South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has unveiled two new digital visa schemes – STAGES and MEETS – aimed at strengthening the country’s appeal as a premier destination for film production and global events. Announced by Minister Leon Schreiber during the Home Affairs budget vote, the initiatives will streamline visa access for international film crews and attendees at large-scale events such as conferences and sports tournaments. STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) is designed to facilitate rapid visa approvals for production companies, while MEETS (Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme) will enable faster, online processing for event participants.

The new visas align with broader efforts to position South Africa as a competitive hub for cultural, sporting, and business tourism, with backing from the City of Cape Town. Events hosted in Cape Town over the coming years are forecast to generate R745 million in economic impact and draw over 27,000 delegates by 2028. Complementing these efforts, Home Affairs is also rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system by September and expanding its Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which has already brought over 17,000 tourists from India and China since February. These measures support tourism growth and job creation across the industry.

Source: atta.travel

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning travel to the US from nationals of 12 countries, which was effective on June 9.

The countries listed are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Nationals from a further seven countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – will face partial travel restrictions.

So far, only the African Union, which represents all 55 nations on the African continent, Chad, Somalia and Venezuela have responded. Here is what they said.

Chad President Mahamat Déby said he has told his government to “act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity” and has suspended issuing visas to US citizens.

“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has its dignity and pride,” he said in a statement.

Somalia, whose nationals are banned, had a different response and made an immediate promise to work with the US to address security issues.

Somali ambassador to the US, Dahir Hassan Abdi, said: “Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised.”

Meanwhile, African Union called on the US to “engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned”.

In a statement, it appealed to the US to exercise its sovereign right to protect its borders and its citizens’ security “in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa”.

The union said it remains concerned about the “potential negative impact of such measures”, and added that it “stands ready to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation”.

The ban has also drawn ire from Venezuela, whose Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned Venezuelans in the US.

“The truth is being in the United States is a big risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans,” he warned, adding that the US is governed by what he called “bad people – it’s fascism, they are supremacists who think they own the world and persecute our people for no reason”.

Venezuela is one of the seven countries listed with partial restrictions. Since starting his second term, Trump has deported several Venezuelans alleged to be gang members to El Salvador.

Trump’s proclamation stated that the list would be evaluated in three months, and then every six months after that.

“The list is subject to revision based on whether material improvements are made, and likewise, new countries can be added as threats emerge around the world,” he explained on Truth Social.

In his video shared on the platform, he said: “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States.”

As well as security risks, Trump’s proclamation gave other reasons, such as the listed countries having “taken advantage” of the US by exploiting its visa system, as well as nationals from certain countries, who “pose significant risks” of overstaying their visas.

Source: BBC.com

The Maasai Mara National Reserve has officially been included in the World Book of Records for hosting the World’s Greatest Annual Terrestrial Wildlife Migration.

The migration involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles that traverse the Maasai Mara and Serengeti reserve in Tanzania, at particular times of the year, especially in the rainy season, in search of fresh grazing lands and water.

As a result of this, millions of tourists from all over the world travel to witness the migration, which is considered a wonder of the world. 

In a letter addressed to the Narok Governor, Patrick Ole Ntuntu, World Books of Records President Santosh Shukla, said that the migration was the largest and most dramatic animal migration in the world. 

According to Santosh, the record reflected the reserve’s contribution to wildlife conservation and sustainable eco-tourism.

“We are delighted to inform you that the Maasai Mara National Reserve has been officially included in World Book of Records under the distinguished title: ‘World’s Greatest Annual Terrestrial Wildlife Migration’ for hosting the largest and most dramatic annual land animal migration on Earth, involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes traversing the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem,” part of the letter read.

“To commemorate this prestigious inclusion, we would be honoured to present the official World Record Certificate at the campus of Maasai Mara National Reserve. We request your kind confirmation for a suitable date and time for this presentation ceremony,” it added.

Welcoming the record, the governor asserted that the migration will remain fundamental in highlighting the ecological significance of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem, which harbours over 25% of Kenya’s biodiversity.

Established in 1961, the national reserve has stood out as one of the key tourism hubs in the country. The reserve hosts over 95 species of wild animals and more than 570 bird species.

