TourismNews Africa Issue 004
THE AFRICAN AVIATION RENAISSANCE
TNA STAYS
QWABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE LETAMO & BABOHI
December 2023
BUDGET FRIENDLY TRAVEL TIPS
LATEST EVENTS
AVIATION SECTOR AND
BUDGET FRIENDLY TRAVEL
Travel Magazine
Content
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Editors Letter
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Budget Friendly Travel Tips
The African Aviation Renaissance
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10 Top Tips for Budget Travel
TNA STAYS
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Editor’s Letter
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elcome to the latest edition of Tourism News Africa’s digital magazine, your go-to publication for all things travel-related on the beautiful continent of Africa.
In this edition, we are thrilled to present a collection of articles that will ignite your wanderlust and provide you with valuable insights for your next African adventure. First up, we have an article dedicated to “Budget Friendly Travel Destinations in Africa.” It aims to inspire and guide you in discovering affordable yet extraordinary destinations across the continent. From serene beach towns along the coastlines to vibrant cultural hubs nestled in the heart of Africa, this article will take you on a virtual journey, highlighting hidden gems and lesser-known spots that won’t break the bank. Our Top 10 Travel Tips will also provide you avid travel enthusiasts with a comprehensive list of essential tips to enhance your experiences across the continent. Lastly, we delve into the current state of the African aviation industry. In this article, our team offers an overview of the industry’s landscape, exploring recent developments and new routes. Gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving aviation sector in Africa, from the growth of low-cost carriers to the impact of routing changes.
In addition to these engaging articles, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new feature called “TNA Stays,” where our team ventured into the breathtaking QWABI Private Game Reserve. Dive into their experiences as they share unforgettable encounters with wildlife, unspoiled landscapes, and the luxurious comforts offered by the Wexquisite LETAMO and BABOHI properties. A huge shout-out to Newmark Hotels for inviting us to experience the newest gems in their crown. As always, our mission is to provide you, our esteemed readers, with the latest, most informative, and inspiring content about African travel on a budget. We hope this edition fills you with excitement and anticipation for the holiday season. May the pages of our magazine inspire you to embark on unforgettable adventures, create cherished memories, and connect with the beauty and diversity of Africa. From all of us at Tourism News Africa, we wish you a joyous festive season and happy holidays filled with laughter, love, and magical moments. Thank you for your continued support and loyalty to Tourism News Africa. We appreciate your readership and are excited to embark on this journey with you. Wishing you happy reading and incredible travels!
Wade Scobbie
Budget Friend & Destinatio
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frica, a land of diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and incredible wildlife, may not always be associated with budget-friendly travel.
However, with careful planning and insider tips, exploring Africa on a shoestring budget is not only possible but also immensely rewarding. In this article, we will share valuable budget-friendly travel tips and highlight some affordable destinations in Africa that won’t break the bank. From embracing local transportation to discovering hidden gems, get ready to embark on an unforgettable African adventure without straining your wallet. Below are a few tips to take with you while traveling: Embrace Local Accommodations: Accommodation costs can be a significant part of any travel budget, but in Africa, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank. Consider staying at budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses which offer comfortable and affordable accommodations. These establishments not only provide a chance to meet fellow travellers but also offer helpful advice on exploring the local area on a budget. Additionally, consider camping, which is not only economical but also allows you to immerse yourself in nature. Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: When planning your African adventure, consider exploring lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path
destinations. Popular tourist hotspots often come with inflated prices, but venturing into undiscovered territories can lead to incredible experiences at a fraction of the cost. From the spectacular Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in South Africa to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar’s lesser-known sister islands like Mafia or Pemba, these hidden gems offer unique experiences without draining your wallet. Public Transportation and Carpooling: One of the most cost-effective ways to get around Africa is by utilizing public transportation or carpooling options. Buses or mini-vans, commonly known as matatus, offer affordable transportation between cities and even neighbouring countries. While public transport may not always be the most luxurious, it provides an authentic African experience. Another option is carpooling platforms, where you can share rides with fellow travellers or locals heading in the same direction, reducing transportation costs and creating opportunities for cultural exchanges. Seek Out Local Food Experiences: Sampling local cuisine is an essential part of any African adventure, and it can be done on a budget. Opt for local food stalls, markets, or street vendors where you can find delicious, authentic dishes at affordable prices. Don’t be afraid to try regional specialties like jollof rice in West Africa or bunny chow in South Africa. Engaging with local street food culture not only provides a tasty and affordable meal but also an opportunity to connect with the local community.
