Category: News

Travel News Digest, 3 May: Flooding in the Maasai Mara, Turtles Rescued in Cape Town

This week’s latest travel news includes proposed changes to visa policies, flooding in the Maasai Mara, and conservation rescue stories from South Africa. Meanwhile, North Africa and Europe could be connected by an underwater railway line as early as 2030. Read about these stories and more as we wrap up the previous week’s travel news:

Airline and Aviation News:

A Delta Airlines aeroplane.
A Delta Airlines plane. Photo Source: Unsplash
  • Delta Airlines reintroduces daily flights to Lagos, Nigeria. The American airline will enhance its routes to various African destinations, including multiple cities in South Africa. Additionally, it states that it is actively addressing the growing demand for tourism across the continent.

 

  • Ireland considering ceasing visa-free travel for South Africans. Reports indicate that individuals from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are utilising South African passports to apply for asylum in the Republic of Ireland. With expectations of a surge in asylum seekers in the coming months, the nation might consider enhancing its current procedures.

 

  • Report says almost a third of African applicants were denied Schengen visas in 2022. Despite having the lowest number of applications per capita, Africa experienced a visa refusal rate of 30%, which is 12.5% higher than the global average. Mehari Taddele Maru, from the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute, asserts that “the European visa system exhibits evident bias against African applicants.”

Travel and Destination News:

A wildebeest herd crosses the Mara River.
A wildebeest herd crosses the Mara River. Photo Source: Unsplash
  • Heavy rains cause flooding in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Talek River overflowed, leading to significant flooding in Talek Town and submerging numerous tourist camps. Additionally, the collapse of the Purungat Bridge has disrupted communication and access. Fortunately, all personnel and visitors have been safely evacuated.

 

  • Firefighters smother Table Mountain fire. The Skeleton Gorge fire charred approximately 238 hectares of vegetation since it started on April 27th. Ongoing “berg” wind conditions persist in spreading the fire, yet firefighters have managed to contain the majority of active areas. Consequently, several hiking trails have been reopened.

 

  • Underwater tunnel could connect Spain to Morocco before 2030 FIFA World Cup. Various stakeholders are investigating the feasibility of linking Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed rail line to Spain’s existing rail networks through an underwater tunnel. Initially proposed in 1981, the tunnel’s construction could be finalized in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, slated to be hosted across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Conservation News:

A sea turtle hatchling on a beach.
A sea turtle crawls along a beach. Photo Source: Unsplash

 

  • Rescued Ukrainian lion arrives at sanctuary in South Africa. Four Paws Netherlands rescued Vasylyna from Ukraine after she managed to escape captivity in the war-torn city of Kharkiv. She has since been relocated to Lionrock, a spacious sanctuary in South Africa operated by Four Paws, along with another lion rescued from Montenegro.

 

Discover Africa’s Travel Experts are on the pulse of travel news and tourism trends across Africa. Get in touch to start planning your Safari bucket list adventure today. 

The Earthshot Prize 2024: What You Need to Know

The very best innovations and inventions that are working towards the regeneration of our ecosystems and saving lives were placed front and centre at The Earthshot Prize 2024! Here’s what to know about this prestigious event.

What is The Earthshot Prize and How Does it Work?

It’s no secret that our world is in dire straits on the environmental front, with climate change not only impacting our natural world but also negatively affecting many people and communities.

In an effort to encourage solutions, The Earthshot Prize was created. Launched by Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize travels around the globe in search of innovations that will help us repair and regenerate our planet in the next decade.

After 5,342 nominations and 60 finalists, the very best five solutions of the year will each receive a £1 million reward to scale their work and make an even bigger impact.

There are five categories – or Earthshots – that were developed with leading environmental experts as goals to aim for before irreversible damage happens.

What are the Five Earthshots for 2030?

Protect and Restore Nature

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Photo: Nature Metrics

The Protect and Restore Nature category aims to rehabilitate and preserve the habitats that wildlife need to live – from rainforests and grasslands, to wetlands, lakes, and rivers. One of the finalists in this category is Nature Metrics, a company that improves biodiversity monitoring and nature impact reporting.

Clean Our Air

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Photo: Gayo

So many people around the world are breathing in toxic air on a daily basis, negatively impacting their health. In fact, according to the UN Environment Programme, air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to public health and accounts for eight million premature deaths annually.

