African Safari News & Travel Updates: June 2024

Africa Flight News

Direct Flight between Zanzibar and Mombasa, Kenya

Kenya's budget airline Jambojet will offer direct flights between two of Africa's favourite seaside destinations: Kenya's Mombasa and beautiful Zanzibar Island. Jambojet is the low-cost airline subsidiary of Kenya Airways which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. This new route will begin in July 2024 with 4 weekly flights. Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is currently in the midst of a revamp to meet the demand of a growing number of international visitors to the island.

Zanzibar makes a perfect add-on to an African Safari holiday and now travel between the island and Kenya has become that much easier.

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Connecting South Africa and Mozambique

From June 2024, regional airline Airlink will offer a four-times-weekly flight between Cape Town, South Africa and Maputo, the vibrant capital city of Mozambique. The service will be operated using Airlink’s dependable and comfortable 37-seat Embraer ERJ 135 Regional Jet giving travellers access to Mozambique's breathtaking tropical beach destinations.

Airlink has also announced that it will offer a peak season service linking South Africa's premium safari town, Mbombela, with Vilanculos in Mozambique. The route will operate from 1 July 2024 to 5 January 2025, allowing travellers to combine a safari and a tropical beach holiday. Mbombela is the gateway to the Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger Private Reserves and lies close to the Eswatini and Mozambique borders. Beautiful Vilanculos lies on the Indian Ocean coastline with pristine beaches that enjoy a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. It is also the main gateway to Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of islands renowned for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. The archipelago is a popular destination for diving, snorkelling, and fishing.

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Brussels Airlines adds connections to Kenya and Rwanda

This month, Brussels Airlines has added two new Africa connections to its flight timetables. Starting in June 2024, Brussels Airlines will resume direct flights between Brussels and Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) in Kenya, operating 6 times weekly during high season and 4 times in low season.

The new route will bring its number of destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa to 18, and a tenth Airbus A330 aeroplane has been added to the fleet to accommodate this increased activity. Additionally, Brussels Airlines will increase its flight frequency to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda, now offering daily flights, up from 5 weekly.

Brussels Airlines is a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, one of the largest airline conglomerates in Europe. This means that Brussels Airlines operates under the broader Lufthansa umbrella, so travellers can benefit from an extensive choice of connections through the Lufthansa network for travelling between Europe and Africa.

The number of flights to Kenya offered by the Lufthansa Group has doubled since 2023, making it the most extensive offering by any European airline group. There are 13 inbound flights into Nairobi (from Frankfurt and Brussels) and Discover Airlines, also in the Lufthansa stable, flies from Frankfurt to Mombasa 5 times a week. Kenya is fast becoming their 'hub' for travel to many other African cities.

Kenya Airways increases its USA Flights for the Summer Peak

Meanwhile, Kenya Airways has announced that they will lay on two extra weekly flights between Nairobi and New York City to cater for the increase in demand over the summer peak season. The weekly flights will increase from 7 to 9 between 15 June and 28 September 2024.

Recently, the airline partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board on a trade roadshow through the USA to promote Kenya as a tourist destination in North America. The new flights address the growing appetite for travel to Kenya from within the United States.

View all Kenya tours

Soweto, South Africa
Soweto, South Africa

USA Delta Airways enhances its Africa services

America's Delta Airways has recently announced upgrades to its services on the African continent. Flights between Atlanta-Johannesburg and Atlanta-Cape Town in South Africa will enjoy an upgrade to Airbus A350-900 aeroplanes, the newest and arguably best-equipped planes in the Delta stable. The Atlanta International Airport to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport flight is Africa's longest intercontinental route, flying 13,581 kilometres (8,439 miles) from the world's busiest airport to Africa's second busiest. This upgrade will provide more premium seats and enhanced amenities for passenger comfort and convenience.

Delta is also increasing its services between North America and Nigeria. They are relaunching a daily flight between New York's JFK and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. This will add to the existing daily flight between Atlanta and Lagos.

LATAM increases São Paulo-Johannesburg Flights

Meanwhile, Latin America's largest airline company, LATAM, is boosting its service between São Paulo, Brazil, and Johannesburg, South Africa. From late October 2024, LATAM will offer an increase to 5 flights per week in each direction, between São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. This expanded schedule addresses the growing demand for both leisure and business travel between Latin America and South Africa.

