Member News
30 April 2014
How to help save rhinos?
Great Plains ConservationGreat Plains Conservation will be giving calving season bednights away in the Selinda Reserve to raise money to translocate 100 rhino from South Africa to Botswana. Book a stay at either Zarafa Camp, Selinda Camp or Selinda Explorers Camp between now and 31 May 2014 or from 1 November 2014 to 31 May 2015 and guests will be directly contributing to the total USD8 million target needed to move these rhino in July/August 2015. You can book through your usual ground handler, or through the Great …
Read More30 April 2014
Special flights to Nairobi (01 May 2014 - 03 May 2014)
Auric Air ServicesPlease note: we have organized some special flights from 01 May to 03 May 2014 as below: 01 May 2014 Nairobi Wilson to Mwanza Departure from Nairobi at 12:00 Hrs, arrival in Mwanza at 13:40 Hrs 02 May 2014 Mwanza to Nairobi Wilson Departure from Mwanza at 08:00 Hrs, arrival in Nairobi at 09:40 Hrs 03 May 2014 Nairobi Wilson to Mwanza Departure from Nairobi at 15:00 Hrs, Arrival in Mwanza at 16:40 Hrs Email auric@auricair.com for more details.
Read More30 April 2014
Nairobi to Serengeti in 90min
Coastal AviationCoastal Aviation’s Nairobi to Serengeti flight takes you from Nairobi into the Serengeti in just 90 min. This daily flight enables travelers to connect from their international flight out of Europe or guests already in Nairobi at 07:30 in the morning and be on Safari in the Serengeti as early as 09:15. contact: products@coastal.co.tz for more information.
Read More29 April 2014
Special Flight Mwanza to Nairobi (Wilson) on 29 April 2014
Auric Air ServicesPlease note: we have organized a special flight on 29 April 2014, Tuesday from Mwanza to Nairobi Wilson Departure from Mwanza at 10:30, arrival in Nairobi (Wilson) at 12:15 Email auric@auricair.com.
Read More28 April 2014
First photos of Liuwa’s lion cubs
Africa GeographicLiuwa Park manager, Raquel Filgueiras, has captured the first clear images of the three lion cubs, born four months ago in Liuwa National Park. The cubs are the first born in Liuwa in a decade. See the adorable pictures here.
Read More28 April 2014
DRAMA in the MARA: Lioness versus Buffalo - How it happened
Gamewatchers SafarisYou must have all heard about the shocking story of how 11 year old lioness Siena of the Maasai Mara survived after being injured in a gory fight with a buffalo early this month. Emergency vets flew down to the Mara to treat Siena’s life threatening wounds. It took them about 4 hours to clean and stitch her up before letting her return to her cubs in the wild. Gamewatchers Safaris’ driver guide, Meshak Sayialel, had just finished a picnic breakfast with some of our…
Read More28 April 2014
The 2014 Little Green Book of Fashion
Tongabezi LodgeOn the one year anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, Tongabezi's Blog House features tips and links to turn your style eco-friendly.
Read More28 April 2014
Emerald Collection to take over Dream of Zanzibar
Dream of Zanzibar resort will close for maintenance from May 1-31. The scheduled management take-over by Emerald Collection will take place at the same time. Guests booked into the resort during May will be booked in at the five-star Hideaway of Nungwi Resort and Spa at the same rates offered by Dream of Zanzibar. Guests are advised to confirm their rebooking at Hideaway by resending their current booking confirmations for May reservations at Dream of Zanzibar to book…
Read More25 April 2014
The Hide adds underground tunnel, exclusive-use offering
The Hide SafarisThe Hide Safari Camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, has added a tunnel to the new underground hide. The camp has also added a private dining and lounge area. The underground tunnel allows guests to access the hide from the main living area without being observed by wildlife. The hide is at a waterhole and allows views of the animals while keeping guests hidden from view, providing excellent photographic opportunities. An underground wine cellar has been added to the tunnel and houses premi…
Read More25 April 2014
Special flight Dar Es Salaam to Arusha on 02 May 2014
Auric Air ServicesPlease note: we have organized a special flight on 02 May 2014 from Dar es Salaam to Arusha Departure from Dar es Salaam at 13:20 hrs, arrival in Arusha at 15:10 For more informtion, email auric@auricair.com.
Read More23 April 2014
A feast of hippos and crocodiles
Africa GeographicStunning images of a mass of over 100 crocodiles feeding on a dead hippo in the Luangwa River while a mass of hippos looks on. See the photos here.