To combat this and help more people breathe clean air, The Earthshot Prize has recognised GAYO, one of the finalists in the Clean Our Air category, for their work in providing solutions to environmental issues through youth empowerment and skills development.

Revive Our Oceans

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Photo: Mialgae

Coral reefs are vanishing, and many species that call the ocean home are disappearing. Meeting the challenge of the dwindling health of our oceans needs to be a top priority! Many organisations are working hard to offset the damages brought by warmer temperatures, pollution, and harmful fishing practices.

One organisation that’s been recognised by The Earthshot Prize in the Revive Our Oceans category is MiAlgae, a biotechnology company producing omega-3-rich microalgae grown using by-products from whisky distillation.

Build a Waste-Free World

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Photo: Ferment Up

From single-use plastics to food waste, many societies’ throw-away lifestyles are damaging our planet. The need for solutions to this is great!

Thankfully, organisations are rising to the challenge, such as Green Spot Technologies, nominated in the Build a Waste-Free World category. Their product, Ferment’Up, uses the process of fermentation to change commercial food waste into nutritious alternative ingredients.

Fix Our Climate

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Photo: Build Up Nepal

Cutting out carbon and reducing greenhouse gases is an essential part of saving our planet from future environmental disasters.

In the Fix Our Climate category of The Earthshot Prize, pioneering organisations making an impact on climate change have been nominated, including Build Up Nepal.

Providing a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon alternative to traditional clay-fired bricks, Build Up Nepal is helping people build eco-friendly, earthquake-resilient homes.

How Can You Watch The Earthshot Prize 2024?

The Earthshot Prize 2024 award ceremony was held in Cape Town, South Africa, at The Earthshot Prize Dome, a purpose-built venue beside Cape Town Stadium, on the 6th of November.

Hosted by singer and actor, Billy Porter, and media personality, Bonang Matheba, the event included performances by Davido, Diamond Platnumz, and the Ndlovu Youth Choir. High-profile guests such as Heidi Klum and Nina Dobrev presented awards to the winners.

You can watch the event on The Earthshot Prize YouTube channel.

FlySafair Announces New Direct Flight from Cape Town to Kruger

One of South Africa’s premier low-cost airline, FlySafair, is launching a pivotal route connecting Cape Town to the Kruger National Park. Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, commented to the Sunday Tribune, this move comes as Cape Town experiences a surge in tourism, with international visits increasing by 76% in the first half of last year alone.

Rising Tourism Trends

“The Mother City saw 3.2 million domestic two-way passengers pass through Cape Town International Airport in just the first six months of 2023, representing a 9% year-on-year growth,” Kirby Gordon also told the Sunday Tribune. This upswing has prompted the airline to open up new possibilities for travelers to explore the natural splendor of the Kruger National Park.

Elephant walking on the road in Kruger Park looking at camera
Elephant walking on the road in Kruger Park looking at camera

Bridging Urban and Wilderness Experiences

FlySafair’s strategic decision to bridge Cape Town with Kruger by air promises to enhance South Africa’s rich tourism tapestry, offering travelers an efficient and cost-effective way to journey from the city’s coastal charm to the wild heart of the country.

The Inaugural Route’s Impact

Gordon further emphasized the potential impact of the new route, “We hope that by introducing our low-cost option to the market, we can encourage more tourists to build a Kruger Park safari into their trip itineraries.” He anticipates that this initiative will not only benefit international tourists but also offer Western Cape locals a new gateway to one of the nation’s most treasured attractions.

Discover Africa Comes Out on Top at the World Luxury Travel Awards

Discover Africa has won the 2024 World Luxury Travel Awards as Southern Africa’s Top Safari Company! This sees us win our third award in three years in the esteemed World Luxury Travel Awards.

What are the World Luxury Travel Awards?

Established in 2020, the World Luxury Travel Awards go around the globe in search of the best of the best in the travel industry. Guests, travellers, and industry players vote for the experiences and establishments that have won them over and left a lasting impression. Annually, over 100,000 international travellers select winners for the awards over a three-week period.

There are a number of travel categories, based on location and experience, in which companies can stand out. Winning a World Luxury Travel Award not only inspires the confidence of travellers but also motivates all within the travel and tourism industry to go above and beyond, contributing to a robust sector.

Discover Africa: 2024 World Luxury Travel Award Winner

We are so pleased to announce that Discover Africa is the regional winner in the Southern Africa Safari category for 2024!

