Author: Chukwu Godlove
·The author with an Egyptian journalist in front of the Chongqing Hotpot Restaurant, a bomb shelter converted into a restaurant in Chongqing, China. BY the time I stepped off the third plane–legs heavy, eyes fighting sleep, body jetlagged–I knew this wasn’t going to be just another trip. From Lusaka to Dubai, then Dubai to Guangzhou, and finally to Chongqing, the 18-hour journey was a lesson in distance, scale, and anticipation. China wasn’t just far away in kilometers–it pulsed with a different rhythm, another world entirely. And I had arrived not as a tourist, but as a storyteller, a journalist tasked…
Travellers heading to Mozambique from certain visa-exempt countries now face an important new requirement: advance trip registration. Red Charlie/Unsplash Effective immediately, visitors must complete an online application via Mozambique’s official Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system at least 48 hours before departure. This rule applies even to those who previously didn’t require a visa for short stays. Failure to comply could result in denied boarding or entry into the country, according to a recent notice shared by Tourism Update. ALSO READ: Destinations that feel magical in every season Who needs to register? Citizens of the following countries must now complete ETA…
Addis Ababa, — Ethiopia, an East African country long known for its cultural history and unique cuisine, is beginning to attract more international attention. In its in-depth report, the Nigerian Business Day, stated that Ethiopia is home to what many claim is the best food in Africa and the best coffee in the world. A recent report from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) revealed a 40 percent increase in international tourist arrivals in Ethiopia over five years to 2024. This growth reflects deliberate efforts by the Ethiopian government to make tourism a key part of its economic development.…
When I travelled through Africa, I used public transport. And that changes almost everything. There’s so much more interaction. In a car, you’re in a bubble and miss out on things. So, you have to stop and talk to people. That’s why I’ve never understood this concept of international tourists coming to Johannesburg, booking into a four- or five-star hotel, and then getting into their air-conditioned buses and going to Soweto. They look out of the window, they might even have a meal at one of the restaurants, but then they get back onto their buses and head back to…
Africa’s aviation sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. While innovation and investment are vital, the true catalyst for transformative growth lies in the liberalisation of our skies. The persistent reality that an African traveler often must transit through Europe to reach another African nation is not just inconvenient–it is a stark indicator of systemic inefficiencies that hinder our continent’s progress. The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), launched in 2018, was envisioned as a solution to these challenges, aiming to create a unified air transport market across Africa. Despite 37 countries committing to this initiative, implementation has been sluggish, mainly…
My husband and I celebrate birthdays differently. We avoid big parties, balloons, and crowds and rather escape the noise to remote cottages across the Western Cape. This year, I spoiled him with a romantic getaway to Spier in Stellenbosch. It has been one of our favourite experiences as a couple since 2015, and we’re returning to celebrate my birthday in October. Everything was on point, and I really appreciate the attention to detail. So here’s our itinerary for two nights and three days. There are a variety of activities available on the farm, and I suggest spending at least two full days…
When the temperatures dip and your fingers crave a mug of something warm, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a decadent cup of hot chocolate. South Africa is home to a delightful variety of cafés and chocolateries that have taken this humble drink to artisanal heights. Whether you’re looking for mountain views, fireplace settings, or unusual twists, we’ve rounded up some hot chocolate spots by region to warm your winter travels. Western Cape Picture/Honest Chocolate Honest Chocolate Café – Cape Town Located in a quaint heritage building, this café is a shrine to ethically sourced cocoa. Their signature…
In a powerful moment of history and kinship, President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason declared that Liberians no longer need visas to travel to Barbados. She made the announcement before President Joseph N. Boakai, dignitaries, and eminent citizens at an elaborate lunch held in her honor at the Monrovia City Hall, on Friday. President Mason presented her country as a “home away from home” for Liberians, saying they can enter the tiny Caribbean Island country freely. “You’re not coming as tourists,” she said. “You’re coming home.” Her visit marks the deepening of historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the Caribbean…
Moroccan tea in front of the Dades Gorge Morocco seduces visitors with vibrant colors, exotic scents, and breathtaking landscapes. Recently, I embarked on an unforgettable 15-day journey that started in the bustling city of Marrakech, took me deep into the Sahara Desert, and introduced me to hidden gems along the way. Let me share every memorable detail of my adventure to inspire and help you plan your Moroccan journey. Table of contents: (Hide) Day 1: Marrakech Menara Airport – Arrival and Riad Check-in Stepping off the plane at Marrakech Menara Airport, I immediately felt a surge of excitement mixed with…
What was meant to be a routine flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town this past weekend took an unexpected detour when a FlySafair passenger began disrupting the flight. Flight FA600, which departed from OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday, 10 May, was forced to make an unscheduled diversion to Bloemfontein after a passenger allegedly disru Image: Facebook / FlySafair pted the flight, leaving both crew and fellow travellers rattled. According to a post shared in community Facebook group FlyAfrica, the passenger caused such a stir that some fellow passengers dubbed ‘happy helpers’ in the post felt they needed to step…