Sense of Africa, East Africa Newsflash 16 June 2026

Uganda: Kidepo International Airport Construction Begins to Improve Access to Kidepo Valley National Park

Construction has officially started on Kidepo International Airport in Uganda’s Karamoja region, a major infrastructure project set to significantly improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park. Located in Lomej, near the park headquarters, the airport is aimed at easing long standing access challenges to one of Uganda’s most remote safari destinations, which currently requires road journeys of more than eight hours from Kampala.

The facility will be developed as a Code 4E international airport capable of handling wide-body aircraft, with plans for future expansion to Code 4F standards. The project includes a 3,000-metre runway and supporting access roads to strengthen connectivity and logistics, while environmental considerations have been integrated into the design to help protect the surrounding national park ecosystem.

Premium Helicopter Transfers Now Connect Zanzibar, Pemba & Mainland Tanzania

A new premium helicopter service has been launched to enhance connectivity across Zanzibar, Pemba Island, the Swahili Coast, and mainland Tanzania, offering travellers faster and more seamless access between some of the region’s key tourism destinations. Replacing lengthy road and boat transfers, the service provides scenic aerial journeys over coral reefs, turquoise waters, and remote coastal landscapes, adding a distinctive experiential element to island travel.

Designed to meet growing demand from the luxury travel market, the service offers private transfers, island-hopping flights, scenic excursions, and tailored connections to mainland safari destinations. Operating from a dedicated Zanzibar base with 2 permanently stationed helicopters, the operation has been developed with a focus on efficiency, low environmental impact, and improved access to tourism hubs across the region.

Eka Hotel Nairobi, conveniently located near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport, and Nairobi’s city centre, has introduced an Afro-fusion outdoor dining experience designed for travellers arriving in or departing from Kenya who wish to enjoy an authentic taste of the destination before or after their safari.

The menu showcases local ingredients and Kenyan favourites, including fresh vegetables, grilled meats, crisp salads, and dishes inspired by flavours from across Africa. Set within the hotel’s gardens, the experience offers a relaxed and convenient way for travellers to begin or conclude their journey while enjoying warm Kenyan hospitality and a memorable culinary introduction to the region. Advance bookings are required at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Terms and conditions apply.

Travellers applying for a Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) with minors should note an update to the application process. Following concerns around documentation requirements for children travelling with their parents, immigration authorities have introduced a standard Parent Consent Form for use during ETA applications.

Previously, parents were generally advised to provide a signed letter confirming they were the child’s legal parents and upload it as part of the application. Recent developments indicate that this practice is being replaced by an official consent form issued by immigration authorities, which should now be completed and submitted where requested during the ETA application process.

Kenya: New Wildlife Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Launched at Lewa Conservancy

Conservation stakeholders officially launched a modern diagnostic facility in northern Kenya on 08 June 2026, addressing a longstanding gap in wildlife health services across the region. The Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LiNK), established at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as a satellite facility of the Kenya Wildlife Service, is designed to strengthen disease surveillance, rapid diagnosis, and response across one of East Africa’s most important wildlife and pastoral landscapes.

Staffed by specialized personnel and operating under strict scientific and veterinary standards, the facility enhances Kenya’s capacity to manage wildlife and livestock health challenges in ecosystems where animals and communities coexist closely. By enabling faster and more localized disease detection, LiNK is expected to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts, improve ecosystem resilience, and support the long-term sustainability of northern Kenya’s wildlife tourism sector.

Surana Mara Camp has officially opened as the newest addition to the Surana Luxury Collection, set within the Maasai Mara National Reserve along the Mara River. The camp introduces 12 riverfront tented suites, each thoughtfully designed with a private lounge, fireplace, en-suite bathroom, and outdoor seating area, alongside both indoor and outdoor showers and bathtubs for a more elevated safari stay.

Positioned near a key wildlife crossing point and overlooking the Mara Triangle with views stretching toward the Serengeti border, the camp offers strong access to the Great Migration while avoiding the busier vehicle congestion often found at river crossing sites. The result is a quieter, more exclusive riverfront experience that combines immersive wilderness with a high level of comfort for the luxury safari market.

Uganda Airlines signed a US$985 million fleet expansion agreement with Boeing on 10 June 2026, marking its largest growth milestone since resuming operations in 2019. The order includes 10 aircraft comprising four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, four Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and two Boeing 777 freighters, expanding the airline’s fleet from six to 16 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence in 2028.

The additional aircraft are expected to significantly strengthen Uganda’s air connectivity, with the Boeing 787 Dreamliners supporting long-haul services into Entebbe from key international source markets, while the Boeing 737 MAX 8s will enhance regional connectivity across Africa. The expansion is set to support tourism growth, facilitate trade, and further position Entebbe as an emerging regional aviation hub.

Tanzania Invests In Southern Circuit to Complement Northern Safari Circuit

Tanzania has invested US$56 million in tourism infrastructure upgrades across its southern safari circuit, targeting Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mikumi national parks in one of the region’s most significant tourism development programmes to date. Implemented under the World Bank-supported REGROW programme, the investment is focused on improving access, visitor facilities, and overall tourism infrastructure across the three parks. In Nyerere National Park, developments include a new main entrance gate, ranger facilities, a guest house, and upgrades to Mtemere Airstrip.

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, has received investments in visitor accommodation, ecological monitoring facilities, and airport infrastructure, while Mikumi National Park has benefited from new visitor facilities and airstrip improvements. Additional infrastructure and equipment valued at more than US$12 million is also supporting the rehabilitation of over 1,200 kilometres of roads and upgrades to 7 airstrips. 

Lake Natron Camp is set to reopen ahead of the 2026 peak season, returning as a more resilient and refined eco-safari retreat in the Rift Valley near Lake Natron, one of northern Tanzania’s most distinctive wilderness areas. Following its redevelopment, the camp has introduced elevated accommodation platforms that reduce soil disturbance, improve drainage, and allow natural vegetation to recover beneath the structures.

This redesign has also been carefully thought through to improve the overall guest experience, with better suite positioning, enhanced privacy, and wider views across the dramatic volcanic landscape. 5 new suites have already been completed, while the remaining units are in the final stages of construction ahead of reopening for the 2026 safari season.

Rwanda: The Pinnacle Kigali Extended Long Stay Offer

The Pinnacle Kigali, a luxury urban retreat in the heart of Rwanda’s capital, is celebrating its recognition by AFAR Media as one of the Best New Hotels of 2026 with an extended long stay promotion aimed at encouraging travellers to turn short stopovers into longer city experiences. The new promotion allows guests to book 2 nights and receive 50% off the second night across all room categories for stays until 31 December 2027.

Designed to appeal to both leisure and transit travellers, the promotion further strengthens Kigali’s positioning as a premium city destination and strategic stopover within wider East African itineraries.

Karen Blixen Camp in the Masai Mara and Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages in Nairobi are offering an exclusive 5% last minute discount on new bookings to coincide with the start of the Great Migration season. The offer provides added value for travellers in Nairobi city and those wishing to experience the Masai Mara during one of East Africa’s most sought after wildlife periods.

The promotion is available on a strict Book and Pay Now basis for stays between 1st July – 31st July 2026. Terms and conditions apply.