News from our Members
Sent to all our members on a daily basis, below is a full collection of news stories from across the membership.
To submit a news story please Log In to your dashboard and go to "Submit News".
31 July 2014
Wilderness Safaris’ Star Beds Offer the Ultimate Sleep-Out Experience
Wilderness SafarisWilderness Safaris offers a range of “sleep-out” options to suit the discerning tastes of all travellers – from luxury-seeking honeymooners to adventurous family groups. Gently drifting to sleep with nothing between you and the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere is the purest way to appreciate the nocturnal sights and sounds of the bush. For more information go to www.wilderness-safaris.com
Read More31 July 2014
From SATSA CEO on new regulations
SATSAThe battle on the new birth certificates and biometric visa regulations continues and SATSA has taken a leading role in the fight. An op-ed that I wrote was featured in the Business Day on 18 July to counter a fairly belligerent article from the DG of Home Affairs the previous week. In case you missed it, click here. In addition, I was interviewed on ANN7 News on 23 July, to view the clip click here. Through the TBCSA we have commissioned a 50-page report from Grant Thornton on the issu…
Read More31 July 2014
Mara Leisure Camp announces completion of massage facility
Mara Leisure Camp has finished the new spa facility, which is now open for treatments. Opening hours are from 7 am to 8 pm on weekdays, weekends and public holidays, and guests mut be at least 16 tears of age to use the gymnasium or spa facilities. Reservations are recommended. Treatments available include aromatherapy massage, deep tissue muscle massage, relexology, Swedish massage and Indian head, back and shoulder. For more information email reservations.ke@marasa.net
Read More30 July 2014
Tanzanian Tranquility
Visit Momella Lakes and experience new Canoe Safaris from Hatari Lodge In the north east part of Arusha National Park lies the area known as the Momella Lakes. Fringed by green hills, surrounded by the post-volcanic landscape, seven lakes nestle in the valleys. Their sodium rich content and the formation of algae make the lakes alkaline, causing them to be a popular feeding and resting area for flamingos. Arusha National Park is the only place in Tanzania where buffalo, water and bushbuck, hip…
Read More30 July 2014
New mid-morning flights to the Serengeti
Tanganyika Flying Co. The Serengeti Aviation specialists, today launched a new mid morning service from Arusha and Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti via Lake Manyara and Mwiba. This flight will depart Arusha at 10:15 each morning and route through Kilimanjaro, collecting passengers from the morning Precision Air (PW) flight from Dar es Salaam and the early PW and Kenya Airways (KQ) flights from Nairobi - Jomo Kenyatta. The departure out of JRO is 10:50. The flight will arrive in Lake Ma…
Read More30 July 2014
Bushtops launches new website
Bushtops CampsWe invite you to explore our new website and films www.bushtopscamps.com Find out more about Roving Bushtops and the recently opened Amani African Spa village at Mara Bushtops
Read More29 July 2014
Delta Air Lines Announces Enhanced Partnership with Kenya Airways
MONROVIA, 24 July 2014 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced that it has reached agreement on an enhanced partnership with SkyTeam partner Kenya Airways to offer convenient connecting flights between Monrovia, Liberia, and Accra, Ghana. The services will begin effective September 1, 2014, operating three times a week on a Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Kenya Airways. The Kenya Airways flight will offer seamless and convenient connections with Delta’s nonstop flights b…
Read More29 July 2014
#WhyILoveSaruni photo competition
SaruniSaruni has officially launched their #WhyILoveSaruni Facebook photo competition! Enter your photos which illustrate why you love Saruni, and stand a chance to win a fully complimentary, all-inclusive 2 nights stay for 2 people at Saruni Samburu or Saruni Mara. The competition will run from the 1st August 2014 – 1st February 2015, when the winner will be announced. For the full competition details, click here.
