News from our Members

30 June 2020

WILDLIFE HERITAGE: Africa needs a paradigm shift in wildlife management; Kenya is known to be the leader and custodian of wildlife

There is an urgent need to re-structure the existing wildlife policies in Africa as conservation becomes key to the sustainability of the continent’s wildlife heritage. This paradigm shift will definitely liven hopes that Africa’s wildlife will remain an iconic identifier of the continent’s authentic wildlife nature envied by other nations across the world.

30 June 2020

Ethiopian Welcomes Back Business and Leisure Customers with Emphasis on Wellness

During the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, was the go-to airline for essential travel, repatriation flights and airlift of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE). With the easing of travel restrictions across the globe, Ethiopian is pleased to announce that it’s happy to welcome back business and leisure travelers with programs aimed at safeguarding their health and safety.

30 June 2020

A new sales process and goodbye from Tara

We've got some important updates from the sales and marketing teams so please grab a cuppa, and have a read. Most importantly, we've created some new processes to help streamline our communication channels, and also to spread the workload better amongst our team.  SALES TEAM CHANGES

29 June 2020

New Atta members this month – April - June 2020

Big Ambitions Marketing - Media and Publications - South Africa News UK - Media and Publications - United Kingdom Viajes Planeta Azul - Latin American Based Travel Specialist – Mexico NSL Telecoms - Professional Partners - United Kingdom Lightning Travel Recruitment - Professional Partners - United Kingdom Talking Stick Global (re-joining) - UK Based Representation - United Kingdom Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) - Tourism Organisation – Tanzania OpentourAfrica - African Based Travel Specialist - South Africa How many Elephants - Professional Partners - United Kingdom Andreas Fox Safaris - African Based Travel Specialist – Kenya One Horizon Africa - African Based Travel Specialist – Kenya Kili Villa - Accommodation Suppliers – Tanzania

29 June 2020

Community Spirit Flourishes in Victoria Falls in the Time of COVID-19

The normally bustling tourist town of Victoria Falls has been ushered to a standstill by the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, but these tough times have brought out Zimbabweans’ trademark resourcefulness and resilience. The Victoria Falls community - where most livelihoods depend on tourism - has banded together, with those able to, assisting its more vulnerable members. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, operated by hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), has been a part of this.

29 June 2020

Matetsi Magic - While you are gone

Our team on the ground in Victoria Falls continue to take care of the vast 136 000 acre, Matetsi Private Game Reserve, always ensuring a positive human presence as custodians of the wildlife that roam this land. It is due to these efforts that we can continue to bring you our monthly wildlife sightings

29 June 2020

Updated communiqué from ATTA® Legal Advisor (Tourism) Alan Bowen

Corona Virus. Obligations and Rights Updated communiqué from ATTA® Legal Advisor (Tourism) Alan Bowen This is as update on 28 February communiqué regarding obligations and the rights of customers in light of the spreading Corona Virus and an apparent reluctance to travel by customers. The information was correct at the time of going to press 1500 on 10th March but may change at any time.

26 June 2020

Flavours of Natron – Maximising Income to Local Communities

The chefs at Lake Natron Camp have been cooking up a storm! Chef Axel Janssens, of Onsea House, has been at Lake Natron Camp on a collaborative training session.  By bringing the local environment to the table gives guests an authentic connection to the area and a real sense of community. Ake Lindstrom, MD, says “So grateful to be on this evolving journey to maximise local incomes and give our guests an authentic connection to the environment.” Local fresh produce from patch to plate!

26 June 2020

An Invitation to Tongabezi's 30th Birthday Zoom Call - June 30th

Tongabezi has been through a lot over the years. We have lost both of our Founders and many other loved ones. We have flooded and caught fire more than once. But we have also flourished, we have stayed true to our commitment to empower our wonderful community and protect our perfect patch of wilderness, we have made and kept friends like you from all over the world.