Ntuntu has assured that the county government will remain at the forefront in ensuring that the national reserve remains a tourist destination, especially by reinforcing its infrastructural and security capacity.

“The migration is more than just a spectacle. As the herds arrive in Kenya, they come to mate and graze, making our country a vital link in the continuity of this extraordinary natural phenomenon,” he said.

“Upon assuming office two and a half years ago, my administration launched an ambitious campaign to restructure and revitalise the Maasai Mara National Reserve, to preserve and enhance this invaluable natural asset,” Ntuntu said.

Source : Kenyans.co.ke

From award-winning luxury in the skies to surprising underdogs with budget brilliance, these are the top airlines making long-haul travel less of a chore and more of a journey.

When it comes to international air travel, a few names consistently rise above the clouds—not just for their sleek branding, but for how they deliver on comfort, service, and value across continents.

Top airlines by region

• Qatar Airways (Middle East): Frequently ranked as the world’s best airline, Qatar offers plush cabins, top-tier inflight entertainment, and the luxurious Hamad International Airport in Doha as a transit hub. South Africans favour it for seamless connections to Europe and Asia, plus a reputation for punctuality.
• Singapore Airlines (Asia): A gold standard in hospitality, this airline is known for its generous legroom, gourmet menus, and polished service. It’s especially popular for routes to Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond.
• Turkish Airlines (Europe/Global Connector): Flying to more countries than any other airline, Turkish makes Istanbul a valuable stopover point. Add in great meal service and competitive pricing, and it becomes a savvy pick for cost-conscious international travellers.
• Emirates (Global/Middle East): A favourite from South Africa, Emirates combines excellent entertainment, well-appointed aircraft (especially on A380 routes), and family-friendly service. Their Dubai hub is also a traveller’s playground during long layovers.

What matters most to travellers: Airlines by category

Rather than thinking in terms of “best overall,” travellers are increasingly choosing airlines that deliver where it matters most to them:

• Best for Comfort: Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways lead the pack, even in economy. Think adjustable headrests, mood lighting, and quiet cabins. Emirates’ A380 fleet also scores high on spaciousness.
• Best for Food: Turkish Airlines serves up hearty, culturally rich meals, while Qatar and Emirates add touches of fine dining to their in-flight cuisine, even in economy class. Air France is also a strong contender.
• Best for Budget: Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad (when running specials), and some seasonal flights from Kenya Airways can save thousands of rands, especially on last-minute bookings or long-haul routes with one stop.
• Best for Families: Lufthansa and British Airways are leading when it comes to family travel, while Emirates also has a strong track record with family seating and children’s meals.
• Best for Loyalty & Miles: Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue, Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer, Qatar’s Privilege Club, and Emirates Skywards all offer excellent mileage programs, especially if you’re a frequent international flyer who values upgrades and priority boarding.
• Best for Eco-Conscious Flyers: For eco-conscious travellers, a number of airlines are leading the charge toward greener skies. United Airlines, Lufthansa, JetBlue, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Singapore Airlines have all made notable investments in sustainable aviation fuel, next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft, and carbon offset programmes.

Hidden gems: Underrated airlines worth booking

Beyond the big names, a few lesser-known airlines are quietly winning hearts with service, value, and clever routes:

• Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca) offers a gateway to Europe and North America with affordable fares and a cultural twist.
• Oman Air has quietly upped its game, offering elegant service and comfortable cabins on long-haul flights, particularly for those heading to Asia.
• Kenya Airways connects well with Johannesburg and offers affordable flights to Europe and the Middle East—a smart pick for budget-savvy travellers.
• SAUDIA (Saudi Arabian Airlines) has made major improvements in recent years, offering generous luggage allowances and updated in-flight tech—but be sure to research layover policies if you’re not entering the country.

The best airline for international travel ultimately depends on your destination, budget, and what you value most in the air. Whether you’re looking for gourmet meals at 30,000 feet, child-friendly cabins, or a wallet-friendly connection to Europe, there’s an airline that gets it right — and gets you there in style.

Source : Getaway

Kenya will pitch for an additional three flight frequencies to the United Kingdom(UK) for its national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), as part of a strategy to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said that Kenya will seek an extra three frequencies to London’s main Heathrow Airport.