Read More29 July 2014
Star Alliance Officially Opens New Lounge At São Paulo – Guarulhos Airport Terminal 3
São Paulo, Brazil –July 25th, 2014 –Star Alliance officially opened its new Lounge at São Paulo –Guarulhos Airport, Terminal 3 today. About 1,350 square metres in size, the lounge can accommodate up to 295 guests and is open daily from 12.00 noon to 03.00 in the morning. Access is granted to passengers travelling on Star Alliance member airlines from Guarulhos in First or Business Class or holding Star Alliance Gold Status. The lounge is located on the mezzanine…
Read More29 July 2014
Classic Portfolio expands in Tanzania
CLASSIC PORTFOLIO: Within the last six weeks we have been delighted to welcome three fantastic new lodges to our portfolio of unique experiences. Legendary Lodge in Arusha, Mwiba Lodge in the southern Serengeti and Azura Selous situated on the Ruaha River in the western Selous. Classic Portfolio is the leading collection of eco-sensitive camps, private game reserves, luxury hotels, secluded beach retreats and renowned wine estates in Southern and East Africa. Each experience o…
Read More28 July 2014
Brighter days on the lake of stars
Africa GeographicHow a remote Mozambican lodge turns isolation from a curse into a blessing. Find out how here: http://magazine.africageographic.com/weekly/issue-4/brighter-days-on-the-lake-of-stars/
Read More24 July 2014
The Safari Collection Introduces The First Ever Mobile Samburu Dental Clinic
The Safari CollectionThe Westgate Samburu Community in north-central Kenya received a unique set of visitors recently… in the form of an entire dental clinic. Many of the rural areas in Kenya do not have a dental service, and in some instances, the only available dental treatment is provided by witch doctors. In Westgate, the nearest dentist is located in Isiolo town, which is at least a two-hour drive away or more than a full days walk. The Samburu have poor access to clean water and they use a twig f…
Read More23 July 2014
The Cheli & Peacock Community Trust and its partners treat over 500 patients in three days at Maasai Mara Medical Camp
Cheli & Peacock Safaris (DMC)Last month the Cheli & Peacock Community Trust held its third medical camp at the Aitong Health Centre, not far from Elephant Pepper Campin the Maasai Mara. The three-day camp took place from 24th – 26th June 2014 and focussed on adult health, maternal child health (including cervical cancer screening and family planning), nutrition and dentistry. The main aim of the camp was to concentrate on these four areas of health, while also building the capacity of the staff clinicians and Co…
Read More23 July 2014
Stop Sales for Hideaway of Nungwi in October
Please be kindly informed that we have to stop the sales for the following periods and room types: From 25th October 2014 To 27th October 2014 (2 nights) Room Types: All Room Types Please send us your SELL & REPORT up to date within 24H, with all booking confirmed for the above mentioned period. Please note that no name change or amendment will be accepted for the Stop sales period.
Read More22 July 2014
Three Cities Docklands undergoes refurbishment
Three Cities Docklands Hotel in Durban is undergoing refurbishment until the end of August. The hotel has recently been taken over by the Misty Blue Group, which hopes to lead the way in developing a new and improved Durban Point Waterfront. New additions to the hotel include the Aqua Spa as well as a new gym. Rooms have been updated and freshened up to create a more inviting atmosphere. Some inconvenience is to be expected but all work has b…
Read More22 July 2014
Mara Leisure Camp announces completion of Honeymoon Tent
Management of Mara Leisure Camp proudly announces completion of Honeymoon tent. The challenge was to create an unforgettable honeymoon experience, representing the modern style of today with unique amenities and classic undertones in the bush. These include a private outdoor shower and garden, glass around the tent to have panoramic views of the exterior, and en-suite bathroom and luxurious furnishings which all create an ambiance which will be sure to enhance any special get-together. For mor…
Read More22 July 2014
Vamizi Island offer free flights from Dar es Salaam and Pemba
From 5th November to 20th December 2014 inclusive, your clients will enjoy FREE FLIGHTS to Vamizi*. This exclusive offer can also be used in conjunction with our special promotion during the same period of stay seven nights and pay for five. This unbeatable offer can be used for accommodation in our ‘castaway chic’ beachside kitalas or our luxurious villas on a full board basis (excl. drinks). * Our special offer applies to all stays of 7 nights or more for seats on our scheduled f…
Read More21 July 2014
A walk on the wild side.
