Author: Chukwu Godlove
If you’ve been reading the news lately, you might have seen alarming headlines suggesting that the United States has “added” South Africa to its travel alert list, implying new dangers or an escalation in security concerns. Naturally, this kind of media attention spreads quickly – and often, unnecessarily.Cape Town’s calm says more than headlines doThe Real StatusBut here’s the reality: the U.S. travel advisory level for South Africa hasn’t changed. We’re still at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – the same advisory level we’ve held for years, alongside countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.So Why the Fuss?The U.S.…
The eThekwini Municipality has prohibited swimming at all southern Durban beaches from 2 June 2025 until further notice due to the annual sardine run. ALSO READ: NSPCA pushes for specialised courts to handle and expedite wildlife cases In a public statement, the municipality said: “The public is advised that swimming is prohibited at all southern beaches from 2 June 2025 until further notice. This is due to removing shark nets to allow for the sardine run.” The sardine run occurs annually between June and July, when billions of sardines migrate along South Africa’s east coast. The event attracts predators such…
East African nation Burundi is the lone duck in the latest US emigration travel ban after the Trump administration listed it among just seven countries facing partial travel restrictions to the United States. Unlike neighbouring countries, Burundi stands alone in the Great Lakes region under this designation. While Somalia and Sudan–both in the Horn of Africa–face a total travel ban under the new proclamation, regional peers such as Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania have been spared entirely. The policy, set to take effect on 9 June, is the second major travel ban of its kind under Donald Trump,…
Dodoma — THE Tanzanian government, through the Immigration Department, has introduced an online visa application system (e-Visa), allowing tourists to apply for visas from anywhere in the world without having to visit an embassy. The initiative aims to simplify the visa acquisition process and attract more tourists to visit the country. The announcement was made today, Wednesday, in Parliament by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dunstan Kitandula, while responding to a question from Manyoni West MP (CCM), Dr. Pius Chaya. The MP had inquired about the government’s efforts to ease visa access for tourists from various countries,…
Posted on 4 June 2025 Tags:African Elephants, climate change, conservation, cull, elepahnts, elephants, Human wildlife comflict, over opoulation, Save Valley Conservancy, translocation, Zimbabwe, zimparks Image: Unsplash / Antelope Park Zimbabwe’s wildlife authority has announced plans to cull 50 elephants from the Save Valley Conservancy in the country’s southeast, with the meat to be distributed to local communities. ALSO READ: SA mourns loss of Greater Kruger conservation hero Sharon Haussmann The decision aims to address the overpopulation of elephants, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) said on Tuesday. The “management exercise” will target 50 elephants initially, aiming to address…
Dodoma — THE Tanzanian government has entered into agreements with various countries to simplify visa procedures, where about 71 countries will be able to enter Tanzania without a visa. This was disclosed by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dustan Kitandula at the ongoing Parliamentary meeting in Dodoma on Wednesday, adding that from now on, most tourists coming into the country from around the globe will obtain visas on arrival at the International Airports. Mr Kitandula made the statements in response to a question from a Member of Parliament, Dr Pius Chanya, who wanted to know what efforts…
Over the past few months, I’ve been writing a memoir. It began as a deeply personal project – part reflection, part legacy – originally intended for my children. But as the words unfolded, I realised this story might resonate more broadly. It’s not just about me. It’s about the sober revolutions that shape who we are and the families we build along the way. In honour of Pride Month, I’ve decided to share one of its chapters. One about becoming a father. About choosing love. And building something lasting in a world that didn’t always make space for it.Fatherhood begins…
Image: Pexels Travelling can be exciting, but when it throws off your sleep schedule, the effects are far less enjoyable. Whether you’re crossing time zones, sleeping in unfamiliar beds, or struggling to wind down after a packed itinerary, disrupted rest can lead to grogginess, irritability, and even physical symptoms. Thankfully, with a little foresight and consistency, it’s possible to maintain your sleep routine and feel well-rested, no matter where in the world you are. ALSO READ: This is the best time of day to fly with kids to avoid jet lag Adjust your sleep times before you leave If you’re…
Kingsley and Ross Holgate’s travel tales span three decades, the entire African continent and beyond. Their stories tell of wonder, danger and great reward. For 25 years, they have been driven by two things: Using adventure to improve and save lives, and the vehicles that help them do that – Defenders. Next-gen Defender 130 on the Afrika Odyssey Expedition/Image: Defender Long before I began writing for Getaway Magazine, the platform had described Kingsley Holgate as “the most travelled man in Africa”. The mighty beard, who has been to every country in Africa, and his son Ross, at his side since…
Image: Facebook As the sun sets over Gauteng, Benoni, Bedfordview, and Alberton come alive with vibrant night markets that offer a unique blend of local culture, delicious food, and entertainment. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a shopaholic, or simply looking for a fun evening out, these markets have something for everyone. ALSO READ: Franschhoek Bastille Festival returns this July Benoni Night Market Benoni’s night market is a staple for locals and visitors alike. Held on the first Friday of every month at the Old Benonians Club, this market is known for its eclectic mix of food stalls, live music, and…