Tanzania rolls out mandatory travel insurance for foreign nationals
In a public notice issued on the 4th of July, 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.
Flightlink Launches Daily Flights from Nairobi to Tanzania’s Premier Destinations
As of June 15th, 2025, travellers have been taking advantage of daily flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) to Tanzania’s most captivating destinations: the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Arusha, and Zanzibar, exclusively with Flightlink. This expansion by Flightlink significantly enhances regional connectivity, offering convenient and direct access to Northern Tanzania’s renowned safari circuit and the idyllic Spice Island. Whether you’re planning an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, or seeking a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar.
Kenya Airways to Launch Direct Nairobi-Beijing Flights in 2026
Kenya Airways will introduce direct flights between Nairobi and Beijing Daxing International Airport in 2026, strengthening air links between Africa and China. The move aligns with growing demand for travel between the two nations, spurred by rising Chinese tourist arrivals to Kenya—up from 51,000 in 2023 to 80,000 in 2024—with projections aiming for over 150,000 visitors. The route is set to enhance convenience for both business and leisure travellers, supporting Kenya’s expanding aviation and tourism sectors.
Qatar Airways Resumes Kigali Flights
Qatar Airways has resumed flights from Doha to Kigali with immediate effect. The route will be operated with an Airbus A320, featuring 12 flat-bed Business and 120 Economy class seats.
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Ethiopian Airlines Launches Porto Route To Boost Africa – Europe Links
Ethiopian Airlines has inaugurated a new passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Porto, Portugal, further enhancing its Africa-Europe network. The service, which launched on 2 July 2025, will operate four times weekly via Madrid using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The route expands the airline’s growing international footprint and supports increased trade and tourism ties between the two regions.
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SAA & Uganda Airlines Expand Interline Agreement
The interline agreement between SAA and Uganda Airlines (UR) has gone live, enabling seamless travel across both carriers on single ticket. The interline agreement enables agents to book trips from the following domestic destinations to Entebbe, via Johannesburg, on a single UR ticket:
• Cape Town
• Durban
• Port Elizabeth
Qatar Airways & Kenya Airways Sign Strategic Partnership To Boost Connectivity
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at expanding air connectivity between East Africa and the Middle East. The agreement includes a code-share arrangement that will see Qatar Airways launching a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, and Kenya Airways operating direct flights between Mombasa and Doha—marketed by Qatar Airways—starting from the winter season. Passengers will benefit from enhanced connectivity across both carriers’ networks via the Doha and Nairobi hubs.
Doha – Mombasa Route On The Cards For 2026
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed an MoU for a strategic partnership, which will include a code-share agreement and increased flights between the Qatar and Kenya. Qatar Airways will introduce a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in code-share with Kenya Airways. Flights are expected to be available for booking over the coming days.
Tanzania Inaugurates East Africa’s Longest Bridge, Boosting Regional Tourism Access
Tanzania has officially opened the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge – the longest in East Africa – spanning three kilometres across Lake Victoria and replacing aging ferry services between Kigongo and Busisi. Inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on 19 June 2025, the bridge is fully funded by domestic resources and is set to dramatically improve travel and transport in the Lake Zone, enhancing access to key regions and reducing journey times for both locals and visitors.
Kenya: Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection by Marriott, is Now Open!
Entumoto Toto and Entumoto Main have merged to form Entumoto Safari Camp. The camp has also updated its tent categories and made significant upgrades over the past two years and invested considerably in upgrades over the last two years. These include major enhancements to the Luxury tents, such as new furniture, fixtures, and expanded lounge areas. The camp has also introduced a new pool sundeck, a wood-fired sauna, and a massage parlour. All Classic tents recently underwent a significant overhaul, receiving new furnishings and canvas. Additionally, mini-fridges have been added to all rooms. Looking ahead, the camp plans to further elevate the Luxury tents by adding private bathtubs to their terraces, allowing guests to enjoy the spectacular Mara views while soaking.
The camp now offers refined tent categories:
• Luxury Double tents, formerly Main Camp Doubles, are five spacious double/twin accommodations. Each features a fixed bathroom and a private terrace with breathtaking views of the valley and Mara plains.
• Luxury Family tents, previously Main Camp Family, are four large suites designed for up to six guests. They include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a central living room with a fireplace, and a wide terrace offering expansive Mara views.
• Classic Double tents, formerly Toto Camp Doubles, are three comfortable double/twin options. These tents boast spacious bathrooms and bush views, and are conveniently situated near the lounge and dining areas.
• Classic Family tents, previously Toto Camp Family, are two cozy accommodations for up to four guests. They feature a large shared bathroom and a spacious bush-facing terrace.
New Adventure Attraction Launches In Rwanda
Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park has launched what it says is East Africa’s longest zip line to diversify the park’s adventure tourism offering. Approximately 1.8km long and suspended between 20-50m above the ground, the zip line is divided into three sections. This includes a 350m-long stretch from the Uwinkwa Visitor Centre near the park’s entrance, a 500m stretch across the valleys and a final 1km section leading back to the park’s existing canopy walkway.
Zanzibar: Sharazad Oasis & Boutique Announce Merger
Effective March 15th, 2026, Sharazad Oasis and Sharazad Boutique, both situated in Jambiani, Zanzibar, merged into a single unit. Concurrently, they re-categorised their numerous existing rooms to offer only four distinct room categories. As previously communicated, the no-child-under-12 policy will remain in effect for 2025 and continue thereafter.
Kenya: House In The Wild River Cottage Re-imagined & 10% off Long Stay Offer
Now complete, the newly rebuilt River Cottage is ready to welcome guests. All a guest needs is five or more nights in Bush & Beyond properties to benefit from this offer. Guests must stay a minimum of two consecutive nights at each property, including The Emakoko.
The offer is valid for travel from 1st November to 19th December 2025, and from 5th January to 31st May and 1st November to 19th December 2026. It applies to new bookings only and cannot be combined with other specials.
Zanzibar: Bawe Island Extended & New Offers!
Bawe Island has extended the booking period for its popular 50% Discount Opening Offer and the Honeymooners Offer until September 30, 2025!
Opening Offer, 50% Discount:
Guests who book their stay by September 30, 2025, will receive 50% off their room rate. This discount is valid for stays through December 22, 2025. Use code OPENING-BAWE when you book.
Honeymoon Offer, Free Room Upgrade:
Guests celebrating their honeymoon can enjoy a complimentary room upgrade. Book a Sunrise Villa and be upgraded to a Sunset Suite, or book a Sunset Suite and be upgraded to a Lagoon Suite. To claim this offer, book by September 30, 2025, for stays through December 22, 2025. Use code HMOFF-BAW at checkout.
Early Bird Offer, 30% Discount:
Guests who book their stay at least 90 days before they check in will get a 30% discount on the room rate. This offer is valid for travel from January 8 to December 23, 2026. Use code UEBO-Bawe to lock in your savings.
The offer is valid for travel from 1st November to 19th December 2025, and from 5th January to 31st May and 1st November to 19th December 2026. It applies to new bookings only and cannot be combined with other specials.