Author: Chukwu Godlove

Nairobi — The Kenyan passport has slipped two positions in the latest Henley Passport Index, dropping to 69th globally from 67th last year. According to the report by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, Kenyan passport holders can now access 71 destinations without a prior visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival. The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The rankings reflect the number of destinations a passport holder can travel to without needing a visa in advance. Other African passports ranked above Kenya this…

On a mid-winter’s weekend, to the backdrop of Barrydale’s quiet, charming streets and horizons of Cape Fold Mountains, the Karoo Art Hotel came alive with the excitement of the Five Arts Weekend.  Images: Oliver Keohane Hidden down the slopes of the Tradouw Pass, in icy mountain water, I learned that I had not mastered the art of breathwork. Despite a steady ten minutes of meditation and mindful breathing, to the friendly, familiar voice of Deepak Chopra, it was with numb feet and burning hands that I crawled through four lengths of the amber rockpool, pulled myself up to dry land…

The Nigerian passport has climbed to 88th on the Henley Passport Index, out of 199 countries in the July 18 update. This marks a modest rise from 91st earlier this year and a significant improvement from 97th at the end of 2023. However, Nigerians still have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 45 countries: unchanged from last year when it ranked 92nd. Nigeria now shares the 88th spot with Ethiopia and Myanmar. The Henley Passport Index, which is updated quarterly, uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and expert analysis to assess global passport strength. In Africa, the…

With a lion named George as one of his closest companions and millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram, Shandor Larenty may seem like just another internet star. But behind the scenes, he’s anything but typical. His real world is far from filters and algorithms—it’s rooted in science, animal care, and a deep respect for wildlife. Shandor Larenty/Image: Supplied “Growing up around animals sparked something in me that never left,” says Shandor. “Over time, that fascination developed into a deeper commitment to understanding, caring for, and ultimately protecting these animals. What started as curiosity became a career rooted in purpose.”…

Mogadishu — Somalia’s Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a bilateral agreement with Indonesia to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports, in a move aimed at easing travel between the two nations. The weekly cabinet meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, also reviewed a report from the committee tasked with addressing traffic congestion in the capital, Mogadishu. The report highlighted major challenges causing gridlock and proposed long-term solutions to alleviate pressure on the city’s roads and improve mobility. The ministers further heard security briefings from the Ministry of Internal Security and the Ministry…

Luxury cruise operator Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has unveiled a new slate of itineraries for its 2027/28 season—this time with a strong African and Indian Ocean focus. The Hapag-Lloyd MS Columbus 2 image used for illustrative purposes/Piergiuliano Chesi/Wikimedia Commons The updated programme includes 28 routes, with several voyages departing from Cape Town and exploring ports along South Africa’s coastline, Mozambique, Madagascar, and the Seychelles, as previously reported by Tourism Update. From Cape Town to the Seychelles Between November 22 and December 8, 2027, the Hanseatic Nature, a small luxury expedition ship, will sail from Cape Town to Mahé, Seychelles, over 16 days.…

A total of 115 875 visas on arrival were issued in June, contributing to the generation of N$171 million in the tourism sector for the month. The visa on arrival process was implemented by the government on 1 April to promote tourism and stimulate the economy. “Tourism is one of the most critical economic enablers that can grow the economy. To ensure broader participation by local communities and stakeholders across the tourism value chain, the government has embarked on a process to redefine the national tourism landscape through the development of a National Tourism Spatial Master Plan, with focus on…

South African winters might be mild compared to the Northern Hemisphere’s chill, but they bring their own kind of hiking magic—crisp air, cloudless skies, and the thrill of having the trail mostly to yourself. Whether it’s snow-capped peaks in the Drakensberg, frost-dusted sandstone cliffs in the Free State, or a steamy soak after a mountain slog, winter hikes are often the most rewarding. We’ve rounded up some of the country’s most scenic cold-season trails—each with an epic payoff at the end (or all along the way). 1. Sentinel Peak Trail – Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal Image used for illustrative purposes/I, PhilippN/Wikimedia Commons…

Traveling to the United States is becoming more expensive for Liberians and other Africans as one may have to pay nearly US$500 or more to obtain a visa for non-immigrant applicants, according to a new immigration law passed for by the Trump administration-mostly targeting Liberia and other African countries The US Embassy in Monrovia confirmed the astronomical hike on Wednesday, attributing it to the introduction of a new $250 “visa integrity fee” that will apply to most nonimmigrant visa applicants from Africa, including Liberians–marking a significant increase in the cost of traveling to the United States. The fee, enacted as…

In a country famous for its coastlines, inland towns often play second fiddle. Yet these lesser-travelled spots—dusted in history, edged by open skies, and seasoned with true South African soul—offer the kind of off-season magic you won’t find on the beaten track. From the icy clarity of the Karoo night sky to warm bread in a small-town bakery, these places reward the traveller who slows down and leans in. If you’re seeking silence, character, affordability, and unexpected charm, here’s where to go—province by province. Free State Image used for illustrative purposes/Jens Friis/Wikimedia Commons Philippolis Philippolis, one of the Free State’s…