Africa GeographicAfrica's highest concentration of lion and massive herds of buffalo mean walking in Tanzania's Ruaha is the wildest of experiences. Click here to find out more: http://magazine.africageographic.com/weekly/issue-3/
Read More21 July 2014
Leopard Beach Resort and Spa reopens
Leopard Beach Resort and SpaFollowing two months of closure for annual repairs and maintenance, Leopard Beach Resort and Spa in Kenya has reopened. For more information on special rates, visit http://www.leopardbeachresort.com.
Read More21 July 2014
An update from Encounter Mara
Keep up to date with the latest happenings at Encounter Mara at the below address. http://encountermara.com/blog/ For more information please contact marketing@encountermara.com.
Read More18 July 2014
Hoopoe Safaris Mountaineering Age Limits
Hoopoe SafarisKILIMANJARO, MT KENYA, AND MT MERU AGE LIMITS / REGULATIONS There was some media recently regarding the youngest girl to summit Kilimanjaro being just 9 years old. It is our knowledge that Kilimanjaro limits Children under 10 from ascending above 3000 meters but we, as a Hoopoe rule, won’t take children under 12. Children and young people appear to be more susceptible to acute mountain sickness. We prefer to only take children over 14 years old, but slightly younger children can be consi…
Read More18 July 2014
Eleven One Laptop per Child Computers Donated to Twabuka Community School
Wilderness SafarisUS travel writer Candyce H. Stapen (gfvac.com) recently visited Wilderness Safaris’ Toka Leya Camp from 15-17 June, not only to enjoy Zambia’s renowned hospitality, but also to donate 11 new computers from One Laptop per Child (OLPC) to Twabuka Community School in Sinde Village. For more information, please contact Sue (sues@wilderness.co.za).
Read More18 July 2014
Aviate working with KLM
An extensive East Africa Route network with KLM Entebbe Dar es Salaam Kigali Kilimanjaro KLM will offer even more options to passengers fying from the UK to Africa this winter via award winning Amsterdam Airport School. KLM will offer additional capacity with new non-stop fights from Amsterdam to Entebbe and Dar es-Salaam. A new circle service Amsterdam-Kilimajaro-Kigali-Amsterdam will be also added to the schedule. Email sales@aviateworld for m…
Read More17 July 2014
New Management at The Tides Lodge
The Tides Lodge has new management. Steve and De Auret, from Zimbabwe, who started with us in June. Steve was formerly Field Operations Manager with Asilia and together with De they also carried out relief management for Asilia. They bring their considerable skills and knowledge to the Tides and have already made significant improvements to the levels of service. We have also appointed a new Food and Beverage Manager, Mathius Manondo, from Tanzania, who was formerly with Elewana. These appoint…
Read More16 July 2014
Tipilikwani Mara Camp News
Atua Enkop AfricaWe are pleased to announce that our recent refurbishment and development works at Tipilikwani Mara Camp are completed and are ready for the high season. We still have a few openings at the camps in the coming season so please get in touch with our reservations department at the following contacts: Susan - reservations@atua-enkop.com Lucie - sales@atua-enkop.com Telephone numbers: +254 20 4450035/6, 0715 555 322. Website: www.atua-enkop.com
Read More16 July 2014
Tortilis Camp's new honeybee project
Tortilis Camp's new honey bee relocation project is up-and-running - the latest of its 'going green' initiatives. Working with the African Beekeepers' Association, Cheli & Peacock has unveiled a series of new hives up on the hill behind the camp in a bid to relocate the camp's buzzing friends away from busy guest areas. The hives and their colonies will be looked after by local people, with the camp receiving some of the resulting honey for its famed…
Read More16 July 2014
We are now on Twitter!
