East Africa Safari Lodges Redefining Luxury in the Wild

Across East Africa, a new wave of safari lodges is reshaping what luxury in the bush actually feels like, with Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda at the centre of a clear move toward more intimate, design-led and conservation-focused stays. In well known wildlife areas such as the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Laikipia, newer and refurbished camps are stepping away from high volume safari models and instead focusing on space, privacy and a more personal connection to nature.

Brands including Singita, &Beyond and Elewana Collection are helping drive this shift, offering smaller camps, highly personalised guiding and tailor-made experiences that feel more curated than packaged. Many of these properties are also putting greater emphasis on sustainability, with stronger community partnerships and conservation linked operations that ensure tourism has a more direct impact on surrounding ecosystems.

Tanzania: Brussels Airlines launches Direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Brussels Airlines launched direct flights between Brussels and Kilimanjaro International Airport, opening a fresh and convenient European gateway into Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

The inaugural flight, operated on an Airbus A330-300, carried 248 passengers, with most on board identified as tourists, reflecting strong early demand for direct access to the region.

Ecobank Launches World’s First Nature Bond On The London Stock Exchange

Ecobank Group has launched the very first Nature Bond designed to raise global funding for the protection and restoration of Africa’s natural ecosystems, many of which are closely tied to the continent’s tourism industry. The $450 million bond will support projects focused on sustainable agriculture, water systems and land restoration, helping preserve the landscapes and biodiversity that make East Africa one of the world’s leading safari regions.

For destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, where tourism depends heavily on healthy wildlife habitats and protected ecosystems, the initiative highlights the growing importance of conservation financing in securing the future of safari travel.

Airlink Launches Direct Johannesburg – Zanzibar Flights

Airlink has launched direct flights between Johannesburg and Zanzibar, with the inaugural service arriving on the island at full capacity, reflecting immediate strong demand for the route. The twice weekly year round connection adds important new seat capacity between Southern Africa and one of East Africa’s most sought-after island destinations, known for its white sand beaches, UNESCO listed Stone Town, and growing appeal as both a standalone holiday and safari extension.

The new twice weekly service is expected to make it easier for travellers to reach major attractions including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar, strengthening Tanzania’s position as a leading long haul safari destination.

Rwanda: Akagera National Park’s Conservation Success

Rwanda is making impressive strides in reducing human-wildlife conflict around Akagera National Park, with wildlife damage claims falling by more than half after the introduction of protective barriers along key park boundaries. The government has already compensated more than 1,000 claims and is now exploring ways to extend support to communities affected by crop damage from primates such as monkeys and baboons.

The positive results are helping strengthen the relationship between conservation and local communities while ensuring Akagera remains one of East Africa’s standout safari destinations, offering visitors an even stronger example of tourism that benefits both people and wildlife.

Air Tanzania has announced plans to launch direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Moscow on 01 July 2026, marking the first scheduled air link between Tanzania and Russia and strengthening East Africa’s connectivity with Eastern Europe. The service will operate from Dar es Salaam on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 23h30, arriving in Moscow at 08h40 the following day.

The return service will depart Moscow at 10h40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Dar es Salaam at 20h30, with the Moscow – Dar es Salaam sector expected to include a stop in Zanzibar before continuing to Dar es Salaam. This upcoming route is expected to support both leisure and business travel, improving access for Russia to Tanzania’s safari circuit and Zanzibar’s beaches.

Kenya & South Africa Sign Agreements to Strengthen Tourism

Kenya and South Africa are deepening cooperation in tourism, building on their visa-free travel arrangement that has already helped boost visitor flows between the two destinations. The latest agreements are expected to strengthen tourism ties through closer collaboration in areas such as culture, sport and connectivity, making travel between East and Southern Africa more seamless.

The partnership is expected to encourage greater African travel and investment, and further position Kenya as a key gateway to East Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Direct Addis Ababa – Mauritius Flights

Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to launch direct flights between Addis Ababa and Mauritius from July 2026, adding a new link between East Africa and one of the Indian Ocean’s most popular island destinations.

The three times weekly service is expected to make travel to Mauritius easier and more convenient for both African and international travellers, while strengthening Addis Ababa’s role as a major regional aviation hub.

Kenya: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Ongoing Refurbishment 2026

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is currently undergoing a carefully planned refurbishment programme that will run until 31 December 2026. The enhancement is aimed at improving the overall guest experience while keeping the lodge fully operational throughout the period. Once completed, guests can expect refreshed and upgraded rooms and suites, improved public areas such as the gate and reception, and more modern social, dining, and leisure spaces.

The changes are designed to feel natural and subtle while strengthening the overall experience at the lodge. All works are being carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption and to maintain the lodge’s usual standard of service and hospitality.

Bush & Beyond Extended 10% Long Stay Offer

Bush and Beyond have extended their 10% long stay offer for guests staying five nights or more at any one property or across a combination of Bush and Beyond properties. A minimum stay of 2 nights per property is required while day rooms and split night stays at The Emakoko are Not eligible. Terms and conditions apply.

This offer will apply to bookings staying from:

  • 1st of June – 19th of December 2026 
  • 4th January – 31st May 2027
  • 1st November – 19th December 2027

The Residence Zanzibar 15% Euro Rate Tactical Offer

The Residence Zanzibar is offering a 15% override on Euro rates for selected travel periods, valid for booking until 31 August 2026, under offer code 54UW16USD. Terms and conditions apply.

The promotion applies to stays during:

  • 01st – 30th June 2026
  • 01st July – 31st Aug 2026
  • 1st Sept 2026 – 31st October 2026
  • 01st November – 23rd December 2026

Zanzibar: Bawe Island 2026 Summer Offer!

Bawe Island is thrilled to announce its Spring Offer, with bookings being accepted until 31 August 2026. Terms & Conditions Apply. Guests wishing to secure this promotion should quote Promotion Code: SUMMER-BAWE

For Stays until 30th June 2026, Guests can receive a 50% discount on room rate + a Free meal upgrade from Half board to All-inclusive.

For stays from (1st July 2026 – 23rd December 2026) guests will receive 30% discount on room rate + Free meal upgrade from Half board to All inclusive.