Uganda Airlines Boosts Access To Zanzibar’s Pristine Nungwi Beach With Three Weekly Flights
Uganda Airlines is strengthening regional connectivity by offering three weekly direct flights from Entebbe to Zanzibar, opening up exciting opportunities for African tourism professionals to promote one of East Africa’s most coveted beach destinations. This reliable air link not only enhances travel convenience but also supports the growing demand for seamless intra-African leisure travel. Zanzibar, often hailed as Africa’s ultimate beach paradise, is famed for its breathtaking coastline, and at its northern tip lies Nungwi Beach—a jewel that perfectly blends natural beauty with vibrant local culture. Renowned for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Nungwi offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and adventure alike. Unlike many other beaches on the island, Nungwi’s waters remain swimmable throughout the day due to minimal tidal fluctuations, making it a preferred spot for visitors seeking uninterrupted beach time.
Uganda To Host First Rhino Naming Ceremony
Uganda will host its first Rhino Naming Ceremony on 22 September 2025, at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District, marking a key milestone in the US$11 million Name A Rhino Campaign. The event will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Launched last year by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the five-year campaign aims to secure and expand the country’s rhino population through habitat expansion, veterinary care, anti-poaching measures and community conservation programmes.
Rwandair To Launch Direct Kigali – Zanzibar Route From November 2025
RwandAir is set to launch a new direct route from Kigali to Zanzibar, starting on 30 November 2025. This new flight enhances East Africa’s connectivity by providing a convenient, non-stop option for travelers from the UK and beyond to reach Zanzibar’s stunning beaches and vibrant culture. The route offers a seamless one-stop service via Kigali, making travel to Zanzibar easier and more accessible than ever before. This new service is expected to significantly boost tourism to Zanzibar by simplifying travel plans for holidaymakers and business visitors, allowing them to enjoy the island’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town, pristine beaches, and rich Swahili culture with minimal layovers. It also fosters stronger regional ties, promoting further tourism growth across East Africa.
Uganda Launches Kanyamahene Batwa Model Village To Advance Community Centred Conservation
The state minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra, has officially launched the Kanyamahene Batwa Model Village in Rushaaga Parish, Rubuguri Town Council, Kisoro District. This event marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to inclusive conservation and community development. The model village is part of the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust (BMCT) initiatives, which aim to provide long-term, reliable support for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of natural resources in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. BMCT also works to promote the welfare of neighbouring communities.
Tanzania Introduces A New Passenger Facilitation Fee For International Passengers
The Government of Tanzania has introduced a new Passenger Facilitation Fee (VI Tax), effective 15 August 2025. This tax will apply to all international passengers travelling on or after 01 November 2025.
Key Details:
Tax Code: VI (Passenger Facilitation Fee) Amount:
•USD 45 One-way international journey
•USD 90 Return international journey
Purpose: To support the installation of the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.
Refundability: Fully refundable in the event of trip cancellation or unused ticket. Exemptions:
•Infants under 2 years old
•Airline crew on duty
•Involuntary rerouting (e.g., due to technical issues or weather conditions)
The tax will be collected at the point of sale and displayed separately on the ticket. More details and official gazette notice will follow.
Zanzibar Revised Entrance Fees For Activities Within Marine Conservation Areas
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar, through the Department of Marine Conservation, has announced revised entrance fees for activities within marine conservation areas on Unguja and Pemba Islands, increasing from $3 per person to $10 per person. Due to this increment, commencing from 01 September 2025, there will be a supplement of $7.00 per person for all new bookings received from 06 August 2025 onward, for activities such as:
• Dolphin tour
• Prison Island tour
• Prison Island tour and Sandbank tour (both private and shared)
• Sunset dhow cruise (both private and shared)
• Mnemba Atoll snorkeling (both private and shared)
• Safari Blue tour (both private and shared)
Air Tanzania Introduces Direct Nairobi – Zanzibar Flights
Air Tanzania is set to launch direct flights between Nairobi and Zanzibar starting 18 August 2025, a move expected to improve regional connectivity and support growing tourism demand. The new service will operate five times weekly, offering greater access between Kenya’s capital and one of Tanzania’s top leisure destinations. Flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar (TC233) will depart at 06:50 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, arriving at 08:10. Return flights (TC204) from Zanzibar to Nairobi will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing at 05:40 and landing at 07:00. The addition of this route highlights increased focus on intra-East African travel and enhanced links between key tourism markets in the region.
