Author: Chukwu Godlove

When it comes to safaris, South Africa and Kenya tend to dominate the conversation. Kruger, the Mara Mara, and the Big Five—these are the tried-and-true touchpoints of African wildlife tourism. But beyond the game-drive clichés, a wilder, less-trodden Africa awaits. From Malawi’s lakeside parks to Benin’s lion-guarded Pendjari, here are four off-the-radar safari destinations worth your binoculars—and your bucket list. 1. Malawi: Big Five comeback and Shire River Safaris Elephant at Majete wildlife reserve/David Davies/Wikimedia Commons Once written off due to poaching, Malawi’s national parks are in the middle of a quiet revival. With the help of African Parks, both…

A new seabird nursery, described as “a lifeline” for the critically endangered African penguin, officially opened in Cape Town on Friday. Image of African penguin used for illustrative purposes/Jen Dries/Unsplash The Pamela Isdell Seabird Nursery at SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) in Table View has been built for incubating eggs and rearing orphaned and abandoned chicks. At the opening, SANCCOB CEO Natalie Maskell said the new facility would not have been possible without the support of their numerous donors, including the late Pamela Isdell. The chick-rearing unit was initially established in 2011. “As environmental pressures facing African…

Packing for an African safari is a bit of an art form. It’s not just about what goes into your bag; it’s about how you pack it. Why? Well, unlike your standard city getaway, a safari demands functionality, efficiency and a touch of foresight. From navigating the strict luggage allowances on small bush planes to keeping your precious gear safe on bumpy drives, a little strategy goes a long way. Here’s our guide on how to pack for a safari like a true pro.We know exactly how to pack for a safari in a way that’s smart1. Soft-Sided Bags Only, PleaseWe…

Tucked away in the Kemer district of Antalya, the tranquil village of Çıralı is fast becoming a go-to escape for both Turkish holidaymakers and international tourists seeking something quieter, greener, and more authentic. With its sparkling waters, golden sands, and backdrop of forested hills, this Mediterranean retreat offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural depth. Cirali, Turkey/Alexey Komarov/Wikimedia Commons Often described as one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets, Çıralı offers more than just a picturesque beach. Visitors are welcomed into an unspoiled environment where time slows down, and the rhythm of daily life aligns with nature, according to…

Koogo Atia, a 26-year-old Master of Philosophy student at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), was crowned the winner of the 42.2-kilometre Absa Black Star Marathon that took place at the Black Star Square in Accra last Saturday. The race, which started and finished at the Black Star Square, had President John Dramani Mahama as the special guest of honour. He stated that the Black Star Marathon, labeled as the Black Star Experience, will be added to the country’s tourism calendar as a means to boost tourism in Ghana through sports. Before flagging off the runners, President Mahama stated that…

Forget lions, leopards and rhinos. Africa’s lesser-known creatures—from a fox-like red wolf to an antelope that swims—are every bit as extraordinary. If you’re looking to go beyond the Big Five, here are four unique species you can only spot in select African countries—along with the best places and seasons to see them. Uganda’s Shoebill Stork: The bird that time forgot Sushi a Shoebill Stork at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Uganda/Melissa Askew/Unsplash Standing over 1.2 metres tall with an enormous, shoe-shaped beak and a prehistoric glare, the shoebill stork is one of Africa’s most unusual avian residents. Sometimes…

Most people imagine the Kalahari as a furnace—searing sun, wide blue skies, and landscapes that shimmer in the heat. But in winter, everything shifts. Safari jeep at sunset in the Kalahari Desert in Namibia/Bernd Dittrich/Unsplash While winter in South Africa typically calls to mind mountain escapes and winelands fireplaces, the Kalahari offers a different kind of retreat—one rooted in vastness, silence, and a deep sense of place. A Desert that’s not a desert Technically, the Kalahari isn’t a true desert—it receives more rainfall than you’d expect. Instead, it’s a semi-arid savanna, and in winter it takes on a distinctive palette:…

A shipwreck discovered on the Orkney island of Sanday has been officially identified as the Earl of Chatham, a former Royal Navy vessel later converted into a whaling ship. Image used for illustrative purposes: Men-of-War HMS Maria Anna, Earl of Chatham and Achilles off a coastal town/Sotheby’s London/Wikimedia Commons The ship, originally named HMS Hind, was a sixth-rate 24-gun frigate that saw action during major 18th-century military campaigns, including the sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s. It was also active during the American Revolutionary War in the late 1770s before being sold and repurposed for Arctic whaling. The…

Just over an hour’s drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria lies a place where winter is not something to endure but something to embrace. The Magaliesberg, one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, might be more low-key than the Drakensberg or the Cederberg, but don’t let that fool you. Mist over Magaliesberg at dawn, Skeerpoort/JMK/Wikimedia Commons When the temperatures dip and the summer crowds clear out, this ancient landscape transforms into a golden-hued winter haven—perfect for crisp hikes, fireside romance, and slow, soul-restoring escapes. 1. Crisp days, golden Light: Made for the outdoors Magaliesberg winters are cool, dry, and filled…

There’s something magical about winter cabin escapes—wood smoke curling into the crisp air, misty mornings, and quiet nights by the fire. But you don’t need to splurge on a luxury stay to enjoy it. Image of log cabin used for illustrative purposes only/Victor Talashuk/Unsplash Across South Africa, you’ll find budget-friendly cabins that combine nature, comfort, and value. Whether it’s a forested nook, a Karoo hideaway, or a mountain retreat, these handpicked stays keep the costs low and the charm high. Platbos log cabins at Slanghoek Mountain Resort– Rawsonville, Western Cape Tucked in the scenic Slanghoek Valley, just an hour from…