Author: Chukwu Godlove

These secret garden stays, nestled in the most unexpected corners of South Africa (and beyond), offer a serene winter escape rooted in conservation, heritage, and blooming biodiversity. Image used for illustrative purposes/Nicolas Lysandrou/Unsplash Whether you’re drawn to indigenous forest sanctuaries, historical rose gardens, or floral farmsteads, each of these stays blends botanic beauty with purpose-driven values. Let the winter garden wanderlust begin. Western Cape Old Nectar, Jonkershoek Valley – Stellenbosch Tucked in the majestic Jonkershoek Valley near Stellenbosch, Old Nectar is one of South Africa’s oldest cultivated gardens, with roots tracing back over 200 years. In winter, the manicured terraces,…

Great apes—gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos—are among the most intelligent and awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. Sharing up to 98% of our DNA, they exhibit emotion, use tools, live in complex social groups, and, in some cases, even mourn their dead. Bonobos/MediaEcke/Unsplash These species are also among the most endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Yet in the heart of Africa’s rainforests, travellers can witness these majestic beings in the wild—on foot, at eye level, with conservation-minded guides leading the way. A great ape safari is unlike any game drive. It’s immersive, physically demanding, and deeply emotional—especially when your eyes…

Beyond luxury tents and Big Five sightings, a growing number of Southern Africa’s lodges are funnelling traveller dollars into meaningful conservation work. From desert rhino patrols to coral reef protection, these stays let your safari splurge double as a force for good. Whether you’re dreaming of dry savannas or teeming coastlines, these five standout lodges prove that unforgettable wildlife encounters can go hand-in-hand with preserving the ecosystems they rely on. Desert rhinos and remote landscapes Image used for illustrative purposes/Ken Goulding/Unsplash Desert Rhino Camp, Namibia – Saving black rhinos in the wild In Namibia’s remote Palmwag Concession, Desert Rhino Camp…

Beyond the rhetoric of liberal rules-based international order, the United States of America by its recent actions have become the disrupter in Chief of International order, upturning not only the enduring multilateral institutions but hitting hard at its established bilateral relations. Nigeria, which the US claimed to have good bilateral relations and shared values of liberal democracy recently got jolted, when its long standing entry visa modality was abruptly cut back and reduced to three months and single entry. Following on that, Washington has further tightened its noose on curbs against Nigerians with a threat to press criminal charges, warning…

Beyond typical sightseeing, DNA tourism is drawing travellers eager to explore the story behind their genes. More than a sightseeing trip, it’s a pilgrimage to understand identity, lineage, and cultural history by walking in the footsteps of those who came before. Image used for illustrative purposes/Peter Amende/Unsplash This emerging trend blends genetic science with the emotional journey of rediscovering personal heritage, turning travel into a quest to uncover one’s roots, as reported by IOL. What is ancestry or DNA travel? At its core, DNA travel is sparked by results from genetic ancestry tests. After taking a simple at-home kit —…

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) has commended hospitality sector players for their role in equipping young Ugandans with practical skills through the ongoing tourism apprenticeship program. Speaking during a stakeholder engagement at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Namanve, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Doreen Katusiime–represented by Undersecretary Geoffrey Sseremba–reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a skilled hospitality workforce. “The ministry targets young unemployed graduates from hospitality-related fields. Currently, 150 apprentices are undergoing training at UHTTI,” she said. The meeting brought together hotel owners, tourism industry stakeholders, and education officials to evaluate the progress of the program,…

There’s something deeply romantic about a national park in its quiet season—when early morning mist hugs the mountains, and golden light lingers over empty trails. These parks, both at home and just beyond our borders, offer solitude, soft light, and slow travel. If you’re drawn to moody landscapes, quiet game drives, or fireside evenings with a view, these are the off-season gems worth discovering this winter. Camdeboo National Park, Eastern Cape Camdeboo National Park/dconvertini/Wikimedia Commons In winter, the arid plains and dolerite columns of Camdeboo take on a gentle melancholy. The Karoo landscape softens under golden light and cool skies,…

SA President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump   Trump cited his ongoing disapproval of the country’s internal policies and repeated long-discredited allegations concerning the treatment of white citizens. When asked during an airborne press briefing whether he would personally attend the gathering of world leaders, Trump responded: “Probably not. I may send someone in my place. There are serious issues in South Africa, and frankly, I’ve had concerns for a while.” He went on to criticise what he described as “very dangerous policies” and made vague references to violence in the country. “A lot of people are dying…

Imagine arriving in a city nestled high in the Ethiopian highlands, where the cool, clean air greets you and the landscape unfolds into in a stunning mix of mountains, valleys, and lively streets. This city, Addis Ababa, is not only Ethiopia’s political and economic capital; but it’s a vibrant hub of international diplomacy, progress, and cultural vibrancy that invites travelers and international delegates alike, with its unique fusion of deep-rooted traditions and modernity. Here in Addis, tradition and modernity converge, offering travelers and international delegates a captivating glimpse that bridges the past and the future. In recent years, Addis Ababa…

The Eastern Cape often flies under the radar when it comes to winter getaways — but those in the know head inland, where mountain peaks blush with snow, sheep farms steam in the frost, and old sandstone towns hum with heritage. Hole in the Wall, Wild Coast/Joshua Gaunt/Wikimedia This is a province of soulful silences and slow drives, where the backroads yield both dramatic views and places that wrap you in warmth. From the southern Drakensberg to the cultural heart of the Karoo and the whispering forests of Hogsback, here’s where to stay if you’re chasing crackling fireplaces, hearty hospitality,…