Kenya: The Safari Collection Reveals “Hidden Mara” Black Rhino Conservation Through Camera Trap Project

The Safari Collection is highlighting a lesser-seen side of the Maasai Mara through a black rhino conservation initiative that uses camera traps to monitor wildlife in remote, densely vegetated areas of the reserve.

Working alongside conservation partners and rangers, the project captures rare sightings of endangered black rhinos while strengthening protection efforts in one of Kenya’s most important wildlife ecosystems. It also showcases a “Hidden Mara” beyond the traditional open savannah image, revealing forested and riverine habitats where elusive species move largely out of sight.

The initiative enhances wildlife monitoring and conservation science, while reinforcing the link between luxury safari tourism and rhino conservation in the Maasai Mara.

Tanzania: Serengeti Balloon Safaris Launches Kogatende Flights & Updates Lamai Wedge Operations for 2026 Season

Serengeti Balloon Safaris has announced new balloon safari operations in northern Serengeti for the 2026 season (15 June – 15 November 2026), including the launch of Kogatende flights and updated arrangements for the Lamai Wedge.

In Kogatende, flights will operate over the Mara River ecosystem, a key Great Migration corridor where wildebeest and zebra cross between Tanzania and Kenya alongside hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. The area is also known for its resident wildlife and wide northern Serengeti landscapes.

In the Lamai Wedge, balloon safaris will run on a flexible booking system requiring a minimum of two passengers per flight, with at least two preferred travel dates per booking to support scheduling during peak demand.

Both experiences operate during the Great Migration period, offering aerial views across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife corridors.

Banyan Tree Holdings has postponed the opening of its Ubuyu safari lodge in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park to August 2026, as final development work continues on the eco-luxury project.

The lodge is designed as a low-density, high-end safari retreat focused on privacy, sustainability, and immersive wildlife experiences in one of Tanzania’s most remote national parks. The updated timeline reflects a final refinement phase aimed at enhancing the guest experience ahead of launch.

Once open, Ubuyu is expected to strengthen Ruaha’s position as a luxury safari destination, adding a conservation-led accommodation option to Tanzania’s growing high-end safari tourism portfolio.

Kenya & Tanzania Strengthen Cross-Border Safari Tourism with 8 Key Agreements

Kenya & Tanzania have signed eight cooperation agreements aimed at making cross-border safari tourism across East Africa more seamless and better connected.

The agreements focus on improving coordination of tourism systems and standards to simplify movement between Kenya and Tanzania, supporting smoother multi-destination safari itineraries. This is especially important for iconic transboundary wildlife areas such as the Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem, where travellers frequently cross borders as part of a single safari journey.

The measures are expected to reduce travel friction, improve regional tourism connectivity, and strengthen East Africa’s positioning as one unified safari destination, making it easier for tour operators and visitors to combine major wildlife experiences across both countries in one itinerary.

Tanzania: Africa Safari Serengeti Kogatende Set for Grand Opening in July 2026

Africa Safari Serengeti Kogatende will officially open on 15 July 2026, with bookings now available for its new luxury safari camp in northern Serengeti. Located in Kogatende, just 16 km from the Mara River and around 26 km from the nearest airstrip, the lodge offers close access to one of the most iconic Great Migration crossing points, where wildebeest and zebra move between July and September alongside crocodiles and big cats. The property features luxury canvas tented accommodation with en suite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the Serengeti plains. Guests can enjoy year-round wildlife viewing, including Big Five sightings beyond migration season.

On-site facilities include a restaurant and bar with sunset views over the savannah, as well as a spa and wellness centre designed for relaxation in a remote wilderness setting.

Zanzibar: Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa 30% Discount

Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa is offering a limited-time 30% discount valid for bookings made until 30 June 2026.

Travel window: 15 May – 31 July 2026
Booking code: SPSS-03.2026-30%

Kenya: Ol Seki Airstrip in Maasai Mara Closed for Renovations Until 14 May 2026

Ol Seki Airstrip in Kenya’s Maasai Mara will be closed for essential maintenance and renovation works from 4 May to 14 May 2026 (inclusive).

During this period, safari flight transfers will be rerouted to nearby airstrips such as Olare Airstrip, depending on weather and operational conditions, to maintain access to the Maasai Mara safari ecosystem.

The temporary closure is intended to improve airstrip safety and long-term reliability for safari operations in one of Kenya’s most visited wildlife regions.

Air Tanzania Set to Link London with Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar July 2027

Air Tanzania is set to launch direct flights from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar in July 2027, marking its first nonstop connection between the UK and Tanzania. Operating three times weekly, the service is designed to strengthen tourism flows while positioning Tanzania more competitively in the long-haul African leisure market.

The route will cut out intermediate stopovers and significantly improve access to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. UK travellers will gain easier connections to major attractions including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro, while Zanzibar will benefit from stronger direct access as demand continues to rise for Indian Ocean beach holidays.

