Author: Chukwu Godlove

Winter doesn’t have to mean wool coats and grey skies. South Africa’s coastline continues to shine in the cooler months, offering sunny days, gentle seas, and fewer crowds. If you’re craving sea air and stillness, these off-season beach towns are perfect for warming up while winding down. Cape St Francis – Eastern Cape View of Cape St. Francis from the Seal Point Lighthouse/NJR ZA/Wikimedia Commons This sleepy coastal gem near St Francis Bay is an underrated winter escape. With its famous Seal Point Lighthouse and commitment to conservation, it’s the kind of place where nature sets the pace. What to…

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Dar es Salaam — TANZANIA and the United Kingdom are assessing the current state of bilateral relations in a move to explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, held discussions with the Head of the East Africa Department, Lisa Mackie, at the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Tuesday. The talks took place at the Ministry’s offices in Dar es Salaam, where Ambassador Mussa expressed appreciation to the UK Government for its continued support in strengthening…

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Image: Getty Passport renewal times for South Africans in New Zealand have been slashed from a year to just a few weeks, thanks to the opening of new VFS Global processing centres in Wellington — and soon, Auckland. ALSO READ: Former US footballer sparks outrage after killing sable antelope on hunting safari in Eastern Cape As reported by IOL, the new system promises turnaround times of three to four weeks, a dramatic improvement on the six to twelve months it previously took through the South African High Commission. Until now, applicants had no choice but to submit documents through the…

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Nairobi — The Maasai Mara National Reserve has been included in the World Book of Records, UK as the World’s Greatest Annual Terrestrial Wildlife Migration. According to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, the recognition is a historic milestone for Kenya’s tourism and conservation sector and a moment of immense pride for the nation. She stated that the accolade reaffirms that Maasai Mara is truly a natural wonder of the world. “Hosting over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes as they traverse the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem each year, the Great Migration is not just a breathtaking spectacle–it is a profound symbol of…

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Ethiopia is stepping up efforts to reverse the long-standing trend of outbound medical tourism by positioning itself as a healthcare destination within Africa. With a strategic location, an improving healthcare landscape, and government-backed incentives, the country is gradually building the foundation for a thriving medical tourism industry. Although challenges remain in service delivery, professionals believe Ethiopia’s potential is immense. A specialist in pediatric surgery Prof. Miliard Derbew noted that many Ethiopians continue to travel abroad for treatments that could be provided locally, primarily due to a lack of certain services and low public trust in the domestic healthcare system. He…

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From award-winning luxury in the skies to surprising underdogs with budget brilliance, these are the top airlines making long-haul travel less of a chore and more of a journey. When it comes to international air travel, a few names consistently rise above the clouds—not just for their sleek branding, but for how they deliver on comfort, service, and value across continents. Top airlines by region Qatar Airways at Frankfurt Airport/Jan Rosolino/Unsplash Qatar Airways (Middle East): Frequently ranked as the world’s best airline, Qatar offers plush cabins, top-tier inflight entertainment, and the luxurious Hamad International Airport in Doha as a transit…

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These micro-destinations are enclaves of culture, creativity, and character tucked inside South Africa’s most popular travel hubs. You might only need a morning to explore them, but the memory will linger far longer. Whether it’s a bohemian fishing strip on the edge of Cape Town or a colourful art hub in the Free State, these places offer local texture in bite-sized form. Kalk Bay – Cape Town Kalk Bay/Grant Durr/Unsplash Wedged between mountain and sea, Kalk Bay feels like a chapter from a novel—vintage stores and antique dens sit next to working harbours and artisan coffee spots. It’s the kind…

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The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—have long dominated the safari spotlight. But South Africa and its neighbours offer so much more if you slow down, go seasonal, or travel slightly off-track. Whether you’re into birds, rare mammals, or coastal giants, here’s where to find unforgettable wildlife without entering a Big Five game reserve. Flamingos Picture for illustration purposes/Olga Ernst/Wikimedia Commons When flamingos descend on pans and wetlands, the water turns pink. Kamfers Dam outside Kimberley is one of only a few breeding sites for lesser flamingos in Africa. But that’s just the beginning. More flamingo hotspots: Rietvlei Nature…

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“In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations.” The US government has officially notified the Nigerian government that it has reduced visa validity for Nigerians. According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the US gave two reasons for its decision. “The  United States Governmen t has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records,” Mr Onanuga wrote in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday. He said the…

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