KATO Addresses Member Concerns On Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Applications – June 2025
The organization has noted recurring concerns raised by its members through regular interactions. To address these, a tabulation of frequently encountered eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) issues and their corresponding responses has been compiled for members’ information. Should your clients have encountered any eTA issues that are not addressed within the provided document, kindly email us.
Important Notice Regarding Tanzania’s Online Visa System
Please be advised of ongoing challenges with Tanzania’s online visa system. These issues have, in certain instances, impacted the timely processing and traceability of some visa applications, leading to potential delays for guests upon arrival at entry points. In some cases, guests have experienced prolonged immigration procedures or have been required to pay for their visas again. To facilitate a smooth arrival experience, we kindly request that you notify us in advance if guests have applied for a visa online but have not yet received confirmation of approval. To assist with this process, please provide the following details via email:
Copies of guests’ passports
Proof of online visa payment
Visa reference numbers, if available
With this information, we will coordinate with local immigration authorities to support the entry process before the guests’ arrival.
Tanzania To Introduce Mandatory Travel Insurance For Foreign Tourists
Tanzania has announced the introduction of a mandatory travel insurance fee of USD 44 for all foreign non-residents entering the country, regardless of the purpose of visit. Part of the 2025/2026 fiscal budget, the new policy is intended to provide coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, baggage issues, and other unforeseen incidents during a traveller’s stay. Once issued, the non-refundable policy will remain valid for 62 days. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are exempt, while officials have indicated that Southern African Development Community (SADC) nationals may also be excluded, pending confirmation.
Rwanda: Introduction of Tourism Tax on Accommodation
Rwanda’s Parliament unanimously passed a bill introducing a 3% tourism tax on accommodation charges. The bill received approval from all 70 Members of Parliament present during the plenary session on Monday, April 28, 2025 and has now been gazetted into law. This levy applies to all registered accommodation establishments, including hotels, motels, lodges, apartments and Airbnb facilities. The tax aims to generate additional revenue to support the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. This Law comes into effect as from 01 July, 2025.
Further details regarding the implementation of this Law will follow in subsequent communication.
Etihad And Ethiopian Airlines Launch Strategic Code-Share Partnership
Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have launched a strategic code-share partnership, enhancing air links between Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. As part of the agreement, Ethiopian will introduce flights between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi from 15 July 2025, while Etihad begins daily services to Addis Ababa from 08 October 2025. The collaboration allows travelers to book seamless itineraries with single check-in and baggage transfer across both carriers’ networks.
Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Hyderabad Service, Boosting Tourism Flow Between Africa And India
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new passenger route to Hyderabad, India, expanding its India network to six destinations. The thrice-weekly service commenced on 16 June 2025, with flights operating from Addis Ababa to Hyderabad on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and return flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The new route underscores Ethiopian’s commitment to strengthening air connectivity between Africa and India, enhancing both trade and tourism flows between the two regions.
RwandAir Eyes Mombasa, Zanzibar, Maputo
In line with its ambitions to turn its focus towards East Africa, RwandAir has published a new route map that includes plans to operate flights between Kigali and Mombasa, Zanzibar, Maputo and Luanda. Due to unresolved political tensions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), RwandAir was forced to suspend three of its West African routes.
Tanzania Declares New Marine Protected Areas
The Tanzanian government announced the designation of two new marine protected areas (MPAs) at the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, last week. The areas comprise the North-East Pemba Conservation Area and the South-East Pemba Conservation Area, which together span over 1,300 square kilometres. The new MPAs are home to vital climate-resilient coral reefs, sea-grasses and mangroves, and form a habitat for threatened sharks and rays.
African Heli Adventures: Unlocking Kenya’s Hidden Landscapes from Above
Northern Kenya, a land teeming with some of Africa’s rarest wildlife, truly reveals its most extraordinary spectacles when explored from above. Josh Outram, Director of African Heli Adventures, recently shared that of all the aerial escapades, the Suguta Valley in North Kenya stands out as his absolute favorite, promising an unparalleled journey. Guests can soar over wildlife-filled conservancies, pause for a unique coffee break within volcanic craters, and enjoy breakfast served on pristine river sandbanks. The adventure continues with dips into crystal-clear pools nestled within ancient lava flows, before traversing vast sand dunes to reach the flamingo-filled Logipi lake bed. The flight then sweeps onto Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake, and finally through a mountain range older than the Great Rift Valley, strikingly adorned with Jurassic-era Cycads.
African Heli Adventures specializes in crafting these and many other extraordinary and personalized aerial experiences.
Bookings Open for The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Opening August 15, 2025)
The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp is set to open its doors on August 15, 2025. Located on a private islet in the Sand River region, the camp offers breathtaking views of both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. Designed for the discerning traveler, its 20 luxurious accommodations redefine the safari experience. Each features refined interiors, expansive decks with outdoor seating, private plunge pools, and an exclusive in-suite bar. Guests can expect unrivaled service with a dedicated Encholiek butler service tailored to their desires. The camp also provides a range of signature experiences, including guided nature walks, cultural encounters, exclusive photographic safaris, and private dining under the African sky. Bookings are now open!
