Road’s Best Travelled Blog

26 January 2024

Ethiopian Airline’s new service from London Gatwick to Addis

I have worked in the African travel industry for over 25 years, 23 of those based in the UK. I have been very lucky to travel “home” to South Africa more times than I can count over this period, for a few family holidays  - but mainly for work (lucky me!), hosting many travel agent and media trips across the African continent.

No matter how many times I visit, the minute my feet are back on UK soil I’m already thinking about my next trip. So, when an opportunity arose for me to pop home for 10 days in November, I jumped at the chance!

I live in West Sussex, a 10-minute drive away from Gatwick airport – so I was super excited to hear that Ethiopian Airlines  were launching a new service out of our local airport on 21 November 2023.  I was invited to give it a try – and didn’t need to think twice!

Online Check-in

I downloaded the app and checked in 72 hours before travel.  They emailed me a few reminders in the lead up to my trip and I was given the option of bidding for an upgrade, to reserve extra legroom or to book an empty seat beside me ($90). Because it was the inaugural flight, I decided to take my chances, hoping it wouldn’t be full - and ended up having three seats in economy class - and a window to myself.  I lifted up the arm rests and had a comfortable nap!  I had the same on the way back, although the flight was a lot fuller.

What a Send Off

I always like to get to the airport with time to spare so I checked in at the North terminal 3 hours before and then went and relaxed in the Plaza Premium Lounge at North Terminal Departures.  Because it was the first Ethiopian flight out of Gatwick, they gave us a bit of a send-off at the gates, doing a raffle for a free flight and a free Upgrade to Business Class, which certainly caused a bit of a buzz in the departure lounge.  Their team gave a couple of short speeches, and we all got a delicious slice of celebratory cake and an iced aeroplane biscuit before boarding! 

The aircraft was a fairly new looking Airbus A350-900. We departed at 10h10 in the morning which I really enjoyed as there is no pressure to sleep on a day flight. 

The Ethiopian Airlines flight 

There was a good selection of classic and new movies and TV series on the inflight entertainment as well as music etc.   I ended up watching one of my favourite movies, Life as We Know It.  Who doesn’t love a little bit of Josh Duhamel on a daytime flight? The crew were attentive and friendly, and the food was tasty.  I’m not a big fan of eating on flights – but the curry and rice was good.  My screen didn’t work on the return journey, but I took the chance to read a book  from cover to cover (a rare treat for me), so it was not a problem.

Hello Addis Ababa

We landed at Addis Ababa’s  Bole International airport around 20h40 that evening.  I managed to navigate my way around the airport pretty well and there were plenty of transit signs in English to follow.  It was my second time traveling via Bole, and I was pleasantly surprised at all the upgrades it is had since I was last there about a decade ago. 

I only had 2 hours and 50 minutes layover in Addis, but by the time I had disembarked, queued, gone through 2 rounds of security and found my gate location  - there wasn’t really enough time to find the lounge, so I just grabbed a couple of samosas and a cup of coffee at a café down by the departure gate which for us was C3. I also wanted to buy a cold drink from the little shop but be warned,  they don’t take card payments, and you don’t get change if you pay with foreign currency. Very expensive bottle of Coke!

Another bit of advice I will share is don’t put on your mobile roaming.  It seemed like there would be a minimal cost to quickly connect and let my family know I was fine – but I got a whopping bill for £40 the next day.  So, stick to Wi-Fi only!

You land at OR Tambo at around 4am in the morning, which sounds early – but actually was so much better than joining the crowds off the direct flights which all seem to land between 6 and 7am.  The airport was super quiet, and we barely had to queue at all for passport control  - although baggage collection did take a little while to come through.

My trip Back to the UK

On the way home my flight departed Joburg at 14h30 on a Saturday which was quite convenient as we managed to avoid rush hour traffic.  Check in and bag drops are at Gates B068 - B075 which is a little confusing as I initially tried to check in at International departures on the far left of the airport and then had to walk all the way to the opposite end.   I did some quick shopping (beaded Christmas decorations, Johnny Clegg’s book and a big handful of peppermint crisps ) and then enjoyed a buffet lunch in the very swish Aspire lounge.  It’s quite a new lounge and they have the most delicious mini milk tarts!  Anyone can pay to access the lounge – Its about £26 pp but includes 3 hours of unlimited (delicious!) food, drinks and Wi-Fi. I got in with my Priority Pass for free.