Tourism News Africa Magazine
dly Travel Tips ons in Africa Budget-Friendly Safari Options: Safaris are undoubtedly a highlight of any African trip, but they can also be expensive. However, there are budget-friendly safari options available. Instead of private game reserves, consider national parks and conservation areas that offer self-drive options or guided group tours at a fraction of the cost. Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and South Africa have various national parks with an abundance of wildlife that can be explored on a budget. Additionally, consider visiting during off-peak season or opt for less popular safari destinations to save costs while still enjoying incredible wildlife encounters. Cultural Experiences and Community Tourism: Immerse yourself in the local culture through community tourism initiatives. These projects allow you to engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, and contribute directly to the local economy. Whether it’s experiencing traditional music and dance performances in Senegal or participating in a homestay program in Malawi, these authentic cultural experiences provide a deeper connection to the country and its people, all while supporting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Listed below are affordable African Destinations:
Uganda: Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda offers incredible wildlife encounters without breaking the bank. Explore the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas or embark on thrilling safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Namibia: This mesmerizing country boasts stunning landscapes, including the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop. With affordable self-drive options and budget-friendly accommodations, Namibia is a treasure trove for budget-conscious travellers.
In conclusion, Africa offers a wealth of budget-friendly travel opportunities. From embracing local accommodations to exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, using public transportation, and seeking out local food experiences, the continent provides numerous paths to explore without breaking the bank. By immersing oneself in authentic cultural experiences and supporting community tourism initiatives, travellers can create memorable, meaningful adventures while being conscious of their budget. With careful planning, Africa becomes an accessible and affordable destination, and budget-friendly explorations reveal the true magic and diversity of this remarkable continent.
Morocco: From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the captivating Sahara Desert, Morocco offers a wealth of budget-friendly experiences, including exploring vibrant medinas, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and savouring delicious Moroccan cuisine.
Tourism News Africa Magazine
The African Aviat
New Routes and Enh
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he African continent is experiencing an aviation renaissance, marked by the introduction of new flight routes and enhanced connectivity. This development offers exciting opportunities for travellers and businesses alike. In this article, we will explore the upcoming routes and recent announcements that demonstrate the progressive growth of the aviation industry in Africa.
Uganda Airlines’ Ambitious Routes
Safair’s Ambitious Expansion
Air Peace’s Link to Jeddah
Safair, a South African airline, is set to expand its operations with several new routes. Flights to Maputo, Livingstone, Harare, and Victoria Falls will provide greater accessibility to southern Africa’s wonders. Safair will operate an entire Boeing 737 fleet, offering four flights a week to Maputo and Livingstone, daily connections to Harare, and three flights per week to Victoria Falls. This expansion highlights Safair’s commitment to improving regional connectivity.
Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is actively expanding its network with a new route to Jeddah, including a stopover in Kano. This route, established in October, further strengthens economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Air Peace’s dedication to connectivity.
ASKY’s East African Ventures
From January 17, 2024, Flydubai will become the first Emirati airline to offer direct flights from Dubai and the UAE to Mombasa, Kenya. With four weekly flights operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8, Flydubai aims to break new ground and provide increased accessibility to Mombasa’s Moi International Airport.
ASKY, a West African carrier, is venturing into East Africa with three weekly flights to Nairobi. These flights, operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft, strengthen ASKY’s reach and create new opportunities for travellers across regions. Additionally, ASKY recently launched flights to Luanda, bridging West and Southern Africa more effectively than ever before.
Uganda Airlines, one of Africa’s newest carriers, is rapidly expanding its network. Commencing on October 7, the airline will offer three weekly flights to Mumbai, fostering economic and cultural ties between Uganda and India. Moreover, Uganda Airlines will inaugurate a new route to Lagos on October 19, amplifying regional connectivity. These routes will be serviced by the carrier’s Airbus A330 Neo aircraft.
Flydubai’s Mombasa Connection
Tourism News Africa Magazine
tion Renaissance
hanced Connectivity Brussels Airlines Expands East African Presence In a bid to strengthen its focus market in Africa, Brussels Airlines plans to increase its presence with six weekly flights to Nairobi and daily flights to Kigali. Starting in June 2024, direct flights from Brussels to Nairobi will resume, offering travellers more convenient connections to Kenya and Rwanda.
