Rwanda: Nyungwe Weighs Forest Elephant Reintroduction
More than two decades after African forest elephants were wiped out by poaching, Rwanda is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the species to Nyungwe National Park. According to The New Times, a feasibility study is currently underway to assess ecological, socio-economic and logistical factors as well as potential human-wildlife conflict and long-term tourism benefits. The government of Rwanda and African Parks, which co-manage the park, say any decision will be informed by this study.
Lemala Enters Kenya Market With New Acquisition
Lemala Camps & Lodges, part of the Tourvest integrated tourism group, has acquired Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp, marking its entry into the Kenyan market. Located just outside Amboseli National Park and offering views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the camp will retain its name and branding. Lemala will oversee operations, bringing its regional experience to the property while maintaining its established identity.
Great Africa Cycling Safari Promotes Regional Tourism & Unity
The 8th Great Africa Cycling Safari (GACS) has officially launched, with Juliana Kagwa, the CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), flagging off the event at Kampala’s Independence Monument. This 55-day, 6,000-kilometer expedition will see cyclists traverse Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Kenya. The GACS aims to promote key messages including peace, regional integration, environmental conservation, and food security. Throughout their journey, participants will visit significant tourist attractions and interact with local communities, highlighting the importance of sustainable development and cross-border collaboration in the region.
Kenya: Salt Lick Safari Lodge Streamlines Guest Experience
Salt Lick Safari Lodge has introduced a new change to streamline the guest experience. Now, visitors will check in and have all their meals, including lunch, directly at the lodge. The previous requirement for guests to check in or dine at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa has been removed. This improvement, which is effective immediately, ensures that guests can begin their safari adventure and fully enjoy the lodge’s unique atmosphere from the very beginning of their stay.
Kenya: Ololo Safari Lodge Bush Sauna Now Open
Ololo Safari Lodge is thrilled to announce a new addition to its guest experience: a Bush Sauna tucked away among the trees in the lodge’s garden. This new wellness feature is located directly across from the spa room and offers the perfect way to unwind after a day on safari. For a complete relaxation experience, guests can complement their sauna session with a professional massage from Ololo’s skilled in-house masseuse. The spa menu includes a variety of options, such as a Swedish Relaxing Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Neck, Shoulder, and Upper Back Massage, and Hot Stone Massage Therapy. The Bush Sauna takes approximately 30 minutes to heat up and can be prepared for guests upon request.
Kenya: Lion in the Sun, Transitioning To An Adults Only Resort
Lion in The Sun, is transitioning to an exclusive adults only resort, effective January 7, 2026. This change is designed to provide guests with a peaceful and serene environment and children under 12 years and infants will not be accommodated. While the resort will no longer accept reservations for children under 12 years or infants, families seeking a family-friendly experience are encouraged to book their stay at the sister property, Billionaires Club, Malindi.
Kenya: Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa Heated Infinity Pool Now Open
The newly upgraded heated infinity swimming pool at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is now open and ready for guests to enjoy! The pool is a complimentary amenity for all visitors staying at Taita Hills, and it is also open to those staying at the neighboring Salt Lick Safari Lodge.
Kenya: Zamara Private Grand Opening December 2025
Scheduled to open in December 2025, Zamara Private is a new safari camp in the Masai Mara Reserve, easily accessible via the Ol Kiombo Airstrip. The camp offers an intimate experience for up to 12 guests, housed in 6 luxurious suites. Each suite is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring a unique grass-planted roof, air conditioning, a private outdoor deck, and an outdoor shower. Guests can unwind at the infinity pool or indulge in the private wellness area, which includes a gym, sauna, and steam room, along with an onsite spa. Ideal for families, four of the suites can be configured as triple bedrooms, while two dedicated guide rooms are also available, ensuring a seamless and accommodating stay for all.
Uganda: Gorilla Forest Lodge Reopens With New Look
A&K Sanctuary has reopened Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park following an extensive renovation. The property has 10 villas, each featuring super king four-poster beds, freestanding bathtubs and private decks. Key upgrades include an expanded lounge, spa and dining areas as well as floor-to-ceiling windows and organic materials intended to integrate the structure with its forest surroundings.
Tanzania: Serengeti’s TAASA Migration Camp Now Officially Open
TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps has officially opened its newest property, TAASA Migration Camp. The mobile luxury tented camp is currently in Tanzania’s Kogatende region within Serengeti National Park’s Northern Corridor. The camp is situated one hour from the Kogatende Airstrip and the Mara River, offering guests access to the annual Great Migration, including river crossings and predator-prey interactions. The camp comprises 12 tented suites, including two interconnecting family units
Zanzibar: Jaz Elite Aurora’s Grand Opening This September
Opening on September 20, 2025, Jaz Elite Aurora is a stunning beachfront resort that promises a new level of luxury in Zanzibar. The property features 346 rooms, including 36 select rooms with direct swim-up access. Guests can enjoy exceptional dining with a variety of options, from a dedicated seafood restaurant on a 120-meter-long jetty to an interactive Japanese Teppanyaki experience and a sushi bar. The resort offers a wide array of activities to suit every taste. Guests can enjoy horseback riding on Kae Beach, watch magical sunsets from the jetty, and experience vibrant live entertainment. For recreation, Jaz Elite Aurora boasts the largest swimming pool in Zanzibar, a full-service spa, a well-equipped gym, an on-site dive center, and Zanzibar’s first aqua park. Families will appreciate the dedicated Kids Club and children’s menus, while couples can indulge in romantic options like private beach dinners and floating breakfasts in the swim-up suites.
