News and Notes

1/1/2022

Luggage Policy Revised

 Wilderness Air now has a more generous luggage policy. Charter flights in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe still require soft bags but now allow a rigid structure at the base – including wheels and/or a collapsible handle. In Namibia, ONLY soft duffel/tog type bags will be accepted – no frames or rigid structures may be transported as these cannot physically fit into the aircraft. Wheels on a bag are only permissible if they are not part of a solid frame or rigid structure. The maximum dimensions of all bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 30 cm (11.8 inches) wide x 35 cm (13.8 inches) high and 70 cm (27.5 inches) long. The maximum weight limit, including carry-on hand luggage and camera equipment, remains 20 kg (44 lb) per person.

Big Jump in Tourist Arrivals to Africa

Tourist arrival numbers to Africa from key source markets across the globe, were at their highest for 2021 last month, with 54% of supplier respondents operating at occupancies of 40% to 80%. This is according to the latest monthly African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) Snapshot Survey. Tanzania was most popular, followed closely by Kenya, South Africa and Botswana. 

Airline updates

United Airlines has resumed nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Cape Town (CPT). The resumed flight, which operates three times a week, complements United's existing five times weekly service to Johannesburg. Flights depart Newark at 8:30pm arriving in Cape Town at 6:00pm local time the next day. The return flight leaves Cape Town at 8:50pm and arrives in Newark at 5:50pm eastern standard time the next day.

Also, British Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a codeshare agreement to expand each other's networks and offer travelers greater flight options to East Africa.

Alphonse and Innocent, the first FGASA-qualified guides in Rwanda

Magashi Junior Guides Alphonse Ntabana and Innocent Tuyisenge both recently passed their Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Apprentice Field Guide qualifications, the first Rwandan citizens to do so. Alphonse and Innocent began working at Magashi Camp before it opened to guests in May of 2019, training in the beautiful verdant Akagera National Park.

Wilderness Safaris registered them for the FGASA course to study while working, taking advantage of the chance to learn from some of the "best in the business," combining knowledge from Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and, of course, the experienced senior guides at Magashi. Both guides duly completed all the required work modules and theory assessments, under the mentorship of Magashi's Guide Trainer and Senior Guide Luke Abbot.

At the beginning of November, Guide Trainer and FGASA assessor Henry Parsons visited Magashi to complete the guides' practical assessments. Henry was impressed with their knowledge and the Magashi Property, noting: "It is an honor and privilege to play my part in developing the Rwandan safari industry, none of which would be possible without the hard work of Alphonse and Innocent".

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