The event, titled “Unlocking Regional Connectivity: Rethinking How Southern Africa Moves Its Visitors,” will take place on 13 May 2026 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex in Durban, South Africa. Supported by the Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa, and co-funded by the German Government and the European Union (EU), the dialogue is implemented by the SADC Secretariat through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Southern Africa’s tourism potential is vast and compelling, offering diverse experiences across its 16 Member States. Yet fragmented travel, limited air routes, varying visa requirements, and border inefficiencies have slowed progress. The SADC Tourism Programme 2020–2030 identifies connectivity as the foundation for growth, and this event is designed to move beyond reporting progress into dynamic, solution-driven dialogue. By uniting policymakers and private sector leaders, the session will focus on practical strategies to position Southern Africa as a seamless, multi-country destination that is easy to explore and attractive to global travellers.

The two-hour programme will open with a structured update on the SADC Tourism Programme, highlighting progress on the Univisa assessment, regional air access studies, Transfrontier Conservation Area development, and border efficiency initiatives. A government panel of Directors General and senior officials will then explore visa policy, air services agreements, and border management frameworks. This will be followed by a private sector panel where industry leaders will challenge assumptions and propose commercially viable solutions. Confirmed panellists include Mr Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa; Ms Dimakatso Malwela of Women of Value Southern Africa (WOVSA); Ms Jillian Blackbeard of Africa’s Eden; Mr Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and Chair of the Southern Africa Tourism Alliance. Audience members will be able to participate in real time through a digital platform. Both panels will be moderated by Ms Natalia Rosa of the Southern Africa Tourism Alliance.

Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba, Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration at the SADC Secretariat, emphasised: “Regional connectivity is the foundation on which the entire SADC Tourism Programme rests. This side event provides an important platform for government and private sector to engage directly on the realities of moving visitors across our region, and to identify where we can accelerate progress together.”

Ms Natalia Rosa of the Southern Africa Tourism Alliance added: “The private sector experiences the consequences of connectivity gaps every day, in lost bookings, itineraries that cannot be built, and visitors who choose other regions because Southern Africa is too complicated to navigate. This event is our opportunity to bring that commercial reality into direct conversation with policymakers. We are not here to report on progress. We are here to challenge each other on pace.”

The event is open to private sector CEOs and senior executives, national tourism association leaders, SADC Secretariat officials, Tourism Working Group members, airline and aviation stakeholders, civil aviation authorities, border management and immigration officials, development finance and investment representatives, development partners and tourism media.

For more information contact:
Ms Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations, SADC Secretariat – Email: blopi@sadc.int and cc: prinfo@sadc.int  or Ms Marygoreth Mushi, Programme Officer for Policy and Market Development – Email: mmushi@sadc.int  and cc: prinfo@sadc.int or Ms Natalia Rosa, Project Lead, Southern Africa Tourism Alliance – Tel: (+27) 83 449 4334, Email: natalia.rosa@thenbf.co.za

Issued by the SADC Secretariat, 7 May 2026

Founded in 2005 by Ed and Anka Zeeman, Morukuru Family was among the first to create all-inclusive, exclusive-use safari homes with everything under one roof, surrounded by wild beauty, and staffed by dedicated chefs, guides, and hosts. Today, the collection has grown to include seven distinctive properties: three private houses in Madikwe Game Reserve, two oceanfront sanctuaries in De Hoop Nature Reserve, and the boutique AtholPlace Hotel & Villa in Sandton, Johannesburg.

“Two decades ago, we imagined a space where families, in every sense of the word, could make memories together undisturbed and enveloped by nature. We’re grateful that what started as a dream for our family became a blueprint for a new, more personal kind of luxury travel,” reflected Anka Zeeman.

Morukuru Family’s hallmark “Freedom Concept”, offering total flexibility and tailored experiences, prefigured the shift toward private, high-touch travel that is now among the industry’s fastest growing segments. The company’s resilience has been tested by global crises such as COVID-19 and, most recently, devastating floods in Madikwe Game Reserve, but each chapter has only strengthened the commitment to the guest experience and constant innovation.