“We will be pitching for three more frequencies to Heathrow in the next season, even with Gatwick, three additional frequencies would be quite good,” he said in an interview at Gatwick last week.

KQ currently has 10 flight frequencies to the UK, with seven to Heathrow and three to Gatwick Airport where it commenced direct flights on July 2, 2025.

Mr Chichir said that British Airways, which currently operates seven weekly flights into Nairobi, has been granted an additional three frequencies into Heathrow.

“You can see the kind of fair game you play even as you open the skies. We open it to the extent that we are working on reciprocal and win-win arrangements,” the CS said.

Julius Thairu, KQ’s Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, in a separate interview, said that the London route remains one of the airline’s most profitable, with the addition of the Gatwick route expected to boost its broader expansion goals.

“…We fly seven times daily to Heathrow, and we’re almost full year-round. But Heathrow has limitations with landing slots, so we are not able to actually increase our frequencies,” he said.

According to Mr Thairu, the London market alone contributes over 10 percent of the airline’s total turnover. The new second London gateway in Gatwick is expected to boost the turnover with the addition of 700 additional weekly seats into the UK market.

Gatwick Airport located in West Sussex, England is 47.5 kilometres south of Central London–making it a convenient gateway for travelers from the Southeast and South of England.

The shift to Gatwick also comes against the backdrop of operational constraints at Heathrow, where the KQ said that obtaining additional landing rights has become costly.

“There are a few slots left [at Heathrow], but you have to cough out hundreds of millions of dollars to buy those slots and I don’t think that makes business sense,” Mr Thairu added.

In 2016, KQ sold its 5:30 a.m. Heathrow arrival slot to Oman Air for about Sh5.3 billion.

The early morning slots tend to be valuable to airlines due to passenger demand, which can fall by up to 50 percent by evening, giving such time windows premium status among global carriers. Heathrow now stands with one landing slot daily for KQ.

Source : Business Daily

Imagine travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 30 minutes. That will become a reality with Etihad Rail’s high-speed passenger service. As the UAE’s national railway network, Etihad Rail is set to transform the way people move — offering a clean, fast, and efficient alternative to road travel.

Since its launch in 2009, Etihad Rail has steadily progressed through major milestones. Now, with the full rail network complete, passenger trains will start running next year realising a 17-year national ambition.

The journey began with the transport of granulated sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais along a 264 km stretch in 2016. Four years later, a major expansion connected the entire country from Ghuweifat on the western border of Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the eastern coast.

With construction of the passenger stations nearing completion, the trains will soon be speeding across the Emirates, bringing communities closer and shaping a new era of transportation in the UAE.

What Is Etihad Rail?

Etihad Rail, founded in June 2009, is the UAE’s national railway network linking Oman and Saudi Arabia. It is funded by the Federal Government of the UAE and the Government of Abu Dhabi.

The modern, high-speed rail system, with a standard track gauge of 1,435mm, will make travel between emirates faster, greener and more convenient. The 1,200km track is expected to carry over 60 million tonnes of freight and 36.5 million passengers by 2030.

Why is it important?

Etihad Rail will change public transport in the UAE and the broader Gulf region. This is what it will do

• Reduce road traffic by moving heavy cargo off highways
• Cut carbon emissions by offering a greener alternative to trucks
• Improve logistics for businesses and industries
• Connect communities with faster and more reliable travel
• Support the economy by linking key trade and industrial hubs

How big is the network?

The full network will span 1,200 km across the UAE — from Ghuweifat on the Abu Dhabi-Saudi Arabia border to Fujairah on the east coast.

 

What are the phases of the project?

The project is being completed in phases:

Stage One: Operational since 2016, transporting freight like granulated sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais along a 264km route in 2016.

Stage Two: In 2023, the 900km rail network linking all seven emirates was complete, This connects major cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Freight train operations were launched across the country

Stage Three: Connection to a proposed pan-GCC rail network linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

Also Read:UAE’s Etihad rail to launch in 2026: Station locations, timings, speed and future Oman link explained

 

What are the freight points?

The network links key maritime ports and industrial zones, including Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the Port of Fujairah, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Al Ruwais, and Ghuweifat, enhancing logistics and trade capabilities.

Will Etihad Rail transport passengers also?