Tanzania Tour Operators Urge Continued Ban On Lake Natron Soda Ash Mining
Lake Natron is one of Tanzania’s most unique ecological treasures. As the only regular breeding ground for East Africa’s lesser flamingos — hosting over 75% of the global population — this fragile ecosystem stands as a critical pillar for biodiversity and a valuable asset for sustainable tourism. Tourism, in turn, is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economy, generating billions of dollars annually and providing extensive employment opportunities. Over the years, proposals for large-scale soda ash extraction at Lake Natron have resurfaced. These projects, however, have consistently met strong national and international opposition due to their potential to cause irreversible damage to the environment, tourism, and the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
Zanzibar: Jaz Elite Aurora Luxury 346 – Room Resort Grand Opening September 2025
JAZ Hotel Group is set to open a 346 room, all-inclusive family resort on Zanzibar’s east coast in September 2025. Located in Michamvi Kae, the five-star JAZ Elite Aurora will feature a range of superior and deluxe rooms along with eight executive suites, two royalty suites and four private villas. The hotel group claims that it will include Zanzibar’s largest swimming pool among other facilities such as a two-level jetty extending 146 metres into the ocean, a water park, a diving and aqua centre, kids club, padel court and fully equipped gym, sauna and hammam.
Safari Industry Uneasy About Tanzania’s Guide Rules
Tanzania’s recently announced Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens order, issued on 28 July 2025, has raised concerns in East Africa’s safari industry. The policy specifically prohibits employment of foreigners in certain roles, including tour guiding. The government’s stated intention is to prioritize local employment opportunities and ensure Tanzanian citizens take the lead in these positions. However, industry voices across the region warn that the move could have consequences. Onne Vegter, MD of Wild Wings Safaris, says his company already uses Tanzanian guides for safaris, especially in multi-country itineraries where it’s standard practice to “hand over” guests at the border, but he cautions against seeing it as a “blanket win” for job creation.
Kenyan Government Plans To Develop The Western Circuit
The Kenyan government is accelerating plans to develop Ruma National Park, near Lake Victoria, into a flagship tourism facility within Kenya’s Western Tourism Circuit. Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, said the initiative aims to diversify Kenya’s tourism beyond the traditional beach and safari offerings with focus on promoting products through digital mapping and marketing in collaboration with county governments.
Kenya: Kicheche Camps Introduce Massage Treatments
Kicheche Camps is pleased to announce an expansion of its wellness offerings at Kicheche Valley Naboisho and Kicheche Mara North. Guests can now enjoy a range of new in tent treatments, including rejuvenating massages, soothing manicures and pedicures, and a signature eco-conscious coffee scrub. This unique scrub is crafted from the camps’ own leftover coffee grounds, reflecting Kicheche’s dedication to sustainable and responsible tourism.
Kenya: A&K Sanctuary, Kitirua Plains Lodge Grand Opening, 01 June 2026
Kitirua Plains Lodge is set to open its doors on 1 June, 2026. The lodge features 11 uniquely shaped, standalone suites and two two-bedroom suites, along with communal areas that include a welcoming boma, a peaceful wellness center with spa rooms, a gym, and a swimming pool that offers stunning panoramic views. All these elements have been thoughtfully crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and to honor the traditional Maasai way of life. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the handcrafted Kenyan mango wood furniture and cypress decking to the woven-rush textiles and sculpted metalwork, each piece adding to the lodge’s rich and authentic character and celebrating the region’s artisanal heritage. The interiors, a departure from the typical tented camp aesthetic, are elegant and understated, ensuring that the breathtaking widescreen views remain the main attraction.
Kenya: O’Leleshwa Retreat Naivasha, Opens 01 November 2025
O’Leleshwa Retreat, an exclusive-use villa property in Naivasha, Kenya, will officially open on 01 November 2025.
The retreat comprises three villas:
• O’Lorien Villa with three en-suite bedrooms
• O’Leleshwa Villa with four en-suite bedrooms
• O’Lerai Villa with two en-suite bedrooms
Facilities include a pool and pool bar, a TV in the pool area, board games, a pool table and traditional Kenyan/East African games. Guests will also have access to spa and golf facilities at Great Rift Valley Lodge. The property, positioned to operate at a five-star level, aims to differentiate itself in the market by allowing guests to determine their own daily schedules and choose from varied dining venues and styles during their stay.
Kenya: Saruni Basecamp Maasai Mara, Showcases Organic Garden
Saruni Basecamp in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, is highlighting its on-site organic garden as part of a growing farm-to-table initiative to be rolled out at most of its properties. The garden, managed daily by Ricky Lubelei, uses homemade pest-control solutions, composted rabbit waste and other zero-waste practices. Guests can take part in harvesting produce and selecting ingredients for their meals. Young visitors are encouraged to plant seeds and learn about food production.
&Beyond Masai Mara Camps Offer 50% Off Park Fees At Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya
Starting 01 October to 31 December 2025, guests staying at either of &Beyond’s premier camps in Maasai Mara will receive a 50% discount on their daily Masai Mara National Reserve park entry fees. This limited-time offer saves you $100 per adult and $25 per child for every day you are in the park.
This offer is valid at:
• &Beyond Bateleur Camp: Recently named the “Best Hotel in the World” by Travel + Leisure.
• &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp: The camp has just completed a major upgrade, transforming its Classic tents into six new Superior tents with modernized bathrooms, oversized beds, and refreshed interiors. The guest area also features a fresh, new look.
This promotion applies to new bookings made from 15 August 2025, and can be combined with other offers. Terms and conditions apply.