Kenya: Proposed Tax Laws Amendments
Reclassification of VAT status of goods and services bill that is currently in the public participation stage, proposes changes by reclassifying the VAT status of the following goods and services. Locally assembled motor vehicles for transportation of tourists, currently exempt, to be vatable at 16%. Air ticketing services supplied by travel agents, currently exempt, to be vatable at 16%. Entry fees into the national parks and national reserves, currently exempt, to be vatable at 16%. The services of tour operators, currently exempt, to be vatable at 16%. Hiring, leasing and chartering of aircrafts, currently exempt, to be vatable at 16%. We shall be sharing more details on this in the coming days.
Updated Solio Conservancy Fees
Solio Game Reserve will be adjusting its conservancy fees, effective 1st April 2025 as follows:
Adults (from 11 years old) – from US$ 92 to US$ 122 per adult per night.
Children (3 to 10 years) – from US$ 60 to US$ 61 per child per night.
The conservancy fees increase applies to all confirmed, provisional and new bookings at Solio Lodge from 1st April 2025. Updated invoices will be sent for existing bookings.
Kenya: Park Fees Update
In October this year, the KWS Director-General indicated that KWS would be restarting the public participation process targeting a Conservation Fee increase to take effect from 1st July 2025. The effective date of the Increase will however depend on the outcome of the engagement with the public. Advice: Members to consider the proposed increase when giving quotations for safaris beyond 1st July 2025.
Shaba & Buffalo Springs National Reserves (Isiolo County Government): Isiolo County Government has confirmed that there will be NO Park Fee increase for 2025.
Samburu National Reserve: Samburu County Government gave notice of the proposed increase in Park Fees effective January 2025. The initial proposal was to increase fees from 1st July 2024 but this was objected to and deferred. Please find the full schedule of the 2025 Park Fees for Samburu below.
Samburu National Reserve – 2025 Park Fees
Rwandair Expands Global Reach Through Euroairlines Distribution Deal
RwandAir has signed a strategic agreement with Spain’s Euroairlines Group that will enable the African carrier to sell tickets through more than 60 global markets, significantly expanding its distribution network. The partnership gives RwandAir access to Euroairlines’ extensive network of travel agencies, online travel agents (OTAs), aggregators and consolidators through its IATA Q4-291 plate. The Kigali-based airline currently operates more than 30 routes across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Read More Here
Air Tanzania Expands African Network With New Flights To South Africa
In a strategic move to broaden its African network, Air Tanzania will launch direct flights to Johannesburg, South Africa, beginning 30 November 2024. This new route will offer four weekly flights from Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania’s economic hub, using Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. With 181 seats, including 16 in Business Class and 165 in Economy, the airline aims to serve both business and leisure travellers, providing convenience and comfort.
Tourists Exempted From Declaring IMEI Numbers Upon Arrival
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has exempted tourists from declaring the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their gadgets upon arrival, aiming to maintain seamless entry for visitors while enhancing tax compliance.
Newmark Hotels Expands With Luxury Gorilla Heights Lodge In Uganda’s Bwindi National Park
Luxury property management company Newmark Hotels & Reserves has added Gorilla Heights Lodge in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to its African portfolio. The lodge officially opened on November 7. The lodge comprises 15 luxury cottages and is situated at a vantage point with views of the Virunga Mountains and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – home to around 20 habituated Mountain gorilla families. Nkuringo, the closest gorilla trekking sector, is a 15-minute walk from the lodge.
ZURI Zanzibar News
Swimming Pool & Pool Deck: Closed from April 28 to May 25. Guests are invited to enjoy the stunning turquoise ocean on our beautiful, tide-free beach as an alternative. Maisha Restaurant: Closed from April 28 to May 16. Pavement repair work will take place near Maisha along the main beach path. An alternate access will be arranged via the Private beach access. The beach privacy status will be limited, however all guests are welcome to enjoy the main beach. Private Beach Staircase Repairs: Closed from April 7 to April 11. An alternate access will be arranged via the Main staircase. The beach privacy status will be limited, however all guests are welcome to enjoy the main beach. Indoor Gym: Closed from April 7 to April 12. Minor repairs works. An alternative outdoor gym remains available to guests. The maintenance work will occur daily (except some Sundays) between 09:00 – 17:30. Signage and maps will be provided to ensure a smooth navigation around the resort, aiming to complete all work with minimal impact on guests‘ comfort.
As a token of appreciation, ZURI is offering a 25% discount on accommodation for all stays from 28th April to 25th May 2025. The offer is not combinable with any other special deals.