The safari tours we plan and facilitate across Southern Africa stood out for a number of reasons, including:

HerdTracker

A balloon safari of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara in Kenya
A balloon safari of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara in Kenya

Our Africa Migration Tracking platform, HerdTracker, provides live updates from rangers and guides in safari destinations about the wildebeest migration across Kenya and Tanzania.

This allows us to secure last-minute accommodations and experiences for travellers who want to witness the exodus firsthand and have the best migration safari possible.

High-Quality Accommodations and Experiences

We pride ourselves on creating bespoke experiences for our clients, so all our safari tours are quality-assured, lodges and accommodations are vetted, and safari partners are evaluated using our six-point safari rating system.

When you choose Discover Africa, you know you’re booking a safari that ticks all the boxes, including wildlife, location, value, sustainability and ethics, setting, and overall experience.

Knowledgeable Team

Discover Africa Group Waterfront Teambuilding

A huge reason why Discover Africa is able to provide travellers with unique and awe-inspiring safaris is because of our team. Our African Concierge Experts have travelled extensively throughout the destinations we work in. As such, they’re able to curate trips based on first-hand knowledge and their own experiences in the countries.

The team also seamlessly weaves in clients’ own unique requirements and needs to ensure that their African safari adventure is everything they want it to be.

Find out more about why you should book with us.

We are ecstatic to be recognised once again as a provider of some of the best safaris in Africa!

Contact us today to start planning your dream African safari!

Cape Agulhas Development Enhances Africa’s Southernmost Experience

South Africa’s Department of Tourism marked the near completion of the Lighthouse Precinct project in the Cape Agulhas National Park this week as part of its R94 million investment into 25 tourism upgrade projects across the country.

Enhanced Visitor Experiences at Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas, a must-do attraction for most visitors to Cape Town, holds the unique title of the continent’s southernmost point. This distinction sets it apart from the spectacularly rugged Cape Point, which is often confused as the southern tip of Africa. The attraction, described as a geographical marvel, drew over 26,500 visitors in 2023, about 31% lower than in 2019, when visitor numbers peaked at 38,271.

The Cape Agulhas project, a two-phase project, saw its first phase completed in 2018. But Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who made a progress visit to the park on Tuesday, says this is not just an infrastructural upgrade. De Lille stated that the enhancements are designed to increase visitor numbers and encourage tourists to extend their stay in the region.

Key Points of the Cape Agulhas Phase 2 Upgrade

  • Infrastructure Enhancements: These include a new restaurant, an interpretation centre with vendor stalls, a lecture theatre, and revamped reception areas.
  • Community Benefits: Employment of 77 individuals, including youth and women, and engagement with local subcontractors.
  • Progress: 73% is complete, with full completion expected by June.
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South African Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille and delegates during a progress visit to the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct.

The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct Project forms part of the department’s ongoing maintenance projects, with 22 of these near complete and three are still under construction. De Lille also outlined a number of community-based tourism infrastructure projects underway in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, North West, Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape.

These projects have an investment value of R676.44 Million and have “so far created 605 jobs”. Plans for a new Kruger gate in the northern region to increase tourism to South Africa’s flagship park are continuing after logistical and community input delays. Kruger saw over 1.6 million visitors between March 2023 and mid-March 2024, with recovery to 2019 pre-pandemic tourist numbers only expected in 2025.

Augrabies National Park in the Northern Cape is the only park out of SANParks’ 19 national parks that exceeded its 2019 visitor numbers last year. De Lille remains convinced that investing in enhancing South Africa’s tourism experiences will create the conditions needed for further investment by the private sector.

“Investment in infrastructure by government shows the private sector that we are serious about growing our tourism offering,” said De Lille. “As a top tourist destination, we remain committed to constantly diversifying and growing our tourism offering so that we remain an attractive destination that keeps visitors coming back.”

How to Have an Unforgettable Visit to the Southernmost Tip of Africa

Located in the Southern Overberg of the Western Cape, the Cape Agulhas National Park stretches between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai. Cape Agulhas and its surrounding attractions offer a compelling itinerary addition to a safari experience in South Africa. They combine scenic beauty, maritime history, and vibrant local culture.

Start your day trip early or plan an overnight stay in the area: The drive to Cape Agulhas takes about three hours, offering stunning landscape and coastal views.

Farm stall stops: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local farm stalls, like Peregrine or Houw Hoek Farm Stall. These spots offer fresh, locally sourced produce and baked goods in a cosy setting.

