February 2026
Latest updates. New arrivals. Things to know. And so much more…
Keeping you in the know…
Here’s a round-up of important travel updates from across Southern and East Africa
From rate changes and new experiences to regulatory shifts and itinerary enhancements, this summary is designed to keep you well informed. We’ve also included a selection of our most relevant itineraries and current offers to help you craft the exceptional journeys your guests are seeking.
Click on the region below to be taken directly to the update that interests you.
Botswana | Mozambique | Namibia | South Africa | Zimbabwe | Kenya | Tanzania | Zanzibar
Move freely with Sherpa
Confidently navigate the visa requirement landscape
Your one-stop-shop; we have partnered with the renowned Sherpa platform to offer your guests a faster, more reliable and convenient access to all visa-related requirements, supporting information, and costs.
Simply select your guests’ nationality, and where they are travelling to, and Sherpa will do the rest. We love the interface and seamless navigation; ensuring a hassle-free travel experience for all.
Southern Africa
Botswana
&Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp temporarily closed for refurbishment
Set in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta and renowned for its exceptional land and water-based safari experiences, &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp will be temporarily closed for refurbishment from 01 June 2026 to 28 February 2027.
This enhancement period will ensure the camp continues to offer an intimate luxury safari experience in one of Botswana’s most pristine regions. All affected bookings will be re-accommodated at a carefully selected collection of alternative lodges and camps. Our team is on hand to assist with these arrangements, ensuring a seamless transition while matching each guest with an equally unforgettable experience.
Fly Me at a Fixed Price offer update
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge has now been added to our exclusive Fly Me at a Fixed Price offer. Valid for new bookings only, with a maximum stay of two nights at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Fly Me at a Fixed Price rate sheet: Download here
Fly Me at a Fixed Price
OFFER: Save up to USD 4,090 per person (season and itinerary dependent)
Spend three nights in the heart of Cape Town or surrounded by the quiet elegance of wine country. Then swap bustling streets for starlit skies and the call of the wild with a five-night safari in Botswana.
Fly Me around Botswana: Under Canvas
OFFER: Explore up to three &Beyond Botswana Under Canvas camps over seven nights, all for one inclusive price
Now, your guests can experience it all. One itinerary. One clear price. Their chosen all-inclusive Under Canvas accommodation, immersive experiences and seamless shared fixed-wing charter or helicopter flights between each destination, from USD 5,880 per person per 7-night stay. Every detail considered. So your guests can simply just arrive.
Mozambique
&Beyond Benguerra Island updated inclusions and exclusions
The inclusions and exclusions for &Beyond Benguerra Island have been refined, with clearer guidance on lodge transfers and experiences.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Mozambique accommodation rate sheet: Download here
Mozambique visa update
Mozambique has introduced short-notice changes to its entry requirements. A new official application portal is now live, and several fees have increased. As is often the case with regulatory updates, details are still emerging, but this is what we understand so far:
Current entry categories:
Visa required (e-visa)
- Travellers from visa-required countries must apply online via the new portal.
- Fee: USD 190 per person (previously USD 160)
eTA required (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
- Applicable to passport holders from selected countries. An eTA is not a visa, but a pre-travel authorisation for specific visa-exempt travellers from designated countries.
- Fee: USD 48 per person (previously USD 10)
- Processing: allow up to 48 hours prior to departure
Fully visa-exempt
- No e-visa or eTA required.
- Please check the portal for exempt nationalities.
Guests holding valid, existing visas do not appear to be affected. However, all new eTA and e-visa applications must be submitted via the new portal, and travellers should be advised to expect higher fees.
Namibia
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge helicopter flight saving
Enjoy an additional 25% saving on any helicopter flight booked at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Valid for new bookings made between 01 March and 30 April 2026, for travel completed by 31 December 2026.
Please connect with your preferred Travel Advisor or Travel Specialist for full details, rates and terms.
South Africa
New &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge opening 01 July 2026
In case you missed it:
- New opening date confirmed as 01 July 2026
- New child policy: 12 years and older
Updated &Beyond 2026 South Africa accommodation rate sheet: Download here
Rhino conservation experience at Phinda
Your guests can help us ensure the longevity of this wild animal by participating in either a rhino notching or a rhino de-horning experience
Depending on which research activity is available at the time, your guests will have the opportunity to assist in either a rhino notching or a rhino de-horning.
&BEYOND Phinda Zuka Lodge
A new beginning that feels like coming home
After a soulful redesign, Zuka – meaning ‘dawn’ – feels more fitting than ever. Thoughtfully renewed yet instantly recognisable, its warmth remains unchanged, ready for your return.
New Cape Town tours
Full-day Gardens Tour
Explore three of Cape Town’s most celebrated gardens: Company’s Garden, Arderne Gardens and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Lunch at a hand-picked restaurant completes this scenic and cultural experience.
Winter Blues Cultural Tour
Warm up with hot chocolate or iced coffee at Revved Up, enjoy the Museum of Illusions and discover world-class art at Zeitz MOCAA, followed by a lively city lunch.
Winter Blues Energy Tour
An active city experience combining HintHunt escape rooms, lunch at La Parada on Kloof Street and indoor climbing at CityROCK.
New Johannesburg tour
Private full-day Johannesburg wine tasting tour
A guided exploration of Johannesburg and Pretoria’s urban wine scene, featuring three distinctive tasting experiences. Lunch is scheduled at one of the venues but enjoyed at guests’ own account. Expect premium South African wines, expert hosts and a relaxed journey through Gauteng’s most characterful tasting locations.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve gate fee increase
Please note that the entrance fee for light vehicles at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve has increased to ZAR 340 per entry, effective 01 January 2026.