You land in Ethiopia at about 20h45 with 3 and half hour’s stopover as the Gatwick flight departs Addis just after midnight at 00h15. The queues for security and security were quite long but moved fairly quickly.   Thankfully, I had  time to go and enjoy the  Sheba Cloud Nine C9 Business Lounge, opposite gate A13.  It is absolutely huge so seats a lot of people (and it was full, so clearly very popular!) and they have a hot buffet available despite being very late.  I tried out some local delicacies, caught up on my emails and used the facilities.  They have a special children’s room which looked handy for families, and you can even take part in a traditional Ethiopian Coffee ceremony as you walk in.  If you are not traveling in Business Class, I’d recommend getting a Priority Pass which will give you access to the Plaza Premium Lounge – and many others around the world. The airport is very busy so finding a space to sit and relax is great. Alternatively, The Gold Lounge is available to Sheba Miles & Star Alliance members.

The flight lands at Gatwick at 05h15 so you can be home to unload your bags of fizzers and Niknaks in time for breakfast!  

Addis Ababa -a Hub/Hive of Activity!

Addis Ababa is a hub – connecting over 62 destinations in Africa, not to mention hundreds globally.

The flying time from Gatwick to Addis (3,651 miles) was around 7 and a half hours and then it was 5 and a half hours to Joburg – so all in all 13 hours in the seat – so not too much longer than a direct flight (usually 11 hours direct to Joburg), but with the opportunity to break the journey and stretch your legs along the way – and save some money!  Cape Town is just one hour extra.   

An affordable option for expats visiting friends and family.

Travelling with Ethiopian Airways to Johannesburg is a very affordable and pretty straightforward. At the time of my trip, they were running a launch special of around £527 including taxes but of course these prices fluctuate with demand.   A lovely benefit of travelling with Ethiopian is you get 2 x 23 kgs of luggage as standard so you can take an extra case for gifts and shopping!  Be sure to sign up to their Sheba loyalty scheme to clock up your air miles. What I did enjoy was that warm African hospitality from start to finish.  Your African adventure starts at Gatwick, which is not something you get when you are connecting via the Middle East or Europe. The routing is also far more direct as the crow/aircraft flies!

BOOK NOW on https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa

Lead in low season LGW JNB LGW economy: GBP507 inc. taxes

Lead in low season LGW JNB LGW business:  GBP1530 inc. taxes

Why Gatwick?

Flying out of Gatwick is very convenient.  Not only does it mean not having to stress about the traffic on the M25 – or trekking all the way to Heathrow, but it’s the UK's best-connected airport by train so very easy to get to. You can also get the National Express bus from Heathrow to Gatwick for around £25.  Ethiopian currently flies from Gatwick to Addis three times every week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can of course also fly into Heathrow or Manchester – but Gatwick is a real winner if you live in the South of England.

Fun facts about Gatwick

  • First mentioned back to 1241, its name is derived from the words Goat Farm, with historical links to Gatwick Manor House.

  • The land where the airport sits today was first used as an aerodrome in the 1920s

  • It is London's second-busiest airport with around 450 departures a day during the summer period.

  • It serves 46 million passengers on around different 90 airlines to over 230 destinations globally.

  • Gatwick Airport was in Surrey until 1974 when they adjusted the county borders.

To book visit https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa

Disclosure - I travelled as a guest of Ethiopian Airlines, paying only for my taxes.

#EthiopianAirlines #Gatwick #LondonGatwick #AddisAbaba #Johannesburg #SouthAfrica #Ethiopia #UmlingoTravelPR #traveblog

Flying Ethiopian to Jozi

Celebrating the inaugural flight of Ethiopian Airlines from London Gatwick to Johannesburg via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia
Celebrating the inaugural flight of Ethiopian Airlines from London Gatwick to Johannesburg via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia
Inflight entertainment onboard Ethiopian Airlines from London Gatwick to Johannesburg via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines from London Gatwick to Johannesburg via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines from London Gatwick to Johannesburg via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia

October 2022

I recently had the absolute privilege of staying at the new Sala Beach House in Thompson’s Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, along with my family, over the summer holidays - just before the official August 2022 opening.