26 June 2020

Governors' Camp Collection facilitates large community food drive in the Masai Mara

Governors' Camp Collection have facilitated their first community food drive in order to support eighty vulnerable families living in the Mara Rianda area. We distributed basic food supplies and hygiene products including 24kg of maize flour, 3L of cooking oil, 5kg of sugar, 100g of tea leaves, a bar of soap and a face mask to each of the families.

25 June 2020

Wilderness Safaris Donates 300 Food Hampers to Okavango Community Trust Villages

Wilderness Safaris, in collaboration with the Botswana government, community leaders and a handful of generous donors, continued to showcase its support to the people of Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha and Gudigwa, by delivering over 300 food hampers to the villages last week. Facilitated by its long-term Vumbura Concession partners, the Okavango Community Trust (OCT), the handovers took place from 12-14 June, bringing extensive relief to the vulnerable families who are facing extreme food shortages and financial issues caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

25 June 2020

Zara Tours Enhanced Guest Safety and Hygiene Procedures as We Re - Open Our Operations

The Management and Staff of ZARA Tours in Moshi Kilimanjaro wish to thank you for your continued business support over the years and it is our prayer that you and your loved ones are keeping safe as per the WHO laid down procedures and measures to curb the spread of the covid-19 virus. The world is opening up again, and it is with great happiness and pleasure to inform you that Tanzania is now officially open to the world for Tourism and business.

25 June 2020

Wellworth Hospitality, Tanzania Launches “Wellworth Salama”, New Covid-19 Safety Protocols

Wellworth Hotels, Lodges, Camps and Resorts has announced the launch of Wellworth Salama!, its new program aimed at elevating safety and sanitization procedures in accordance with the guidelines from WHO and the Tanzania Ministry of Health.  Wellworth Salama redefines processes so guests can continue to enjoy indulgent services and distinctive experiences with peace of mind.

24 June 2020

Raising the Conservation Flag:  Podcast conversations with CWF stakeholders Katja Quasdorf and Beks Ndlovu

“We have a common cause – to save the landscape and alleviate poverty.” https://anchor.fm/conservationstorytelling/episodes/Episode-8-Tourism-and-Conservation-with-Beks-Ndlovu-and-Katja-Quasdorf-efarap

24 June 2020

Video of recent "Africa Tourism Is On Its Way Back" workshop

This video (https://youtu.be/48hLbUUz524) is a summary of the interactive workshop designed to provide tourist boards with assistance and guidance on what is needed to attract international travellers back to their destination. We've all had enough of the doom and gloom that has surrounded the tourism industry for so many weeks and months.

24 June 2020

Rare Mandrill Captured on Camera in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo For The First Time

Congo Conservation Company together with conservation non-profit African Parks are pleased to announce the first visual recording of a mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) by camera trap in the south-western section of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, which African Parks manages in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Congo. Please view the camera trap footage here.

23 June 2020

Tsogo Sun Hotels to take over the Mount Grace in Magaliesburg, the Edward in Durban and the Protea Hotel Hazyview in Mpumalanga and is committed to their long-term sustainability

Tsogo Sun Hotels has noted the announcement by Marriott that they have closed three hotels and are removing them from the Marriott system as a result of the impact of Covid-19. We have also noted the distress this has caused within the travel and tourism industry and the communities where these hotels are situated, as expressed on various social media platforms.

22 June 2020

‘The Elephant in the Room’ Talk Series has launched to deliver hard facts and key takeaways from the front line of conservation and tourism in Africa

A surge in wildlife poaching in Africa is expected, following the collapse of eco-tourism in Africa. But what is actually happening “on the ground”?  UK registered charity, How Many Elephants, has launched ‘The Elephant in The Room’ talk series to deliver accurate reporting from the front line of conservation and eco-tourism in Africa to the media.

22 June 2020

ATTA® Recorded Presentation - Kibran Tours

Ethiopia boasts no less than 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This mysterious landlocked country tucked away in the horn of Africa, is indisputably a treasure trove of unique historical, natural, and cultural gems, just waiting to be explored!

19 June 2020

Welcome Back to Lemala Camps & Lodges.

