Norwegian low-cost, long-haul airline, Norse Atlantic Airways, has announced that they will be launching flights between London Gatwick Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The new route kicks off in October 2024 with three weekly flights, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. These new flights effectively break a duopoly on the popular direct UK to Cape Town route. This added competition will put downward pressure on the high cost of fares, giving travellers even more flexibility when planning a visit to South Africa's scenic Cape Town, one of the world's most popular city destinations.
Talking of Cape Town, the Airports Company South Africa recently celebrated reaching the 10 million passengers per year milestone at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA). The airport has seen steadily increasing numbers of international and regional passengers passing through its doors since the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 320,000 passengers in March 2024 alone. As a result of the growing popularity of the airport, the CTIA is improving its infrastructure and facilities, including plans for a new runway, and extensive terminal upgrades and refurbishments.
Namibia's first privately-owned scheduled passenger airline, FlyNamibia, is expanding with a major new service linking Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, to Maun, Botswana starting in July 2024. Flights will leave from Eros International Airport in Windhoek, and fly to Maun International Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays each week. This will be a seasonal service between July and November, at the peak of the travel season for the Okavango Delta. This new travel route links two of the most exceptional travel destinations in Southern Africa which will enable more flexible itineraries.
Airlink has announced a new addition to its expanding regional network connecting southern Africa's top travel destinations. In June they begin a service between Cape Town, South Africa and Maputo, Mozambique. There will be four flights per week connecting travellers with two top coastal destinations, scenic Cape Town and the unspoiled tropical beauty of Mozambique. Mozambique boasts one of the longest coastlines in Africa with oceans teaming with marine life, including the rare dugongs and whale sharks.
Kenya Airways has announced that they will also be launching a flight to Maputo, Mozambique, from Kenya's capital city, Nairobi. The new service is set to start in mid-June with three weekly flights. This new route comes in the wake of increased travel demand in East Africa and provides more options for visiting the dreamy beach destinations of Mozambique.
In other news from Kenya Airways, the airline is reintroducing flights to Eldoret, the 5th-largest city in Kenya, located in the Rift Valley region at an elevation of about 2,200 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level. Kenya Airways decided to recommence flights to Eldoret after a 10-year absence due to increased demand for travel to the region. The flight cuts down on the arduous and lengthy drive from Nairobi to the safari destinations in this part of the country. Eldoret is also known for its high altitude training centre that attracts athletes from all over the world to train in Eldoret's ideal high altitude conditions that have been a breeding ground for so many world-class distance runners who hail from the region. There will be five weekly flights in larger Embraer jets with business class seating.
Ethiopian Airlines, fast becoming Africa's biggest airline, continues in its quest to modernize Ethiopia's aviation infrastructure. It has recently opened a new $8 million terminal at Jinka Airport in southern Ethiopia, featuring modern amenities and VIP lounges. The upgraded airport aims to improve the travel experience for tourists visiting the region's cultural attractions and boost trade by offering better connections through Ethiopia's Addis Ababa hub.
The new facilities create a comfortable transit point for tourists visiting the fascinating people, culture and nature of southern Ethiopia, from the Dorze people known for their beehive-shaped huts that reach up to 10 meters tall, to the fearsome Afar people with their camel caravans in the inhospitable, yet striking Danakil Depression region. The Omo Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a rare and diverse collection of indigenous tribes, each with their unique customs and traditions. The landscape is fascinating too, from the molten lava lakes of active volcano Erta Ale, to vast Lake Afdera with its expansive salt flats mined for centuries. There are several national parks, from Awash National Park boasting an impressive array of birds and many unusual plains animals, to afro-alpine Bale Mountains National Park, home to Ethiopian wolves, golden eagles, and mountain nyala, or Nechisar National Park with Lake Chamo where you can take a boat to spot a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.
Tours to southern Ethiopia:
A dry summer and reduced rainfall have prompted Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia to open early this year, on 1 March, for self-drive and guided game drive visitors. "Liuwa", translating to "plain" in the local Liuwa language, aptly describes the park's sweeping plains, much of which are wetlands and floodplains. Along with vast herds of wildebeest, the park is home to a diversity of wildlife including cheetahs, hyaenas, lions, eland, tsessebe and an incredible array of birds including the wattled crane. Park roads only become accessible to visitors at the start of the dry season once the flood waters recede.
Over 10,000 people live legally within the park's borders, making it an outstanding example of how people and wildlife can coexist and benefit in a shared landscape. When the rains arrive towards the end of the year, the fascinating Kuomboka festival celebrates the ceremonial movement of the king of the Lozi people to higher ground before the floods. At this time, Liuwa also hosts the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa. Unlike the Serengeti migration with its massive crowds, Liuwa allows you to witness this spectacular event in relative peace.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has extended the operating hours of the Giriyondo Border Gate between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique in order to boost tourism within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. From April 2024 the Giriyondo Tourist Access Facility is open from 8 am to 3 pm (April-September) and 4 pm (October-March). The roads are only accessible to 4x4 vehicles, allowing visitors the chance to explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of this vast Transfrontier conservation area.