We stayed in the Ocean Suite upstairs which just has THE most breathtaking views imagineable. I very nearly burst into tears when I saw our room (colin had something in his eye too I believe) - it was THAT beautiful. During our 2-night stay we watched a whale swim down the coast and a pod of dolphins playing in the surf - from our bed and private balcony. Our 3 children (ages 12, 12 and 16) were in the 2 pool view rooms which can be interconnecting.

The whole hotel is like a little tropical oasis, perched on the edge of the seafront. The private beach access is amazing and we enjoyed a lovely walk on the beach at sunset. Charlie's pool is great for snorkelling and the beach is probably now my favourite along the whole KZN coast.

The staff were amazing. Shaun, Natalie and Sven made us feel so welcome and truly made us feel so special ... like part of the family. Breakfast was an absolute feast (the eggs benedict is amazing) - with the sounds of waves crashing on the rocks below and perfect sea views.

We enjoyed drinks around the fire pit - a great place to just soak up the sense of place and enjoy a bit of star gazing. Cannot wait to see the spa and family villa on our next visit.

Sala is an absolute triumph. Every thoughtful touch has either Craig and/or Gert’s personal mark all over it - and it shows. The Rutherfoord family has been in the hospitality business for many decades, with sister property Ghost Mountain in Zululand - another personal favourite of mine for nearly 25 years!

It’s the little things that set this hotel apart. The motion sensing night light for late night comfort breaks, beach towels with sunscreen and after-sun, exercise mats (for those that yoga), kikoyos or gowns to lounge around in, UK and USB plug points by the bed ... Netflix, every detail has been carefully thought of.

Sala Beach House ticks every box for those looking for somewhere truly special right on the beach. An absolute slice of paradise.

#SalaBeachHouse #KZN #KwaZuluNatal #ThompsonsBay #Ballito #Durban #ShakasRock #SouthAfrica #barefootLuxury #BeachBliss #Beachvilla #TravelPromoters #UmlingoTravelPR

Sala Beach House Bliss on South Africa's Dolphin Coast

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Sala Beach House, KwaZulu-Natal

Tuk Tukking Across Africa For Rangers

May 2022

Tuk South


Josh, Jasper, Ivo and Robbie have now been on the road for quite a few months! Mostly they are in the “gammadoelas” (far-flung wilderness) with no signal, so its been a little tricky to follow their adventures - but their tiktok videos have been a real highlight of my year so far. They have completed their travels through Kenya where they spent time with Big Life and then Tanzania where they spent some time with beach chimps and the rangers from the Tongwe Trust! When last I heard from them, they were in southern Malawi to climb Mt Mulanje (they all love a big rock).

I kinda wish I’d put a tracker on Buttercup instead of my Umlingo logo lol

David Henning managed to catch up with Josh who has written them a little story for Getaway Magazine. Enjoy!

#TukSouth #WorldRangerDay #ForRangers #TourismMeansConservation #ProtectRangers #Kenya #Tanzania #Malawi #KenyaToCapeTown #tuktukadventures #TukOffSouth #Buttercup #VanLife #FOMO

A Few Top Tips on Travel PR …

Ellie with suitcase small.jpg

September 2021

I was asked for a few tips on how to tackle PR in today’s world. Having worked in the industry for 25 years - it has changed almost completely from when I studied. So much so that I recently signed up for a Digital Marketing Course to upskill and get myself up to date! There is no more sending out slide photos, stuffing envelopes or spending hours at the photocopier doing clippings! (Thank you Lord! shudder). PR is now far more strategic - and needs to be an integrated part of the marketing, SEO and digital strategy.

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way…

“SPRAY & PRAY” IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER

The old idea of writing a press release and blasting it out to a massive media database died many years ago. PR has changed from broadcasting messages to a more two-way organic engagement. Research your target publications and journalists properly. Tailor your pitch or release specifically to their publication and their readership. Updating your media list constantly is key to ensure you can target the right people, with the right story, in the right format, at the right time. Press releases still have their place - but surveys, videos and other interactive formats are just as vital for securing that coverage.

