Author: Chukwu Godlove

Forget five-star hotel suites. These days, the most sought-after stays are adrift. Houseboats offer a new kind of luxury—solitude, scenery, and the soft lull of water beneath your feet. Whether you’re floating through African wilderness or gliding along a canal in Europe, these offbeat escapes let you sleep on water and wake to a world that drifts by. African houseboat escapes Picture/Tehillah Houseboat, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls Guide Lake Kariba – Zimbabwe/Zambia One of Africa’s largest manmade lakes, Lake Kariba is famed for its glassy waters, fiery sunsets, and excellent wildlife sightings. Aboard a Kariba houseboat, you’re not just staying…

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a security alert to Americans in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement released on Sunday, the US Consulate advised American citizens to avoid non-essential travel to military and government facilities in Abuja, citing increased global security concerns. The embassy announced that all embassy staff and their families are now barred from visiting military sites or other government venues in the Nigerian capital unless required for official duties. This follows unspecified global developments that have led to heightened security awareness and a reassessment of movement around sensitive locations. US citizens…

Qatar has officially reopened its airspace following a brief suspension on the night of 23 June. The temporary closure, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and travellers. Saif Zaman ( আয়ান )/Unsplash This update follows our earlier report on the sudden suspension of all air traffic in Qatari airspace. Within hours of reopening in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Qatar Airways confirmed the reinstatement of flights. However, the airline cautioned travellers to expect continued delays as reported by Travel News. “Our focus at this time…

Less than six months into his current term in office, President Donald Trump has already imposed visa and travel restrictions on nationals from eleven countries in North and Sub-Saharan Africa traveling to the United States. In official statements, the Trump Administration has made several arguments for why such country-specific visa and travel restrictions are necessary. On national security grounds, the administration maintains that some countries are failed states, state sponsors of terrorism, and/or have a significant terrorist presence. On other grounds, the administration states that some countries have untrustworthy screening and vetting processes, authorities or governments that refuse or significantly…

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is rolling out a multi-year infrastructure program across all nine of its airports following a bold R21.7 billion investment—a move set to boost passenger comfort, streamline operations, and future-proof the country’s aviation landscape. Picture/Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism For travel professionals and frequent flyers alike, this translates into smoother connections, better facilities, and fewer unexpected delays, this is according to Travel News Africa. A new era for airport experiences At the heart of this revamp is a focus on comfort, cleanliness, and operational excellence. From improved sewerage systems and modernised restrooms to upgraded fire escapes, ACSA…

Nigeria has reaffirmed its ambition to emerge as a leading gastronomic tourism destination in Africa, as celebrated culinary expert, Chef Gbolabo Adebakin, popularly known as Chef Gibbs, presented a bold, future-facing strategy at the Second Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. The high-level forum, hosted in Arusha, Tanzania, was organised by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania, the UN Tourism Regional Office for Africa, and the Basque Culinary Center. Chef Gibbs, who represented Nigeria at the continental event, used the platform to outline a multi-pronged strategy designed to elevate Nigeria’s food culture beyond national borders. He…

It’s the ultimate African travel dream: seeing lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo in their natural habitat. But the price tags of luxury safari lodges can feel intimidating. The good news? A Big Five safari doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. With the right planning, a bit of flexibility, and a DIY spirit, you can enjoy an unforgettable safari—even on a tight budget. Here’s how to experience the thrill of the Big Five without emptying your bank account. Go for national parks over private reserves Etosha National Park/Anna Sullivan/Unsplash Private reserves offer exclusivity, but often at eye-watering prices. If…

Strategically located closer to the sea Ports, Dire Dawa thrives as a major commercial hub where foreign trade and investment are facilitated. As such, for many Ethiopians, Dire Dawa is well known as a hub of trade. Indeed, from its genesis, it was the country’s commercial capital for about a century. Its linkage with trade is tied to the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, which is the first long-distance transportation means that connects the country with marine transport. As a result, the railway became the city’s identity, and it is still considered one of its old heritages. Without losing its status as a…

Image: Unsplash / Nathalia Arantes For as long as humans have roamed the African wilderness, tracking has been a vital skill—connecting people with the natural world and its wild inhabitants. Today, in game reserves and wild spaces, the ancient art of tracking is not only a survival tool but a way to deepen our understanding of the bush and its intricate ecosystems. ALSO READ: What animal tracking can teach you about life What is tracking? Tracking is the practice of reading the signs that animals leave behind—from footprints and droppings to broken branches and subtle shifts in the soil. It’s…

These days, taking time out isn’t just a treat—it’s a must. Luckily, South Africa is full of spa escapes that make it easy to switch off, whether you’re after forest quiet, ocean views, or vineyard peace. From wellness lodges tucked into mountain ranges to coastal hideaways and urban sanctuaries, here’s your guide to the top spas to truly unwind in South Africa. Babylonstoren Garden Spa – Simondium, Western Cape Picture by franschhoek.org.za Set within one of the Cape Winelands’ most iconic estates, Babylonstoren’s Garden Spa is a green oasis where natural beauty and luxurious simplicity go hand in hand. Designed…