According to Ed Zeeman:

“We’ve learned from the wild places we love that true resilience depends on adapting and growing rather than rebuilding what was. Our journey has always been about evolving: expanding our properties, deepening our conservation efforts, and finding new ways for guests to connect with both nature and each other.”

The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation – launched in 2007 – remains at the heart of this mission. Over the years, the Foundation has funded critical rhino and predator conservation, supported local schools, enabled hands-on “Safaris with a Purpose,” and most recently expanded its reach to marine turtle rehabilitation and leopard research in De Hoop Nature Reserve. Today, all Morukuru Family properties in Madikwe Game Reserve and De Hoop Nature Reserve run fully off-grid on solar power.

For bookings, prospective guests can contact their preferred travel advisor or get in touch with Morukuru Family directly via reservations@morukuru.com. Ts & Cs apply.

~Ends~

For more information, contact Marketing Manager, Rinse Wassenaar: rinse@morukuru.com

One of the world’s most remote inhabited islands has triumphed on the global stage as St Helena Tourism’s breathtaking film Come and Find Me won the Gold Award in the Tourism Destination (International) category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) in Sandton on 6 June.

This achievement follows the film’s earlier success in Japan, where it received a Director’s Choice special award at the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival (JWTFF).

Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena, said: “Winning gold at ITFFA was a special moment for everyone involved in the production – and well-deserved recognition for the director Darren Peens, who attended the ceremony with actress Katie-Raye Williams. We’re thrilled!”

For Passaportis, Come and Find Me showcases what makes St Helena Island so special, including its unique natural heritage, adventurous activities, and bucket-list appeal.

“The film represents a bold departure from traditional tourism marketing, using narrative-driven storytelling to captivate audiences and celebrate the wonders of St Helena, for example, the rugged coastline, stunning landscapes, marine life – including the island’s famous whale sharks, known locally as “bone sharks” – history, and cultural appeal,” says Passaportis. “We hope this award will introduce St Helena Island to new audiences, eco-conscious travellers, and those looking for an adventure unlike any other.”

ITFFA, now in its 7th year, has established itself as the premier tourism film festival in Africa, receiving over 4,000 film entries from 94 countries since its inception. The festival celebrates how film tourism drives economic growth and destination appeal, with a focus on how high-profile productions contribute to job creation and increased tourism arrivals.

For St Helena, an island of just 47 square miles in the South Atlantic with a population of approximately 4,000 locals, this victory over entries from much larger (and more accessible) destinations reinforces its growing reputation for off-the-beaten-path journeys and remarkable natural wonders.

“This gold award shows that St Helena‘s unique character and location are exactly what makes us shine on the global stage,” added Passaportis. “We invite travellers to come and find us – and experience what St Helena Island has to offer.”

Video link Come and Find Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATenzRrnCJc

For more information about the award or St Helena Island, or to explore interview opportunities, please contact sthelena@bigambitions.co.za.

The recent Land-Linked Zambia Summit brought together aviation stakeholders including the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and Proflight Zambia to discuss the country’s aviation sector development.

While more established hubs such as OR Tambo International in South Africa, Bole International in Ethiopia, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya and Kigali International Airport in Rwanda dominate the aviation landscape in Africa, Zambia is strategically positioning itself by leveraging its geographical location and implementing reforms across its transport sector.

“Proflight Zambia continues to keenly promote Zambia as a hub with the network we currently have and are still developing,” said Vincent Banda, Proflight Zambia’s Director of Ground Operations, Cargo, and Catering, during the summit.

The nation is focused on reducing operating costs and easing regulatory challenges that have historically hindered local airlines. During discussions, Mr Banda identified excessive airport taxes and handling fees as critical issues affecting competitiveness.

“The ticket taxes and handling costs are very high in our region. We need a review to make our local airlines competitive,” he explained.

Data presented at the summit revealed that Zambia’s airport revenue currently relies heavily on aeronautical services, accounting for 87% of income, whereas global best practice suggests non-aeronautical revenue should form at least 40% of airport revenue. This imbalance affects airline operating costs and consequently passes higher prices to consumers.

For South African aviation and tourism interests, Zambia’s developing connectivity creates potential new options for regional travel. With its central geographic location bordering eight countries, Zambia could potentially serve connecting traffic between various points in southern Africa and destinations further north or east.