Read More23 April 2014
Skukuza Airport appoints Avis
AirlinkThe Skukuza Airport Management Company has appointed Avis as the car hire service provider at the newly refurbished Skukuza airport. Not only will Avis provide pre-booked vehicles for collection at the Skukuza Airport for guests arriving on Airlink’s schedule flights direct from Johannesburg and Cape Town, they will also offer a shuttle service to the main Skukuza camp. Avis has a well-established infrastructure at the Skukuza camp having provided car hire facilities to the visitors to t…
Read More17 April 2014
Ethiopia to feature in Lonely Planet Traveller with Dinknesh
KamiliHaving enthused about Ethiopia to tour operators and the media alike, Kamili was delighted to be asked by ‘Lonely Planet Traveller’ magazine who were intrigued to find out if Ethiopia was every bit as exciting as we’d said! Ethiopia continues to attract more and more interest from tourists looking for a totally unique experience – a blend of history, culture and wildlife. Expert Ethiopia-based DMC, Dinknesh delivered up an excellent itinerary that perfectly matched…
Read More16 April 2014
Exciting times for Phoenix Aviation
Bill Parkinson, still flying at 81 years old, finally steps down as the Chairman of Phoenix Aviation. In 1994, Bill opened the doors of Phoenix Aviation, a maintenance and air charter company operating from Wilson Airport. Phoenix Aviation focused on charter and Air Ambulance Services providing first generation jet aircraft to AMREF Flying Doctors. The fleet has grown under Bill Parkinson's stewardship to include a MD83, Citation Excel C 560, four Citation Bravo C 550s; …
Read More15 April 2014
Extra flights on 15 April 2014 (Dodoma)
Auric Air ServicesDue to the Ruvu Bridge collapse as Mlandizi flooded. We have opened extra flights on 15 April 2014 as below: Morogoro to Dar es Salaam, departure from Morogoro at 15:00 hrs 15 April 2014 Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, departure from Dar es Salaam at 07:00 hrs Dodoma to Dar es Salaam, departure from Dodoma at 09:30 hrs Charter flights available on request. Email auric@auricair.com.
Read More15 April 2014
Tourism Transformation Council launched to make Ethiopia a top tourist destination
The Tourism Transformation Council and the Ethiopian Tourism Organisation – both designed to transform the tourism industry - were launched in March, and will coordinate the activities of the various stakeholders in the industry, said Mulugeta Seid, State minister for Culture & Tourism. At the founding meeting of Ethiopia’s Tourism Transformation Council and the first meeting of the Council’s members, PM Hailemariam, who chairs the Council, expressed his hope that the Cou…
Read More14 April 2014
Zanzibar to protect its No.1 industry – tourism
Government officials pledge their commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of Zanzibaris and tourists, at the Zanzibar Association’s Tourism Investor (ZATI) annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday. Guest of Honor, Minister of Finance, Mr Omar Yussuf Mzee, told investors that the “Governments objective is to increase the number of tourists visiting the islands, as the tourism sector currently accounts for 80 per cent of the isles’ foreign earnings. Tourism growth al…
Read More14 April 2014
ZTB and Zambian Mission (in China) in joint marketing drive
Zambia Tourism BoardThe Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) and the Zambian Embassy in China have embarked on a joint promotional campaign aimed at increasing Chinese tourist arrivals to Zambia. And Zambia’s Ambassador to China Gertrude Kasuba Mwape has called upon Chinese nationals to explore Zambia’s tourist attractions. Ms Mwape told Chinese Tour operators at a workshop held at the Sheraton Great Wall Hotel in Beijing yesterday that Zambia was endowed with beautiful natural tourist attractions that in…
Read More11 April 2014
Rhino horn – To trade or not to trade: Does it really matter?
Africa GeographicThe rhino horn trade is being punted as an option with ‘if it pays it stays’ philosophy. The counter argument being that we don’t understand the market, making it difficult to play with. Each a compelling argument in its own right, however are we are dividing our forces, our efforts and the rhino population while we debate the issue? Read this post.
Read More11 April 2014
The First Lady and the London Marathon
Kenya Tourism BoardAs many of you will be aware we are delighted to be supporting The First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, who will be running the London Marathon. Team Kenya look forward to cheering on The First Lady along with Kenya’s world class athletes who will no doubt sweep up the medals once again! For any Team Kenya Marathon supporters who would like to join us we will be found at start of the race, pre-11am at mile 6 outside Maze Hill station. Post 11am we will be between Tower Bridge and Shad…
Read More11 April 2014
Kenya Airways expands South African Destinations through Code Share
Kenya AirwaysAimed to open up South Africa for travelers arriving in Johannesburg with Kenya Airways, has the airline now signed a wide ranging code share agreement with South Africa’s innovative low cost carrier kulula, renowned for their often quirky commercials. Kenya Airways’ will with immediate effect place their KQ code on all of kulula’s domestic destinations, which apart from Johannesburg include such destinations like Cape Town, Durban, George and East London, while the kulula co…
Read More11 April 2014
Saruni's new website is live
SaruniSaruni Lodges and Safari's has just launched their new website. With improved functionality, additional special features and a beautiful, clean look, the new website is designed to give you a smooth and memorable online experience. Visit www.saruni.com to discover the new Saruni online.