Zambia Airways launches new East African Regional Route

Zambia's national airline, Zambia Airways, is spreading its wings into East Africa. From 27 June 2024, it will launch a new regional service connecting Zambia's capital city, Lusaka, with Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. The carrier will operate 3 return flights per week on a triangular route departing from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and making stops in both Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport and Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

This new routing opens up new travel options for passengers moving between the three destinations. Zambia's favourite destinations, Victoria Falls and the unspoiled wilds of South Luangwa National Park, make an excellent addition to the classic Kenya and Tanzania safari offerings, and Tanzania's jewel, Zanzibar, makes the perfect beach break to round off the adventure.

Internal flights Africa
Internal flights Africa

Major Upgrade for Zambia's Mfuwe International Airport Announced

Meanwhile, the Zambia Airports Corporation has unveiled plans to upgrade Mfuwe International Airport, a gateway to the Luangwa Valley. South Lungwa National Park is known for its natural beauty and isolation, making it an ideal safari destination away from the crowds. The Luangwa wilderness area boasts abundant wildlife, high-quality guiding, and is where the walking safari was pioneered. The upgrades to the runway and terminal building are a timeous move to serve the increasing number of travellers who are discovering the charms of the unspoiled Luangwa Valley.

Ethiopia inaugurates new Addis Ababa Domestic Terminal

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's leading airline, continues its quest to modernise Ethiopia’s airport services. They recently inaugurated a transformed domestic terminal at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, after a 50 million USD expansion and renovation project that has more than doubled the handling capacity of the terminal. The terminal serves as the main connecting hub for Ethiopian Airline's domestic operations, serving over 200 flights to and from its 22 domestic destinations on a daily basis.

Ethiopia is a truly unique travel destination offering a wealth of wildlife, scenery, a fascinating history and rich culture. See our recently updated Ethiopia Location Guide.

Namibia revokes visa exemptions for over 30 countries

Namibia's Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has said that citizens from over 30 countries will lose their visa-free access to Namibia if their nations do not reciprocate visa exemption agreements.

Currently, Namibia has visa exemptions for around 55 nations, with only 18 of those reciprocating the exemptions. The new visa requirements, aimed at fostering equal treatment among nations regarding visa regulations, will require affected travellers to complete a visa application form on arrival and submit it to an immigration officer. The visa fee is N$1,200, valid for 90 days, and can be paid by credit or debit card, with provisions for foreign currency exchange at the airport Bureau de Change counters.

According to data from the Namibia Tourism Board and various embassies, this change could affect around 30 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Johannesburg South Africa
Johannesburg South Africa

South Africa's Africa visa waiver yields dividends

South Africa's tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable renaissance. From January to March 2024, the country welcomed 2.4 million international tourists, 15.4% up from the same period last year.

Arrivals from Africa constituted 74.5% of the total, driven in part by the recent removal of visa requirements for travellers from select African countries. The visa waiver scheme, allowing visa-free travel between Ghana and South Africa for up to 90 days, implemented in November 2023, saw an extraordinary 249.4% surge in Ghanaian tourist arrivals. Similarly, the visa-free access granted to Kenyans in January 2023, along with targeted marketing efforts, saw a 99% increase in Kenyan visitors from 2022, with 42,403 arrivals in 2023.

Kenya's entry policy draws criticism

Kenya announced the implementation of a visa-free policy at the start of 2024 to much fanfare. However, visitors instead need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) at a cost of U$30 (£23) processing fee and a wait of up to 72 hours to process. The ETA is technically for security reasons, to maintain a database of those entering and exiting the country, but the submission process has been criticised as time-consuming and complicated.

51 countries that previously enjoyed visa-exempt status in Kenya are now required to pay the ETA entry fee and endure the 72-hour wait for electronic travel authorisation. They have criticised the departure from their previous ease of travel into Kenya, particularly in emergency situations where the need for immediate travel conflicts with the time-consuming ETA application process.

The Kenyan authorities have since issued payment exemptions to a few of its neighbours. While they are still required to apply for an ETA, passport holders from South Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Mozambique, and members of the East African Community (EAC) regional bloc are exempted from paying the processing fee.

Masai mara balloon ride
Masai mara balloon ride

Africa Game Park News

Kenya Floods hit Masai Mara

The torrential rains and floods that have hit Kenya since March this year have been some of the most catastrophic in recent years. Traditionally, Kenya experiences two main rainfall periods: the "long rains" season from March to May and the "short rains" season from October to December.