Safety improvements are strengthening Zambia’s position. Following the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Safety Audit, the ZCAA achieved a 72.94% effective implementation rating – surpassing the regional average. The country is now preparing for an upcoming security audit, with improved credentials expected to enhance appeal to international passengers and investors.

Currently, Proflight connects Lusaka with Johannesburg and Cape Town with Livingstone. These existing connections provide a foundation for potential enhanced regional connectivity.

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics is examining policy options to improve competitiveness, including discussions with bodies like the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) regarding aviation fuel pricing – a significant cost factor for all regional carriers. These discussions align with broader continental initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) framework.

For South African travellers and businesses with regional interests, any improvements in Zambian connectivity could potentially reduce travel times to certain destinations while offering alternative routing options during peak periods or disruptions.

– The South African Roadshow includes meetings, training sessions, a hosted dinner, a ship visit on Norwegian Dawn, and an introduction to NCL Connect – the company’s new marketing platform for the travel community.

Johannesburg – 16 January, 2024 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, will introduce NCL Connect, a new co-branded marketing solution specifically designed for the travel partner community, on a South African Roadshow this week.

Kevin Bubolz, Vice President & Managing Director Continental Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Nirosha Sidat, NCL Country Manager South Africa, will host sessions with key partners – including a tour of Norwegian Dawn in Cape Town – to share the latest updates from NCL.

“Not only is South Africa fast-establishing itself as a world-class destination for cruise ships, but the South African market is increasingly interested in cruising, with the demand for cruise holidays and expedition cruises soaring,” says Sidat. “Our new More at Sea™ package meets this demand, enhancing the cruise experience with unlimited beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi packages and incredible shore excursions. When it comes to both our guests and partners, we’re committed to being the easiest cruise line to engage with, and as part of our longstanding ‘Partners First’ philosophy, we’re thrilled not only to be meeting our trade partners in person – but that we’re able to offer them an exciting new platform to grow their cruising business!”

NCL Connect is a tightly integrated marketing solution where travel partners can instantaneously co-brand digital content – pre-designed by NCL’s in-house marketing team – that offers their clients an immersive look into cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line. It offers travel agents and advisors the opportunity to leverage a co-branded website complete with NCL sailings for clients to explore while driving leads directly back to the travel advisor.

The new platform complements NCL’s robust Marketing Headquarters with 800+ ready-to-use or customisable assets such as videos, flyers and more. NCL Connect offers an extra level of marketing support available to travel advisors that provides instant, personalised co-branded content in just one click. The content is then easily shared via all social media, email, and other marketing media channels, with additional digital experiences introduced on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

“Our goal in terms of trade marketing in 2025 is clear: make it personal, make it impactful, and most importantly, make it easy for travel advisors,” says Sidat. “We’re bringing the full weight of our in-house marketing expertise to the table but packaged in a way which makes it easy for travel advisors to take full advantage. Promoting, selling and booking an NCL cruise has never been simpler. I know advisors are going to love it.”

NCL Connect, which is powered by technology from Approach Guides, will be introduced in Cape Town from 15-17 January and in Johannesburg from 20-21 January 2025. 

-Ends-

About Norwegian Cruise Line

As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 58 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionised the industry by offering guests the opportunity to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company offers guests to ‘Experience More at Sea’ by providing them with more to see, more to do, more to enjoy, and more value on their vacation. To further deliver guests with more value, NCL’s ‘More At Sea™’ package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; as well as free airfare and third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings. Its fleet of 19 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept.

For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, contact a travel professional, call 021 200 6586 or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian. 

Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.   

NCL Media Contact

PublicRelations@ncl.com

Locally Issued By:

Celine Patterson | Big Ambitions | celine@bigambitions.co.za

“We are delighted to see someone of Darryl’s calibre and extensive tourism experience take up this crucial role at SA Tourism,” says Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of FEDHASA. “His wealth of experience in tourism and hospitality, coupled with his proven track record in both the public and private sectors, makes him an excellent choice for this position.”

