Tanzania and South Africa. Air Tanzania joins Airlink as one of only two airlines serving this route, offering travellers more choices and improving connectivity across the continent.
Rwanda's national carrier, RwandAir, has partnered with Spain's Euroairlines Group to expand its ticket distribution to over 60 global markets. Operating a modern fleet of 14 aircraft across more than 30 routes in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Kigali-based RwandAir aims to leverage this agreement to strengthen its global presence and have more ticket sales outlets. Euroairlines CEO Antonio López-Lázaro highlighted southern Africa's strategic potential, emphasising mutual growth opportunities. This collaboration builds on RwandAir’s 22-year legacy, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion efforts.
The Kenyan government has launched reforms at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to improve passenger experience and boost traffic. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi highlighted the focus on advanced technology to streamline customs and immigration processes, reduce wait times, and enhance transparency around duties and taxes. The initiative aims to position JKIA as a world-class aviation hub and a welcoming gateway to Kenya. JKIA remains the country's primary entry point, handling over 343,000 of the 409,164 tourists who arrived via air in the first quarter of 2024.
The Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) highlights significant progress in easing travel restrictions across the continent, with a 40% rise in unrestricted travel since 2016. West Africa stands out in driving the change, with Benin leading in visa friendliness, joined by notable improvements in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and The Gambia, while Ghana and Senegal are also making substantial strides. Other top improvers include Namibia, Angola, and Rwanda. This reflects a continent-wide commitment to the African Union’s vision of seamless travel across the continent.
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