Overall, the "long rains" play a critical role in maintaining the health and vitality of Kenya's wildlife areas. This year has seen above-average rainfall, leading to flash floods, landslides, and mudslides. Last year, Kenya experienced the hottest year on record. During the long rainy season, the country received significantly less rain than usual due to La Nina, a weather pattern associated with cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific, which led to widespread drought and crop failures in East Africa.

This season's rainfall intensity is influenced by the Indian Ocean Dipole, a climate system that sees warmer oceans resulting from a hotter atmosphere causing an increase in evaporation and moisture in the air, which in turn leads to more intense rainfall.

Tragically, the floods have resulted in significant casualties, with an estimated 267 people killed, 188 injured, and 75 missing. The Maasai Mara Game Reserve saw more than 14 tented camps evacuated as rivers breached their banks last month. The full extent of the damage to wildlife remains uncertain. Some areas may have experienced disruptions to the migration paths due to waterlogged grounds and swollen rivers. These obstacles can lead to delays or deviations in the movement of the herds, potentially causing stress and increased mortality rates for weaker animals.

Architecture Competition to Design the Masai Mara Conservation Centre

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced an international competition to design a new Conservation Centre at the Oloololo Gate entrance of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. Commissioned by Abercrombie and Kent Philanthropy, the centre aims to educate visitors about the Masai Mara ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism. The facility will include parking, amenities, exhibition space, interactive learning zones, a gift shop, and environmentally conscious design features. The competition is open to registered architects worldwide, with submissions due by June 18, 2024. The winning design will help protect the Masai Mara's rich biodiversity for future generations.

New Africa Safari Destinations

Ethiopia Update

Danakil depression ethiopia

Ethiopia is a fascinating country with an equally fascinating past. It is home to "Lucy," a 3.2 million-year-old skeleton, in the country's Afar region, as well as the ancient city of Aksum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its obelisks, ruins, & Ark of the Covenant legends, and the incredible rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Ethiopia is a country that defies simple explanations. Apart from its history, it is a treasure trove of culture, inspiring landscapes, and fascinating wildlife. It is a country of over 80 distinct ethnic groups and languages, follows its own calendar and is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee, with a coffee culture to match. Yet, despite its growing popularity, Ethiopia retains an off-the-beaten-track feel that makes for an unforgettable African holiday. Visit our updated Ethiopia Destination Page to learn more.

New Kruger Camping Safaris offered by African Budget Safaris

An authentic Kruger wildlife experience at an unbeatable price: Explore the Kruger National Park and the exclusive Blue Canyon Conservancy on these affordable Kruger Camping Safaris in South Africa.

Spend your days on safari drives in the iconic Kruger National Park and the Motlala Conservancy at the base of the iconic Drakensberg mountains, an expanse of protected land dotted with lakes, and boasting an impressive variety of plant and animal species. Enjoy exciting guided game drives in open 4x4s, encountering the famous Big 5 and other wildlife species in South Africa's top safari region. These safaris provide remarkable value for money with a no-frills yet comfortable glamping experience. On the longer tours, optional activities such as guided bush walks, or scenic tours of South Africa's spectacular Panorama Route, can be added to enhance your adventure.

Lionsafarisouthafrica
Lionsafarisouthafrica

Stay at a Tented Camp within the Motlala Conservancy

The Motlala Conservancy is relatively lesser known despite its status as a 'Big Four' reserve. The safari camp offers an affordable glamping (luxury camping) experience with solar-powered tents, each featuring comfortable beds, fresh linens, towels and other essentials. There are shared ablutions and a delightful communal area for relaxing, dining and socialising. Additional amenities: swimming pool, restaurant and bar.

There is a choice of safari durations:

3-Day Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa
4-Day Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa
5-Day Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa

Stay at a Tented Camp near the Kruger National Park

A fully-equipped tented camp near Kruger National Park with stunning views of the Drakensberg mountain range. The safari camp boasts well-equipped tented accommodations with en-suite bathrooms and luxuries such as complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The tented camp also features a restaurant and a tranquil garden with outdoor pool. Observe wildlife from the comfort of the camp, including leopards, hyenas, and buffaloes, thriving in their natural habitat.