Read More10 April 2014
Three Cities Urban Park Hotel & Spa welcomes new GM
Three Cities Urban Park Hotel & Spa in Umhlanga, Durban is pleased to announce the appointment of Emeline Jacobs as the new General Manager of the Hotel. Taking over as of April 2014, Jacobs boasts a colourful rise within the hospitality industry since the former North Coast resident started fine tuning her expertise and education as a reception and switchboard operator at La Montagne Hotel, in Ballito, between 1993-1994. For more information log onto www.threecities.co.za.
Read More09 April 2014
Rwanda's genocide, 20 years on
Steppes TravelToday marks the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. Whilst it is important never to forget what happened it is equally important to look forward to the future. The genocide is also about moving on and Rwanda is surmounting its problems with a determination worthy of support. I am pleased to say that tourism has played a supporting role and indeed has been a key part in Rwanda’s recovery – tourism is now Rwanda’s top source of foreign income. I have been lucky enough to …
Read More09 April 2014
South African Airways takes delivery of a fourth new A320 aircraft
Two new A320 aircraft have joined the SAA fleet, adding to the two that already started flying on regional and domestic flights within Africa during the last year. A further four A320’s are expected to be delivered later this year as part of SAA’s fleet replacement programme which will see all Boeing 737-800 aircraft replaced and the fleet increased to support SAA's route expansion plans into Africa. As well as the increased comfort onboard, the aircraft are made …
Read More09 April 2014
Lewa Wilderness joins the Hand Picked Africa Collection
Handpicked AfricaKate Coleridge will now be representing Lewa Wilderness in Laikipia, Kenya. Please contact katecoleridge@handpickedafrica.co.uk for info / rates / new images, or call 0208 354 0458 for a meeting. I will come to your office in the UK or we can meet at Indaba in the Atta tent.
Read More08 April 2014
Livingstone Island Closed on 5 April 2014
Tongabezi LodgeLivingstone Island has now closed due to the increasing water levels on the Mighty Zambezi River. At the moment the decision by management is to temporarily cease operations from the 5th April 2014 until further notice. The 5th April 2014 was therefore the last day of the visits to the Island for this season. The re-opening date will be communicated to you at least a week before.
Read More08 April 2014
Delivery of Kenya Airways first 787 Dreamliner
Kenya AirwaysBoeing and Kenya Airways celebrated the delivery and flyaway today of the Kenyan flag carrier's first 787 Dreamliner. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett for a 7,800 nautical mile (14,456 km) nonstop flight to Kenya Airways' home base in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This delivery is the first of nine 787 Dreamliners set to join Kenya Airways' fleet. The deliveries of additional 787s, along with 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes, forms part of the East…
Read More07 April 2014
Proflight Zambia Signs Alliance with Fastjet
Lusaka-based regional airline Proflight Zambia has joined forces with low-cost airline fastjet, making it possible for passengers to travel efficiently between the 15 destinations serviced by the two carriers across Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. The alliance will see both airlines expand their reach between the two countries, while establishing Lusaka as a regional aviation hub. fastjet will service the route between Dar es Salaam and Lusaka from May 1, 2014, as well as Tanzanian domestic route…
Read More04 April 2014
The SAFARI Company welcomes two new members to the team!
