Author: Chukwu Godlove

There’s a certain charm in places that spend most of the year tucked away from the bustle of city life. Grant Durr / Unsplash These sleepy towns might seem quiet and unassuming for much of the year, but when the festive season rolls in, they burst into life. From markets and music to beaches and braais, they transform into lively holiday hubs, drawing in locals and visitors alike. Here’s a look at some of South Africa’s small towns that save their best energy for summer. 1. Paternoster, Western Cape Paternoster is one of South Africa’s oldest fishing villages, known for…

The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has released the approved hajj fare for the 2026 exercise, amounting to N8,244,813.67. A statement by the Director of the Board, Mallam Kadiri Edah, urged intending pilgrims to complete payment before the end of December this year to be part of the religious journey. The Director also said that prospective pilgrims can make a deposit in respect of the exercise and ensure the full payment before the deadline to book a seat for the 2026 hajj exercise. Mallam Edah explained that all payments to the Board must be via a bank draft, as no…

Every great holiday needs a soundtrack. Fellipe Ditadi / Unsplash South Africa’s music scene is a kaleidoscope of rhythms, genres, and voices—perfect for road trips, sunset picnics, or nights out with friends. From timeless anthems to the freshest amapiano and Afropop hits, here’s a 12-song playlist that pairs each track with a moment or place to make your holiday unforgettable. 1. “Pata Pata” – Miriam Makeba For the open road on a Garden Route tripNothing says South African summer like Miriam Makeba’s iconic “Pata Pata.” Roll the windows down, let the wind in, and let this joyful classic carry you…

The fires at Etosha National Park have scorched habitats, grazing land, wildlife and are now affecting roads, camps and nearby villages. This has raised concerns about the broader impact on tourism, conservation and livelihoods, with the national park serving as a cornerstone of Namibia’s tourism industry. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism on Monday said the fires are under control. Hospitality Association of Namibia chief executive Gitta Paetzold yesterday told Desert FM that communication is critical to ensure tourists understand that the situation is under control. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines “We could have done…

Steel crafting street in the old town of tripoli To most people, Libya remains a black box, one of those places you only see on the news, and more often than not, it is portrayed negatively. What if I told you there is more to the country than meets the eye? Libya is the least explored country along the Mediterranean. Due to years of instability and a policy of not prioritizing tourism that spanned over 40 years, very little is known globally about the 16th-largest country in the world. On the other hand, Libya boasts a plethora of untouched archaeological…

Each year the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Elaine Kong/Unsplash Families across China and communities around the world gather for this cherished occasion, which is marked by moonlight, stories, and reunion. In South Africa the festival coincides with the arrival of spring, blending ancient tradition with the season of renewal beneath the same moon. History of the festival The Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon Festival, dates back more than three thousand years. It began as a harvest ritual during the Zhou Dynasty and later grew into a…

Port Harcourt — Worried by the low traveling rates and increase airlines ticket fares experienced in the post COVID-19 era, travel agents have brainstormed to tackle the challenges and boost the travel demands. The agents made the move during the PartnerPlus Connect (PPC), an interactive live session organised by Finchglow Travels in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Designed to deepen engagement between trade partners and airline collaborators, the industry stakeholders during the session, held at the weekend lamented that the advent of technology has impacted negatively on the rate of travels. The Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, Mr Ezekiel Ikotun, said…

South Africa in summer is a celebration of sunshine, outdoor adventure, and vibrant culture. Brent Ninaber / Unsplash Between December and March, the country’s diverse landscapes, from golden beaches to rolling vineyards and rugged mountains, come alive with possibility. Whether you’re a local looking for seasonal inspiration or a traveller planning the ultimate trip, here’s a bucket list of must-do experiences to make your South African summer unforgettable. 1. Soak up the sun on Cape Town’s beaches Cape Town is home to some of the most iconic stretches of coastline in the world. Camps Bay offers a lively scene with…

Nairobi — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for greater diversification of Kenya’s tourist destinations and experiences to attract more visitors and accelerate growth in the sector. Speaking on Thursday during the official opening of the 15th Magical Kenya Travel Expo at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kindiki urged stronger collaboration with Kenya’s globally respected figures in sports and other fields to boost the country’s international profile and draw more visitors. He noted that while Kenya’s traditional attractions–wildlife safaris, cultural heritage, and coastal retreats–remain popular, the country must innovate to stay competitive amid stiff regional and global competition. “Kenya’s traditional offerings…

How often do you replay your favourite travel memories? The kind that lifts you when life gets loud, that wraps around your soul like a favourite song. Like power anthems, they carry you through demanding schedules and the fast pace of everyday life. And your African safari memories are the most powerful of all.Safari game drive memories with the family, Image Credit: Cheetah PlainsTravel Memories: The Siren Song of ResonanceSome of my most precious travel memories do that for me. Their effect is even stronger when I share them with those who were there: the time our safari vehicle sank…