As Tanzania airspace opens up and we get ready to receive more international guests, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to tell you all what Lemala Camps & Lodges have been doing to get ready. Click here to view our new Lemala Opening Video. Our new protocols will be kept up to date with any Government of Tanzania’s instructions to the hospitality industry.

19 June 2020

Classic Portfolio - Tanzania Tuesday Talk

With COVID-19 protocols firmly in place, we are happy to announce that our properties in Tanzania opening up! Chem Chem is ready to welcome guests to Little Chem Chem and in Arusha, Legendary Lodge will be open from August. We have therefore decided that there would be no better time to have a Tuesday Talk on Tanzania – and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing on the 23rd June.

19 June 2020

Jenman African Safaris Adapted and Refined Protocols for Guided Group Travel

Jenman African Safaris have amended our policies and reviewed our terms and conditions to accommodate new regulations, as well as to eliminate health risks for clients and staff. We have maintained up to date procedures and strategies which facilitate healthy journeys and a risk-adjusted booking process. All guided group safaris will run with a maximum of 10 guests per departure for the remainder of 2020.

18 June 2020

Offbeat Safaris Webinar - Update from Offbeat Mara Camp, Mara North Conservancy on C19 Initiatives

Offbeat Safaris and Photography Experts invite you to a Webinar Awareness Event to update you on the current situation faced by the wonderful people and animals of the Mara North Conservancy, during the Coronavirus Pandemic, and the initiatives aimed to alleviate the hardships faced. 23 JUNE 2020: 7:30PM - LONDON

17 June 2020

Painted Wolf Wines donates R20,000 to conservation during lock down: June 2020

17 June 2020

Namibia Wildlife Resorts appointed MD

Dr Matthias Ngwangwama appointed substantive NWR Managing Director Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Board of Directors appoints Dr Matthias Mpareke Ngwangwama as the substantive Managing Director effective 1 April 2020 for a tenure of five years.

17 June 2020

Standard Operating Procedures, post COVID-19

We have implemented the precautionary guidelines to protect our passengers, staffs and crew in response to COVID-19, as contactless as possible Below is the infographic of the Standard Operating Procedures, post COVID-19

16 June 2020

Elewana launches the Pamoja Fund in Support of Conservation & Communities

Sustainable tourism sits at the core of The Elewana Collection and now, more than ever, conservation initiatives and care for the local communities is critical. To this effect Elewana’s charitable arm The Land & Life Foundation, is launching the ‘Pamoja Fund’ to support the people, places and wildlife who have been most impacted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic

16 June 2020

Boardroom to the Backcountry: Classic Summer Clothing Combinations for Men

Africa may be closed to us for now - but Summer is here in full force. No matter where you live or what you love to do, our safari-styled summer clothing & gear will ensure that your wardrobe this summer offers outdoor performance and is designed for your lifestyle too.

16 June 2020

Gateway To The Kingdom Of Animals And The Culture Of The Aawambo

The newest lodge of Gondwana Collection Namibia, Etosha King Nehale, opened its doors on 10 June 2020. It is located on the northern edge of the legendary Etosha National Park, only one kilometre away from the King Nehale Gate. To the north of the lodge are the communal areas of the regions Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati, which have been little developed for tourism until now - a treasure chest of the Oshiwambo culture, in which the Nguni cattle plays an important role.

15 June 2020

Wilderness Safaris Donates 160 Food Hampers To Botswana’s Shorobe Community

In a continued series of community donations and relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilderness Safaris Botswana has donated 160 food hampers and other supplies to the Shorobe community in the North-West District of Botswana, close to the Okavango Delta. Valued at over P70 000, the first delivery of essential supplies took place on the 18th May, followed by additional handovers to a very grateful Kgosi Dingalo, Kgosi Mmutla and Mr Sajaba, Village Development (VDC) chairman, on 5 and 10 June respectively.

15 June 2020

Nomad Tanzania: Safe Safaris in the time of Covid-19

Something that has kept us all very busy is putting in place strict procedures for our camps and operations around Tanzania, ensuring that our staff and guests are kept safe and well when travel resumes.