The African aviation industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the introduction of new flight routes and enhanced connectivity. Airlines are expanding their networks, bridging regions, and fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. As these developments unfold, Africa’s skies are becoming more accessible than ever before, presenting exciting prospects for travellers and businesses wanting to explore and engage with the continent’s vast landscapes, cultural diversity, and economic potential.
Emirates’ Potential Return to Nigeria Emirates Airlines has resumed flight schedules to Nigeria and lifted the visa ban on Nigerian travellers, following a successful meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The leaders’ discussions, held in Abu Dhabi, resulted in the resolution of visa issues and the agreement of new investments in Nigeria’s economy. This achievement comes after Tinubu’s efforts to attract investors during his visit to the G20 summit in India. The restoration of flight activity signifies a positive step towards strengthening ties between the two countries and enhancing travel opportunities for Nigerian passengers.
Tourism News Africa Magazine 9
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Q & A CORNER As the General Manager of Letamo and Babohi lodges in Qwabi Private Game Reserve, could you share with us the unique qualities and experiences that each lodge offers to visitors seeking a true wilderness getaway?
bonation machines at the lodges to ensure we don’t buy in plastic water bottles. We also primarily use glass returnable soft drink bottles. Our amenities in the rooms are refillable and thus stop the need for smaller plastic amenity usage.
Both properties are very different and so allow for people to experience two fundamentally different hospitality offerings.
3. The Qwabi Private Game Reserve is renowned for its wildlife and pristine landscapes. How do Letamo and Babohi lodges contribute to preserving and showcasing this natural beauty while providing a comfortable and luxurious stay for guests?
•Letamo – this is geared towards families and allows for larger groups of people to travel together. The grounds provide a safe space for children to run around, amazing activities and facilities to keep them entertained, all whilst allowing for a spectacularly scenic game drive twice daily. The 4 room types allow for a variety of tastes and requirements to be catered towards, all at a 5 star level with a comfortable price point. •Babohi- With expansive views and vistas from all areas of the lodge, this location will not only take your breath away but also offer exceptionally opulent and spacious rooms. Attention to detail and warm attentive service that encourages genuine interaction along with experiential dining makes this an unforgettable destination. Babohi is an adults only lodge and therefore sets the scene for both a quiet and romantic getaways. 2. Accommodations play a significant role in the guest experience. Can you describe the eco-friendly and sustainable practices employed at Letamo and Babohi lodges, aligning with the principles of conservation and environmental responsibility? Qwabi has approached this from multiple fronts. From a larger perspective – we have invested in a Sewerage Treatment plant that allows us to safely cycle grey water back into the environment. We also provide guests with glass, re-usable glass water bottles for game drives and have invested in water car-
Qwabis’ incredible natural beauty is well cared for by a team of dedicated conservation professionals. They constantly monitor the environment and wildlife to ensure they are well looked after. Our luxurious lodge offerings are well placed in such a pristine area , where the proceeds directly benefit in ensuring the continued conservation of such an ecologically important UNESCO declared biosphere reserve. 5. Guests seeking a wilderness experience often value authenticity. How do Letamo and Babohi immerse visitors in the natural world of Qwabi Private Game Reserve, from guided wildlife encounters to outdoor activities? We always try and ensure our experiences are based outside as much as possible. Each property has unique wildlife dining experiences that allow our guests to immerse themselves in nature. Babohi specifically has a wonderful breakfast concept which allows you to casually eat breakfast whilst stopped on your game drive. 6. Dining experiences can be a highlight of any trip. Could you tell us about the culinary offerings at Letamo and Babohi lodges, emphasising the use of locally sourced ingredients and any unique dining experiences available?
evenings and interactive boma grills ensure guests get a variety of experiences and flavours. 8. Education and awareness are vital in promoting conservation. Can you share any educational programs or initiatives at Letamo and Babohi that help guests understand and appreciate the importance of preserving the natural world? Our guides go through regular training and learning sessions as a team. Through their game drives, they help our guests understand the natural world, the importance of preservation and create awareness. We also have a kids conservation club that actively promotes conservation centric activities which helps mould these young minds towards the importance of conservation and the natural world. 9. Lastly, what is your vision for Letamo and Babohi lodges within the Qwabi Private Game Reserve, and how do you see them continuing to uphold the mission of exploring and protecting our planet? Within the Waterberg Biosphere, Qwabi has put luxury, on a large scale, on the map and is attracting much needed tourism as a result. By creating such an incredible destination, we allow for many visitors to understand and appreciate the area, and thus ensure the Waterberg can become one of the premier wildlife destinations in the near future. We believe this will create a more robust, conservation wildlife economy and drive revenue in the region.