Following recent feedback from our subscribers, the Ethiopian Embassy would like to introduce you to our official Twitter page, www.twitter.com/EthioEmbassyUK.
Read More15 July 2014
Free Domestic Return Flights
Royal Zambezi LodgeRoyal Zambezi Lodge in Zambia announces free domestic return flights for weekend stays. With flights from Lusaka on a Friday & then either back to Lusaka or direct onto Livingstone on a Tuesday making it makes the perfect twin centre with Victoria Falls. Flights depart from Lusaka on a Friday at either 09.30 or 16.00 and then fly onto Livingstone on Tuesdays departing at 09.00 or return back to Lusaka at 12.30. This is for shoulder & peak season only. Contact reservations1@…
Read More15 July 2014
Saruni Ocean blog launch
SaruniWe are delighted to launch our Saruni Ocean blog, please click here Keep updated and connect with us on our exciting developments and news at Msambweni on the stunning south Kenya coast, the first villa’s are completed and we are excited to be opening on 15th December 2014.
Read More15 July 2014
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp Exciting News
Atua Enkop AfricaWe are pleased to announce that our recent refurbishment and development works at Mara Ngenche Safari Camp are complete and we are ready for the high season. Mara Ngenche Safari Camp - Maasai Mara · Addition of four new tents facing Talek river · Addition of a new bar tent on a new deck adjoining the lounge area overlooking a hippo pool · …
Read More15 July 2014
Flying 3 X Daily to BUKOBA from 21 July 2014
Auric Air ServicesNew schedule for Auric Air comes into effect on July 21st, 2014.
Read More14 July 2014
Hunting with the Hadza
Africa GeographicA journey back in time with one of the world's oldest tribes. Click here to read Hunting with the Hadza.
Read More14 July 2014
Safarilink Joins Kenya's First Lady In Supporting 'Hands Off Our Elephants' Campaign
Safarilink AviationSafarilink flagged off a partnership with Wildlife Direct to support the Kenyan Hands Off Our Elephants campaign by branding all aircrafts with 'HANDS OFF OUR ELEPHANTS' messaging and adopting a policy of no ivory on board Safarilink aircraft. Safarilink is the first airline to partner with Wildlife Direct to help raise public awareness to stem the trafficking of ivory and other wildlife products. The campaign should not only reach tourists, airline and airport staff, but …
Read More11 July 2014
New swimming pool at Cheli & Peacock’s Tortilis Camp
Cheli & Peacock Safaris (DMC)Cheli & Peacock’s Tortilis Camp, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli has a brand new (second) swimming pool. This new pool – complete with its own private lounge area and sunbeds – is exclusively for those staying in the Family Tent and Private House. Known as ‘Little Tortilis’, the Private House and Family Tent are located at the top of the hill, away from the rest of the camp – with spectacular views of the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. Tortilis C…
Read More11 July 2014
New Airline Partners for Aviate
Aviate are pleased to announce our new Airline partners - Air France, KLM & Delta - WORLD-CLASS AIRLINES WITH AN EXTENSIVE WORLDWIDE NETWORK. Book Air France, KLM and Delta with Aviate - Air France, KLM and Delta, departing from 13 UK airports: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Teeside, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds-Bradford, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich. Air France, KLM and Deltas route network - Air France offer 13 regional departure points across…
Read More11 July 2014
Campi ya Kanzi joins Hand Picked Africa
Campi ya Kanzi in the stunning Chulu Hills, Kenya is re-launching in to the UK market having been focused primarily with US and Italian clients. Kate Coleridge and Sacha Craig from Hand Picked Africa will be marketing Campi ya Kanzi so please contact us for any information or a presentation. http://www.handpickedafrica.co.uk/index.html
Read More10 July 2014
Luxurious & unique Madagascar Barefoot Luxury Kayak Adventure – with Jenman African Safaris
Jenman African SafarisJenman African Safaris in conjunction with Madagascar Classic Collection offer a unique and once-in-a-lifetime barefoot luxury kayak journey through the south-east of Madagascar. The focus of this journey is to explore the untouched waterways between Fort Dauphin and Manafiafy. Travellers will kayak among lush mangroves, through crystal clear rivers and over open lakes. A typical day consists of a mix of kayaking, hiking, relaxing and some guided night-walks to see nocturnal animals. Fully ser…