15 June 2020

Auric Air resumes flights to IRINGA and SONGEA from 14 June 2020

Auric Air resumes flights to Iringa and Songea from 14 June 2020 Dar es salaam to IRINGA, 2 X Weekly, Wednesday and Sunday Dar es salaam to SONGEA, 2 X Weekly, Wednesday and Sunday

12 June 2020

ATTA® Presentation - The Explorer Club Africa

BIG adventures. SMALL footprint. We are Livingstone’s leading total solution operator in the ultimate adventure destination – Victoria Falls, Zambia!

12 June 2020

The Gambia’s Effective Management of Its Corona Virus Experience: Ready To Spring Back Into Action After The Pandemic

One country in Africa that appears to be doing extremely well in managing its Corona virus experience is The Gambia, the smallest nation on the continent and incidentally a very popular holiday destination for British and Scandinavian holiday makers. According to the World Health Organisation, as of 1st June,  The Gambia had registered 25 cases of Covid-19 with one death.

12 June 2020

The Lewa-Borana Landscape and Loisaba Conservancy release COVID-19 travel protocols

The Lewa-Borana Landscape and Loisaba Conservancy have released cross-conservancy COVID protocols. As the world came to a standstill earlier this year nature has taken this time to heal and rejuvenate. The wildlife population on the Lewa-Borana Landscape and Loisaba Conservancy is becoming year on year more extraordinary and more diverse. The Laikipia Ewaso Eco System holds the highest diversity of large mammal species of any site of its size in the world.

12 June 2020

The Importance of Fire Management in Hwange National Park: Hideaways And CWF Prepare For Fire Season

The fragility of our environment is multi-layered, as is our potential for positive impact through conservation projects. Involvement with such initiatives as CWF are not only imperative for anti-poaching, but extend to conservation awareness through forest and fire management in order to protect natural spaces and our wildlife.

11 June 2020

Ethiopian Airlines - We're Taking To The Skies Again

It's been a while but we are back! As country restrictions begin to lift we are resuming operations on many of our routes, all of which are now in the GDS and available for you to book. From Heathrow we are operating a daily non-stop evening departure to Addis Ababa using our Airbus 350.

11 June 2020

Roving Bushtops can be booked exclusively in the northern Serengeti during the coming migration period from July to October 2020

This is an exceptional opportunity for anyone wanting to take advantage of Tanzania having reopened its borders and airports. With the annual migration passing through between July and October, the Northern Serengeti is likely to be virtually empty of visitors, letting family, friends or organisations view a cornucopia of wildlife in splendid isolation.

11 June 2020

"AFRICA TOURISM IS ON ITS WAY BACK" - interactive workshop

THURSDAY 18th JUNE 2020 / UK 14h00 / 15h00 SA / 16h00 UG / Watch the video invite We've all had enough of the doom and gloom that has surrounded the tourism industry for so many weeks and months. So now is the time to start to get excited for the future as the first green shoots of recovery are starting to push through. UK tour operators - who worked so hard to switch would-be cancellations into postponements - are now starting to report that enquiries are coming in.

10 June 2020

Asilia I Continuing our Positive Impact

While the world responds to COVID-19 and travel has been on hold, never has Asilia's conservation and community work been more important. Even without guests, we have kept our camps open during the global lockdown because we believe maintaining a presence is essential. We have supported local rangers physically and financially and undertaken daily patrols ourselves to bolster security and safeguard wildlife. Working with our local communities, we have been providing them with vital supplies, continued employment and revenue streams.

10 June 2020

South Africa Re-Imagined: Cape Town & Safari for the new era of social distance practices

Understanding the need for more wide-open spaces and social distancing in the future of travel, Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris has created the Africa Re-Imagined package. This exclusive journey begins at a private villa in the city of Cape Town and ends in the Kruger National Park at a private safari home-away-from-home. It comes complete with its own private chef, butler and game vehicle.