Erasmus brings valuable industry expertise from his previous roles with SA Tourism, Travelport, Protea Hotels, and Intercontinental Hotels, among others. 

“As our industry stands poised for growth, this strategic appointment at SA Tourism is particularly significant,” adds Anderson. “His understanding of both operational and strategic aspects of tourism will be invaluable in driving initiatives that create sustainable employment opportunities in our sector.”

“FEDHASA looks forward to working closely with Erasmus and the SA Tourism team. By implementing necessary strategies together, we can create substantial employment opportunities in tourism across our country and further strengthen South Africa’s position as a premier global tourism destination.”

***ENDS***

About FEDHASA 

Founded in 1949, a restructured and transformed FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa) is recognised by Government as the official representative of the hospitality industry of South Africa. With industry support, FEDHASA remains the umbrella association for hotels, restaurants, conference centres, caterers, self-catering accommodation, home hosting establishments (B&Bs and guest houses), clubs, taverns, shebeens, suppliers and trainers, consultants and service providers to the hospitality industry. For more information, visit https://fedhasa.co.za/ 

The unveiling of the new tourism destination brand marks a pivotal moment in the region’s journey towards promoting conservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment in the respective TFCA components across the five partner countries – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Spanning an area of approximately 520,000 square kilometres, the KAZA TFCA is the world’s largest terrestrial transfrontier conservation area. The new brand embodies the region’s rich biodiversity, iconic wildlife, vibrant cultures, and the life-giving rivers that connect it all.

“Today marks a defining moment for conservation and sustainable tourism in Africa,” says Dr. Nyambe Nyambe, Executive Director of the KAZA Secretariat. “The ‘Rivers of Life’ brand embodies our unwavering commitment to preserving the extraordinary natural and cultural heritage of the Kavango Zambezi eco-region. It is an invitation to the world to join us on a transformative journey, where the power of unity and collaboration knows no boundaries.”

The new tourism destination brand, developed by The Journey Tourism Consultant and Management, encapsulates a unique value proposition: The Rivers of Life, rich in natural and cultural diversity to share with all who love wildlife without borders.

The visual identity of the new tourism destination brand features a graphic depiction of an elephant, a keystone species whose migratory nature highlights the need for transboundary collaboration among the five KAZA countries.  

Encircling the elephant are dynamic brushstrokes in bold colours – yellow, red, blue, and green – representing the rivers, landscapes, and the vibrant cultures of the KAZA eco-region. Each colour has been carefully chosen to convey a specific aspect of Kavango Zambezi – from the warmth and energy of the African sun and its beautiful sunrises and sunsets to the blue lifeblood of the TFCA, the mighty rivers that sustain wildlife and communities, and the lush green vegetation.

A brand forged through collaboration

The development of the new Kavango Zambezi destination brand has been inclusive and participatory.

The brand launch event was graced by the presence of high-level leadership representatives from all five partner countries, underscoring the strong political commitment to this initiative. Also in attendance were key stakeholders from the tourism industry, conservation organisations, donor agencies, and local community representatives, reflecting the multi-sectoral and collaborative spirit of partnership that birthed the Kavango Zambezi “Rivers of Life” tourism destination brand.

“The journey to this momentous day has been one of extensive consultation, collaboration, and co-creation. Over the past year, we have engaged with a wide spectrum of stakeholders – from government representatives and conservation experts to tourism operators and local community leaders – across all five partner countries. This inclusive approach has ensured that our new brand is a true reflection of the shared values, aspirations, and unique attributes of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area,” explains Dr Nyambe.

The new brand represents a bold vision for the future: To see Kavango Zambezi as a well-known and valued tourism destination actively promoted by the tourism trade and appreciated by local stakeholders who can measurably see the benefits of both conservation and tourism.

To achieve this vision will require the KAZA Secretariat to:

• Follow the five governments’ lead in implementing strategies for ease of access.
• Collaborate with the tourism trade both locally and internationally to:
  • Promote awareness of Kavango|Zambezi.
  • Develop special interest products.
  • Design routes that promote cross-border travel and extend duration of visits.
  • Provide easily accessible information.
• Actively seek to ensure the inclusion of local communities.
• Ensure sustainable conservation, including consumptive use of resources, is appreciated.
• Promote the ideals of eco-tourism.
• Make a conscious contribution to combatting climate change.