Read More10 July 2014
Serengeti to Zanzibar Direct: New first class flights
Coastal AviationCoastal Aviation will be operating a direct flight between theSerengeti and Zanzibar from the 15th of December 2014. The flight will be done in the fast and comfortable Pilatus PC12 with no stops in between, thus within 1h 30min you can reach Zanzibar from the Serengeti or visa versa. This flight departs from Zanzibar in the morning, serve 3 airstrips in the Serengeti and fly back to Zanzibar. It will reduce the travel time between destinations and ensure that guests have the best possible fly…
Read More09 July 2014
Giraffe Conservation Foundation to be hosted by Marasa Africa
Marasa Africa lodges in Uganda as part of their ongoing conservation initiatives, will once again be hosting the dynamic team from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation on their return visit to Murchison Falls National park in July as part of an on-going project to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe in Murchison falls national park in Uganda. From the research team: Packing bags again for our next adventure to Uganda to introduce the new PhD student Michael Brown and Prof. Do…
Read More09 July 2014
A rather special and unusual elephant encounter at Cheli & Peacock's Kitich Camp
Recent weeks have proved to be rather exciting and eventful at Cheli & Peacock's Kitich Camp in the Mathews Mountains. This remote and authentic 'bush camp' has not only had nightly visits from local lion, leopard, elephant and spotted hyena but guests have also enjoyed some pretty spectacular sightings while on their walking safaris, during the day. Take a look at this spectacular footage of an elephant having a lovely early-morning dip in the Ngeng River! http://on.fb.me…
Read More09 July 2014
Borana Lodge joins Hand Picked Africa
Borana Lodge and Laragai private house will now be represented by Kate Coleridge and Sacha Craig of Hand Picked Africa. Please call us for any information or updates on +44 208 354 0458. Thank you! katecoleridge@handpickedafrica.co.uk
Read More08 July 2014
Safari Chic
Africa GeographicClick here to see some awesome images of Africa Geographic's pick of some African lodges that put the word ‘Chic’ in Safari. A celebration of fine Southern and East African lodges.
Read More08 July 2014
Introducing the Porini Maji
Gamewatchers SafarisAs part of our continued efforts to minimise our impact on the environment we, at Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Safari Camps, have introduced the "Porini Maji" - the new Maasai red aluminium Porini bottles to reduce use of plastic bottles whilst staying at our camps. The average person uses over 100 disposable water bottles a year, which ultimately end up in landfills and take approximately 450 years to completely degrade. The bottles are a gift to take home so that guests ca…
Read More08 July 2014
New Protea Hotel Fire & Ice opening next year
Protea Hospitality GroupProtea Hotel Fire & Ice! will open its doors in Menlyn, Pretoria, early next year. The six-storey hotel is being built in Summit Place, a new commercial precinct being developed opposite the Menlyn Park Mall. The hotel will have 178 rooms of which 10 are suites and 40 inter-leading rooms, a restaurant, designer bar and lifestyle spaces, a conference centre, swimming pool and 250 underground parking bays. Protea Hotels Director of Sales, Marketing & Revenue, Da…
Read More08 July 2014
Horizon Horseback adds a new African Explorer date
October and November are popular months for Horizon and the African Explorer ride has sold out very quickly. We are pleased to announce we have added the new date in November. The African Explorer Safari is amazing value: riding in two countries over 8 days, guests begin by riding with plains game and progress to riding with elephant and lion. This safari combines four nights at Horizon Horseback’s Camp Davidson with three nights at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Bo…
Read More07 July 2014
Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp Strikes Gold
It's been a busy few months at Gold eco-rated Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp in Kenya. Not only have Calvin, Louise and the team unveiled a brand new 25m swimming pool - the only small luxury property in the Mara to offer its guests a dip in the pool - but they've also been putting their finishing touches to their Maasai Warrior School! Children visiting Cottar's over the summer holidays can enrol at the 'school' for lessons in fire-building, spear-throwing, bow-and-ar…