And in news from another Transfrontier Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a vast wildlife preserve spanning over 38,000 square kilometres (14,670 sq miles) of Kalahari Desert in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia: the park has increased efforts to become an inclusive and accessible space. It now provides access for mobility disabled and elderly guests through the upgrades and a wheelchair-friendly paved walkway to the bird hide at Twee Rivieren. The park landscapes feature vast red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob Rivers, said to only flow about once a century. The water courses do exist underground, providing sustenance for the park's plants and animals.
In efforts to conserve more plants and wildlife in South Africa, The National Parks Trust of South Africa (NPTSA) and WWF South Africa have collaborated with SANParks to assist 4 national parks in acquiring a collective total of 20,206 extra hectares of expansion. The parks include:
In a press release, Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa, says: “All of this work contributes towards South Africa’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework to protect 30% of the planet’s terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030.”
Tourists visiting the Zambian side of Victoria Falls can be confident that they will stay connected with the launch of public Wi-Fi at the end of April 2024. This initiative, powered by Liquid Intelligent Technologies, aligns with Zambia's goals to modernize and improve its visitor experiences at this key attraction.
African Budget Safaris brings you the ultimate South African adventure with our exclusive 7-night tour package that combines the best of Cape Town with a Big 5 Safari in South Africa's premium wildlife destination.
Spend 3 nights stay at a luxurious Cape Town hotel, a stone's throw away from the iconic V&A Waterfront and Cape Town city centre. Dive into the vibrant culture and history of Cape Town with a captivating half-day city tour, exploring the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, visiting notable landmarks and soaking in panoramic views of Table Mountain and Table Bay. Then, venture along the breathtaking Cape Peninsula, where rugged coastlines meet pristine beaches, and explore the enchanting Cape Winelands for a taste of world-class wine and cheese.
The other 3 nights are spent at a choice of safari accommodation in the Greater Kruger, which encompasses more than 20 private game reserves sharing unfenced borders with the vast Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely and making for magnificent game viewing. What's more, restricted visitor access ensures intimate and uncrowded game-viewing experiences. Your days will be spent on Safari in Kruger National Park proper, with regular game drives in other Greater Kruger Reserves too.
Your Cape Town urban oasis is the trendy Signature Lux Hotel in the heart of the vibrant Waterfront district, just a stone's throw away from the iconic V&A Waterfront. Relax in stylish comfortable rooms equipped with ambient lighting, SMART TVs, high-speed WiFi and all the trimmings. Indulge in delicious fusion cuisine at the hotel's restaurant, where fresh local ingredients take centre stage, accompanied by live musical performances every evening. Whether you're exploring the city's restaurant scene, shopping or unwinding by the beach, the Waterfront Signature Lux Hotel is a perfect Cape Town retreat.
Rukiya link
Discover tranquillity and luxury at Rukiya Safari Lodge, nestled along the banks of the Blyde River, just upstream of the confluence of the Blyde and Olifants Rivers, within a private nature reserve. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and tucked away under beautiful old indigenous trees, this intimate tented safari lodge offers understated elegance and eco-friendly accommodations. When you're not on a game drive, lounge by the infinity pool and unwind under the stars around the outdoor fire pit. This tour option includes a boat cruise on the Blyde River to see the dramatic landscapes of the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world.
Panzi link
Experience the essence of the African bushveld at Panzi Lodge, nestled within a pristine 400-hectare nature reserve bordering Greater Kruger. This tour option includes a guided bush walk to uncover the secrets of the wilderness. Between activities, retreat to your stylish chalet, featuring classic African charm, modern amenities, and private wooden decks overlooking the breathtaking natural surroundings. With luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, viewing decks, and an outdoor boma area, Panzi Lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience.
Umkumbe link
Immerse yourself in the southern reaches of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve at Umkumbe Bush Lodge. This intimate safari camp offers unparalleled game-viewing opportunities in one of the most prestigious regions of the Greater Kruger area. Experience the true essence of safari living in luxurious Meru-style tents set amidst tall indigenous trees, complemented by a main treehouse building, open-air boma, and inviting swimming pool. With comfortable accommodations, high-quality service, and exceptional wildlife encounters, Umkumbe Bush Lodge promises an unforgettable African safari experience for adventurers of all ages.
According to a recent report by Africa Outlook, a resurgence in travel and investment sees Africa poised to be the world's second-fastest-growing tourism region in 2024. This is echoed by the latest African Hotel & Hospitality Confidence Index, which showed 80% of industry respondents expressing growing confidence and optimism.