“Our new brand is an open invitation to the world to experience the wonders of the Kavango Zambezi landscape,” says Dr. Nyambe. “By visiting Kavango Zambezi, travellers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the African wilderness while contributing directly to conservation efforts and the well-being of the communities who call this landscape home.”

KAZA TFCA: A new chapter begins

In the coming months, the Kavango Zambezi “Rivers of Life ” brand will be rolled out across various platforms, including brand workshops, social media, and marketing materials. The KAZA Secretariat will work closely with partner organisations to integrate the new brand into their communications and marketing efforts, ensuring a coordinated and impactful brand presence.

As the KAZA TFCA embarks on this new chapter, the organisation remains committed to its core values of conservation, cooperation, and community empowerment. With its new brand as a catalyst, KAZA TFCA further enhances its stature as a leading model for sustainable development in Africa, demonstrating that thriving wildlife, resilient communities, and responsible tourism can coexist in harmony.

For more information about the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area and its new destination brand, please visit www.kavangozambezi.org and uncoverkaza.com.

About Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA)

The Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area is the world’s largest terrestrial trans frontier conservation area, spanning five southern African countries – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Established in 2011, KAZA TFCA represents an ambitious vision for conservation, sustainable development, and regional integration. The KAZA Secretariat, formed under the KAZA Treaty, plays a vital role in coordinating and facilitating these efforts, working with a wide range of partners to achieve a shared vision for a thriving and resilient KAZA landscape.

Designed specifically for travel agents, this comprehensive resource provides exclusive access to expert information on the most sought-after destinations and experiences across Southern and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean islands.

“In our new travel brochure, we’ve showcased our wonderfully diverse continent’s most spectacular countries and regions, from South Africa’s Cape Winelands and sunny KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, Namibia, and Botswana,” says Murray Gardiner, CEO of GILTEDGE Group. “We are confident that this beautifully-packaged information will play a leading role in attracting more international visitors to Africa.”

The GILTEDGE travel brochure features detailed information on travel experiences, preferred airlines, and explores GILTEDGE’s commitment to sustainable and purposeful travel. It also highlights each destination and the company’s esteemed accommodation partners.

“At GILTEDGE, we are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism and empowering our agents to help their clients make a positive difference within the communities they visit,” adds Gardiner. “All our carefully selected partners share our values, placing sustainability at the core of their operations.”

In addition to the new travel brochure, GILTEDGE has introduced an innovative map resource. This tool allows clients to visualize their prospective itineraries, acting as a valuable aid for travel agents. The map resource can be pre-ordered separately or together with the brochure.

To pre-order the GILTEDGE brochure with map insert, interested travel trade can complete this form – GILTEDGE Brochure Pre-order.

For media enquiries, please contact inga@bigambitions.co.za

Contact GILTEDGE
International tollfree telephone:
USA: 1 877 511 6860, UK: 0800 680 0423, AUS: 1 800 737 403
South Africa telephone: +27 21 713 0296 Email: info@gilt-edge.com

Hotel management says a small, unauthorised but manageable strike has unfortunately been sensationalised by print and social media.

On 10 November, around 100 minibus taxi and bus drivers protested in the streets of Manzini over the arrest of their colleagues. According to the national news publication, the Eswatini Observer, the five were arrested for allegedly assaulting a driver, whom they accused of transporting passengers without a permit.

“The protest was confined to a small area in Manzini around the bus rank, but the rest of the city was peaceful and continued with its normal business activity,” explains Sam Nabaala, the general manager of Mountain View International by BON Hotels. 

He says the safety of guests is top priority and confirms that as a precaution, hotel management has been liaising closely with the police to ensure the safety of tour groups and guests arriving or departing, and the upholding of safe routes.

“Our good relations with the security forces allow us to make such arrangements and avoid any problematic areas and times of day. Where we think we may not be able to avoid a situation, we will inform tour groups and guests in advance.”

