Author: Chukwu Godlove
TOP hospitality concern, Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) has undertaken major refurbishment exercises which will go a long way in sustaining the market share. Presenting a trading update for the quarter ended March 31 2025, RTG company secretary, Tapiwa Mari, said the just-ended period saw major facelifts pushing through milestones. “The group conducted the refurbishment of its three properties during the months of January and February 2025. The refurbishment works saw the New Ambassador Hotel’s guest rooms undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment, including the full replacement of furniture and fittings, as well as the upgrading of bathrooms with contemporary fixtures and enhanced…
Some people chase sunsets. I chase aardvarks. Don’t get me wrong – lions, leopards, and the rest of the celebrity safari crew are always a thrill to track down. But after years in the travel trenches, I’ve learnt that finding the most famous and iconic African animals isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing where to go, when to be there, and who to trust behind the wheel that makes for something special.The meerkat is one of the classic iconic African animals I love seeing on safariBecause “We Saw Tracks” Doesn’t Make a Great StoryThis isn’t a fluffy listicle or a…
Image: Robben Island The Robben Island Museum (RIM) is facing serious scrutiny following revelations that it operated a ferry with significant safety defects during the peak tourist season, potentially endangering passengers travelling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. ALSO READ: Find the 10 Jewels of iSimangaliso Wetland Park An investigation by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) uncovered severe deficiencies in the ferry’s condition, raising concerns about passenger safety and the museum’s adherence to maritime regulations. The ferry in question, used to transport visitors between Cape Town and Robben Island, was found to have multiple operational shortcomings. These included inadequate maintenance, failure…
Image: Instagram / @kinoyves ‘This is the end of my journey South,’ says Yves de Preux, who has just completed a three-and-a-half year journey on the road, from France to the Southernmost point of Africa. In March, after three years behind the wheels of an e-trike, Yves reached Cape Town – his first goalpost for a whirlwind adventure from France to South Africa. Now, the YouTuber has reached the furthest and final point in his journey South, arriving in Cape Agulhas. From France to Cape Town via e-trike The adventure began in 2022, when ‘Kino Yves’ (as he is known…
Not every tourist attraction starts as one. Across South Africa, unlikely places—some forgotten, others accidental—have been reimagined into compelling stops for the curious traveller. From ghost towns to glittering cement owls, these offbeat destinations offer something a little different: a glimpse into the country’s layered, surprising past—and its flair for reinvention. The Big Hole – Kimberley (Northern Cape) Picture/The Big Hole/Facebook Once just a feverish excavation site during the 19th-century diamond rush, the Big Hole in Kimberley has transformed into a heritage marvel. Dubbed the largest hand-dug excavation in the world, it’s a staggering monument to the mania that once…
An Indian and a Romanian climber lost their lives on Nepal’s Mount Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak, officials confirmed on Monday. Their deaths bring the 2025 Himalayan climbing season’s toll in Nepal to at least eight. Picture/ RP Adventures Indian climber collapses during descent Rakesh Kumar, 39, from India, died on Sunday while descending from Lhotse’s 8,516-metre (27,940-foot) summit. He had reached the mountain’s fourth camp, located at around 8,000 metres (26,246 feet), when tragedy struck, as per Reuters reports. “He was coming down from the 8,000m fourth camp when he suddenly collapsed,” said Mohan Lamsal of Makalu Adventure, the…
There’s something magnetic about a place you can’t simply drive to. When a valley lies beyond the reach of tar, crowds and signal bars, it becomes more than a destination — it becomes an invitation to slow down, walk further and stay a little longer. These secret folds of South Africa’s landscape are only accessible on foot or via rough farm tracks, and they offer the kind of silence and scenery you won’t find marked on maps. Better still, all of them fall within public land or community-run reserves, so you can roam without trespassing. Gamkaskloof (aka Die Hel) –…
Johannesburg, often referred to as the City of Gold, is not just a hub for business and culture, but also a paradise for fitness enthusiasts. With its beautiful landscapes and well-maintained paths, the city offers some of the best running and cycling routes. Picture: Sourced Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual jogger, here are some scenic routes that will make your workout sessions enjoyable and refreshing. 1. Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Garden Emmarentia Dam is a favourite among locals for both running and cycling. The route around the dam offers a mix of flat paths and gentle slopes,…
Wildlife tourism is one of life’s most beautiful and rewarding experiences. It offers a unique glimpse into the natural world and can be enriching to one’s soul. However, it also comes with a responsibility to protect the very creatures and ecosystems we admire. After all, being a responsible wildlife tourist is essential for the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity. According to SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, a little truly does go a long way when it comes to protecting wildlife and the environment. ‘Small actions can help make a big difference. When you travel with care, you help protect nature for everyone—now…
South Africa’s coastline is home to many celebrated beach destinations — but tucked between the better-known names are lesser-visited spots offering seclusion and scenery, at a slower pace. These five hidden beach towns promise peaceful, natural wonder. 1. Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Kosi Bay lies near South Africa’s northeastern edge, bordering Mozambique and forming part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is characterised by a system of interconnected lakes, coastal forests, estuaries, and dune-lined beaches. Traditional fish traps used by the local Thonga people have been in place for generations, giving the area both cultural and…