Sense of Africa, East Africa Newsflash 19 July 2025

Kenya Wildlife Service Proposes Park Fee Overhaul To Bridge Ksh 12 Billion Conservation Funding Gap

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has proposed a revised fee structure for entry to national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas in a bid to narrow a Sh12 billion annual funding shortfall. The draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025—gazetted for public input—represent the first comprehensive fee review in 18 years. In the Financial Year 2024/25, KWS generated Sh7.92 billion against a required Sh19.79 billion, limiting its ability to address increasing conservation demands, including ecosystem restoration and anti-poaching measures.

Tanzania rolls out mandatory travel insurance for foreign nationals

In a public notice issued on the 4th of July 2025, the Government of Tanzania confirmed the introduction of a mandatory travel insurance for all foreign nationals travelling to Tanzania. This is a similar insurance to the one already in effect for visitors to the Island of Zanzibar.
The initiative, introduced under the Insurance Act (Chapter 394), will require incoming visitors to pay a premium equivalent to USD 44 (in Tanzanian Shillings) to obtain coverage. In the public notice, the government said that the cover will provide emergency medical care, compensation for lost luggage, rescue services and repatriation costs incase of an emergency. The scheme is now waiting on just a gazette notice to become effective and the public will be informed once this process is complete.

Tanzania’s EU Blacklisting Affects Connecting Flights

Kenya Airways (KQ) has cautioned that the EU’s blacklisting of carriers certified in Tanzania will have broader implications for regional flights, placing obligations on operators to notify passengers of their rights to reimbursement or rerouting for connecting flights.
In a notice to trade on June 30 2025, KQ clarified that the blacklisting has “been interpreted to impact passengers to/from the EU where carriage includes a Tanzanian carrier in the itinerary” even if such carriers do not operate directly into or out of the EU.

TAAG Launches Nairobi, Kenya Flights

TAAG Angola Airlines will begin three weekly flights from Luanda to Nairobi on September 1, 2025. Flights on Thursdays and Saturdays will depart Luanda at 23h20 and arrive in Nairobi at 05h10 the next day. Flights on Mondays will depart Luanda at 09h00 and arrive in Nairobi at 14h50. This new route will expand TAAG’s network, adding competitive advantages and more options for passengers, businesses and diplomatic relations.

Kenya Airways Expands Fleet With Return Of Three Dreamliner’s

Kenya Airways is increasing flight capacity through the phased return of three Boeing 787 Dream liners and the lease of three narrow-body aircraft, strengthening its long-haul and regional operations. The first Dreamliner re-entered service on 22 July 2025, with the remaining two scheduled to return by December. These additions will support growing demand on key international routes, particularly in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. To bolster short- and medium-haul operations, the airline will also lease three narrow-body aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2025, enhancing domestic and regional connectivity while expanding cargo capacity.

Ethiopian Airlines Launches Daily Passenger Flights To Abu Dhabi

Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new daily passenger service connecting Addis Ababa to Abu Dhabi, expanding its footprint in the Gulf region. The inaugural flight, celebrated on 15 July, 2025 in Addis Ababa, marks a key step in the airline’s strategy to enhance connectivity between Africa and the Middle East. The launch is part of a broader partnership with Etihad Airways aimed at improving travel, trade, and investment between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

Tanzania Tourism Overtakes Gold As Top Foreign Exchange Earner

Tourism has become Tanzania’s largest foreign exchange earner, surpassing gold for the first time. According to the Bank of Tanzania’s latest Monthly Economic Review, tourism revenues totalled $3.92 billion in the year ending May 2025, up from $3.63 billion the previous year. This growth accounts for more than half (55.1%) of all service-related income and highlights the sector’s increasing economic impact.
International arrivals reached 2,170,360, up from 1,961,870, fuelling the rise in earnings and edging past gold exports, which stood at $3.83 billion.

A Black Rhino Conservation Success Story In The Maasai Mara, Kenya

Kenya’s black rhino population is edging back from the brink and in the Maasai Mara, a quiet conservation success is taking shape. For over a decade, Sala’s Camp has supported the Mara’s dedicated rhino rangers with funding for essential equipment, specialist training and, most recently, cutting-edge technology. Over the past couple of years, The Safari Collection Footprint Trust have helped to accelerate progress, supporting two rhino ear-notching and tagging operations to fit over 20 Eastern black rhinos in the Mara with GPS transmitters.

Kenya: &Beyond Suyian Lodge in Northern Laikipia Now Open!

&Beyond is excited to announce the grand opening of &Beyond Suyian Lodge, a brand-new, exclusive wilderness retreat nestled in the secluded northern reaches of Laikipia, Kenya. Far from the usual tourist trails, Suyian Lodge offers an unparalleled connection to nature, promising an authentic and immersive safari experience unlike any other. Inspired by the ancient rock formations that define this unique region, Suyian Lodge’s design is a testament to its surroundings. Its curved architecture and planted rooftops seamlessly mirror the undulating ridges of the landscape, creating a truly harmonious blend with the environment. This commitment to integrating with nature ensures a unique sense of place, allowing guests to feel truly immersed in the heart of Laikipia. While exhilarating game drives are certainly on offer, the true magic of Suyian lies in experiencing the wilderness on a deeper, more intimate level.

&Beyond looks forward to welcoming guests to an unforgettable journey at Suyian Lodge, where luxury meets the wild in perfect harmony.