The Safari CompanyThis February, The SAFARI Company welcomed with open arms Jo Troulan as our new General Manager. Jo moved to Kenya from Ireland 8 years ago and loves to explore the country that she now calls home! At The SAFARI Company Jo has found a way to combine her love of travel with her new position. Read more about Jo! In March we also welcomed Hen Vyvyan-Robinson as our Social Media and E Marketing Manager. Hen caught the 'Africa bug' whilst she was teaching in Malawi and arrived in Kenya in 2…
Read More04 April 2014
Solio Lodge Achieves Silver Under Kenya's Eco Rating Scheme
The Safari CollectionCongratulations to Solio Lodge for achieving silver certification under Kenya’s Eco-rating Scheme, a sustainable tourism certification program that aims to promote responsible tourism in Kenya. Solio was assessed in January 2014 and achieved the silver eco-rating - a fantastic achievement for an entry level. The programs focus is to recognise best practices in environmental conservation, responsible resource use and socio-economic investment among tourism accommodation fa…
Read More04 April 2014
New Zanzibar-Arusha Flights
Coastal AviationWe are pleased to announce that we are doubling our link from South to North by introducing a new Zanzibar to Arusha afternoon flight at 15:00. The new flight will be operational from Friday, April 11th. It will wait for incoming connections from Dar es Salaam, Selous, Ruaha and Mafia, while passengers boarding in Zanzibar will have an extra half day to enjoy the charm of Stone Town. The flight will stop in Pangani (Mashado) and Kilimanjaro International Airport on demand.
Read More04 April 2014
New European Roadshow
On Show SolutionsWe invite you to join the Africa Showcase in ‘Mitteleuropa’ for a busy week of meetings in Vienna, Salzburg and Munich from 02 to 06 June 2014. With tourist arrivals from German-speaking Europe showing significant increase to Southern and East Africa, it is no surprise that we’ve had numerous requests for a new European roadshow. Since launching earlier this year, the take-up from the industry is evidence that this new marketing platform is in de…
Read More04 April 2014
New Management Couple at Santorini
Neill & Christi, our new management couple, left the African Bush to come to the Mozambican shores to form part of the Santorini team. Within a short few months they have fallen in love with the Mozambican Coast, the Vilanculos Culture and the white sandy beaches and are looking forward to sharing this new found love with our clients. Read more about us at www.villasantorini.co.za
Read More03 April 2014
White buffalo calves in Kruger area
Africa GeographicClick here to see some amazing photos of a number of white buffalo calves spotted in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
Read More03 April 2014
Marriott International complete acquisition acquisition of Protea Hospitality Group
Protea Hospitality GroupMarriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today became the largest hotel company in Africa according to published information, and nearly doubled its presence in its Middle East and Africa region to more than 160 hotels and 23,000 rooms as it completed its acquisition of the 116-hotel Protea Hospitality Group (PHG), based in South Africa. Marriott now operates or franchises more than 4,000 hotels in 79 countries. At the same time, Marriott said that its pipeline of new hotels in the Mid…
Read More03 April 2014
Tassia Lodge will open in May
In March this year there was a dispute between a neighbouring clan of the Samburu people and the Lekurruki Conservancy scouts over grazing. This is a common occurrence in all the North Kenya Community Conservancy areas , especially after an extended dry period. The dispute was amicably resolved by the conflict resolution teams of Northern Rangelands Trust and the Lekurruki Conservancy. This coincided with the onset of the rains. Tassia Lodge normally closes at this time for renovations and res…
Read More02 April 2014
Airport Security Checks - additional time required
African HorizonsDue to security enhancements at all airports in Kenya, we are advising you that African Horizons are factoring in an extra hour into all departure time drop-offs to cater for vehicle security checks during entry to the airport. This is to enable arrival for flights in time for normal check-in. We kindly advise you to advise all your clients to plan accordingly.
Read More02 April 2014
Blue Train adds June departures, extends itineraries
The Blue TrainThe Blue Train has added departures to its scheduled trips between Pretoria and Cape Town in June. Guests on June departures will also have two complimentary overnight stays. The hotel selections in Pretoria include the Sheraton or Castello di Monte, while the choices in Cape Town include the Taj Hotel or The Westin. The June departure dates from Pretoria to Cape Town are June 2, 9 and 16, with departures from Cape Town to Pretoria on June 4, 11 and 18. The overnight stays…
Read More02 April 2014
Nuarro Lodge upgraded
NuarroLocated in the north of Mozambique, in the province of Nampula, lies Nuarro lodge, chalets dotted along the powder-white beach of the Nathana Bay. The lodge closes annually from the 15th January until the 15th March for annual maintenance and upgrades. During the closed period this year, as well as the usual annual maintenance, there were quite a few improvements that are worth mentioning. The beach bar, a favorite place for guests to relax and have a light snack, sundowners or watch some wha…
Read More01 April 2014
Vamizi Island launches new website
Vamizi Island is delighted to launch the newly designed www.vamizi.com. The new website has been designed to make it easier for you and your clients to find all the information you need. View the Lodge and its kitalas (Lodge rooms) including the kitala layouts to help you chose whether the Luxury, Luxury Family or Luxury Double Kitala is best for you. For bigger groups explore the Private Villa section where you can download full detailed summaries for each of the 4 Private Villas, including t…
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