TravelComments.com – Cango Caves reopen after rockfall road closure near Oudtshoorn
(Posted 16th July 2026) Travellers exploring the Garden Route and Klein Karoo can once again include the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn in their itinerary. The popular attraction has reopened after a temporary closure caused by rockfalls and storm-related damage along the access roads. Following clearance work and safety assessments, access via the main access road has now been restored, although […]
Special Edition Newsletter: Highlights from 14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention Johannesburg South Africa
(Posted 16th July 2026( The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and South African Airways (SAA) concluded one of the most consequential weeks in African aviation history. Across five days -17 to 21 May 2026- Johannesburg hosted the 14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention (ASC), the 3rd African Aviation Safety and Operations Summit, and a landmark Youth Development in Aviation outreach […]
IATA Guidance Supports Clearer and More Consistent In-Cabin Pet Travel
(Posted 16th July 2026) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new operational guidance to support airlines in managing in-cabin pet travel at every stage of the journey from booking to check-in, boarding, the on-board experience, and arrival. It follows IATA’s recently launched Guidance on Traveling with Service Dogs, reflecting a broader effort […]
Six Senses AMAALA opens between desert cliffs, lagoon waters, and the Red Sea coast
(Posted 16th July 2026) Six Senses AMAALA opens in July 2026, bringing the Six Senses way of life to a second remarkable setting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea. The visionary wellness destination of AMAALA spans more than 1,600 square miles of protected Red […]
Safarilink Aviation. welcomes 12th Cessna Grand Caravan as fleet expands to 17 aircraft
(Posted 16th July 2026) Safarilink Aviation Ltd. is pleased to announce the arrival of its newest aircraft, a Cessna Grand Caravan registered 5Y-SLS, marking another significant milestone in the airline’s continued growth and commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. The aircraft, formerly registered as N20076, completes a remarkable six-day delivery journey from Wichita, […]
First Speaker Lineup Revealed for 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2026
(Posted 16th July 2026) Intra-African travel is undergoing significant transformation. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) expands economic cross-border potential, making strategic tourism alignment an operational necessity rather than a discretionary consideration. The 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) & Awards is scheduled for September 2 to 4, 2026, at Meropa […]
TravelComments.com – Duwisib Castle in Namibia remains closed until further notice
(Posted 16th July 2026) Travellers planning a self-drive adventure through southern Namibia should be aware that Duwisib Castle remains closed to visitors and is not currently accessible as a tourist attraction. The historic castle, located in the remote hills of the Hardap Region near the small settlement of Duwisib, has been closed since 2022 and will remain closed until further […]
Air Congo returns to Europe
(Posted 15th July 2026) In early July did Air Congo launch its first direct scheduled service between Kinshasa and Brussels, reconnecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo with one of its most important European markets. The flight marks the airline’s first intercontinental route and the return of a Congolese carrier to Brussels […]
Turkish Airlines expands South Africa network
(Posted 15th July 2026) Turkish Airlines will expand their South Africa network with more flights between Istanbul and Cape Town. It was learned that the additional Cape Town services will operate from 26th of October 2026 to 28th of March 2027. Turkish Airlines is the world\s leading airline in terms of […]
Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition updates
(Posted 15th July 2027) We’re pleased to share the confirmed airlines and operators so far for Aviation AFRICA Summit & Exhibition 2026, taking place on 9–10 September 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. From flag carriers and regional airlines to cargo operators, charter companies and aviation service providers, this […]
Farmers count losses after elephant invasion in Mtito Andei / Kenya
(Posted 15th July 2026) Courtesy of African Elephant News Michael Mutinda, Citizen Digital (Kenya), July 14, 2026 Farmers in Mtito Andei, Makueni County, are counting losses after a herd of elephants invaded their farms. The most affected villages are Kivwauni, Lukenya and Nhunguni in Kibwezi East. Locals said the elephants have destroyed crops […]
TravelComments.com – Durban beaches update: 22 of 23 beaches now safe for swimming
(Posted 15th July 2026) Visitors planning a trip to Durban can look forward to spending time on the city’s famous beaches. According to the latest beach water quality results released by the eThekwini Municipality on 11 July 2026, 22 of Durban’s 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently meet South Africa’s national recreational water quality standards, making them safe for swimming, surfing […]
RSOO/RAIO Forum for Aviation Safety
(Posted 15th July 2026) We are pleased to invite you to the Third Global RSOO/RAIO Forum for Aviation Safety, taking place from 29 to 30 September 2026 in Georgetown, Guyana, in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This marks the first time the Global RSOO/RAIO Forum will be held in the Americas, representing an […]
Airport Modernization and ORAT Case Studies
(Posted 15th July 2026) At the 15th ORAT World Summit 2026, taking place 26th – 29th of October 2026 in HONG KONG, hearing best practices from globally on how you can tackle the most common problems in ORAT project design, development, planning and execution. Plus, find out how you can ensure your ORAT process is relevant to the rapid adoption […]
UN Tourism Calls for Skills, AI and Women’s Empowerment to Shape Africa’s Tourism Future
(Posted 15th July 2026) Africa’s tourism future will be defined not only by infrastructure and investment, but by the people driving the industry. That was the key message from UN Tourism Secretary General Shaikha Al Nuwais during the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting in Seychelles. Addressing tourism ministers and industry […]
