Author: Chukwu Godlove
Japan’s first all-timber circular soccer stadium is rising not just as a home for fans but as a living symbol of renewal. Sandro Schuh/Unsplash According to Wood Central, the design draws inspiration from Shikinen Sengu, the ancient Shinto ritual of rebuilding sacred shrines every twenty years. That concept is transformed into modern architecture. Local timber becomes the soul of the stadium. Each beam and component is designed to be dismantled, reused, and reimagined in the future. It’s architecture that breathes and lives with the land around it. The structure The stadium is built from four intimate volumes, each with its…
Spring in South Africa signals the start of warmer days, long weekends, and the build-up to peak holiday season. Photo by Anete Lūsiņa / Unsplash For many, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway, whether that’s a coastal escape to the Wild Coast, a road trip along the Panorama Route, or a city break in Cape Town. But before you can head off, you’ll need to tackle one of the most crucial parts of travel: packing. In 2025, packing trends and travel gear have shifted toward smarter, lighter, and more sustainable choices. Here’s what South African travellers should keep…
Nestled in the Indian Ocean about 800 km east of Madagascar, Réunion is a French overseas department covering 2 512 km². Aptly nicknamed “the intense island,” it captivates with its vivid blend of landscapes and cultural depth. Réunion Island photographed by Sentinel-2 satellite / Wikimedia Commons Towering above the island is Piton des Neiges, soaring to 3 071 m. The island’s three awe-inspiring cirques — Mafate, Salazie, and Cilaos — are dramatic amphitheaters shaped over millennia. These UNESCO-listed geological marvels are a hiker’s paradise, offering prime trails and vistas. On the eastern side, the active shield volcano Piton de la…
Tourism supported by aviation contributes $124.9 million (approx.Rwf179.8 billion) to Rwanda’s GDP and employs 29,000 people, according to study findings by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), released on September 4, during the Aviation Africa Summit in Kigali. ALSO READ: Africa’s first self-flying air taxi to be launched in Kigali Dubbed “The Value of Air Transport to Rwanda,” the report, which covered the year 2023, indicates that there are different ways of measuring air transport’s impact on an economy. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines Two key indicators are the number of jobs and the contribution…
Why should you have to buy a flight or break the bank to go somewhere amazing? Right here in South Africa, every province has its own kind of magic waiting to be explored. Oudtshoorn/Jana Warrington/Unsplash Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend break or a proper reset, these staycations are packed with charm, character and great value. Maybe you’ll be staying within your own province or travelling to another, get ready to fall in love with adventure right in your backyard. Western Cape Oudtshoorn Oudtshoorn offers an authentic taste of the Karoo with dramatic scenery, heritage charm and a surprisingly…
Musanze District, nestled at the base of the Virunga Massif, has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades–from a quiet agricultural region into a leading center of conservation-driven development. Since the inaugural Kwita Izina ceremony in 2005, nearly 400 baby mountain gorillas have been named, reflecting Rwanda’s strong commitment to protecting this endangered species. Thanks to robust, community-empowered conservation strategies, the mountain gorilla population in the region has increased from 880 in 2012 to more than 1,063 today. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: Who will name baby gorillas this year? On a recent work tour, I witnessed firsthand the…
Maya Angelou said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” While she was speaking of human connection, I believe the sentiment holds just as true for places. Some destinations don’t just give you memories; they leave an imprint. Gmundner Lodge is one of those places. I could list the amenities, the activities, the comforts. And yes, they’re exceptional. But what truly sets Gmundner Lodge apart is the feeling it evokes. A sense of warmth, thoughtfulness, and the certainty that you’re exactly where…
Every September, CapeNature—Western Cape’s premier conservation authority—opens its most treasured reserves for a week, granting complimentary entry to day visitors. Bontebok at De Hoop Nature Reserve / Hendrik van den Berg / WIkimedia Commons The 11th annual Access Week will run from 20 to 26 September 2025, inviting nature lovers from across sub-Saharan Africa to explore the province’s rich biodiversity, picturesque landscapes, and premier outdoor experiences at no cost. The purpose This week isn’t merely a celebration of scenic beauty. It’s a purposeful effort to deepen appreciation for the Western Cape’s exceptional ecosystems and promote sustainable travel. Travel professionals across…
Prominent businessman and corporate strategist Never Mhlanga has been arrested and is expected to appear in court today facing fraud charges linked to the $5 million sale of Montclair Hotel and Casino in Juliasdale, Nyanga, to the Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG). The dispute stems from RTG’s acquisition of the hotel in November last year, a deal that involved payouts to several shareholders, including Ludham Investments (Pvt) Ltd. Ludham was originally established under the now-defunct National Discount House (NDH), where Mhlanga once held a senior position. NDH collapsed in 2004 following financial turmoil and went into liquidation. Its subsidiaries were either…
South Africa’s street food scene isn’t just about flavour. It’s a full sensory journey packed with history, art, and culture. Jaco Pretorius/Unsplash From the lively townships of Cape Town to the Jozi’s vibrant inner city, here are seven street food tours that are a MUST for tourists and locals alike. Cape Town Spring Fed Images/Unsplash Taste of Africa: Cape Town Culinary Walking Tour A 4-hour city-center journey where culinary diversity comes to life. You’ll pass iconic neighbourhoods while sampling dishes like hearty beef stew, vegetable curry and finish with a secret dessert paired with wine. Each bite is accompanied by…