Read More07 July 2014
#WhyILoveKenya
Virgin Limited EditionSee why our General Manager at Mahali Mzuri Loves Kenya... http://vlog.virginlimitededition.com/mahali-mzuri/mahali-mzuri-news-why-i-love-kenya-whyilovekenya
Read More04 July 2014
Africa Geographic online magazine
Africa GeographicOn Friday 4 July 2014 Africa Geographic announced the launch of its online magazine. It’s weekly and it’s free. The premium online magazine offers readers an insider view into the best travel, wildlife and culture stories across Africa. We have always emphasized photographic excellence and now we will set the bar even higher, and add video to the equation. Expect compatibility across all screen sizes and internet-enabled devices and a complete immersion in social media, with result…
Read More04 July 2014
Wilderness Safaris to Open Linkwasha Camp in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park
Wilderness SafarisWilderness Safaris will open the new Linkwasha Camp in May 2015, located in a game-rich private conession in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. “We are making the commitment to invest in this destination based on our tremendous belief in Zimbabwe as a major player in Africa’s tourism industry,” says Wilderness Safaris CEO, Keith Vincent. “We are confident that we will be able to offer an exceptional wildlife experience, with a level of luxury on a par with what guests…
Read More04 July 2014
Honour Way additions
Honour Way is a small and exclusive sales & marketing company representing some very special places in Southern and East Africa. The team is growing and we are thrilled to announce that Lisa Morrissey has now joined Honour Way bringing with her a wealth of experience in the travel industry. Working for tour operators she has created itineraries for people to all corners of the world from Australia to Antarctica and many in between. Most recently she used her passion and love of trave…
Read More02 July 2014
Lentorre Lodge Opens in South Rift Valley, Kenya
Bush and BeyondBush and Beyond is thrilled to announce the newest member of our portfolio and a brand new property in Kenya, Lentorre Lodge. Nestled amongst the foothills of the Nguruman Escarpment, in the heart of the South Rift Valley, just three hours from Nairobi is one of Kenya’s newest luxury safari lodges. Named after the near-by spring that provides year round sustenance for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the Olkirimatian Conservancy, Lentorre Lodge is built on a spur overlooki…
Read More02 July 2014
Saruni reaches 3,000 fans on Facebook
SaruniWe have reached and surpassed a great milestone on Facebook, where we now have over 3000 fans who like the Saruni page! Thank you to every one of our fans, for your enthusiasm and regular activity on our page. It is very encouraging to have such engaged friends and fans. If you aren't already a part of our Facebook fanbase - get involved and keep updated: click here.
Read More02 July 2014
Leobo Private Reserve launch a new website
Hand Picked Africa hosted a very succcessful event in Soho last week showcasing the Leobo Private Reserve film, produced by the renowned wildlife film maker Leander Ward. With the exciting new fotage, Leobo's brand new website has now been launched. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a wonderful eveing. http://leoboprivatereserve.com/
Read More01 July 2014
Behind the Scenes with Virginia McKenna
Cheli & Peacock Safaris (DMC)We have decided to introduce a series of interviews to our blog with personalities that are of interest to you and passionate about wildlife and safari. Over the next few months we will be talking to designers, producers and wildlife experts. Our first interview is with actress, author and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna OBE. We are privileged to count Virginia and Will among our friends; they share our passion and dedication for the wilderness of Kenya. Virginia's personal experience…
Read More01 July 2014
The Great Migration has arrived in the Masai Mara!
Sanctuary RetreatsWith great excitement - we announce that the famous Great Migration has begun in the Masai Mara. Sanctuary Retreats guides and guests spotted the migration in the Masai Mara while staying at Sanctuary Olonana.
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