Our dining experience at Letamo focuses on family sharing and harvest tables – giving tasty variety and choice in a relaxed manner. Babohi has unique bush cuisine offerings, where Hibachi Grills, mini potjie
Neil Steedman General Manager of QWABI Private Game Reserve
TNA Stays
The Newest Jewel in th
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he mesmerizing beauty of the Qwabe Private Game Reserve in South Africa is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts and luxury travellers alike.
One of the highlights of our stay at Letamo was the enchanting boma dinners under the African sky. In this unforgettable experience, we were treated to the rhythmic beat of gumboot dancers. The lively performances added a touch of authenticity and cultural immersion to our evening, as we savoured our meals by the warm glow of the campfire. Under a starlit sky, surrounded by nature’s serenade, our evenings at Letamo drifted away into the stillness of the night.
Recently, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to this stunning game reserve, where we had the pleasure of experiencing the remarkable hospitality of two exceptional Newmark Hotel properties: Letamo and Babohi.
Letamo is a true paradise for families, offering spacious rooms that allow both parents and children to unwind and relax. The abundance of space provides little ones with plenty of room to run and play, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their time spent at the lodge. Additionally, the kids’ club is designed to cater to both toddlers and teens, offering a variety of supervised activities that are sure to keep the younger ones entertained and engaged.
At the Qwabe Private Game Reserve, our wildlife encounters were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Guided by a knowledgeable and experienced ranger, we were astounded by the abundance of wildlife that graced our path. In a single day, we witnessed herds of majestic buffalos, magnificent elephants, graceful hippos, and even caught a glimpse of a majestic lion. The reserve’s commitment to responsible tourism was evident as we adhered to strict rules, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals. With only two vehicles allowed at each sighting, the experience felt private and remarkable.
“As we already know, South Africans are the most hospitable people in the world. The standard has been set high but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten the true culture of our people. We have a mixture of cultures at Qwabe and they seamlessly blend together to provide a unique experience at an international standard”
Our first night was spent at Letamo, a haven of tranquility nestled within the game reserve. The attentive staff left no stone unturned in ensuring a seamless and delightful stay. Letamo offers an incredible variety of room types, catering to every discerning traveller’s needs. From deluxe rooms to luxurious suites, each abode boasted stylish decor, comfortable furnishings, and modern amenities. The inviting ambiance of our room provided the perfect sanctuary after an exhilarating day of wildlife encounters. The delectable culinary offerings further enhanced our experience, as we indulged a range of local cuisines, prepared & served in a modern setting.
Nkosinathi Mthethwa Lodge Anchor @ Babohi
Moving on to the second night, just a short drive away, we found ourselves at Babohi, a sanctuary of opulence and serenity. The modern and bright rooms at Babohi were a marvel to behold,
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@ QWABI
he NewMark Crown seamlessly blending natural elements with contemporary design. From deluxe rooms to luxurious suites, each accommodation at Babohi offered ample space to unwind and rejuvenate. The expansive rooms, adorned with thoughtful amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, created an ambiance of pure tranquility.
family bliss at Letamo or yearn for indulgence and tranquility at Babohi, your desires will be met and exceeded. The game drives, filled with breathtaking encounters, provided once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will forever remain etched in our memory. In conclusion, our sojourn at the Qwabe Private Game Reserve, complemented by the unmatched hospitality of Letamo and Babohi, was a truly extraordinary affair. We highly recommend this exquisite destination to anyone seeking respite in the lap of nature and luxury.
The seasoned staff at Babohi were always at hand, ensuring that every moment of our stay was etched in our memories forever. Exquisite meals were carefully prepared by the talented chefs, catering to every culinary preference and leaving a lasting impression on our taste buds. Even with an early departure, the considerate chef prepared a sumptuous breakfast, perfectly accommodating our schedule.
The Qwabe Private Game Reserve beckons, inviting you to immerse yourself in its natural wonders and experience a journey of a lifetime.
Situated a short 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, the Qwabe Private Game Reserve offers a captivating escape from the bustling city life. Whether you seek ultimate
Thank you to Newmark Hotels for inviting us to experience the beauty of your two properties.
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