Entry rules shift and demand climbs, while leopard policy raises client questions

Kenya requires an Electronic Traveller Health Surveillance Form, issued as a QR code, for arrivals from at-risk countries. Ethiopia is on that list, and the requirement applies to transit passengers. Clients flying to Kenya on Ethiopian Airlines connections through Addis Ababa should complete the form before departure to avoid delays at entry.

The eTA rules also apply. It is not a visa, it is valid for 90 days from issue, and applying about two weeks ahead is recommended. Add both steps to pre-departure checklists for East Africa itineraries routed via Ethiopia.

• Health form (QR code): required for arrivals from at-risk countries, including transit via Ethiopia
• eTA: valid 90 days from issue; apply about two weeks ahead

Nigerian passport holders can now use Tanzania's standard visa process instead of seeking pre-approval, effective immediately. This is not visa-free, and it does not confirm visa on arrival, so clients still need to apply.

For advisors selling the West African market, the change gives a faster booking path to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Check current requirements with the Tanzanian authorities before confirming timelines for specific clients.

South Africa's draft National Leopard Strategy admits that population estimates range from 2,185 to 23,400. Export quotas for trophy hunting in 2026–27 were set anyway. The consultation closed around October 4, and conservation groups are contesting the quotas.

The commercial risk is reputational and policy-related. Clients who book for leopard sightings may ask where their operators stand, and the policy could change. Advisors should have a position ready for conservation-minded clients.

August arrivals topped one million, up 7.4%. Jan–Aug arrivals reached 7.58 million, up 11.7%. The US (37,134 in August), the UK and Germany are the top overseas markets.

This points to tighter availability and firmer pricing for peak 2027 safari and Cape inventory. Advisors with clients in those source markets should book early.

Ndzhaka is a new 15-tent unfenced camp in Manyeleti, which borders Sabi Sands, Kruger and Timbavati. Each tent has a private heated pool and a boma. The camp takes children aged 6 and up, with a maximum of seven guests per vehicle.

Trade-only opening rates start at R6,250 per person sharing, all-inclusive. That is well below Sabi Sands pricing, which makes the camp a lower-priced Big Five alternative. The rate comes from a launch release and is unverified. FAM trips and rate sheets are available on request.

Elewana will open the 84-room Ngorongoro Explorer Lodge in June 2027. It sits on the eastern crater rim, 15 minutes from the crater gate. Advisors can plan 2027 Northern Circuit itineraries around the date.

The lodge replaces an existing property, so it adds no net bed nights. It will not ease the tight Ngorongoro availability, and peak-season requests there should still be placed early.