Author: Chukwu Godlove

There’s a universal magic to bustling food markets—the clatter of crates, steam rising from food stalls, and the scent of sizzling spices. More than just places to eat, they’re cultural crossroads where locals and travellers connect. While iconic markets in Europe and Asia draw global crowds, Africa has its own vibrant, often overlooked counterparts.  Here are eight global markets—and the African gems that match their magic. Borough Market (London) & Neighbourgoods Market (Cape Town) Picture/Secret London London’s Borough Market is a haven for gourmands, known for its artisanal cheeses, sourdough loaves, and gourmet street food. It’s where British heritage meets…

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Washington — The United States has welcomed Somalia’s reversal of a recent ban on Taiwan passports, a move that had threatened to block an upcoming visit by Taiwan’s Foreign Minister to Somaliland. Troy Fitrell, a senior official at the U.S. State Department, told the U.S. Senate this week that Mogadishu had rescinded the directive that barred the use of Taiwanese travel documents. “I am pleased that the Somali government has reversed its passport ban and resumed recognition of Taiwan’s travel documents,” said Fitrell during a Senate hearing. He warned that countries interfering in Taiwan’s foreign relations send a message of…

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One of Kgalagadi’s most sought-after camps is receiving an infrastructure boost without compromising guest experience. The Kalahari Tented Camp, located 3 km from Mata-Mata Rest Camp, is upgrading the roofs of its 15 safari tents from June 11 to July 30, 2025. Picture/Kruger 2 Kalahari’s SANParks has confirmed that all current bookings will proceed as scheduled, ensuring a seamless wilderness stay throughout the renovation period, according to Travel News Africa. Safari bookings remain strong during peak season This renovation coincides with Kgalagadi’s peak predator viewing season, making it an ideal time for wildlife lovers to visit. Despite partial overlap with…

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A special event held at the Adwa Memorial on Sunday marked the launch of two new children’s books aimed at promoting tourism education and national heritage awareness among young readers. The books, titled : A, B, C of Ethiopian Tourism and A, B, C of Oromia Tourism, were authored by Nega Wedajo, Deputy Commissioner of the Oromia Tourism Commission, and published in both Amharic and Afaan Oromo. The event drew prominent attendees, including Tourism Minister Selamawit Kasa, Oromia Tourism Commissioner Lelise Dhuga, and Abdulaziz Dawud (PhD), Head of the Oromia Regional State President’s Office, along with other senior officials and…

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If life had followed a neater script, maybe I would have met someone at a bar, stumbled into a whirlwind romance, and found myself staring at a positive pregnancy test a few months later. But nothing about my life has ever followed a neat script…Searching for a different kind of journeyPermission, PleaseTo become a father as a gay man is to choose a path paved with paperwork and prayer, science and sacrifice, miracles and mathematics. It’s to choose intention over accident, faith over convenience. It’s to stand in a world built for others and say, “I will find a way…

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Nairobi — Kenya and China on Friday launched the inaugural China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season in a vibrant ceremony held in Nairobi, celebrating 40 years of acrobatic exchanges and cultural cooperation. The colourful event, attended by top government officials, diplomats, artists, and cultural enthusiasts, marked a significant milestone in bilateral ties, offering a dazzling mix of traditional music, dance, and acrobatics that showcased the rich cultural identities of both nations. Festivities opened with the Seng’anya Dance by the Bomas Harambee Dancers–whose electrifying footwork and rhythmic drumming captured the essence of Kenyan tradition. This was followed by the iconic Chinese Lion…

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Forget passive sightseeing — today’s travellers are chasing finish lines. Across the world, active holidays are on the rise, with everything from marathons and cycling tours to yoga retreats and hiking pilgrimages filling up travel itineraries. The 2024 Global Wellness Institute report noted a sharp increase in “fitcations” — trips planned specifically around physical activity — as health-conscious travellers seek ways to stay active while exploring new destinations. Picture/Tokyo Marathon/Japan Travel The rise of the ‘fitcation’ The trend has found traction everywhere: from the Tokyo Marathon selling out within hours, to travellers trekking Peru’s Inca Trail Marathon, or cycling across…

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The explanations provided by the Trump administration for why each country is on the list contain significant contradictions, suggesting political calculations played a significant role. US President Donald Trump’s travel ban could negatively affect “people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades,” the African Union (AU) said on Thursday, June 5. Seven of the 12 countries whose citizens are banned from entering the US from June 9 onwards are African. Trump announced the ban through a proclamation on Wednesday. Referring to the attack on an Israel solidarity march in Boulder,…

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Mount Kilimanjaro may be Africa’s best-known peak, but it’s far from the only hike worthy of a spot on your bucket list. Across the continent, lesser-known trails wind through deserts, volcanoes, cloud forests and canyons—often with fewer crowds and deeper cultural immersion. Here are 10 unforgettable hikes that promise wild adventure and soulful solitude. Simien Mountains – Ethiopia Picture/World Expeditions Trek along knife-edge ridgelines in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, home to some of the continent’s most dramatic high-altitude scenery. This UNESCO-listed national park shelters endemic species like the Gelada baboon and Walia ibex, while multi-day hikes lead through deep valleys, isolated…

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