Useful news

  • South Africa will finally introduce electronic visas, making it easier for tourists to enter into the country thanks to the online capture of visa and permit applications and capturing of applicants’ biometrics both locally and abroad. According to a reply to DA parliamentary question, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirmed that the first phase of the e-visa system will be piloted by the 31 March 2019. via BusinessTech

  • Cape Town has launched a large-scale street art project aimed at encouraging community tourism and furthering a better understanding of public art. via Tourism Update

  • Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global publisher of exclusive offers and experiences for members, is forecasting the largest popularity growth of Africa in 2018 among avid Chinese travelers, according to the results of the latest Travelzoo Travel Trends Survey. via PR Newswire

  • Is Gorilla Trekking Tourism Good for Gorilla Conservation? The Reality of Gorilla Trekking Tourism and Conservation in Uganda – A Win-Win Outcome Thus Far. via Kabiza Wilderness Safaris

  • It has been confirmed that Cape Town’s Penguin colony in Simons Town has been hit with avian flu. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals. Most forms of the virus are restricted to birds. Since August last year, over 2-million birds have died due to the outbreak. via cape{town}etc

  • !Khwa ttu, in Yzerfontein, Western Cape, is currently undergoing an expansion, with the new San Heritage Centre set to open in September. via Tourism Update

  • A B.C. family’s hobby of hunting for fossils has led to the discovery of a rare set of ancient human footprints on the south coast of South Africa.

  • The existence of the tracks, estimated to be approximately 90,000 years old, was revealed in an article published in the open-access journal Scientific Reports, maintained by the editors of the UK publication Naturevia Times Live

  • Wilderness Safaris recently announced the results of an aerial population survey conducted in Kafue National Park, Zambia, which revealed a significant increase in various wildlife populations occupying the different habitat zones in the park. The survey was conducted in October 2017, ten years after the first aerial survey in 2007, which was enabled by Wilderness Safaris’ Sustainability Fund. via Tourism Update

Property News

  • Take a virtual 360° tour visualize what an Asilia Safari in East Africa is all about. via Asilia Safaris

  • Mark’s Camp is to undergo a MAJOR refurbishment this year and will be closed between April 16 and July 12.  Mark’s Camp will be upgraded to the same standard as the recent refurbishments at Lentaba Lodge.   The refurbishments will also increase the numbers of beds available for children as well as three adults sharing. Kichaka Lodge will undergo a MINOR refurbishment this year and will be closed between June 1 and July 16.  Whilst new softs like fresh linen, gowns for the rooms etc. have recently been introduced, the lodge needs to be closed so that new decks can be laid and also for decorators to give the lodge a complete new look and feel. via Travel & Meetings Buyer

  • Glimpse into the unparalleled luxury and intimacy in the new Little Bush Camp video via Sabi Sabi

  • Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp continues to support great initiatives in the area. All profits generated by tourism activities at Loisaba are dedicated to the conservation of the private wilderness area, in addition to supporting the community. The latest being Lion Landscapes, where Lion collars were deployed earlier this month. via Atta

Need to Know

  • It has been confirmed that Cape Town’s Penguin colony in Simons Town has been hit with avian flu. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals. Most forms of the virus are restricted to birds. Since August last year, over 2-million birds have died due to the outbreak. via cape{town}etc

  • Travel Advice- Tanzania via U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE — BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS

  • Travel Advice- Ethi0pia via U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE — BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS

  • Announcement: Temporary Total Depletion of US Licensed Yellow Fever Vaccine Addressed by Availability of Stamaril Vaccine at Selected Clinics via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People