Call for Airport Speakers: AI in Airports 2026
(Posted 15th July 2026) 2026 Theme From Possibility to Performance: Creating Operational, Commercial & Strategic Value with AI AI in Airports 2026 builds on the success of last year’s inaugural summit and a webinar programme that has already attracted more than 350 registrations and delegates from over 40 countries, confirming the industry’s […]
TravelComments.com – Etosha National Park in August 2026: Wildlife, weather & travel tips
(Posted 15th July 2026) August is one of the best months to visit Etosha National Park. With the dry season firmly established, wildlife congregates around the park’s permanent waterholes, making game viewing exceptionally rewarding. Sparse vegetation, mild daytime temperatures and virtually no rainfall also make it easier to spot animals across Etosha’s iconic salt pan […]
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)
(Posted 15th July 2026) Courtesy of and published by Date Dovene Tevi-Benissan / LinkedIn Early this May, I wrote the article below on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which was published in the July 2026 edition of ASKY’s inflight magazine. After participating in AviaDev Africa and the […]
AFRAA and ALG set to host session on AI’s role to transform aviation
)Posted 14th July 2026) AFRAA and ALG will be hosting an insightful session on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the aviation industry.?? Learn how AI can automate data validation, detect anomalies, improve forecasting, and help airlines predict passenger demand using examples aligned with industry practices. Thursday, 16th July 14h00 EAT (11:00 UTC) […]
Appointment of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board
(Posted 14th July 2026) The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Mrs Maria Azemia as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board. Mrs Azemia holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business Administration from Amity University, India, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management and […]
AFRAA held its 198th Executive Committee Meeting last weekend in Nairobi
(Posted 14th July 2026) AFRAA convened its 198th Executive Committee Meeting on Saturday, 11th July 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the chairmanship of Capt. Dr. George I. Kamal, ag. Group CEO – Kenya Airways. The committee deliberated on key actions and advocacy matters aimed at advancing AFRAA’s mission and championing the interests […]
TravelComments.com – Okavango Delta in August: Weather, wildlife & safari guide
(Posted 14th July 2026) August is one of the finest months to visit Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The annual floodwaters from Angola have spread across much of the delta, transforming the Kalahari into a vast oasis of shimmering lagoons, papyrus-lined channels and wildlife-rich islands. Combined with cool, dry weather and exceptional game viewing, August offers some of […]
Neos to launch Milan Kilimanjaro Zanzibar flights on 15th July
(Posted 14th July 2026) Neos SpA is set to launch a new scheduled service between Italy and Tanzania on July 15, strengthening air connectivity between the two countries. The airline will operate flights from Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy to Kilimanjaro International Airport, before continuing to Zanzibar. The return flight will follow the […]
Ethiopian Airlines launches direct flights to Mauritius
(Posted 14th July 2026) Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched direct passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Mauritius, with three weekly services now in operation. Mauritius becomes the airline’s 41st destination country in Africa, enhancing connectivity through Ethiopian Airlines’ global network of over 125 destinations. The new route is expected to boost tourism, […]
AeroTrailAfrica | Route Trails | Week 27, 2026
(Posted 14th July 2026) Africa‘s aviation network continues to gain momentum. During Week 27, airlines launched new routes, restored long-awaited international services, expanded flight frequencies, and strengthened passenger and cargo connectivity across the continent and beyond. This week’s AeroTrail Route Trail highlights the biggest network developments shaping African aviation, including: 1 Ethiopian […]
Ethiopian Airlines set for double daily flights to Seychelles come December 2026
(Posted 14th July 2026) Ethiopian Airlines, currently flying once a day from Addis Ababa to the Seychelles, has confirmed that from 01st of December 2026 a second daily flight will be introduced. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest aviation group, will then offer travelers from across their growing network, a twice a say option […]
AFRAA SkyConnect Dialogues | Aviation Developments in Kenya and the Finance Act 2026 with KAAO CEO | 15 July | 2:00pmEAT (11:00am UTC)
(Posted 14th July 2026) Welcome to the 2026 AFRAA SkyConnect Leadership Dialogues session where industry leaders discuss critical matters and how to forge a way forward with practical and actionable solutions. This July’s Second Edition of the AFRAA SkyConnect Leadership Dialogues will host Ms. Liz Aluvanze, CEO of Kenya Association of Air Operators. In […]
JW Marriott Expands Luxury Safari Portfolio with New Rhino Reserve Retreat in Kenya
({Posted 14th July 2026) JW Marriott has officially unveiled the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, a luxury safari retreat located in Kenya’s iconic Solio Game Reserve – a 45,000-acre private conservancy celebrated for its world-leading rhino conservation efforts. The all-inclusive property features 19 luxury tented suites, immersive wildlife experiences, […]
Africa’s Five Largest Airlines by Fleet Size:
(Posted 13th July 2026) Courtesy of and published by Hailegebriel Tadese Seboka / LinkedIn Fleet size is more than just a measure of an airline’s scale—it reflects strategic vision, network expansion, operational capability, and long-term investment in aviation. Based on current fleet data, Africa’s five largest airlines are: Ethiopian Airlines – […]
Welcome to the 49th edition of TravelComments.com’s Weekly Travel Update
(Posted 13th July 2026) This week’s digest focuses on major developments across Southern Africa’s travel and tourism sector, including South Africa’s latest seasonal weather outlook, Mozambique’s ongoing post-flood tourism recovery, a major new partnership between Etihad Airways and fastjet Zimbabwe, planned upgrades to Mpumalanga’s nature reserves, and our latest guide to visiting […]
