From new airline routes and hotels to fabulous restaurants and new safari offerings, Southern Africa is currently hip, happening and safe for global travellers looking for incredible destinations and exceptional experiences! Here’s a round-up of the latest developments…
Norse Atlantic Airways launch a boost for incentive travel
In the airline sector, Norse Atlantic Airways has started offering budget-friendly flights between London Gatwick and Cape Town, with prices as low as £405 for a round trip. These low-cost options are expected to attract more international visitors, making Cape Town an even more accessible destination for incentive travel groups. The introduction of these flights aligns with the broader recovery of Cape Town’s tourism sector, which has seen a near-complete rebound to pre-pandemic levels, with international visitor numbers hitting 96% of 2019 figures.
New culinary delights for the Mother City
Cape Town’s restaurant scene continues to expand with high-end offerings. The much-anticipated Marble restaurant, known for its luxury dining and “meat and flame” concept, is opening at the historic Union Castle Building in the V&A Waterfront this spring. This is a significant moment as Marble’s first branch in Johannesburg, led by renowned chef David Higgs, has already made a name for itself with its theatrical dining experience focused on open-fire cooking.
Meanwhile, Spyced, a new sister restaurant to the popular Gold Restaurant, offers a unique fusion of African flavours with a modern twist. Positioned to be a vibrant dining spot, Spyced is designed to be a sensory experience with colourful décor and live performances that capture the essence of the continent. They’re set to open in just 10 days, building excitement as the countdown begins.
Cape Town hotels in the spotlight
The renowned Cape Grace Hotel on the V&A Waterfront is transitioning into a Fairmont-branded property, now named “Cape Grace by Fairmont.” The hotel’s rebranding and upgrades will elevate its luxury offerings, with 120 rooms, upscale dining options, and an exclusive location between the yacht marina and the working harbour. This iconic property aims to attract both international travellers and luxury incentive groups.
Another major project is the R1-billion refurbishment of the Table Bay Hotel, which will soon become part of the InterContinental brand. Located near the V&A Waterfront, this revamped hotel will include new suites, a spa, and enhanced amenities, expected to be completed by late 2025. This transformation aligns with Cape Town’s goal to boost luxury tourism.
The upcoming luxury hotel on Camps Bay Boulevard is set to redefine the area’s iconic beachfront. The five-story hotel by Novis Hotels is scheduled to open in September 2024. The property will offer 100 rooms and is designed to blend seamlessly with the vibrant café and restaurant scene in Camps Bay.
International lifestyle brand Mama Shelter is set to make its South African debut with a hotel in Cape Town. Known for its playful, eclectic design and vibrant atmosphere, the Mama Shelter Cape Town will feature 150 rooms, co-working spaces, and lively communal areas designed for both locals and tourists. The hotel’s opening is expected in late 2024, bringing a unique blend of affordability, style, and urban energy to the city
These updates highlight Cape Town’s growing appeal as a premier destination for luxury and incentive travel.
News from the safari sector
From 1 October 2024 all visitors to Zanzibar will now have to purchase mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibari Government online in advance at a cost of US$44 per person, even if they have their own travel insurance cover for their visit to the islands. Travellers who do not have this government-issued insurance will not be allowed entry into Zanzibar.
The insurance will cover visitors for up to 92 days. The tourism industry has greeted the news with concern as many feel the additional costs and processes needed to acquire the mandatory insurance will put many travellers off visiting Zanzibar.
Botswana has introduced screening for Mpox at Maun International Airport as well as at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone and at land borders, except for the Ramokgwebane and Pandametenga border posts with Zimbabwe and the Ngoma border post for Namibia.
Hideaways has unveiled its new Mhara River Camp in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Located on the Chitake River which attracts a huge diversity of wildlife, it has just six tents and is hidden away in a pristine region of the national park, offering exceptional, authentic wilderness experiences. Fully family friendly, Mhara River Camp is known for its walking safaris, particularly in the Chitake Gorge. Birdwatching is also a highlight with the camp offering opportunities to spot the rare African Pitta among the more than 400 bird species recorded in the area.
Mashatu in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve is developing the Lala Limpopo sleepout hide due to launch in October this year. This exclusive overnight photography experience was established through a partnership with concessionaire C4 Photo Safaris and co-founded by renowned professional photographer Shem Compion. The newly constructed hide has been strategically placed in the ground to seamlessly blend in with the surrounding scenery.