Zimbabwe
Change to Value Added Tax (VAT)
Zimbabwe has confirmed changes to the application of VAT on tourism activities and transfers, effective 01 January 2026, following new legislation signed into law.
In addition to the previously announced VAT increase, VAT will now apply to tourism activities and transfers that were formerly zero rated. As a result, a 15.5% VAT increase will apply to applicable services operated within Zimbabwe.
Tourism operators, including Bushtracks, have confirmed revised rates to reflect this statutory change. While the industry sought a deferment, implementation will proceed from the start of 2026. Operators emphasise this is a nationwide legislative adjustment, and efforts are underway to ensure a smooth transition for trade partners and guests.
Each supplier has advised how they will manage this increase, and all relevant information has been shared internally with our teams.
East Africa
Fly Me around East Africa offer update
- Arusha Airport added as an entry/exit option
- Tanzania Passenger Facilitation Fee, which was introduced end of last year, is now listed as included
- Scenic Wilderness now operating scheduled flights into Suyian Airstrip (subject to aircraft capacity; Loisaba Airstrip remains an alternative). Flight routing updated accordingly
Updated &Beyond 2026 Fly Me around East Africa rate sheet: Download here
Kenya
Kichwa Tembo concession update
The Kichwa Tembo concession bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve is now fully managed by the Mara Triangle following a gradual transition over several years.
Safari vehicles that have paid the Mara Triangle concession fee may access the area. The Mara Triangle now oversees road maintenance and anti-poaching efforts. The concession remains quieter due to its location away from the main road network, with limited traffic except during major wildlife sightings.
&Beyond continues to operate with flexibility, including night drives, sundowners and bush dinners.
Night game drives reinstated at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and Bateleur Camp
- Subject to availability and weather conditions
- Terms and conditions apply
Updated &Beyond 2026 Kenya activity rate sheet: Download here
&Beyond Suyian Lodge camel activity name change
The “Walking with camels” activity has been updated to “Camel experience”.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Kenya activity rate sheet: Download here
&Beyond Suyian Lodge to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip flight rate increase
A slight increase has been applied to flights between &Beyond Suyian Lodge and Kichwa Tembo Airstrip.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Kenya ground handling transfer rate sheet: Download here
&Beyond Kenya lodge and camp transfer timing guidelines
Transfer timing guidelines have been added to assist with itinerary planning.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Kenya ground handling rate sheets: Download here
Scenic Wilderness flights into Suyian Airstrip
Scheduled services are now operating, subject to carrying capacity, with Loisaba Airstrip remaining an alternative.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Kenya accommodation, Fly Me around East Africa and ground handling transfer rate sheets: Download here
Explore &Beyond Suyian Lodge
New showcase video
Mt Kenya silhouettes the horizon. The Ewaso Narok River threads below. Here, among ancient kopjes and vast landscapes, a deeper sort of safari awaits. Set within 17,806 hectares (44,000 acres) of unfenced wilderness, the land teems with wonder. Black leopards slip through the shadows. Samburu guides trace ancestral trails. At its heart, the Rock Sanctuary keeps silent vigil.
Step into the wild. Without leaving home.
Join &BEYOND guide Kris “Harri” Harrison on a virtual safari journey through some of our most iconic wildlife destinations. Along the way, she shares remarkable stories of the creatures who call these places home, and the wild rhythms that connect them all.
Tanzania
&Beyond Klein’s Camp concession fee increase
Park fees at &Beyond Klein’s Camp will increase to align with Serengeti lodges and camps that charge both park and concession fees. Previously, a portion of the concession fee was absorbed; this will now be reflected in the park fee.
The increase applies to new bookings made from 01 March 2026 only. Existing bookings will be honoured.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Tanzania accommodation rate sheet: Download here
&Beyond Tanzania lodge and camp transfer timing guidelines
Transfer timing guidelines have been updated to assist with itinerary planning.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Tanzania ground handling rate sheets: Download here
Zanzibar
Helicopter transfers now available to &Beyond Mnemba Island
Guests may now opt for a helicopter transfer, routing via Matemwe landing site, followed by a short road and boat transfer to &Beyond Mnemba Island.
- Flight time from Zanzibar Airport: approx. 20 minutes
- Followed by a 30-minute road transfer and 15-minute boat transfer (included)
- Luggage limit: 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including hand luggage
Luggage allowance applies to a maximum of two guests travelling by air, with each guest permitted soft-sided luggage up to 15 kg (33 lbs.), including hand luggage. For parties of three or more, or where luggage exceeds 15 kg per person, luggage will be transferred by road at an additional cost.
For flights arriving at Zanzibar International Airport after 16h00, luggage will be delivered the following morning. Guests are advised to pack an overnight bag.
- Transfers operate only during designated time windows (please contact us for guidelines)
Please note: The helicopter is not permitted to fly over Mnemba Island. Guests will see the island from a distance during landing, but the flight path does not pass directly over the island en route to the landing site.
Updated &Beyond 2026 Tanzania accommodation, Fly Me to the Beach and ground handling transfer rate sheets: Download here
Witness incredible sightings seen by our guides and guests
Partner Resources
Tools for you to use
Here you will find all the resources you need to be an &BEYOND expert. Specially curated for your convenience, visit our Partner Resources page – your comprehensive toolkit of resources – to help you promote and, where appropriate, encourage you to convert new business.