There is a choice of safari durations:

3-Day Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa
4-Day Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa
5-Day Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa

Africa Conservation News

African rhinos face a severe threat from poaching, driven by the high demand for their horns in illegal markets. This relentless poaching has led to a dramatic decline in rhino populations, pushing some species to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, there are many initiatives underway to address this crisis.

Rhino
Rhino

Artificial Intelligence Tracking Rhinos At Addo Elephant National Park

Some of the rhinos at Addo Elephant National Park are now wearing collars containing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in a bid to secure their safety. 31 collars have been donated by various stakeholders for this first-of-its-kind intervention at Addo Elephant National Park, located about 30 kilometres (18 miles) outside Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in South Africa's Eastern Cape, home to the Big Five on its nearly 180,000-hectare terrain.

Smart algorithms continuously monitor the rhino’s behaviour and in the event of an incident, an alert is generated that pinpoints the rhino’s location via GPS. This enables the effective, real-time investigation of possible poaching incidents.  Behaviours that can be tracked include fighting, mating, giving birth and death.

Check out this 3-Day Addo Elephant Park Safari, perfect for budget travellers and families looking for a malaria-free Big Five safari adventure.

Rhino Tagging begins in the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara’s black rhino population, one of Kenya's last two wild, free-roaming groups will now be monitored. Recently a week-long operation was implemented to ear notch and fit GPS tags to 13 of the Mara's rhinos. The new satellite tags will provide real-time data on the rhinos' movements, enabling more effective conservation management and aiding the Mara Rhino Ranger team in identifying and tracking individual rhinos.

Rhino Rewild relocates 40 Rhinos

Leading conservation organisation, African Parks, has launched the rewilding phase of "Rhino Rewild," a ten-year project to rewild 2,000 Southern White rhinos into secure protected areas across Africa. This ambitious project follows on from African Parks' purchase of the world's largest captive rhino breeding operation in September 2023, home to the largest population of rhinos, 2000 individuals that make up 15% of the world’s remaining white rhino population. Read our blog post on the subject here.

The rewild initiative kicked off with the donation of 40 de-horned rhinos to the Munywana Conservancy in Zululand, KwaZulu Natal – South Africa, in support of the conservancy's conservation and community efforts. The 30,000-hectare Conservancy is a collaboration between the Makhasa and Mnqobokazi Community Trusts and private landowners. They will closely monitor the rhinos' adaption to their new home and implement intensive security measures to guard against poachers.

African Parks' Rhino Rewild project, supported by various organisations and donors, is one of the most ambitious conservation efforts of modern times. By translocating rhinos to protected areas, the initiative aims to spread out the population and reduce the risk of poaching to ensure the species' long-term survival. The project plans to move approximately 300 rhinos annually, starting with the Munywana Conservancy, and extending to other parts of South Africa and other African countries. African Parks currently manages 22 parks across 12 countries, including Mozambique, Rwanda, Chad and Zimbabwe, which offer plenty of potential rhino habitat. This rewilding effort is a crucial step in safeguarding the future of the Southern White rhino and enhancing African biodiversity.

Namibia leads the way in the fight against wildlife trafficking

Namibia has achieved significant success in combating illegal wildlife trade through Operation SAMA (Saving Wildlife through Multilateral Cooperation in Africa), intercepting 34 illegal shipments within Southern Africa between January 1 and February 29, 2024. This two-month operation, coordinated by the Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices for East and Southern Africa, involved 17 cases and highlighted both the ongoing challenges and the potential for success in dismantling illicit wildlife trade networks. The operation's data, if extrapolated over a year and including non-participating countries, underscores the severity of Africa's wildlife trafficking crisis.

Namibia led the charge by establishing the first Port Control Unit in Southern Africa at Walvis Bay, targeting illicit trafficking in maritime containers. Supported by the EU, France, and Germany as part of the UNODC Container Control Programme, the operation resulted in 100 confiscations of endangered African species across 19 countries, along with several arrests and prosecutions. The Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) and the Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) spearheaded the country's efforts, collaborating with customs and law enforcement agencies from the DRC, Uganda, Nigeria, Gabon, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Tracking Bheni the Green Turtle

Bheni the Green Turtle has embarked on an adventurous journey, leaving Southern Africa behind and heading out into the great blue, towards the tropics beyond Madagascar.

