Ascot Tours was proud to be represented at Karibu-Kilifair 2026 by Benjamin Murwayi, Senior Sales Consultant based in Kenya. As East Africa’s largest tourism expo, the event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with industry partners, strengthen existing relationships, and explore new developments across the region’s tourism sector.
Karibu-Kilifair is recognised as East Africa’s largest tourism and travel trade exhibition, bringing together tour operators, destination management companies, hotels, lodges, airlines, tourism boards, and travel professionals from across Africa and international markets. Hosted annually in Arusha, Tanzania, the event serves as an important platform for networking, business development, product launches, and destination promotion across the region.
The 2026 edition welcomed more than 500 exhibitors from over 15 countries, along with hundreds of international buyers and industry representatives, making it one of the most significant tourism gatherings on the African calendar. For Ascot Tours, attending Karibu-Kilifair provides valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with trusted partners, discover new tourism products, and stay informed about developments across East Africa.
Held annually in Tanzania, Karibu-Kilifair brings together tourism professionals from across East Africa and beyond, creating a valuable platform for networking, product updates, and collaboration. For Ascot Tours, the event offered an opportunity to engage directly with key suppliers and destination partners who play an important role in delivering memorable travel experiences for our clients.
One of the first observations on arrival was the strong focus on health and safety measures at border entry points. Information regarding Ebola precautions and health declaration procedures highlighted the region’s continued commitment to traveler wellbeing and responsible tourism practices.
Throughout the fair, Benjamin met with several valued partners from across East Africa. Among them was Sharif, General Manager of Ameera Africa Safaris, Ascot Tours’ trusted destination management company partner in Uganda. Their meeting provided an opportunity to discuss current market trends and opportunities for future collaboration.
The event also facilitated meetings with accommodation partners operating in some of East Africa’s most sought-after destinations. Benjamin visited Silverback Lodge in Bwindi, one of Ascot Tours’ preferred lodge partners for guests seeking unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda.
Another highlight was connecting with Plan Hotels, who showcased their new Zanzibar property, Bijoux Resort. The resort joins the group’s portfolio alongside Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani, further expanding accommodation options available to travelers visiting East Africa’s coastal destinations.
Benjamin also spent time with representatives from Sanctuary Lodges, one of Ascot Tours’ valued partners, in East Africa. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge remains a popular choice for travelers looking for comfortable accommodation in close proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and its renowned mountain gorilla experiences.
Events such as Karibu-Kilifair continue to play an important role in maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring the Ascot Tours team remains informed about new developments across the region. By attending industry gatherings such as these, our team is able to provide travel partners with current destination knowledge, product updates, and valuable insights from the ground.
We thank all our partners for their time and hospitality during the event and look forward to building on these relationships in the years ahead.