Zanbluu Beach Zanzibar 20%Off Half Board Offer (September 15 – December 15, 2025)
Zanbluu Beach Hotel Zanzibar is offering a 20% discount on their Half Board rate. This offer is valid for stays from September 15, 2025 to December 15, 2025. *Terms & Conditions*: This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. The discount applies exclusively to the Half Board rate. The discount does not apply to the All-Inclusive supplement or any other additional services.
Kenya: Karen Blixen Camp Mara Offers: (November – December 22, 2025)
Karen Blixen Camp Mara is extending the special offers below for stays between 1 November, 2025 – December 22, 2025:
Group Family Offer
Children 5 and under stay free (with $65 conservation fee), while kids ages 6–11 pay 50% off the adult rate (with $65 conservation fee). Families of four or more will also receive complimentary exclusive use of a safari vehicle.
Free Nights Offer
Stay 3 Nights, Pay 2 or, Stay 4 Nights, Pay 3
*Terms and Conditions Apply*
Kenya: Elewana Completes Camp Upgrade In Mara North
Elewana Collection, part of Minor Hotels, has completed the final phase of its multi-stage upgrade of Elephant Pepper Camp in the Mara North Conservancy of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The renovation includes new furnishings in all guest tents, an updated arrival area as well as refurbished mess and bar tents. According to Elewana, the changes maintain the camp’s rustic design while adding modern comforts. The project also introduces Elephant and Pepper – a new open-fire culinary concept. The bush dining experience features slow-smoked meats, ember-roasted vegetables and grilled seafood prepared over acacia wood fires. Traditional braai equipment is used, and the menu includes smoke-infused cocktails and foraged ingredients.
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Safari Rally 2026 Dates Are Out
The 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar has been now unveiled, confirming 14 rounds across four continents as the series continues to blend classic challenges with global reach. The legendary Safari Rally Kenya will be the third round of the 2026 WRC season, taking place from March 12 to March 15, 2026. The growing popularity of the Safari Rally draws massive crowds, particularly to the Naivasha area, which is the heart of the rally’s action. However, the immense public enthusiasm for the rally has a significant impact on tours and during the rally dates, the Naivasha – Nakuru Highway and surrounding roads experience severe traffic congestion, with delays that can last for several hours.
To ensure our guests have the best possible experience, we will avoid scheduling tours that pass through or to Naivasha during the rally as the heavy traffic could cause guests to spend a significant portion of their day in transit, detracting from their travel experience. Of course, for guests who specifically want to immerse themselves in the excitement of the Safari Rally, we can arrange dedicated tours to ensure they have an unforgettable experience. We also recommend our partners consider this traffic impact and advise their potential guests accordingly.
Flightlink To Launch New Daily Route From Maasai Mara – Zanzibar
Flightlink is proud to announce its new daily direct route connecting two of East Africa’s most iconic destinations: The Maasai Mara and Zanzibar. Beginning on August 15, 2025, this new service offers travelers a seamless journey, linking the breathtaking Kenyan bush with the stunning shores of Zanzibar. The route is designed to simplify travel and maximize holiday time, allowing guests to transition from a thrilling safari adventure to a relaxing beach escape without the hassle of connecting flights. This new direct service solidifies Flightlink’s commitment to providing convenient and efficient travel options across the region.
Kenya Airways and WestJet Sign Interline Agreement
Kenya Airways and WestJet have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity across both carriers’ networks. With connections via Paris, Amsterdam, London (Gatwick and Heathrow) and New York (JFK), passengers can book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet and Kenya Airways’ networks. Kenya Airways passengers benefit from single-stop access to Calgary, Halifax, St. John’s and Toronto, which feed into 69 North American destinations. WestJet passengers can travel to Nairobi and beyond through the Canadian airline’s extensive network of European and North American connections.
Kenya Plans Upgrades To Nairobi Airports
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has launched a strategic environmental and social assessment (SESA) to guide future upgrades of Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), inviting public input to ensure the plans align with national goals and local needs. This comes as KAA continues infrastructure improvements at JKIA, including runway and baggage system upgrades, with Board Chairman Caleb Kositany emphasising the goal of transforming JKIA into a modern, competitive hub.
New Airport Opens In Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Airlines Group has opened a new airport, Wollo Kombolcha Airport, in north-central Ethiopia. The newly enhanced airport facility includes a passenger terminal building, a VIP terminal, and support facility. The airport development, worth over €12 million (R250 million), included the construction of a new terminal building, parking areas, ancillary buildings such as an airport rescue and firefighting station, water reservoir and roads. Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to and from Kombolcha. Passengers also have the option of travelling between Kombolcha and Bahirdar directly without transiting in Addis Ababa.
East Africa Co-hosts African Nations Championship (CHAN)
Kenya, along with Uganda and Tanzania, is successfully co-hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN). This major football competition features a record 19 teams and has been met with enthusiastic public support. Kenyan stadia have been showcased beautifully, and the sell-out crowd for the host nation’s opening match is a testament to the local passion for the sport. To further encourage attendance and strengthen regional ties, Kenya has removed visa requirements for most African citizens. This policy allows visitors from across the continent to enter the country without pre-travel approvals or fees, simplifying travel and fostering greater cross-border exchange.
Botha Retirement Among Several Changes At Sense Of Africa, South Africa
After 27 years of leadership, well-known industry figure Martin Botha has announced his retirement as COO of Tourvest subsidiary Sense of Africa, South Africa, effective September 1, 2025. During his time at the inbound DMC, Botha steered the company through periods of immense growth and transformation, leading with vision and resilience during challenging times that included the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourvest Destination Management CEO Martin Wiest described Botha as the backbone of Sense of Africa, South Africa. “His leadership, loyalty and commitment to excellence have shaped the business into what it is today. He has inspired teams, nurtured talent and navigated some of the most challenging periods in our industry with calm confidence. While we will miss his steady presence, we wish him nothing but happiness and new adventures as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.”