10 June 2020

Kenya Airways Suspends All International & Domestic Flights - UPDATE

Dear Travel Partner In line with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority notice in order to mitigate the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Kenya Airways have therefore temporarily suspended their services as follows:

09 June 2020

Hideaways: Beyond the Safari Lodge: Garth Jenman and author Tony Park explore beyond the borders of Nantwich Lodge

The world is embracing professional daydreaming and digital upskilling. Hideaways will be sharing stories, facts, inspirations and conservation details around the safari regions we operate in - giving travel partners an insight beyond the safari lodge. Having recently shared conversations with international author Tony Park about how he collected stories and inspiration from one of our Zimbabwean properties, Nantwich Lodge,

09 June 2020

Lemala Camps & Lodges COVID-19 Safety Measures

At Lemala Camps & Lodges, we’ve been preparing to welcome tourists back to Tanzania by making changes to the way we provide our services. New SOPs are in place for every touch point and guest experience that characterises a stay at a Lemala property. Our SOPs will be updated in line with the Government of Tanzania’s instructions to the hospitality industry.

09 June 2020

COURAGE - Virtual Auction

On South Africa's Youth Day, 16th of June 2020, COURAGE will be hosting a Virtual Charity Auction of Covetable and Wanderlust Lots. The bidding started already so take part and start bidding today and get excited as you experience the incredible interactive bidding process designed and built by one of the COURAGE community volunteers, Lisa Leathes.

08 June 2020

South Africa Risk-Adjusted Approach To Covid-19 Lockdown Means Reopening Dates For International Tourism Yet To Be Defined

“Industry is lobbying for phased reopening of international inbound tourism as close to 1 September 2020 as possible based on stringent safety and health protocols” - TBCSA JOHANNESBURG, 8 JUNE 2020 – Reports that South Africa’s international tourism will only reopen in 2021 are premature as South Africa’s Risk-Adjusted Strategy is based on levels of lockdown, not dates.

08 June 2020

Relaunch of Scheduled Flying

There are signs that the COVID-19 pandemic is moving towards a new stage as many countries are starting to ease their lockdowns, and even in our own Tanzania, airspace is being opened up. We are sworn Aviation professionals, Safety is our #1 Priority. But now, even more so! We have rolled out our Safety & Operational Policy for dealing with this crisis, both to protect ourselves and our customers.

08 June 2020

Rhinos & Rangers – A Rhinos Without Borders Update 2020

On seeing rhinos for the first time in their lives, last year, the Chiefs of six remote villages from the Okavango Community Trust couldn’t believe how calm the rhinos were, having only heard tales of the animals’ ferocity and dangerous nature. But there lay three rhinos, in the shade of a tree. Three hefty, healthy and peaceful rhinos that now called Botswana home, after being relocated through the Rhinos Without Borders project from poaching hotspots in South Africa.

08 June 2020

Classic Portfolio - Tuesday Talks

Last week, we had another fabulous Tuesday Talk and the response has been amazing! We heard an owners' perspective, as 4 visionaries discussed their responsibilities on the ground and gave insight into gearing for the future. We appreciate your tuning in and every question, chat, and email before and after.

05 June 2020

Matetsi Victoria Falls webinars in your language of preference

At Matetsi Victoria Falls we are so fortunate to welcome travelers from all corners of the globe and we appreciate the support of the ATTA® community in sending us your esteemed clients for them to experience the magic of Matetsi and our special corner on the African continent.

05 June 2020

Our brand new Online Magazine 'Travelling Tomorrow'

We have launched brand new magazine, ‘Travelling Tomorrow’ which was born out of our internal conversations as to how best to entertain, inform, and enthral our loyal subscribers whilst travel is temporarily grounded, in order to help keep their passion for travel alive.

05 June 2020

South Africa’s Tourism Activities and Skies Open Up

South Africa has been globally lauded by key COVID-19 experts for handling the pandemic in an effective manner, slowing down infections and implementing various lockdown measures through a risk-adjusted strategy aimed at easing restrictions and opening up the economy and other activities over 5 alert levels.