In Malawi, construction has begun on a $4.6 million state-of-the-art Conference Centre in Salima, situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Malawi in Malawi's Central Region. Set to open in December 2024, the centre will feature a 500-seat arena, breakaway rooms and a 200-seat restaurant. The Conference Centre location allows guests to take advantage of all that Lake Malawi has to offer, like sunning on lakeside beaches and a host of water-based activities, including snorkelling, diving, and kayaking. Beyond its scenery, Lake Malawi boasts a rich ecosystem teeming with colourful fish species, and nearby villages offer colourful markets and authentic encounters with the warm-hearted Malawian people.
Tanzania is also moving forward with the ambitious $116 million first phase of its long-awaited Mt. Kilimanjaro International Convention Centre. The centre will be located in Arusha, the gateway to the Great Africa Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro and the popular Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit which includes beautiful Serengeti and the unique Ngorongoro Crater. The project has been 18 years in the making, and it is hoped to host their largest-ever international conference there in 2027.
Residents of Cape Town suburb, Grassy Park, recently received a surprising nighttime visitor which went viral on social media. This astonishing sight on a city street was a hippo who escaped from the nearby lake, Rondevlei, in Cape Town's False Bay Nature Reserve. Since 1981, this urban enclave has been home to a special pod of common hippopotamus, contributing to the local wetland ecology under the watchful eye of the City’s Biodiversity Management team. After his whereabouts were discovered, the escaped hippo was safely herded back into the reserve by the City’s Biodiversity Management Branch, security rangers, and police.
Hippos became extinct in Cape Town due to hunting over 300 years ago but were reintroduced into Rondevlei as part of a visionary initiative, with two males arriving in 1981, followed by two females in 1983. They are now number 10, and play a significant role in the ecosystem of the False Bay Nature Reserve, particularly in controlling invasive species like the seashore paspalum that plague the waters of this urban ecosystem. However, part of natural pod dynamics is that young male hippos usually disperse to establish their own territories, which is not possible in this small urban space. Our escapee was a young male who had a run-in with the dominant male. There are now plans afoot to relocate some of the males to avoid further territorial conflicts with the original dominant male and to give them a chance to establish their own pods elsewhere.
Scientists at the Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard the highly endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in southern Africa. Over the past 15 years, they've been working tirelessly to protect these native species, which face severe threats due to habitat fragmentation and disease outbreaks. African wild dogs are extremely efficient pack hunters, but they require extensive home ranges to live and escape competition such as lions. Today, they only occupy about 7% of their former range, and it is estimated that there are only about 550 dogs remaining in South Africa, scattered across 14 highly fragmented populations. The difficulty is that the majority of the surviving habitats are too tiny and fragmented to support substantial populations, and inbreeding becomes a problem.
To address these challenges, they've decided to freeze sperm from genetically diverse male African wild dogs and utilize artificial insemination to enhance genetic diversity and resilience against diseases like rabies and canine distemper virus within fragmented populations. The establishment of an African wild dog sperm bank, made possible by recent advancements in sperm freezing techniques, provides a crucial backup plan against future disease outbreaks, securing a brighter future for these creatures.
Easter saw the release of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) "Adopt an Egg" campaign, aimed at increasing the populations of the endangered African penguin, with rehabilitation and release into the wild. African penguins are increasingly facing a range of threats including habitat loss, depletion of feeding grounds due to overfishing, pollution, climate change, and predation by land-based predators such as mongooses and domestic dogs. By contributing R300 / $16 / £13 / €15, donors support the incubation of an African penguin egg until hatching and enable SANCCOB's team to hand-rear the chick for three to four months. This project offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals to directly participate in conservation efforts. Learn more here.
Researchers have made an astonishing discovery in the remote northeastern regions of Namibia: a new bullfrog, making it the fourth known species of bullfrog to inhabit southern Africa. Heralded as the first discovery of its kind in Africa for over a century, this frog's existence has remained a secret due to its remote habitat. Zoology Professor Louis du Preez of South Africa's North West University says they do not believe that the bullfrog is threatened as it occurs over a large area, it is just the remoteness of the area which has kept the bullfrog's existence a secret so long. The new bullfrog has been christened Pyxicephalus Beytelli, in honour of the late Ben Beytell, a distinguished figure in Namibia's Parks and Wildlife Management.
A PhD student from the Eastern Cape in South Africa "accidentally" discovered 5 new species of snakes, 2 new species of geckos, and a new species of rain frog in the headwaters of the Okavango Delta. Dr Werner Conradie did several expeditions to this remote area, accompanied by land-mine removal teams, between 2012 and 2019. The study investigated concerns about the Delta, reduction in flow, declining bird species, and delays in seasonal flooding. In the process, the team identified the headwaters of the Okavango as an area of extremely high endemism and it is hoped that the research will help contribute towards conservation efforts in the area. Conradie said "We wanted to find out what was causing this [reduction in flow to the Delta]. The eight new species we found was almost by accident”.
