KINGDOM HOTEL TO REOPEN AS GRAND HYATT VICTORIA FALLS
The iconic Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls will reopen in late 2027 as Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom, following an extensive refurbishment to meet Grand Hyatt’s global standards.
Originally built in 1966, the hotel was acquired by Albwardy Investments in 2025 and will feature 245 rooms, modern meeting and event facilities, 3 restaurants, a spa, fitness centre and a lobby lounge.
Just a short walk from the Victoria Falls rainforest and close to the national park, the hotel will offer guests easy access to the destination’s renowned wildlife, cultural experiences and Victoria Falls International Airport.
The redevelopment marks the arrival of the Grand Hyatt brand in Victoria Falls, combining the property’s rich heritage with a new luxury hospitality experience.
GREATER KRUGER’S MALEWANE LODGE UNVEILS REFURBISHMENT
The Royal Portfolio’s Malewane Lodge in the Greater Kruger has reopened following an extensive refurbishment that enhances both its luxury accommodation and guest facilities.
The upgraded lodge features redesigned Luxury and Royal Suites with improved layouts, refreshed interiors and added comforts. Guests staying in the Royal Suites can enjoy a private chef, dedicated host, safari guide, tracker and exclusive safari vehicle.
The main lodge has also been refreshed with an expanded boutique, redesigned bar and observation lounge, while the Royal Waters Spa now includes a sauna and cold plunge pool. A new arrival pavilion at the Royal Malewane Airstrip completes the upgrade.
The refurbishment preserves the lodge’s classic safari character while introducing the modern comforts expected by today’s travellers.
WILDERNESS MARA BRINGS SUSTAINABLE LUXURY TO KENYA
Wilderness has officially opened Wilderness Mara, a newly rebuilt safari camp in Kenya’s Mara Triangle, marking a new chapter for the former Little Governors’ Camp.
The camp offers 12 luxury tented suites, including a family suite, along with a spa, gym and thoughtfully designed shared spaces inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Blending the region’s rich safari heritage with sustainable luxury, Wilderness Mara also supports a number of conservation and community initiatives, including Children in the Wilderness, the Maa Trust, the Pangolin Project and the Mara Raptor Project.
Ideally located beneath the Oloololo Escarpment, the camp provides outstanding year-round game viewing and front-row access to the spectacular annual Great Migration.
MANDATORY SARS TRAVELLER DECLARATION NOW IN EFFECT
From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or departing South Africa are required to complete a mandatory digital Traveller Declaration with SARS. The new digital system replaces the previous paper-based customs declaration.
What travellers need to know:
The declaration must be completed within 24 hours before arrival or departure.
It can be completed online via the SARS Traveller Declaration Portal, through the SARS MobiApp, or at self-service kiosks at major ports of entry.
Travellers are encouraged to complete the declaration before travelling to help avoid delays at ports of entry.
The requirement applies to travel by air, land, sea and rail, except for passengers transiting through South Africa who remain within designated international transit areas.
Read more.
TURKISH AIRLINES INCREASES SOUTH AFRICA FLIGHTS
Turkish Airlines will increase its flights between Istanbul and both Johannesburg and Cape Town from late October 2026 to meet growing travel demand.
From 25 October, Johannesburg services will increase from 7 to 10 flights per week, followed by Cape Town on 26 October, which will also increase to 10 weekly flights.
The additional services will operate until the end of March 2027, providing travellers with greater flexibility and improved connectivity between South Africa and Türkiye.
Our Offices will be closed on these below days:
10 August 2026 – (Women’s Day)
124 September 2026 – (Heritage Day)
16 December 2026: Day of Reconciliation (Wednesday)
