Southern & East African Tourism Update

3 weeks ago | tourismupdate.co.za | Cape Town |David Frost |Patricia de Lille

A new treehouse safari lodge is under development in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, with construction led by Imvelo Safari Lodges in collaboration with US-based Nelson Treehouse. The Tum Tum Treehouses Lodge, set to open in late 2025, will feature six rooms accommodating up to 12 guests in the south-eastern region of Hwange. The lodge will include four elevated treehouses with wooden platforms, canvas roofs and en-suite bathrooms as well as two ground-level rooms for family accommodation.

3 weeks ago | tourismupdate.co.za | Cape Town |David Frost |Patricia de Lille

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has announced a temporary extension for foreign nationals awaiting the outcomes of visa waiver requests, long-term visa applications and appeals. The new directive, signed by Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber on March 28, grants eligible applicants an extension until September 30. It applies to:Foreign nationals with pending waiver applications. Applicants awaiting long-term visa decisions under sections 11(1)(b) to 22 of the Immigration Act.

3 weeks ago | tourismupdate.co.za | Cape Town |David Frost |Patricia de Lille

The Portfolio Committee on Transport has raised concerns over what it calls “predatory pricing” and overbooking practices in South Africa’s low-cost airline sector, suggesting that deregulation had failed to benefit poor travellers as originally intended. The transport committee received briefings on anti-competitive behaviour in the low-cost carrier market during a joint meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry, and Competition on Tuesday, April 1.

3 weeks ago | tourismupdate.co.za | Cape Town |Bianca Capazorio |David Frost

With an unbroken 24-month streak of increasing arrivals at Cape Town International Airport up to December, reports of a bumper February and major events well into April, Cape Town appears to be achieving its goal of extending its peak season. Events and conferences are driving the shift but increased connectivity, new markets and emerging leisure trends are cementing Cape Town’s reputation as a year-round destination.

3 weeks ago | tourismupdate.co.za | David Frost |Patricia de Lille |Rosemary Anderson |Gheeta Payle

Allie Hunt has joined the management team of Cape Town Helicopters and Escape+Explore. Escape+Explore Founder Ingram Casey and Cape Town Helicopters CEO Neil Warren say bringing Hunt on board reinforces their shared vision to elevate trade collaboration. Hunt, who has owned and managed Inspirational Places for the past 17 years, will help connect the two Cape Town brands in her new role.