Tanzania Opens Airspace To Foreign Airlines Following EU Ban
Tanzania has issued temporary traffic rights to a number of international airlines following the European Union’s ban on aircraft registered in the country. The six-month measure, announced by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), aims to maintain uninterrupted international connectivity for tourism, trade, and business travel while diplomatic talks continue with the EU.
Gulf Air Reinstates Direct Bahrain-Nairobi Flights After 13 Years
Gulf Air has resumed direct flights between Bahrain and Nairobi, re-establishing a key air link to East Africa after a 13-year hiatus. The relaunch was marked by an inaugural dinner hosted by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) on 18 June 2025, at Nairobi’s Radisson Blu Hotel. The new service, operated by Airbus A320neo aircraft, offers five weekly flights, enhancing connectivity between Kenya and the broader Gulf region.
Kenya Airways Slashes Seasonal Flights
Kenya Airways will reduce frequencies on specific international routes during July and August. The airline said this was to re-optimise its flight schedule.
The affected routes are:
• Nairobi-Mumbai
• Nairobi-Paris
• Nairobi-Amsterdam
• Nairobi-Bangkok
• Nairobi-Lagos
• Nairobi-Maputo
• Nairobi-Kinsasha
Arusha Airport Ready For International Flights
Tanzania’s Arusha Airport is now able to receive international flights, following an announcement in June 2025 by Arusha’s Regional Commissioner Paul Christian Makonda. This follows an infrastructure upgrade, and is expected to positively impact Tanzania’s tourism sector and ease access to the country’s northern safari circuit. The development, led by the Tanzania Airports Authority, includes immigration and customs services. Flights have already begun operating to Nairobi, Kenya, with services offered by regional carriers such as Safarilink and AirKenya.
African Parks Re-wilds Southern White Rhinos from South Africa to Rwanda
This June, African Parks successfully executed a pivotal phase of its ambitious Rhino Re-wild project, moving 70 southern white rhinos from South Africa to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. This landmark inter-country translocation is a significant step in African Parks’ long-term plan to re-wild the 2,000 rhinos they rescued last year from a captive breeding operation. The journey began with an initial placement of 40 rhinos at South Africa’s Munywana Conservancy for a crucial rewilding period, allowing them to acclimate to more natural conditions. Following this, the 70 rhinos embarked on a complex journey, including air transport via Boeing 747, to their new home in Rwanda.
This monumental effort, undertaken in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), was made possible by the generous funding and support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Sopa Lodges Launches Astro Tourism Experience
Sopa Lodges, in collaboration with Leo Sky Africa, has launched a new astro tourism offering at Samburu Sopa Lodge in Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya. “It is a proud moment for us at Sopa Lodges to introduce our latest innovation – astro tourism,” said Kennedy Ayoti, COO of Sopa Lodges East Africa. “This innovative experience is a game changer in the region, combining Samburu’s naturally dark skies with rich community narratives and cultural beliefs surrounding celestial events. We have invested time in research and staff training to ensure the experience is not only authentic but also expertly delivered to our guests.” The initiative highlights clear skies, low light pollution and high-altitude locations as natural assets for astro-based travel experiences while creating opportunities for community engagement and education.
New Apart-hotel, Kilua Residences Opens In Mombasa
CityBlue Hotels recently opened Kilua Residences by CityBlue in Mombasa, Kenya. This marks the property group’s second property in the coastal city after CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites opened in December 2017. Located along the shores of Shanzu, Kilua Residences is a four-star beachfront apart-hotel featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, full-service spa, gym and dedicated playground for families.
Offering short- and long-term stays, the property also has convenient access to Mombasa’s popular attractions.
Cottar’s Safaris Expanded Accommodations & Refurbishments
Cottar’s Safaris has recently enhanced its Maasai Mara properties with a range of new offerings. Cottar’s 1920s Camp now features four luxurious new family tents, each with two en-suite bedrooms, a shared lounge, and a private deck, complete with a dedicated guide, vehicle, and complimentary babysitting. Meanwhile, Cottar’s Bush Villa has undergone an extensive eco-conscious redesign, boasting new amenities like a panoramic bar, massage room, library, and a stunning fire pit, alongside its five bedrooms, 25-meter pool, personal chef, and private guide. Both the family tents and the Bush Villa offer complimentary stays for up to two children under 13 during the private season. For couples, the secluded new Kiboko Tent provides a luxurious honeymoon hideaway with a private hot tub and expansive views, offering a 50% discount for honeymooners during the private season.
These new additions and refurbishments underscore Cottar’s Safaris’ commitment to providing immersive, well-crafted, and truly unforgettable safari experiences in the heart of the Maasai Mara.
Discover The Refurbished Seringet Mara Camp
Seringet Mara Camp is thrilled to offer a glimpse into its fresh, new look, meticulously refurbished to seamlessly blend with the breathtaking surrounding wilderness. This thoughtful transformation elevates the classic safari experience while maintaining its authentic charm. Guests will discover comfort and serenity in the camp’s redesigned accommodations, which now feature two spacious Family Suites and seven inviting double/twin tents. Each is a light-filled, natural sanctuary, providing a traditional tented safari experience with all the modern comforts.
Guests can look forward to exceptional guiding with top-spec photographic vehicles, complete with adjustable arms, beanbags, and ample space to capture every moment with ease. Evenings at Seringet Mara Camp promise hosted dinners and fireside banter, and these communal moments truly turn every evening into a story worth telling, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. It is the same classic safari magic, just even better, promising an immersive and unforgettable stay in the heart of the Serengeti.
Exclusive 5% Discount at the Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp!
The newly unveiled Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp is offering an exclusive 5% seasonal benefit on stays. This special discount is valid for stays from September 01 to December 15 2025, providing an exceptional opportunity to experience this new sanctuary of refined safari living in the heart of the Masai Mara.