Author: Chukwu Godlove
‘Plett’ means different things depending on your age. If you’ve just finished matric, it probably means freedom, rage and parties, and doing the sorts of things that teenagers – who have been worrying about their exams for the last few months but are now free from that stress – do. If you’re a bit more advanced from those teenage years – that was subtle, right? It probably also means a place to escape, but perhaps differently, getting away to the Garden Route to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature…the sea, the views, the markets, the wildlife. Well, whatever your…
As South Africa settles into autumn and the cooler months roll in, beach days may feel like a distant memory. But for those chasing the sun, the world is full of underrated coastal gems where warm weather, soft sand, and crystal-clear waters await without the crowds. Whether you’re looking for a secluded tropical escape or a quiet Mediterranean hideaway, these destinations offer all the beauty of a beach holiday, minus the tourist overload. Picture/NDTV Koh Kradan, Thailand While Thailand’s beaches are famous for their beauty, most of the well-known spots—think Phuket and Koh Phi Phi—are packed year-round. Enter Koh Kradan,…
First, 40 southern white rhinos were donated in May to the Munywana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal; then, 120 southern white rhinos were translocated in June to the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. These are the first steps in the rewilding phase of African Parks’ Rhino Rewild initiative, a strategic, continent-wide conservation strategy. It’s a 10-year plan to rescue and rewild 2 000 southern white rhinos and renew the habitats they need. The rescue part came in September 2023, when African Parks bought the world’s largest rhino captive breeding operation in South Africa; the 2 000 pachyderms make up…
The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most famous safari destination, but it’s far from the only place to experience world-class wildlife encounters. Whether you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, a malaria-free option, or a safari closer to home, South Africa has plenty of incredible reserves to explore. Limpopo & Mpumalanga: Kruger-like safaris without the crowds Picture/Manyeleti Game Reserve If you want the classic Lowveld safari experience but with fewer visitors, these reserves are perfect alternatives: Manyeleti Game Reserve – An unfenced neighbor of Kruger, known for its low tourist numbers and excellent Big Five sightings. Balule Nature Reserve…
Exploring multiple destinations is a wonderful opportunity to broaden your horizons as you create lasting memories. However, planning a multi-destination trip can be both exciting and daunting. Picture: Sourced/Getty Images Through careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can create a seamless experience that allows you to explore different locations without feeling overwhelmed. Consider these essential tips for planning a successful multi-destination trip: Define your travel goals Before taking a deep dive into all the logistics, be clear on what you want to achieve through your trip. Are you looking to relax on a beach, explore cultural landmarks, or…
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has announced plans to revise the national tourism policy framework to align with ongoing sector reforms and enhance the country’s global competitiveness. During a stakeholder consultation held yesterday, the Ministry emphasized that updating the 13-year-old policy is necessary to reflect emerging trends, technological advancements, and new opportunities in the tourism sector. Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa stated that Ethiopia, recognized for its rich historical, natural, and cultural tourism resources, must modernize its tourism framework to improve its international standing and maximize economic benefits. “The revised policy will help strengthen…
Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and impeccable precision. The country has recently unveiled a new passport that reflects both its commitment to innovation and its deep-rooted traditions. According to Hypebeast, Geneva-based studio RETINAA reimagined Switzerland’s passport for the Swiss Federal Office. It was designed in partnership with Thales and Orell Füssli. Picture: Sourced/RETINAA The passport utilizes dynamic UV-sensitive designs drawing from the European country’s vast natural landscapes to bring the passport pages to life. ALSO READ: SA’s digital ID system gets long-awaited upgrade From its striking primary red cover, one might anticipate a minimalist design…
In a bold move to address the plight of Nigerian pilgrims, the House of Representatives has adopted a comprehensive report recommending sweeping reforms in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The reforms are to improve the overall Hajj experience, ensure transparency and prevent financial mismanagement. In the forefront of these reforms is the establishment of a Hajj Tribunal to handle contract breaches, financial disputes and service failures involving NAHCON, tour operators, and pilgrims. “This tribunal will provide a platform for pilgrims to seek redress for any grievances they may have,” said Sada…
First things first: Stellenbosch has got wine and food, and activities to get your heart pumping and galleries to soothe your soul. Second things second: it is known as Eikestad because of the many oak trees planted by its founder, Simon van der Stel. The historic town sits among hills and vineyards and is surrounded by significant-magnificent mountains: Stellenbosch Mountain, Jonkershoek, Simonsberg and Botmanskop. And you probably know it best as the seat of Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa. This is true, but it’s also known for its Chenin Blanc. There are more than 200 wine farms in Stellenbosch, of…
President Museveni has presided over the screening of “Hidden Uganda”, a documentary by an American journalist, Mr. Peter Greenberg. The documentary film showcases the beauty and hidden gems of Uganda. Speaking during the event at Speke Resort Munyonyo, President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, highlighted the natural beauty of Uganda, saying the country is endowed with beautiful climate, diverse attractions, cultural heritage as well as the flora and fauna. “Here, there’s no air-conditioning, we don’t have to warm the air to cool it, we just enjoy it the way…