Ashnil Mara Camp Reopens: A New Era of Safari Elegance in the Masai Mara
Ashnil Mara Camp has officially reopened following a comprehensive transformation, unveiling a re-imagined safari retreat that combines contemporary design with the timeless allure of the Masai Mara. Set along the banks of the Mara River only 10km from the Serengeti in Tanzania, in one of the most wildlife-rich regions of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the rebuilt camp signals a new chapter for one of Kenya’s most well-established safari properties.
Mahali Mzuri Kenya Reopens: A New Chapter in Maasai Mara Luxury!
Mahali Mzuri, Virgin Limited Edition’s award-winning safari camp in the Maasai Mara, has reopened after an extensive refurbishment, offering an even more spectacular experience. The camp has been beautifully re-imagined to blend luxury, comfort, and nature, with enhanced tented suites, refreshed communal spaces, and elevated design. Each of the 12 redesigned luxury tented suites, including a family suite, features contemporary African design, local art, natural materials, panoramic views, private decks, and luxurious amenities. For an ultimate Kenyan safari, a stay at Mahali Mzuri can be combined with a visit to Finch Hattons in Tsavo West, offering two distinct ecosystems, unique experiences, and personalized service for an extraordinary adventure.
Wilderness – Branded Camps Set To Open In The Mara
Wilderness will expand its East African portfolio with the opening of Wilderness Mara in June 2026 and Wilderness Mara Villas in February 2026. The properties will be located in Kenya’s Mara Triangle at the base of the Oloololo Escarpment. “Formerly the legendary Little Governors’ Camp, the completely rebuilt Wilderness Mara carries forward a legacy of pioneering safari.
Elephant Pepper Camp Reopens with Extensive Refurbishments!
Elewana is thrilled to announce Elephant Pepper Camp is ready to welcome guests back for the high season following a comprehensive refurbishment of its guest accommodation and central areas, along with a brand-new culinary concept. The extensive renovation includes refurbished guest tents with updated furniture and a thoughtfully re-worked arrival experience. Complementing these upgrades is the “Elephant and Pepper” culinary concept, which centers around the ancient art of fire cooking. This “fire-kissed” safari dining experience, part of a relaunched overall menu, draws inspiration from traditional African bushcraft and global smokehouse techniques. Guests can anticipate slow-smoked meats, ember-roasted vegetables, and fire-grilled seafood, all infused with rich local spices and cooked over aromatic acacia wood, promising a deep connection between food, fire, and the raw beauty of the Mara.
Tortilis Camp Elevates Amboseli Lunch Experience With Enhanced, Locally Inspired Table Service
Tortilis Camp Amboseli is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to its lunch experience, transitioning from a buffet to an elegant, table-served dining format. This enhancement promises a more intimate and refined midday meal, allowing guests to fully savour the region’s flavours amidst Amboseli’s stunning surroundings. Guests can now enjoy a curated selection of dishes that beautifully blend traditional flavours with modern culinary techniques. The meal begins with family-style starters, featuring vibrant salads made from fresh, locally sourced vegetables like beetroot, fennel, eggplant, and tamarind, perfectly complemented by freshly baked tomato and rosemary focaccia.
For the main course, guests will choose from three enticing options: fish, meat, or vegetarian. Highlights include pan-seared red snapper with ginger and soy glaze and savoury pulled pork bao buns. Lunch concludes with a choice of two delightful desserts, including a refreshing tropical fruit plate.
Global Hotel Brand Enters Ruaha, Tanzania
A new lodge, Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, will open in Southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park in late 2025. Ubuyu takes its name from the Swahili word for the fruit of the baobab with two ancient trees framing the entrance to the lodge. The property will comprise six villas – each designed to blend into the surrounding terrain with views over the savannah. The one- and two-bedroom villas draw inspiration from traditional Maasai circular dwellings, featuring open-air showers, private plunge pools and expansive decks. A three-bedroom retreat is centred around a fire pit and rooftop terrace designed for stargazing and storytelling.
Tanzania: Asanja Nyasirori Opens Amidst Great Migration Spectacle
Asanja Nyasirori officially opened its doors on May 31st, 2025, warmly welcoming its very first guests. This marked a wonderful beginning to what promises to be an unforgettable journey for visitors. From the moment guests arrived, the true spirit of Asanja came alive through shared stories, thrilling safari adventures, and the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Adding to the excitement, the Great Migration is currently in full motion. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras are traversing the Grumeti plains just below the lodge, offering a breathtaking display of nature’s rhythm and resilience.
Tanzania: Wilderness Expands Camp Circuit For Migration
Wilderness Usawa Serengeti, in Tanzania, has added two new locations to its mobile circuit: Grumeti in the Western Corridor and Lamai in the Northern Hills. Strategically situated to align with the movement of the Great Migration, the new locations were selected through a study of animal movements, seasonal conditions and long-term trends. According to Wilderness, these placements are intended to improve the likelihood of guests being close to the migration.
