Uganda: Martyrs’ Day Public Holiday – 3rd June 2026

Our Uganda offices will be closed on Wednesday, 3rd June 2026, in observance of Uganda Martyrs’ Day. This significant national holiday commemorates the faith, courage, and sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs, whose legacy continues to inspire generations across Uganda and beyond.

All our scheduled tours, transfers, and services will continue to operate as planned, as Uganda remains fully open to tourism.

During this period, our offices will operate with limited essential staff, allowing our employees to participate in and commemorate this important national holiday. We kindly request your patience, as response times may be slightly delayed.

Normal operations will resume promptly on Thursday, 4th June 2026, at 8:30 AM EAT.

For any urgent matters requiring immediate attention, please contact us via:

Telephone: +256 20 6300 969 / 970
Office Mobile: +256 781 582 412
Email: csr@go-vacation.co.ug

Kenya Deploys AI & Drones To Protect Wildlife

Kenya is strengthening wildlife conservation through the use of advanced technologies, including AI-powered surveillance systems, drones, thermal cameras and real-time monitoring platforms. Led by the Kenya Wildlife Service, these innovations are helping rangers track wildlife movements, curb poaching and respond more effectively to conservation challenges across key protected areas.

By combining technology with on-the-ground conservation efforts, Kenya is enhancing the protection of its iconic wildlife and natural landscapes, reinforcing its reputation as a leading safari destination committed to sustainable tourism and the long-term preservation of its biodiversity.

Kenya: Samburu Hosts 37th Edition Rhino Charge

Samburu County welcomed the 37th Rhino Charge at Ngilai Community Conservancy, bringing together competitors, conservation supporters and visitors for one of Kenya’s most celebrated fundraising events. Renowned for supporting the protection of Kenya’s forests, water towers and wildlife habitats, Rhino Charge also delivered a welcome boost to the local tourism economy, benefiting accommodation providers, transport operators and small businesses.

The event showcased Samburu’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and outstanding wildlife, further strengthening its appeal as a destination for adventure, conservation and community-based tourism.

Tanzania: Rhotia valley Supports Human Elephant Conflict project

Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is stepping up its community role in Karatu by supporting efforts to reduce human – elephant conflict in a farming area bordering wildlife corridors linked to the Ngorongoro Highlands. The project focuses on tackling crop-raiding incidents that continue to affect local households, while also helping to keep elephant movement routes open in this busy interface between farmland and protected areas.

By backing practical, community-led solutions on the ground, the lodge is helping to ease day-to-day tensions between people and wildlife in a landscape that sits between key northern Tanzania safari routes.

Uganda Set to Host Future Hospitality Summit Africa in 2027

The Future Hospitality Summit Africa will be held in Uganda for the first time on 02 – 03 February 2027 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, marking a significant milestone for the country as it strengthens its position as a growing hospitality investment hub in East Africa. Announced in Kampala, the development reflects Uganda’s continued push to attract international investors into its tourism and hotel sector.

The summit is expected to elevate Uganda’s global profile at a time of wider infrastructure expansion and preparations for AFCON 2027, further underlining East Africa’s rising importance in global hospitality investment.

Wellworth Collection recently unveiled Mikumi Wildlife Lodge, adding a new safari property in Tanzania’s southern circuit just 9 km from the gate of Mikumi National Park. Positioned on a hill overlooking a natural watering hole, the lodge features 48 modern rooms with private viewing decks, alongside facilities including a signature restaurant, infinity-edge swimming pool, spa and gym.

Its location provides direct access to one of Tanzania’s most reliable wildlife areas, known for its open plains and regular sightings of elephants, giraffes, lions and large herds of plains game, while offering a quieter alternative to the busier traditional Serengeti and Ngorongoro northern safari circuit.

Enduata Camps has joined The Long Run, a global network of tourism operators committed to positive impact through its 4Cs framework of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. The membership formalizes the camp’s long-standing approach to sustainability, giving it a clearer structure to deepen responsible practices across its operations. It also strengthens accountability as the camp continues to grow within East Africa’s safari landscape, ensuring that environmental and community considerations remain central.

This move reinforces Enduata Camps’ positioning as a thoughtful, experience-led safari operator in Tanzania, appealing to travellers looking for low-impact stays rooted in authentic wilderness and meaningful local engagement.