Etihad Rail will also offer passenger rail services from next year, making travel across the UAE faster, cheaper, and more comfortable.

Speed: Trains are expected to travel up to 200 km/h for passengers.

Time-saving: Normal travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai could take just 50 minutes.

Comfort: Modern trains will offer spacious seating, Wi-Fi, and amenities.

Which are the main stations?

The main passenger train stations will be in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. They will have business-class lounges, retail outlets and family-friendly amenities. The station’s designs will be inspired by Emirati heritage.

Which are the locations of the main stations?

The first passenger station is constructed in Sakamkam, Fujairah, followed by another station near University City of Sharjah. The six other key stations are Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as stations near Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf in Dubai.

The Dubai station is under construction near the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. In Abu Dhabi, one station is expected along the pipeline corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, between Dalma Mall and Mussafah bus station, adjacent to Phoenix Hospital.

 

Which cities will Etihad Rail connect?

The network will cover 1,200 km, connecting 11 cities and regions across the seven emirates. It will stretch from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi’s western region to Fujairah on the east coast.

Key stops include Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. Future plans include linking the network with Oman, further expanding regional connectivity.

How will Etihad Rail solve the connections to final destinations or the last mile?

Last mile public transport refers to the initial or final legs of a journey using public transport. For Etihad Rail, the passenger train stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah will be integrated with metro and bus networks for seamless multimode travel.

People will also can use shared mobility options like e-scooters and bikes, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.

What is the speed of the trains?

The passenger trains of Etihad Rail will speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing travel times by 30 to 40 per cent compared to existing transport options. The Abu Dhabi-Dubai high speed train is expected to touch 350km/h.

 

What are the travel times?

These are the estimated journey durations for key routes.

Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes

Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais: 70 minutes

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes

Can you travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 30 minutes?

A high-speed train project connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 30 minutes was unveiled at the Al Faya Depot in Abu Dhabi on January 23, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. Run by Etihad Rail, the train will travel at speeds of up to 350km/ hour, stopping at six stations — Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Zayed Airport in Abu Dhabi and Al Maktoum Airport and Jaddaf in Dubai.

What’s the capacity of each train?

Each passenger train can carry up to 400 passengers. Modern amenities aboard trains include Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, food and beverage options.

What is payment option?

Nol cards will be accepted for travel on Etihad Rail. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Etihad Rail signed an agreement to integrate ticket booking and fare payment with the nol system.

What’s the UAE-Oman rail link?

In 2024, the UAE and Oman announced the Hafeet Rail project to connect the two countries by train. Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company signed an agreement to commence construction.

Hafeet Rail, the formerly Oman and Etihad Rail Company, will connect the Omani port city of Sohar with the UAE national railway network. The 303km line is part of the project to connect Gulf Cooperation Council states.

The $3 billion network will help boost cross-border trade by connecting commercial ports in Oman and UAE. Passenger trains will reduce travel time from Sohar to Abu Dhabi to 1 hour 40 minutes and from Sohar to Al Ain to 47 minutes.

Source : Gulf News

The Kenya Wildlife Service is seeking to raise park entry fees for the first time in 18 years to address a Sh12 billion annual budget deficit. Under the proposed 2025 regulations, entry into premium parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru will rise to Sh1,500 for locals and Sh11,660 for foreigners.

Nairobi National Park fees will more than double to Sh1,000 for locals and Sh10,360 for tourists. Charges for minors and access to other parks like Tsavo, Meru, and scenic reserves will also increase significantly.

KWS says over 90 percent of its revenue comes from tourism, yet 78% of its budget goes to security. A pricing study shows most visitors would accept higher fees if tied to better services. Despite fears of reduced appeal, KWS projects that revenue will rise to Sh16.58 billion by year four.

Proposed park entry fee hike

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Locals: Sh430 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $43 (Sh5,570) → $80 (Sh10,360)

TSAVO EAST & WEST
Locals: Sh515 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,700) → $80 (Sh10,360)

MERU, KORA, ABERDARE PARKS
Locals: Sh300 → Sh800
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,724) → $70 (Sh9,070)

SCENIC PARKS (HELL’S GATE, LONGONOT, ETC.)
Locals: Sh300 → Sh500

Source : Nation Media