CEO of BON Hotels, Guy Stehlik stresses that guests are in good hands. “Their safety and security are paramount and knowing our GMs as we do, we trust them to protect our guests and to flag any issues.”

eSwatini Government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo has been quoted as saying: “Law enforcement agencies will continue to apply the law in order to uphold the rights of roads users and public transport users”. The incident is also currently being investigated.

Nabaala says it is business as usual in the city and at the hotel. “But we urge tour operators and guests to call us directly to discuss any concerns they may have, so that we can make sure they’re provided with the correct facts about the situation in eSwatini.”

This year, loved ones kept apart by restrictions and lockdowns are longing to reunite and share in each other’s joys and achievements.

As travelling together becomes more of a possibility for many, Four Seasons Safari and Islands Collection, Africa, who exhibited at ILTM Africa 2022, has announced Milestone Memories – customised celebrations of special occasions across five Four Seasons properties in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean.

ILTM ran from 11-13 April 2022 in Cape Town, a luxury trade show where global travel agents met Africa’s most spectacular luxury travel experience providers – making it the perfect place for the industry to be introduced to ‘Milestone Memories’.

From milestone birthdays and wedding anniversaries to last family vacations together post-graduation or belated celebrations from the past year, Milestone Memories will offer a tailored approach to every booking to ensure the most personalised experiences for all guests.

Guests booking a combination stay at two or more of the Four Seasons Safari and Islands Collection, Africa properties are able to benefit from resort credits per room (minimum stay length applies) and with the launch of Milestone Memories, all guests travelling together may combine their resort credits to allow each property to deliver a customised programme of celebratory events throughout their stay.

Milestone Memories: Unforgettable Celebrations

Be it a multi-generational stay, a wedding party or a group of lifelong friends, events and activities can be tailored to suit all interests and age groups, with examples including:

• Private star-gazing on the runway on Desroches Island, Seychelles – Allow the Resort’s team to set up an exclusive open-air lounge on the island’s runway from which all guests can enjoy a crystal clear view of the starry night sky, as Four Seasons serves up a choice of drinks and refreshments.  
• Sunrise hot air balloon in Serengeti – Rising early has never been so easy as when filled with the excitement of embarking on a hot air balloon safari across the Serengeti. Gaze over the savannah in search of the first wildlife movements of the day, before landing for a champagne bush breakfast. 
• Take to the surf in Seychelles – Through the Resort’s partnership with Tropicsurf, dedicated instruction is available for all levels of surfer. Explore the best waves around the island each day or simply begin to find your balance in a guided lesson on the Resort’s beach in Petite Anse bay.
• Island adventures in Mauritius – Hop aboard a short speed boat transfer to arrive at the secluded shores of Ile aux Cerfs – an island just 15 minutes away and home to the exclusive Four Seasons Beach, La Plaz Beach Grill and the Bernhard Langer design golf course. Golf tee times on this course and the Ernie Els Design course at Anahita are complimentary for all guests of the Resort, meaning guests can take their pick of exactly how to combine sporting activity with barefoot relaxation.
• Soak in the city from lunch at Flames – Enjoy a lunch served with panoramic views of Johannesburg. The vast canopy of trees is punctuated by the city’s varying neighbourhoods, all of which can be viewed as you share in the staple of a South African braai lunch.

A Customised Combination Stay, Enjoy Resorts Credits and More

No matter the combination of destinations chosen, all guests staying at two destinations or more in the Safari and Islands Collection will benefit from: 

• A USD 300 credit per room per property in Mauritius, Seychelles or Serengeti for stays of three nights or more.
• A USD 100 credit per room when staying at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg.
• Complimentary round trip airport transfers at each destination.
• A complimentary upgrade to the next room category in each property, based on availability.
• Complimentary early check in and late check out in each property, based on availability.

In conjunction with the above, if booking a Private Residence Villa or the Presidential Suite in Seychelles or Mauritius, a free-standing Villa in Serengeti or the Royal or Presidential Suite in Johannesburg, guests will receive:

• Private consultations with the Executive Chef and Spa Director in each property to customise a personal culinary and wellness program.
• An exclusive private dining experience at each property.
• A dedicated Residence Host or Private Butler to assist with every aspect of your stay.
• Unlimited, complimentary game drives at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti for the duration of the Villa stay.