Introducing Sarara Wilderness – Opening 15 December 2024
Tucked away in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas, Sarara Wilderness invites you to embark on a tailormade adventure that captures the timeless nostalgia of a classic tented camp – deep in the heart of the bush. Thoughtfully designed, this exclusive-use camp offers everything from up to six standalone en-suite tents to a mobile swimming pool and cold plunge machines. Every detail ensures the utmost comfort while experiencing the magic of a completely remote stay in the wild!
SPECIAL OFFERS: Voi Kiwengwa Resort
Special offer for November & December 2024: Booking Window: from 11/11/24 to 22/11/24
15% Discount: Valid for stays from 11.11.24 to 22.12.24 incl. , in Half Board & All-inclusive formula, applied for Classic rooms. 20% Discount: Valid for stays from 11.11.24 to 22.12.24 incl. , in Half Board & All-inclusive formula, applied for Comfort rooms.
Special offer for April 2025: Booking Window: from 11/11/24 to 22/11/24
15% Discount: Valid for stays from 01.04.25 to 28.04.25 incl. , in Half Board & All-inclusive formula, applied for Classic rooms. 20% Discount: Valid for stays from 01.04.25 to 28.04.25 incl., in Half Board & All-inclusive formula, applied for Comfort rooms.
Terms & Conditions Apply.
SPECIAL OFFERS: Bawe Island
Opening Offer: 50 % Discount On Room Rate. Booking period: From 19th November 2024 until 10th January 2025
Travel period: From 20th November 2024 until 22nd December 2024 and From 10th January 2025 until 22nd December 2025
Offer Code: OPENING-BAWE
Terms & Conditions: Combinable with Special Honeymooners Offer. Not combinable with contracted repeater’s discount. Opening offer substitutes previous sent Long Stay Offer. Discount on room rate only, not applicable for extra adult and children. Discount not applicable on meal plan supplement. Offer is not valid for stays in Zanzibar Villa and Sultan palace. Cancellation of existing bookings and re-booking will not be entitled of the offer
SPECIAL OFFERS: The Coocon Collection
Autumn Offer: Offer Code: AUTUMN-ZNZ Booking Period: From 27th November till 20th December.
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa: Travel period: From 27th November 2024 until 20th December 2024. 20% discount on room rate! Travel period: From 6th March 2025 until 30th April 2025. 20% discount on room rate! + Free Meal Upgrade (HB=FB). Terms & Conditions: Not combinable with any other room discount but repeater’s discount. Discount and Free Meal Upgrade can be combined from 6th Mar till 30th Apr. All inclusive supplement will be charged as per contract for adults and children. Discount not applicable on meal plan supplement nor extra adult/child. Cancellation of existing bookings and re-booking will not be entitled of the offer.
The Island Pongwe: Travel period: From 14th November 2024 until 30th April 2025. 30% discount on room rate! Terms & Conditions: Not combinable with any other room discount but repeater’s discount. Blackout period from 26th December 2024 till 7th January 2025. Discount not applicable on meal plan supplement. No minimum stay is required for the discount. Cancellation of existing bookings and re-booking will not be entitled of the offer.
SPECIAL OFFERS: Bush & Beyond
For a limited time, when your international travelers visit Sarara Camp, Sarara Treehouses, or Reteti House, they can enjoy free roundtrip flights from select airstrips to Namunyak Airstrip. Offer applicable for: New bookings made between now and 15 December 2024, for travels between 5 January – 31 March 2025. Stays of 3 nights or longer. Minimum 2 guests, maximum 4 guests for Sarara Camp or Sarara Treehouses. Minimum of 6 guests for Reteti House. The complimentary shared roundtrip flights to and from Sarara include flights from Kalama, Sasaab, Loisaba, and Lewa airstrips. The offer is subject to availability – Sarara reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time.
Tangulia Mara / Tangulia Ndogo: Stay 3, pay 2 (park fees payable on the 3rd night) for all new bookings with travel dates between 19 November – 19 December, 2024.
House in the Wild: Stay 3, pay 2 (conservation fees payable on the 3rd night) for all new bookings with travel dates between 19 November – 19 December, 2024
Lewa House: Stay 3, pay 2 (conservation fees payable on the 3rd night) for all new bookings with travel dates between December 1-19, 2024.
Applies to a minimum 3 nights at each lodge, park/conservation fee payable on 3rd night. House in the Wild complimentary photo session or couple massages applies to stays for couples (2 people) over Nov 1- Dec 19, 2024 only. Lewa House is closed in November.
SPECIAL OFFERS: Mara Engai
Pay 2 Stay 3 Offer November – 15 December, 2024. Terms & Conditions apply.