ITS ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

Establishing and maintaining genuine relationships with journalists is key. If I read a great feature in the press I will often email that journalist to compliment or thank them. Everyone needs a little appreciation now and then - with no hidden agenda or ulterior motive. If they ask for help – go the extra mile. Even if its not your client. They will remember you.
Treat everyone - and their time - with respect. Today’s freelancer could be the next FT /Times /Telegraph Editor!

BE ON THE ALERT

Twitter is still a great place for media engagement. See what they are writing about, where they have recently travelled and what resonates with them. Follow and interact with relevant journalists and create twitter lists so you don’t miss important tweets. If you search for #journoalert you will see the latest shout outs from journalists needing help. I have had many successes over the years by responding quickly to these.
And DO NOT phone them. Email is your friend - unless in exceptional circumstances.

THINK OUT OF THE BOX

Try and come up with new and creative, newsworthy angles to pitch. Use social listening to see what’s trending. Keep a list of key hashtag days and events in your industry. I work in travel - mostly for Africa … so I make sure I tailor my social media and story pitches in line with dates like World Elephant Day, World Tourism Day or Earth Hour – as well as events like Indaba or World Travel Market.

STAY AHEAD OF THE TIMES

Most print magazines work 3 months ahead – so you need to be pitching your Christmas stories in September and be planning your Valentine’s Date at Guy Fawkes! Often journalists will want a photo of your hotel or lodge before it is built! That’s a challenge I’ve always struggled with!

LINKEDIN

Linked-in is like a free news platform. With over 675 million global users, it is one no business can afford to ignore. Make sure your business page reflects your brand pillars - and is kept updated with interesting content and news. Check your analytics to see who is looking at you. Keep your tone professional and spend a couple of hours a week networking. Only post during business hours – morning is best. Every month you get 100 new credits to invite connections to follow your page – use them!

DIGITAL PR

Years ago digital features didn’t count for much and everyone wanted print coverage but this has shifted completely. PR’s will increasingly need to show measurable ROI for campaigns – which is far easier with digital PR than traditional PR. Online coverage can be measured by the high quality backlinks from credible news sites with authority are vital for SERP Google rankings as well as the engagement it elicits ie views, clicks, shares, likes – and even better … bookings/conversions.

Also measuring the value of coverage in terms of Advertising Value Equivalent (AVE) is no longer a thing! (whew we can put down our rulers!). Editorial is worth at least five times more than a paid advert - but that doesn’t take into account whether the content is positive or negative – or what brand sentiment the content generates.

These days coverage is measured in a far more holistic way - aligned to your overarching marketing strategy and organisational objectives. Success can be attributed to the quality of the feature’s backlink (a link to your website from the BBC is around 97 out of 100 AhRefs in terms of domain authority), the click through traffic the links generate to your website - and any spikes in your social media following or SEO ranking. A far better way to measure the worth of a successful PR campaign.

#TravelPR #PRTips #JustMyHumbleOpinion

Supporting Wildlife Rangers …

July 2021 - Umlingo is delighted to be working with For Rangers Adventures and its partner the For Rangers charity based in Kenya in the run up to World Ranger Day on 31 July 2021.

World Ranger Day is the perfect opportunity to thank, honour and appreciate all the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protecting wildlife and endangered species across Africa from poaching. After a very tough 16+ months without tourism, these wildlife warriors need our help and solidarity more than ever.

We invite everyone in the industry to show a little love and appreciation for Rangers throughout Africa over the next few weeks and on the 31st July to raise awareness of their plight.

Additionally, if you would like to contribute to our fundraising campaign by purchasing a cap, t-shirt or hoodie, not only does 50% of the profit go towards anti-poaching, but you also stand a chance of winning a 6-night Kenyan safari in December 2022. Visit https://www.forrangersadventures.com

#IamForRangers #WorldRangerDay #ForRangers #TourismMeansConservation #ProtectRangers #SponsorARangerToday