Kenya: Fly 748 Relaunches Domestic Nairobi – Coast Domestic Flights

Fly 748 has relaunched its domestic flight operations effective 01 May 2026, restoring key routes between Nairobi and Kenya’s coastal tourism destinations. The airline is now operating flights on the Nairobi – Mombasa and Nairobi – Ukunda (Diani) routes, improving air access to Kenya’s main beach resorts and supporting domestic tourism along the coast.

It has also reopened operational offices at Moi International Airport and Ukunda to support passenger services.

Zanzibar: Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa 20% Discount 

Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is offering a limited-time 20% discount valid for bookings made until 30 June 2026.

Travel window: 15 May – 30 June 2026
Booking code: SPBB-02.2026-20%

Kenya Airways Reinstates Dreamliner Service on Nairobi – Paris Route

Kenya Airways has reinstated its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Nairobi–Paris route, increasing long-haul capacity and improving schedule reliability on one of its key Europe–Africa connections. The upgrade strengthens the Paris sector, a major travel corridor for both tourism and business between Kenya and France, while improving comfort and consistency on long-haul flights.

The restored Dreamliner service enhances onward connectivity to popular destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Kenya’s coastal resorts, supporting growing demand for travel into East Africa, where Nairobi serves as a primary hub for safari tourism.

Rwanda: SalamAir to Launch Direct Muscat – Kigali Route July 2026

SalamAir is set to launch a direct Muscat – Kigali service on 21 July 2026, marking a new air link between Oman and Rwanda aimed at expanding East Africa connectivity.

The route will operate twice weekly and is designed to support growing tourism and business travel between the Middle East and East Africa. It will also improve access to Kigali, a rising regional hub known for conferences, eco-tourism, and its role as a gateway to Rwanda’s national parks and wider safari circuit.

Zanzibar: Upendo Boutique Hotels Launches May 2026 Offers

Upendo Boutique Hotels Zanzibar has announced special travel incentives for May 2026 designed to support flexible bookings and short-stay itineraries on the island. The offer includes an additional 10% commission on all stays valid until 31 May 2026.

The hotels are also waiving their usual minimum stay requirement, now allowing one night bookings across both properties throughout May 2026, making it easier to fit Zanzibar stays into shorter safari and beach itineraries.

East Africa: Elewana Launches Exclusive Safari Discounts 

Elewana Collection has introduced a range of safari promotions across Kenya and Tanzania covering bush-and-beach holidays, honeymoons, solo travel, and SkySafari departures as below. Terms and conditions apply.

15% discount on 7 – night Bush & Beach package for 2027
Elewana Collection is offering a 15% discount on a 7-night bush-and-beach safari package for 2027 travel, combining Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with Zanzibar’s coastline. The itinerary includes three nights at either Serengeti Pioneer Camp or The Manor at Ngorongoro Crater, followed by four nights at Kilindi Zanzibar, blending Big Five safari experiences with Indian Ocean beach relaxation. The offer is valid for bookings made now for travel in 2027, with a minimum stay of 7 nights.

Blackout periods: 01 May – 31 October 2027 & 20 December 2027 – 03 January 2028

50% Bride Honeymoon Discount at Elsa’s Kopje Meru
Elewana Collection is offering a special honeymoon package at Elsa’s Kopje Meru, featuring a 50% discount on accommodation for the bride, effectively delivering up to 25% savings per couple. The package includes romantic inclusions such as flower room decorations on arrival, a romantic turndown service, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a candlelit dinner under the African sky at one of East Africa’s most celebrated safari lodges.

The offer requires a minimum 3 – night stay and is valid for bookings and stays until 03 January 2027. Travel must take place within six months of the wedding, with a marriage certificate required at booking and check-in. The promotion is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other discounts, with exclusions including park and concession fees, travel insurance, and East African resident rates.

No single supplement offer for SkySafari and Elewana properties
Elewana Collection is offering a no single supplement promotion across selected SkySafari and Elewana properties, allowing solo travellers to pay the per-person sharing rate on qualifying safaris. The offer applies to new bookings made by 31 May 2026, for travel until 15 December 2026, excluding peak season dates from (01 July – 31 October 2026). It is designed to make luxury safari travel more accessible for solo guests without additional room charges. The promotion also extends flexibility for small groups of up to three solo travellers on a single booking, allowing each guest to enjoy private accommodation at the same shared rate. The offer excludes Arusha Coffee Lodge and does not apply to East Africa resident rates.

20% Off SkySafari Departures in Kenya & Tanzania – May 2026
SkySafari is offering a 20% discount on the 8-night Tanzania departure on the 21 May 2026 and the 8-night Kenya departure on the 22 May 2026. This offer is valid for new bookings only with minimum 2 guests travelling together and sharing. It is not combinable with any other offer and is subject to availability.