04 June 2020

Today is World Environment Day: Kenya Bans all single use plastic in National Parks, Beaches and conservation areas

Today, Friday 5 June 2020 is World Environment day.  In Kenya, nearly 3 years after their monumental ban on plastic bags, the country is implementing another world leading piece of environment policy; a complete ban on the use of ALL single-use plastics in national parks, forests, beaches, and conservation areas.

04 June 2020

Expect anything and assume nothing: Dr Ian McCallum speaks into Survival Strategies from the Wild – an interview hosted by Hideaways

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=242274940528980&ref=watch_permalink The animal kingdom lives on the edge of crisis. Every day presents life and death situations in which, in order to survive, one needs to be awake, alert and aware. Dr Ian McCallum encourages us to, like wild animals, expect anything and assume nothing. This tool will help you too, to survive in crisis.

04 June 2020

Learning will be the new luxury on a post Corona safari

If there is one thing, we have learned over the last few months, it’s that time is a very precious commodity and “holiday time” even more so. With the world taking a sabbatical from travel for the immediate future our attention, as members of the safari industry, turns to what will clients be looking for when they return.

03 June 2020

COVID19 - Good Practice Guidance Documents for Suppliers - May 2020

This guidance is meant to supplement any local and national advice provided by the authorities in each country and represents ‘Good Practice Guidance’ as opposed to enforced governmental regulations. These will assist in minimising as much as possible any risk of Covid19 transmission to customers and staff and ensure both have confidence in using/delivering your services.

03 June 2020

Tongabezi is 30 years old!

Tongabezi first opened our tent flaps to guests in June of 1990 -- 30 years ago this month.  So that makes June your birthday month too because we would never have made it this far without you. Happy 30th Birthday! We’d like to ask you to celebrate with us.

03 June 2020

The Elephant Cafe' Herd - 100 Days of Care Initiative

100 Days of Care -  Livingstone, Zambia Our overriding immediate concern is the welfare and safety of our rescued African Elephant herd and their caretakers. Without the financial care of The Elephant Cafe' we do not have any means of providing for our Elephants upkeep. Our herd requires a great deal of daily supplementary feeds, in amounts that increase rapidly as the dry season progresses.

02 June 2020

Keep the Dream Alive Essentially – The d&b explorer collection

While we wait to head out into the world and wild again, our boots are laced, our linen shirts are buttoned and our explorer hats are tipped, as they keep the adventurer inside us alive and inspired. Our clothes prepare us for the day, for the night, for the unforeseen. They prepare us for ambles with lechwe and leopards, photographic missions across remote rivers and campfire dinners under the Milky Way.

02 June 2020

Josiah Montsho’s stellar rise to success - Sun City Palace Hotel General Manager

From Porter To Palace Josiah Montsho’s stellar rise to success Josiah Elias Montsho has come full circle with his appointment as General Manager at Sun City’s flagship Palace of the Lost City hotel (01st December 2019).

02 June 2020

Legendary Expeditions - New imagery of the rebuilt Mila Tented Camp and re-imagined Legendary Serengeti Camp

With some of the best locations in the Serengeti, both the seasonal Legendary Serengeti Camp and the fixed Mila Tented Camp draw inspiration from their natural surroundings offering elegant and relaxed comfort with natural fabrics and handmade furniture. Here, only a wall of canvas stands between you and nature. Immerse in the sounds, fragrances and feeling of the wild.

01 June 2020

Classic Portfolio Launching Marataba Conservation Camps

Classic Portfolio are delighted to announce the launch of Marataba Conservation Camps. Due to open in September 2020, the camps offer a new safari experience giving guests a backstage pass to dynamic and innovative conservation in action, whilst also immersing themselves in the vast, wild spaces of Marataba.

01 June 2020

Thornybush Family Food Parcel Fundraiser | Backabuddy

Our aim is to raise enough funds to assist families who have been identified as needing urgent assistance for the months of May, June and July 2020. We are calling these the crisis months. Food security has become a major issue in this lock down period and we want to make sure that our identified families in need, are at the very least, able to feed themselves.