Released in South Africa's De Hoop Marine Protected Area with a satellite tag on 8 December 2023, Bheni has been exploring the vast ocean ever since. Thanks to the generosity of the Morukuru Family and the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, his movements have been closely monitored by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.

Initially, Bheni took his time adjusting to his newfound freedom, exploring the De Hoop coastline and venturing offshore. He then spent nearly two months in the Agulhas Current, utilising its speed to gain significant distance into the Indian Ocean. After making a sharp turn south of Cape Point, the tip of Africa, he is now past Madagascar, in waters with a balmy temperature of 27°C (80 Fahrenheit).

Bheni has covered an impressive 8,080 kilometres (5,020 miles) so far, averaging 53.8 km per day. Conservation Manager of the Turtle Conservation Centre, Talitha Noble-Trull, marvels at his steady pace and wonders whether he has a destination in mind or is simply revelling in the freedom of the open ocean.

Bheni was one of 4 turtles released off the coast of Africa at the time. You can track them yourself here.

Remains of new Dinosaur species discovered in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe ruins
Zimbabwe ruins

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Zimbabwe with the identification of Musankwa sanyatiensis, a new genus and species of massopodan sauropodomorph dinosaur. Unearthed on the shoreline of Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, this dinosaur represents the first of its kind from the region and holds a unique position on the dinosaur family tree.

The study was conducted by an international team of scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, Stony Brook University in New York, and led by Prof Paul Barrett from the Natural History Museum in London. Dr Kimberley 'Kimi' Chapelle, assistant professor at Stony Brook University and an honorary associate at the Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits, emphasised the significance of this find in the study of prehistoric life in Africa, noting that it marks a major milestone in understanding the continent's ancient biodiversity.

Estimated to have lived during the Late Triassic epoch, approximately 210 million years ago, Musankwa sanyatiensis stood about 1.5 meters at the hip and weighed around 390 kilograms. Professor Paul Barrett from the Natural History Museum in London highlighted that the species may be linked to Riojasaurus from Argentina and Eucnemesaurus from South Africa, suggesting these dinosaurs could move between South America and southern Africa when the continents were joined. This discovery underscores Zimbabwe's rich potential for further palaeontological exploration, with recent finds including diverse prehistoric animals such as ancient crocodile-like reptiles, giant armoured amphibians, and other reptiles, paving the way for future research and excavation efforts.

View our Zimbabwe Tours

A Good Read

Murchison falls giraffe
Murchison falls giraffe

How many species of giraffe are there?

Giraffes have been undergoing a “silent extinction” in recent years, with populations down from 150,000 in the 1980s to fewer than 70,000 in Africa today.

Giraffes are a prime example of a species adapting to their environment. Yet despite their prominence, the evolutionary history of giraffes remains a puzzle for scientists and conservationists, and debate even persists about how many specific species exist in Africa. Scientists are now turning to DNA studies to find some crucial answers for effective conservation efforts. This article in The Conversation describes their findings.

Africa Events

Comrades Marathon - 9 June 2024 (Durban, South Africa)

Thousands of runners are gearing up for the 97th Comrades Marathon, a legendary ultramarathon in South Africa. This year's race will be held on June 9th and will cover a challenging 85.91 km (53.38 miles) from Durban City Hall to Pietermaritzburg. As a "Up Run," runners will face a tough climb for the first half of the race before encountering a more undulating path in the second half. With over 20,000 participants from around the world expected, the Comrades Marathon promises to be a thrilling display of athleticism and endurance.

The race has a rich history dating back to 1921 when a small group of runners embarked on a pioneering journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Today, the Comrades Marathon is a prestigious event that attracts top runners from across the globe. The current record for the Up Run is held by Leonid Shvetsov of Russia at 5:24:49, while South Africa's Gerda Steyn holds the record for both the Up Run (5:58:53) and the Down Run (5:44:54).

Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike Race – 22 June 2024 (South Viphya Forest Reserve, Malawi)

Avid Mountain Bikers from Malawi and beyond will tackle a challenging 53-kilometre (33 miles) course through the beautiful South Viphya Forest Reserve in Malawi's Central Region. Hosted by Luwawa Forest Lodge, the race features a tough but rewarding route along mountain ridges and through stunning indigenous forest, primarily on a single track. Open to all cyclists over 17, with a junior 20-kilometre (12.4 miles) race for younger participants, the event also supports charitable causes, including the Luwawa Environmental Trust. The race has been described as “a tough but very beautiful route”.

