Author: Chukwu Godlove
So, the Oval Office had thoughts about South Africa this week. Again. In a scene that felt part political theatre, part daytime soap opera, President Trump raised “concerns” about crime in South Africa during a meeting with President Ramaphosa – and within hours, our inboxes began to fill with that dreaded question: “But is it safe?” We get it. Headlines like these can spook even the most seasoned travellers. But before you cancel your safari and book a week in Iceland, just to be safe, let’s breathe… and talk facts.South Africa will welcome you with open armsSpoiler Alert: You’re Safer Than You…
A giant shoe, an improbable pub at the top of a treacherous pass, and a fibreglass pineapple might not sound like tourism gold, but in South Africa, quirky roadside attractions often become the beating hearts of small-town economies. These sites invite travellers to pull over, snap a photo, and linger longer than planned. In some cases, they’ve sparked local revival or put lesser-known places on the tourism map. Here are a few offbeat stops worth the detour. The Big Pineapple – Bathurst, Eastern Cape Picture/2 Summers/Heather Mason At 16.7 metres tall, Bathurst’s Big Pineapple stands as the largest in the…
If you’ve already sipped your way through the Cape Winelands or simply prefer a flavour adventure that doesn’t involve a corkscrew, you’re in for a treat. South Africa’s tasting culture goes well beyond the grapevine — into smoky, spicy, bitter, and briny territory. Think slow-roasted coffee beans, perfectly spiced biltong, and golden-green olive oils. Whether you’re on a road trip or planning a gourmet getaway, these tasting stops offer a delicious detour from the usual wine routes. Coffee tastings for caffeine lovers Picture/Coffee Magazine Coffee culture in South Africa has gone from instant granules to artful roasts — and if…
Global hotel giant Radisson has announced its entry into Zimbabwe, breaking ground on a new luxury hotel in Harare in partnership with local developer WestProp Holdings. The move marks Radisson’s first footprint in Zimbabwe as the country pushes to attract foreign investment amid ongoing economic reforms. The development is being hailed as a symbol of international confidence in the country’s investment climate and a boost to economic and infrastructural growth. “We are proud to launch the first Radisson Hotel in Zimbabwe. This initiative not only enhances our African portfolio, but creates employment and stimulates the local economy. Zimbabwe was one…
Posted on 22 May 2025 Air France will be operating daily flights to and from Cape Town this year. As reported by Travel News, the daily flights between Paris and Cape Town are planned for the 2025/2026 southern summer season. Picture: Sourced / @airfrance These daily flights are expected offer passengers seamless travel between the two destinations. They will provide access to one of the most iconic cities in Europe, and from there, connect to Air France’s global network. ALSO READ: KZN aims to target direct flights to boost international tourism Between the 15th of December and the 12th of…
Tunis/Tunisia — Tunis, May 21 (TAP/Interview by Bassem Badri) – Tunisia’s tourism sector has exceptional potential to become a key driver of economic growth, European Union’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Giuseppe Perrone, said when asked about his opinion of the country as a tourist destination. In an in-studio interview with TAP news agency, Perrone shared his firsthand observations after touring several regions: “My travels through Tunisia revealed fascinating opportunities. I was able to see EU-funded projects.” The ambassador said he was able to see through these visits the progress of the EU’s five-year support project for the Tunisian tourism sector “Tounes…
Image: Supplied In a life-saving operation that has given a poaching survivor a fresh start, a team of veterinary specialists at the University of Pretoria (UP) has successfully restored a young white rhino’s ability to breathe. ALSO READ: Local lion cub Zamba undergoes groundbreaking MRI procedure The four-year-old bull, Houdini, was named for his miraculous escape from death after being shot in the nose during a poaching incident, UP reports. He was taken in by The Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo, where he began a long road to recovery under the care of veterinarian Dr Pierre Bester. While Houdini initially healed…
Malawi is celebrating one of its brightest stars, Tay Grin, who has been honoured with the Excellence in Tourism and Culture Promotion Award at the prestigious Diaspora Economic Forum (DEF)–an international event aligned with Africa Day and recognised by the United Nations. The award will be presented on May 25, 2025, at the glamorous London Hilton Kensington, where high-profile leaders, investors, and influencers from around the world will gather to spotlight African excellence and strengthen bonds between Africa and its diaspora. The moment is a major milestone not only for Tay Grin–also known as The Nyau King–but for Malawi as…
When you think of island escapes, you might picture the Seychelles or Zanzibar, but South Africa has its island getaways—no passport required. From penguin-filled marine reserves and kayaking spots in turquoise lagoons to wild river islands where elephants roam, these local gems offer a surprising mix of seclusion, scenery and soft adventure. Here’s where to cast off (without going far). Thesen Island – Western Cape Picture/Cornelius M Muller Tucked into Knysna’s lagoon, Thesen Island is a former timber-processing hub turned upmarket marina village. Wooden walkways, quiet canals and pastel cottages give it a holiday-town charm, while boutique stores and seafood…
A delegation led by the Divisional Senior Vice-President of International Affairs of Emirates Airline, Mr Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, this afternoon, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis. The meeting aimed at exploring new avenues to strengthen strategic partnership between Mauritius and Emirates. In a statement, the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, Mr Adnan Kazim, who was also part of the delegation, indicated that the meeting with the Prime Minister was cordial and fruitful, adding that it was an opportunity for both parties to discuss…