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort: Renovations Complete, Infinity Pool Reopening This Weekend!
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is pleased to announce the successful completion of its renovation works. The resort, which resumed operations in June after renovations from April to May 31st, addressed additional areas requiring attention, including one of its accommodation blocks and the infinity pool. All ongoing work was carried out with meticulous care and efficiency, ensuring no noise disturbances or inconvenience to guests. The resort has reported significant improvements in service and has not received any complaints from mutual guests during this period. As of today, the infinity pool is being filled and is expected to be fully operational within the next two to three days.
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort extends its gratitude for the continued support and understanding of its valued partners and looks forward to welcoming guests to an enhanced and more comfortable experience.
Royal Mara Celebrates 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award With Special Offer!
Royal Mara is thrilled to announce its ranking as Number #1 of the three lodges in Mara North Conservancy in the prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025. To celebrate this incredible milestone and show appreciation, Royal Mara invites guests to stay longer and enjoy more complimentary activities. Guests who book three nights or more on a game package will receive the following at no extra cost:
• Unlimited shared game drives within Mara North Conservancy
• One full-day game drive in Maasai Mara Game Reserve
• One night game drive per stay
• One sun downer per stay
• Hippo pool breakfast
• An Eco walk
This special offer is valid for stays between July 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Little Governors’ Camp Closure (13 October 2025 – 01 June 2026) For Upgrades with A 25% Re-Opening Offer!
Little Governors’ Camp is set to embark on an exciting new chapter, enhancing its unique offering within the Mara Triangle while preserving its core essence and purpose. The camp will close for upgrades on October 13, 2025, with plans for a redesign of the tents to optimize views across the marsh. The number of tents will also be reduced from 17 to 12, allowing for more spacious interiors and enhanced privacy for guests. With these significant improvements, and more, Little Governors’ Camp’s will re-open on June 1, 2026 as part of the Wilderness portfolio. To show appreciation to its loyal patrons, Little Governors’ Camp is extending a special 25% discount on the new Wilderness property rates to all repeat guests.
This offer is valid for new bookings made for stays between June 01, 2026, and May 31, 2027, with the booking window closing on August 12, 2025.
Elewana 5% Loyal Guest Discount
Elewana highly values its returning guests and is delighted to show appreciation for their continued patronage. As a token of gratitude, Elewana offers all repeat visitors a 5% discount on their bookings. This discount can be combined with other special offers, including the current double circuit discounts. Furthermore, these valued guests can enjoy 20% off spa treatments at participating properties. Please note that spa services are not available at the Sand River Masai Mara and Serengeti properties, and this offer does not apply to resident rates.
Terms & Conditions apply.
Last Chance To Take Advantage Of Double Savings On Circuit Itineraries
Elewana is offering significant savings of up to 30% on extended East African safari adventures for select months in 2025 and 2026 on all new bookings confirmed by June 30th, 2025. Guests can also enjoy double discounts on circuit itineraries that include multiple Elewana properties, such as the new Serengeti Explorer, leading to remarkable savings on longer stays. Specifically, there’s 20% off when booking six nights or more, and a generous 30% off for stays of nine nights or longer. These double discounts apply to both bush and/or beach properties (excluding Arusha Coffee Lodge) and are valid for both game package and full board experiences. The offer is available for travel in June & November 1st to December 20th 2025, and April, May, June & November 1st to December 20th 2026.
This promotion cannot be combined with other special offers, except for Elewana’s return guest discount, and it does not apply to East African Resident Rates. Terms and conditions apply.
Sarabi Wild Masai Mara: 40% Discount for All June 2025 Bookings!
Sarabi Wild has officially opened its doors, ready to welcome guests to its distinctive lodge in the heart of the Maasai Mara. The lodge seamlessly blends community, conservation, and comfort, offering a unique experience for visitors. To celebrate this new chapter, Sarabi Wild is extending an exclusive 40% discount on all bookings made and confirmed during the month of June 2025. To secure this special rate, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. This is a limited-time offer for those wishing to experience the magic of Sarabi Wild. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Ycona Luxury Resort Zanzibar Celebrates Award-Winning Luxury With A 10% Discount & Complimentary Half Board!
Ycona Luxury Resort is celebrating a remarkable year of achievements, marked by significant milestones and high guest satisfaction. The resort proudly announces that it has secured eight prestigious awards within the past 12 months. These accolades include being recognized as the Best Luxury Eco Resort 2024 in Zanzibar, Outstanding Luxury Resort of the Year 2024 in East Africa, Best Eco Luxury Resort Zanzibar 2025 (ZICA), and Best Luxury Villa Resort Zanzibar 2025 – World Travel Award.
To commemorate these accomplishments, Ycona Luxury Resort is offering a special promotion where guests can enjoy a 10% discount on their stay, valid until December 19th, 2025. This offer is coupled with the added luxury of Complimentary Half Board, meaning your breakfast and dinner are on us!