Small Towns to Visit En Route to Cape Agulhas

Grabouw

In the heart of the Elgin Valley, Grabouw is known for its abundant fruit orchards. The area is also gaining a reputation for its cool-climate wines from vineyards like Charles Fox MCC Vineyard.

Explore the Elgin Railway Market

Set in an old apple warehouse, the railway market is a bustling hub of artisanal vendors, food stalls, and live music. It’s an excellent spot to experience local crafts, cuisine, and culture.

Bredasdorp

This small town offers an optional visit to The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum for maritime history enthusiasts.

The Struisbaai Harbor

This is a wonderful spot to watch local fishermen bring in their catch and take snaps of the colourful boats. You might glimpse Parrie, the resident stingray known to frequent the harbour waters.

Top Things to Do at Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

Climb the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse for panoramic views of where two oceans meet. The lighthouse also houses a small museum worth exploring.

Southernmost Tip of Africa

A short drive or walk from the lighthouse, visit the geographical southern tip of Africa. Snapping a photo at the famous sign is a must, marking where the Atlantic and Indian oceans converge.

Fynbos Explorations

Immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom on guided nature walks in the area.

Shipwreck Trail

View the wreck of the Meisho Maru No 38 that ran aground in 1982, among other ships that succumbed to the treacherous waters off the coast.

Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa and where two oceans meet, is a must-visit destination when exploring the Western Cape. These upgrades further make this area an even brighter jewel in South Africa’s tourism crown.

Safari Guide of the Month [July], Alexander Muruma

Alex comes from the Kilimanjaro region, and was born and raised in a town called Moshi. His father was an advocate and his mother an entrepreneur, and they took great pride in providing Alex and his sister Esther with the best possible education – which in turn motivated the two siblings to strive to make their parents proud.

In spite of this urban and academic upbringing, Alex heard the call of the wild young, and early mornings would find him ready with a bow and arrow, catapult, knife and machete, trying to hunt scrub hare for fun. Fortunately, his family shared his enthusiasm, and their pets over the years included baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys and a bush baby as well as the more usual dogs, cats and tortoises. Having studied Business Administration and Information Technology, Alex was pursuing a career that would likely have landed him behind a desk. But instead he found his true passion in guiding, and his specialty is walking safaris. Meeting a diverse variety of people from all over the world and sharing his love for the wilderness, all in the most legendary of settings, keeps his passion alive and reminds him daily of why he loves to guide.

 

How To Stay Safe While on Safari in Africa

The thrill of seeing the Big Five is often the prime reason for going on a safari. Seeing these wild animals in their natural environment is awe-inspiring and creates unforgettable memories. Despite safari lodges, operators, and guides undergoing the necessary training and implementing safety precautions, these animals remain unpredictable. It’s essential to know how to stay safe while on safari in Africa for your own well-being.

Guiding Training and Safety Measures

Very little industry data exists on fatalities related to wildlife safari experiences, as incidents involving the deaths of tourists are rare. Industry experts estimate that on average less than two deaths are reported a year, despite millions of travellers booking safaris annually.

Safari safety across the industry isn’t regulated by one specific organisation. Instead, standards are set by various bodies and associations across the continent, including adherence to sustainable and safe tourism practices and industry certification for guides. These measures contribute to high safety levels in safari operations across Africa.

Two lions walking on grass in front of safari vehicle
Game Drive and Lions | Photo credit: Katavi Wildlife Camp

Here’s a guide to the most popular safaris, an estimated thrill level, and suggested safety tips to ensure you remain safe and secure during your experience:

Big Five Safari Game Drives

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: encounters with lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos can all be unpredictable during a Big Five safari. Always remain within the vehicle, follow your guide’s instructions, and keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid attracting attention. When spotting elephants, maintain a safe distance, especially from mothers with calves. Males are susceptible to a condition known as Musth, which makes them more energetic and irritable. It’s crucial to have an experienced guide who can read the environment and the animal’s behaviour.

Night Game Drives

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: The cover of darkness adds an element of unpredictability. Staying inside the safari vehicle, using only the guide’s spotlight, and keeping quiet enhances safety during these thrilling excursions.


A leopard is seen walking during a nighttime safari
Spotting a leopard on a night game drive | Photo credit: Supplied

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Gorilla trekking in countries like Rwanda and Uganda is a unique experience. A qualified guide will brief you on respectful behaviour, such as not making direct eye contact and keeping a safe distance to prevent the transmission of diseases to this vulnerable species.