National Arts Festival – 20 to 30 June 2024 (Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, South Africa)

Celebrating its 50th year this year, the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), South Africa, is the largest art event on the country's festival calendar. Running for 10 days, this multi-disciplinary festival showcases an array of art forms, including dance, theatre, music, and jazz. The event extends to various venues throughout the town, including Rhodes University. With sub-festivals like Think Fest, Spiritfest, Wordfest, and the Creative Digital Arts Festival, the National Arts Festival promises an unforgettable cultural experience.

The festival has a rich history, from being a space for protest during the apartheid years and evolving through the pandemic to returning once again to live performances. Highlights include the National Jazz Festival, featuring national and international jazz musicians, and the National Youth Jazz Festival for high school learners. The curated program offers new works, re-imaginings, and exceptional African stories, while the Eastern Cape Showcase presents talent from across South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, with visual arts, crafts, and literary events. The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards spotlights bold disrupters and innovators in the arts, making the National Arts Festival a dynamic celebration of creativity and cultural expression.

Knysna Oyster Festival – 21 to 30 June 2024 (Knysna, Garden Route, South Africa)

The Knysna Oyster Festival is a 10-day extravaganza held annually in the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, on South Africa's scenic Garden Route, celebrating the region's rich oyster beds and offering a plethora of activities to suit all ages and interests. Central to the festival is the freshly shucked oysters available all over town in a variety of styles, complemented by other seafood dishes, delectable local wines, and a varied line-up of live entertainment. There is plenty to do between mealtimes, including boat trips, hiking, mountain biking, a dedicated children's program and many sporting events, including the popular Knysna Forest Marathon.

This year, visitors can indulge in coastal and cultivated oysters prepared by Knysna's talented chefs, with highlights including the "Oysters – Roasted, Dressed, or Naked?" event and the exciting Oyster Shucking Championships. The festival's core, the 12 Savanna Oyster Hot Spots, serves up oysters in a symphony of flavours. Additional attractions include trail running, basketball, Pilates, Padel, a classic car show, guided rock pool tours, fitness fusion, art walkabouts, workshops, a fine wine festival, comedy shows, traditional potjiekos, music events, and bustling markets, making the Knysna Oyster Festival a vibrant celebration for all.

Gnaoua World Music Festival – 27 to 29 June 2024 (Essaouira, Morocco)

Morocco's coastal city of Essaouira, renowned for its mythical charm and UNESCO-listed medina, hosts the annual Gnaoua and World Music Festival, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to celebrate its 25th event. This unique festival fuses traditional Gnaoua music, a blend of Berber, Arabic, and African cultures, with world and jazz rhythms, creating a vibrant open-air musical laboratory. The event features acrobatic dancing, spiritual chants, and rare instruments, with world-renowned musicians collaborating with Gnaoua masters on various stages throughout the town. In addition to the musical performances, visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, local cuisine, wineries, the historic harbour, and adventurous activities like kite and windsurfing in Africa's wind capital.

Food & Wine in the Wild Festival – 5 & 6 July 2024 (Kruger National Park, South Africa)

South Africa's premier wildlife destination, Kruger National Park's Kruger Station is set to host a two-day sensory journey into South Africa's culinary and wine scene. Visitors can savour exquisite wines from many of the country's prestigious vineyards and enjoy small plates featuring local delicacies like peri-peri chicken and traditional bobotie, with the first plate included in the ticket price. Artisanal breads and pastries will also be available, and an exclusive Carriage 7 dinner promises a unique dining experience. This festival offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate the country's vibrant cuisine and wine culture against the stunning backdrop of the Kruger National Park wilderness.

Sue Maude Author

Sue Maude
Sue is a proud African with a love for the bush. Sue likes nothing better than a road trip and won’t stop until she's driven every road in South Africa! She spent her 20s working abroad backpacking the world and has had the travel bug ever since. As long as it's an adventure, she is equally happy to explore the city lights, follow the footsteps of history, try unique activities, or go deep into nature to enjoy silent spaces, earthy smells and fascinating fauna & flora. When she is not on the road, Sue lives close to the beach in Cape Town.

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