South Africa's Ministerial Task Team report on the captive lion breeding industry has been endorsed by the country's cabinet after extensive stakeholder input. The report outlines a roadmap for South Africa's exit from an industry long plagued by controversy and animal suffering. Lions, leopards, tigers and other big cats are bred for commercial purposes, from tourism activities like cuddling lion cubs and “canned lion” trophy hunting to the harvesting of bones for the international trade in lion bone for superstitious purposes. The report envisages voluntary exit options for captive breeders, including humane euthanasia, phase-out through trade opportunities, and surrender to lion safe havens.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana has recently made headlines in his public spat with German authorities over their efforts to ban the import of elephant tusk hunting trophies into Germany. Masisi has claimed that an explosion in the elephant numbers roaming his country has produced a “plague” and the promotion of hunting is one method for controlling numbers. “It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world, and even for Lemke’s party,” he said. Other European nations are looking to follow suit, angering a few African governments who say it amounts to “colonial interference”. This piece, Elephant in the Room: Why Botswana and Namibia Want Fewer of the Gentle Giants explores this delicate conservation conundrum.
May month brings us AFRICA DAY, a celebration of the incredible diversity of a continent of over a billion people spanning 54 countries. The day symbolizes African unity and celebrates the continent's vibrant cultures, rich history, and economic potential. While Africa faces numerous challenges, including poverty and underdevelopment, it also boasts phenomenal natural resources, vibrant civilizations, a youthful population and innovative minds.
Originally declared in commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU), established in 1963, Africa Day is now celebrated all over the globe by showcasing modern Africa through photos and videos that highlight its dynamism and diversity, to reverse stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding of the continent's true essence. Look for Africa Day celebrations in a location near you. Google Arts & Culture have prepared this lovely piece on 13 Ways to Celebrate Africa Day.
May sees a celebration of South Africa's best-known street food, the Kota. The term Kota, which is used in places like Soweto and Johannesburg, comes from the English word quarter, which refers to the size of the bread loaf used. It is made with 1⁄4 loaf of bread hollowed out, filled with french fries and topped with optional sauces, cheeses, egg, and meat. The traditional name and fillings vary from area to area. The Kota festival is a celebration of street culture with a choice of Kota variations to sample and entertainment laid on for all ages.
The Kenyan diaspora in the UK is hosting an exciting celebration of Kenyan culture in London to coincide with Africa Day. The event will take place over the weekend of 25/26 May celebrating the vibrant music, dance, and traditions of Kenya. There will be performances by renowned Kenyan artists, from traditional folk dances to contemporary music, a feast of Kenyan cuisine and a chance to connect with Kenyans living in the diaspora.
The MTN Bushfire Festival in Eswatini, scheduled from May 31st, is a celebration of music, arts, and culture set against the stunning backdrop of the Kingdom of Eswatini's scenic landscape. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse lineup of local and international artists, Bushfire attracts music enthusiasts and cultural aficionados from across the globe. From pulsating rhythms of Afrobeat to soul-stirring melodies of traditional Swazi music, the festival offers a fusion of musical genres for every taste. Beyond the music, Bushfire is a platform for artistic expression, featuring workshops, exhibitions, and interactive performances that showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Eswatini and the African continent.
__medium.jpg)
Decorex Cape Town – 6 to 9 June 2024 (Cape Town, South Africa)
Decorex is Africa's leading design event, and the Cape Town leg kicks off on 6 June 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the centre of the city. This year's show promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with over 230 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends and innovations in African interior design and decor. From themed exhibitions and exciting collaborations to product launches and expert talks, Decorex Cape Town is a must-attend event for anyone interested in creating beautiful and sustainable spaces inspired by Africa and her people. Decorex Johannesburg takes place in August 2024.
Mark your calendars, music lovers! Lake of Stars, Malawi's famed music and arts festival, is back for its 20th anniversary celebration. This year, the festival will be held at the stunning Fish Eagle Bay Lodge in Nkhotakota from September 6th to 8th, offering festival-goers a chance to experience a diverse lineup of local and international musicians on the pristine shores of Lake Malawi. Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable African event - Earlybird tickets are now on sale.
For more about upcoming events and festivals in Africa see our Month-by-Month Guide to Southern African Events & Festivals or African Events & Festivals in East and North Africa
To get help with planning your safari, talk to an African travel consultant today.
Explore these destinations mentioned in this post.
Below you'll find further reading and articles related or similar to this post.
Call us toll free from US/Canada on 1-888-414-6513, or from the UK on 0-808-189-1052. All other countries can contact us on +27 21 791 0878.
© 2026 African Budget Safaris | Privacy | Terms | Cookie Policy | Consent Preferences
_(1)__thumb.jpg)
