Author: Chukwu Godlove
Sharks suffer from a serious PR problem. Popular media have long misrepresented them as mindless brutes. But walk through the doors of the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, and that image starts to dissolve. Here, the story of sharks is rewritten – not one of fear, but of fascination. The Aquarium is home to a remarkable variety of shark species, many of them found only in South African waters. From the iconic ragged-tooth sharks cruising through the Save our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit to the elusive puffadder shysharks, visitors are offered a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of…
For the second time in just two months, the UK Home Office has denied South African opposition MP and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema entry, ruling him “non-conducive to the public good” and deeming his admission “undesirable.” A spokesperson for the Home Office said in a formal refusal that Malema’s presence in the UK would be against the country’s public-interest standards. No further details were provided. Malema, an outspoken critic of Western influence, had aimed to attend two high-profile events: an Africa-themed conference at Cambridge University and a peace summit in London, both scheduled for June. He previously…
Travelling with children isn’t about finding the nearest playground, it is about sparking their curiosity and exposing them to different things in the world and even better, what they can learn from while having fun. Across the globe, children’s museums are transforming the way young travellers see the world. Here are some of the best children’s museums around the world that prove learning can be the best part of the trip. Exploratorium – San Francisco, USA Picture/Bruce Damonte/Introba This pioneering science museum is a global benchmark for interactive learning. With hundreds of exhibits that explore light, sound, movement, and the human…
Nepal has recorded a thrilling wildlife rediscovery: the Asian small-clawed otter, the smallest otter species in the world, has reappeared after vanishing from the country’s records for nearly two centuries. Picture of otter not affiliated with Nepal otter/Third Idea/Unsplash In November 2024, a young, injured otter was spotted along the Rangun and Puntara rivers in Nepal’s Dadeldhura District. With no confirmed sightings since 1839, experts had feared the species extinct in the region. But this remarkable encounter has sparked renewed hope for otter conservation in the Himalayas, according to reports from CMU. A glimmer of hope The discovery unfolded quietly.…
Olusegun Runsewe, Nigeria’s former chief executive of culture and tourism agencies, has called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict within the cultural tourism sector regarding the regulatory policy by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). He has pledged to mediate between all parties involved and promote dialogue and collaboration. Runsewe, who previously served as Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (now Nigeria Tourism Development Authority) and more recently as Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), said his wealth of experience and strong ties across the sector position him to…
You don’t have to be a deep-sea daredevil to experience the magic of the underwater world. From reef-nesting turtles to manta rays sweeping past coral gardens, these beginner-friendly dive sites deliver on marine drama without overwhelming the novice diver. Dahab Blue Hole – Egypt Picture/Connolly Cove The Blue Hole in Dahab has a dramatic reputation, but not all of it applies to beginners. While technical divers often descend to its deep, dark depths, there’s a much gentler side to explore. The “Bells to Blue Hole” route offers a guided path along a sloping coral wall, with a gradual entry and…
The US State Department says it will resume scheduling appointments for international student visas, but will ask all applicants to make their social media accounts public for enhanced screening. Officials have been instructed to expand social media vetting of applicants and search for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States”. The Trump administration had halted the scheduling of student visa appointments in late May as it prepared to step up measures to restrict applicants deemed hostile to the US. The guidelines will impact all applicants who apply for F visas,…
Cape Town may be South Africa’s plant-based poster child, but there’s a whole world out there where vegan and vegetarian travellers can eat well, travel consciously, and connect with communities through food. From ancient traditions to eco-forward eateries, these cities prove that mindful eating knows no borders. Nairobi – Kenya Picture/Nubian Center Shop Nairobi’s plant-based food scene has been growing steadily, fed by Indian culinary influences, Swahili heritage, and an urban wave of health-conscious eaters. Staples like maharagwe (spiced red kidney beans), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and chapati are naturally vegan — part of daily home cooking as well as…
The guidelines will affect all applicants for F visas, which are mainly issued to students. Foreigners from Nigeria and other countries applying for student visas in the US will now be required to unlock their social media accounts for review. The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it is restarting its student visa application process after a three-week suspension. PREMIUM TIMES reported in May that the US temporarily suspended the scheduling of new interviews for student visa applicants worldwide as it considers strict vetting of applicants’ social media profiles. The State Department, on Wednesday, disclosed that it had rescinded…
For many travellers, volcanoes ignite the imagination. They’re geological wonders—often active, sometimes smoking, always dramatic. But not all are off-limits. Around the world, there are volcanoes you can safely hike, many with local guides, marked trails, and unforgettable views. These accessible adventures are ideal for travellers with a sense of awe and just enough stamina. Mount Batur – Bali, Indonesia Dan the Drone/Unsplash One of Bali’s most popular hikes, Mount Batur offers a relatively easy route to adventure. Most climbers begin before dawn to catch the sunrise from the summit, reached in about two hours. It’s a guided experience by…