Cheetah Encounters

  • Thrill Level: Moderate
  • Safety Measures: Cheetahs are generally less aggressive towards humans, but maintaining a quiet and still presence helps prevent startling them and ensures a peaceful observation.

Walking Safaris

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Walking in the bush brings you closer to nature but requires strict adherence to the guide’s directions. Always walk in single file, stay quiet, and don’t stray from the group.

Birdwatching

  • Thrill Level: Low
  • Safety Measures: Birdwatching safaris are generally safe, but being aware of your surroundings is essential, especially in areas where larger wildlife roams.

Hippo and Crocodile River Tours

  • Thrill Level: Moderate to High
  • Safety Measures: When in boats or on riverbanks, it’s vital to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and follow all safety instructions, as hippos and crocodiles can be extremely dangerous.
Nile crocodile resting on a mudbank in the Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya.
Nile crocodile resting on a mudbank in the Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya | Photo credit: Supplied

Rhino Tracking

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Rhino sightings are a rare privilege due to their endangered status. Keeping a safe distance and remaining downwind ensures your safety and the rhinos’ comfort.

Wildebeest Migration

  • Thrill Level: Moderate
  • Safety Measures: The Great Migration is a spectacular event to witness. Observing from a vehicle and keeping to designated areas prevents disturbing the animals and ensures a safe experience.
A cheetah walking on rocks with a large herd of wildebeest in the background
A cheetah sighting during the Wildebeest Migration | Photo credit: Esirai Camp.

4 DAYS

Migration River Crossings Safari with Governors...

'; $3690 USD

$6010 USD

per person sharing per tour

5 DAYS

Serengeti Luxury Migration Safari

'; $4880 USD

$6350 USD

per person sharing per tour

7 DAYS

Green Season Migration Safari

'; $6250 USD

$9800 USD

per person sharing per tour

Basic Safari Safety Tips:

  • Always choose a reputable safari operator with experienced guides.
  • Stay in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
  • Listen to and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
  • Wear neutral-coloured clothing to blend into the environment.
  • Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could startle wildlife.

Remember, every safari adventure is unique, and respecting wildlife is paramount to ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience. Adventure awaits, but safety always comes first. Contact us to discuss any added concerns or considerations you might have about planning your safari.

FGASA Becomes Professional Body, Elevating South African Safari Guides

Becoming a field guide in South Africa is changing, with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) enhancing their status.

To be in line with the South African government’s 2021 Tourism Sector Masterplan and Professionalisation Strategy, the FGASA is transitioning from a CATHSSETA-accredited training provider to a professional body recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

About the FGASA: Nature Guide Training in South Africa

Travelers on a Game Drive spotting a lion | Photo: Meg von Haartman via pixabay
Travelers on a Game Drive spotting a lion | Photo: Meg von Haartman via pixabay

The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) trains aspiring nature and field guides and equips them with the necessary skills to lead the way for travellers in South Africa’s diverse ecosystems, including the country’s stunning safari destinations.

A FGASA qualification is based on the highest standards of professionalism in tourist guiding. From safari and cultural tourism to marine and astronomy tourism, this association is at the forefront of training professionals in the travel sector.

Since the early 1990s, the FGASA has trained over 40,000 field guides, establishing itself as a crucial player in the world of nature guiding.

Field and nature guides play a crucial role in South Africa’s tourism industry. When you go on a safari, you’re relying on the safari guide’s knowledge and professionalism to get you to the best sightings possible and captivate you with interesting facts about the fauna and flora you see. FGASA wants to make sure that visitors get the best safari guides in South Africa.

The Impact of FGASA’s Professional Status on South African Safaris

This significant transformation of FGASA into a professional body recognised by the qualifications authority is set to formalise standards and grow the tourism sector in South Africa.

“By professionalising this sector, we’re not only supporting the guides but also contributing to the overall growth and competitiveness of South Africa’s tourism industry,” says FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis.

This shift also aims to better represent the interests of field guides and advocate for their professional development, ensuring that the industry’s needs are continually met.

Part of this transition will see FGASA cease providing entry-level accredited programmes by mid-2026. Aspiring field guides will need to obtain qualifications through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

As this shift progresses, FGASA will complete the registration process to become a professional body with the SAQA and enter a new chapter in its stellar story. This will bring the field guide profession in South Africa in line with other recognised professions and ensure a greater number of highly skilled professionals in the tourism sector.