Kenya: The Safari Collection Celebrates Global Recognition & Prepares for Siruai Mobile Camp Reopening

The Safari Collection is celebrating a strong showing in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, with Giraffe Manor, Sasaab and Solio Lodge all named among the Top 500 Hotels in the World. The recognition highlights the continued appeal of the group’s properties, which have each built a loyal following for distinctive, high-quality safari and conservation-led experiences in Kenya.

Looking ahead, the collection is also set to reopen Siruai Mobile Camp on 15 June 2026 in northern Laikipia. Set in a remote wilderness area, the exclusive-use mobile camp is designed to offer a more flexible and stripped-back safari experience, centred on space, privacy and a closer connection to the surrounding landscape.

Tanzania: Nduli Airport Upgrade Complete

Tanzania has completed a TZS 60 billion upgrade of Nduli Airport in Iringa, giving the Southern Safari Circuit a more dependable and practical air gateway. The improvements include a runway extension, upgraded terminal facilities and enhanced navigation systems, allowing the airport to handle larger aircraft and operate more reliably throughout the year.

The upgrade makes access to key southern attractions such as Ruaha National Park smoother and more convenient, supporting the gradual growth of tourism in this less-crowded part of the country.

Kenya Partners with Google to Power AI-Driven Tourism Growth

Kenya has entered a landmark partnership with Google through Magical Kenya to position the country at the forefront of AI-driven tourism marketing in Africa. The collaboration will use artificial intelligence and real-time data to analyse traveller behaviour, sharpen destination marketing and better target key international source markets. A new AI-powered trip planning tool will enable visitors to generate personalised itineraries, while a Tourism Pulse Data Hub will provide live insights to guide industry decision-making and campaign strategy. The initiative will also support capacity building for tourism SMEs and young professionals, strengthening digital skills across the sector.

Together, the partnership is designed to enhance Kenya’s global visibility, improve visitor targeting and drive sustained growth in international arrivals.

A&K Sanctuary officially opened Kitirua Plains Lodge, welcoming its first guests on 01 June 2026. Set against the backdrop of the Amboseli ecosystem, the new lodge features 11 standalone suites and two spacious two-bedroom suites, designed to offer comfort, privacy and uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

The property includes a central boma, wellness centre with spa treatment rooms, gym and a swimming pool overlooking the plains. Throughout the lodge, locally inspired design elements celebrate Maasai culture and Kenyan craftsmanship, with handcrafted furnishings.

A youth-led initiative in Tanzania, ‘Beyond the Shoreline’ youth Championing Ocean Conservation Programme, is using animation to make marine conservation more engaging and accessible for young people and coastal communities. At the heart of the initiative is the animated series ‘BahariMania’, which translates issues such as plastic pollution and marine ecosystem degradation into simple, relatable stories that encourage awareness and action.

By combining storytelling with environmental education, the programme is helping to shift behaviour and strengthen long-term care for Tanzania’s coastline and marine resources.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp in the Masai Mara has refreshed its iconic Mess Tent, carefully restoring the space while retaining its signature 1920s safari character and atmosphere. The update focuses on refinement rather than redesign, bringing the tent back to its best while preserving the warm, nostalgic feel that defines the camp experience.

To mark the refresh, the camp is offering a June 2026 incentive for new bookings of 3 nights or more, with complimentary park and conservancy fees included for qualifying stays.

Kenya: Ol Lentille Launches ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ Offer

Ol Lentille in Laikipia is introducing a “Stay 4 Nights for the Price of 3” offer from 01 October 2026, creating added value for guests looking to spend more time in one of Kenya’s most exclusive private conservancies.

The offer gives travellers the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the region’s wildlife, landscapes and cultural experiences, while enjoying an additional complimentary night.

JAZ Hotel Group Expands Zanzibar Portfolio

JAZ Hotel Group is strengthening its presence in Zanzibar with two new 5-star resort openings that add fresh momentum to the island’s luxury hospitality sector. JAZ Amaluna, an adults-only (16+) beachfront resort, opened in March 2026, offering a private and relaxed coastal escape designed for couples and travellers seeking a more refined island experience.

The group will follow this with the opening of JAZ Adonia on 01 October 2026, further expanding its premium beachfront portfolio.

Zanzibar: Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa 20% Discount

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

Travel window: 01 August – 31 October 2026
Booking code: SPSS-04.2026-2030%

Zanzibar: Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa 20% Extended Offer

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

Travel window: 15 May – 31 October 2026
Booking code: SPBB-02.2026-20%