Suyian Lodge Brochure

Kenya: Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Reopens in Meru National Park

Elewana Collection, part of Minor Hotels, has completed a major renovation of Elsa’s Kopje in Kenya’s Meru National Park, introducing design upgrades and a refreshed culinary approach while preserving the lodge’s conservation-focused legacy. Originally opened in 1999, the property was built above the former campsite of conservationists George and Joy Adamson. The lodge is named after the lioness Elsa, made famous by the 1996 film Born Free. The recent upgrades include new furniture, Nero-finished bathroom floors and new lighting across all guest suites. The Private House now features a redesigned outdoor shower and a newly installed bath. Communal areas have also been refurbished, with both the main and private pools retiled using terrazzo.
A new in-house sundowner space has been introduced and an outdoor cinema is set to launch in the coming weeks. The on-site spa has been expanded to accommodate more guests.

Tanzania: Neptune Serengeti Luxury Tented Camp Set to Open November 2025

Neptune Hotels is proud to announce the grand opening of Neptune Serengeti Luxury Tented Camp. Opening November 2025 in the heart of the iconic Serengeti, this exclusive tented camp joins Neptune’s celebrated safari properties, Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Tented Camp and Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge to complete a truly exceptional East African circuit.
Designed for discerning travelers, Neptune Serengeti offers:
Ø Hilltop camp in Central Serengeti featuring 20 elevated all suite luxury tents
Ø Tents span 180 SQM, each with private terraces and unparalleled migratory views
Ø Strategically located for year-round game viewing with significant resident Wildlife
Bookings are now open for stays starting November 2025, offering a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience this remarkable new safari destination.

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Uganda: Gorilla Forest Lodge Reborn After Major Renovation!

Gorilla Forest Lodge, Uganda’s iconic gorilla safari retreat, has been reborn following an extensive transformation. Located within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to over half the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, this lodge has been beautifully re imagined. The lodge’s vibrant heart is a free-flowing, open-sided lounge, bar, and dining space, decorated in pale terracotta shades with high-quality furniture and artworks. The Explorer’s Lounge offers a rich collection of books, maps, and even replica gorilla bones to give guests a deeper understanding of the creatures they have come to see. For post-trek rejuvenation, the spa boasts an extensive menu of restorative treatments. Each of the 10 standalone villas features a private viewing deck with swing chairs handmade in Uganda, perfect for observing monkeys and rare birds. To enhance wildlife watching, every guest has a pair of Leica binoculars available throughout their stay.

Tanzania: Lemala Osonjoi Lodge Now Open, Redefining Luxury Safari!

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is officially open, setting a new standard for luxury safari experiences within Tanzania’s iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Located at nearly 2,500 meters on the Crater’s less-visited eastern rim, this solar-powered, community-focused lodge gives guests great access to the Crater floor and a variety of unique, multi-day adventures for a deep, immersive experience. The lodge features 20 beautiful suites, including two large two-bedroom family suites. Each suite is made to suit the cool mountain climate, offering comforts like slow-burning wood stoves for warm evenings and large windows that show stunning views of the nearby highland forests.
Guests at Lemala Osonjoi Lodge get early and special access to the Crater floor, which helps them see more wildlife during peak activity, especially the famous black rhino, elephants, and big cats.

Zanzibar: Diamonds Bijoux Grand Opening on 15 December, 2025

Diamonds Bijoux is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Grand Opening on December 15, 2025. Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Bwejuu, Zanzibar, this exquisite new venue is set to redefine luxury, emerging as the island’s premier destination for both transformative Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, & Exhibitions (MICE) and unforgettable destination weddings. Diamonds Bijoux offers an unparalleled experience, seamlessly blending versatile indoor spaces with stunning outdoor venues that capture Zanzibar’s natural allure. Every detail is complemented by world-class accommodations and dedicated, tailored Group Services, ensuring an impeccably executed event from start to finish. The venue is perfectly equipped to host a diverse spectrum of gatherings, from high-impact Corporate Events and enriching Incentive Groups to exclusive Executive Retreats and grand, elegant Celebrations.
The property also boasts flexible and combinable meeting rooms designed to accommodate up to 496 guests, providing a myriad of configurations to suit any specific event needs, ensuring a seamless and adaptable environment for every occasion.

Kenya: Mara Ngenche Safari Camp Unveils New Look Ahead Of The Migration Season

Mara Ngenche Safari Camp, nestled in the heart of the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve at the confluence of the Mara and Talek Rivers, has undergone a significant facelift during the green season. This renovation was completed just in time for the high season and the renowned wildebeest migration. All guest tents now feature wooden-decked floors, brand new outdoor showers, and beautiful new plunge pools. Additionally, the tents now include a door from the bathroom to the outside shower, while still retaining the stand-alone bathtubs. The reception area has been upgraded with a new tent, decking, management offices, new carpets, and furniture. It now also boasts a beautiful adjoining gift shop.

The bar area has been enlarged with a new tent and new carpets, providing more space while maintaining its cozy atmosphere.

Loirien Mara’s Anniversary Offer: Extended Stays in Kenya, Maasai Mara

Loirien Mara is delighted to announce a special celebration marking its one-year anniversary in the heart of the Maasai Mara. To express its gratitude for an incredible first year, Loirien Mara is featuring an exclusive, limited-time promotion designed to give guests more time to immerse themselves in this unparalleled wilderness.
For a truly unforgettable safari, guests can pay for 3 nights and receive a complimentary fourth night, or extend their adventure further by paying for 4 nights and enjoying a fifth night completely free!
This exclusive offer is valid for stays between October 1, 2025, and December 20, 2025; January 5, 2026, and June 15, 2026; and again from October 1, 2026, to December 20, 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

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Sense of Africa, East Africa Newsflash 19 July 2025