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

The third annual Africa Travel Content Creator Conference (AFTCOC) will be hosted in Kampala, the Ugandan capital city, come October. The flagship event brings the continent’s finest digital storytellers in one place for one purpose only: to present pure and powerful African tourism. The conference will be held at the Protea Skys Hotel and expects over 200 content creators in attendance, specifically bloggers, vloggers, tourism boards, and brands.

Organized by Taste of Africa Vibes, one of the prominent Facebook communities with over 67,000 international members, the AFTCOC is focused on bringing influential African travel influencers to the forefront. The conference wants to connect the local and global tourism experts with the influencers to learn from each other, refine storytelling skills, and showcase the continent’s unseen to the world.

Online Marketplace for African Travel Content Creators

This year’s tagline, “Unveiling Africa Through Creative Content,” highlights the urgency to explore and promote the off-the-beaten-path places in Africa. With its intriguing cultural existence, vibrant arts scene, and natural appeal, Uganda presents the perfect backdrop for these proceedings. “It’s a wonderful achievement for Uganda to have this conference here,” says Precious Gumisiriza, who refers to herself as The Mukiga Traveller. “We will learn how to tell the best story about ourselves by listening to the masters of the digital storytelling craft.”

Kampala, being one of the fastest-rising cities in Africa, offers more than the venue for the event. The city in itself is the cultural centre, providing the perfect ambience for the content producers to feel and capture the culture, music, arts, and history of Africa. Through hosting the conference, the country will also promote itself as the next upcoming world tourism destination, aimed at tourists as well as business investors.

Ticketing and Accommodation Details

The three-day festival will be laden with seminars, conferences, and panel meetings discussing the subjects of content creation, digital marketing, and the role of the influencer in tourism. The organizers of the festival have various grades of tickets to make sure they accommodate everybody because the early punter tickets come at UGX 150,000 and regular tickets at UGX 180,000. The funds will enable the attendee to participate in all the activities at the conference including the performances as well as the question-and-answer sessions with the professionals in the field.

Protea Skys Hotel has assured of its preparedness to receive the conference, providing special rates for accommodation at single occupancy at USD 130 for visiting guests. David Omondi Onyango, on behalf of the hotel, indicated the hotel’s enthusiasm for hosting the conference guests, stating, “As a hotel, we stand prepared to offer our guests the best experience alongside the promotion of the hospitality in Uganda.”

A Focus on Sponsorship and Collaboration Opportunities

Ajena Jafar, one of the main partners of the festival, mentioned the tremendous value of the partnership with the Taste of Africa Vibes and the sponsorship opportunities available. The local tourism boards, the businesses, and the stakeholders in general will be able to promote the brands to the entire global community, forming significant relationships that would most assuredly reap future opportunities for collaboration and additional publicity.

“Small- and medium-scale enterprises within the local community will be able to present their services to content producers and tourism experts from around the world,” explained Jafar. “The partnership has the potential to benefit the Ugandan economy and promote the country’s image in global tourism arenas.”

Elevating Kampala’s Profile as the Top Travel Destination

The ultimate goal of the Africa Travel Content Creator Conference is to highlight the beauty and wealth of Uganda and the other African countries. Kampala’s budding tourism industry offers the city the chance to not just showcase its culture but to advance responsible tourism practices as well. Through the addition of digital storytelling events, seminars on content creation, and networking events for local enterprises, the AFTCOC is building the foundation for future partnerships in ensuring responsible travel.

The conference will also discuss how content creators can advocate for awareness regarding off-the-beaten-path sites in Africa and showcase them as competitive tourist sites. Considering local businesses, tourism boards, and international creators, the conference will advocate for the popularity of Kampala and Uganda as leading 2025 and beyond trip destinations.

Conclusion: An African Tourism Transformation Event

As the AFTCOC approaches, the tourism circles in Uganda grow more and more excited in anticipation of the encounter of the wave of innovativeness and creativeness bound to emanate from the conference. The event shall not only be where the content creators shall learn the most but shall also offer insightful understanding on how the tourism brand of Africa shall be great in the world. Kampala being the destination, the city shall consolidate its role as the driving force behind the initiative to showcase the tourism of Africa by digital means and creative storytelling.

Source : Travel and Tour world

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming the intention to enter a strategic partnership which will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased flights between the East African state and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.

The MoU signing took place in Doha between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr.  Allan Kilavuka.

The partnership will see Qatar Airways introducing a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, with flights due to be available for booking over the coming days. The new offering will be complemented by the launch of Kenya Airways operated, and Qatar Airways marketed, flights between Mombasa and Doha during the coming winter season. The two airlines will also codeshare on both networks to offer seamless connections and greater choice for travellers from around the world.

Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways will look to develop collaboration in other parts of the business, including cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul.

 Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement – which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya – is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.”

 Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, said: “This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways’ return to profit for the first time in more than a decade earlier this year. The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East Africa region.”

 The partnership highlights two leading airlines collaborating to bring excellence to their global community of travellers. Kenya Airways, for the fourth consecutive year, has been recognised as Africa’s Leading Airline and Business Class by the World Travel Awards 2025.

 Qatar Airways – the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East and the reigning World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax in 2025 – offers over 170 weekly flights to 30 cities across Africa.

Over the past year, Qatar Airways has also optimised its schedule in most African destinations to improve connectivity to key destinations, including Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York, and Washington through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.

Source : Breaking Travel News