Author: Chukwu Godlove

Have you ever considered experiencing shinrin-yoku in Africa? When people think of Africa, it’s often the golden sweep of the savannah, the iconic silhouette of a baobab tree, or the vibrant buzz of our Mother City that springs to mind. Yet intertwined within our continent’s natural diversity lies something somewhat lesser-known – verdant, tree-filled landscapes that invite you into their quiet embrace. These forested sanctuaries are perfect for shinrin-yoku (also known as forest bathing), a practice rooted in slowing down, connecting deeply, and discovering the magic of being tucked beneath a blanket of leafy branches.Forest bathing is a grounding activity…

Steenberg Farm in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley is revolutionizing the wine harvest experience with South Africa’s first augmented reality (AR) vineyard tour. This innovative initiative allows guests to immerse themselves in the magic of yield season without physically handling a single grape. Picture: Supplied Traditionally, harvesting premium varietals such as Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc is restricted to farm workers. However, Steenberg’s new Immersive Harvest Experience grants visitors exclusive access through their smartphones. By scanning QR codes placed along a vineyard trail, guests can unlock AR content featuring insights from winemaker Elunda Basson and viticulturist Vlok Hanekom. They can watch footage…

Thupeyo Muleya — The new state-of-the-art Beitbridge Border Post promises to revolutionise trade and travel between Zimbabwe, her neighbours and the international community, ably aided by its cutting-edge technology, expanded capacity, and enhanced security features. The US$300 million-dollar project has transformed the critical gateway, reducing congestion and time needed to clear both cargo and travellers, which had become a major bottleneck to trade and movement of people in the SADC region. After so many years of bungled immigration challenges, the New Dispensation through a robust Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Zimborders Consortium has turned a new leaf at the…

Hear about travel to Reunion Island, an outpost of France in the Indian Ocean as the Amateur Traveler talks to Collin McFadden about his recent trip to this adventure travel paradise. Why should you travel to Reunion Island? Colin says: “Reunion is, I would say, first off, an adventure destination. It is not a place to go for beaches and just hanging out mostly because they don’t have beaches per se, there are a few, but it is a volcano, very much like the Hawaiian Islands. It is a place to go for hiking, biking, climbing, canyoning, paragliding you name…

There’s something about a hot air balloon safari that makes everything else feel a little too… grounded. Rising with the dawn, we’ve tested and approved some of Africa’s finest places to experience this extraordinary adventure. From wildlife-packed plains to otherworldly deserts, these destinations deliver the best views in a way only Africa can.An aerial view reveals zebras and wildebeest traversing Africa’s golden plains, Image Credit: Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge1. Serengeti National Park, TanzaniaIf you want to talk about bucket-list moments, a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti National Park sits comfortably at the top. The sheer scale of the…

Travelling can be stressful for both mind and body. In your quest to enjoy memorable experiences, various aspects of your life can be unsettled, including your gut health. Air travel, a different diet, a changed routine and a new environment can all get in the way of a happy and healthy gut. Picture: iStock / PeopleImages Of course, this can potentially affect the overall enjoyment of a travel experience. However, a grumpy gut can be avoided through a number of intentional choices.  Here are a few ways in which you can keep your gut healthy while travelling: Stay hydrated Drinking…

VICTORIA Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, was abuzz with excitement as the legendary former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, made a surprise visit to the resort town. The 83-year-old football icon arrived in Zimbabwe’s tourism capital on Sunday, leaving locals and tourists star-struck. His two-day visit was a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a premier tourist destination, attracting high-profile figures from around the world. Sir Alex’s presence in Victoria Falls was a significant event, with fans and locals alike clamouring for photo opportunities. Despite his private holiday, he graciously posed for pictures…

Hear about travel to Southern Morocco as the Amateur Traveler talks to Ady from Hit The Road Music Studio about an area he fell in love with while touring it in a mobile recording studio. Ady recommends a detailed itinerary for a week-long trip exploring Southern Morocco, starting and ending in Marrakesh. Here’s a breakdown of the suggested trip: Day 1: Marrakesh Arrive in Marrakesh and spend the night. Experience the bustling city, try a mix of European and Moroccan cuisine, and get a taste of the local culture. Day 2: Travel over the Atlas Mountains Travel from Marrakesh over…

I love looking through old photos and reminiscing. Some snapshots are in old photo print wallets or beautiful hardback volumes; others are well-thumbed photo albums as old as the hills. Sometimes, I have social media to thank as my memories pop up – such good times. What memories do you intend to make this year? In this blog, journey with me as we explore how the wonders of Africa, a continent rich in diversity, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, speak to all generations of travellers, from young adventurers to seasoned explorers. Gather as a family and make memories in Africa, Image Credit:…

Image: Pexels Your friends (who earn a lot more than you) have suggested going on holiday together – you want to go, but you can’t afford exactly what they’re suggesting. You don’t want to miss out, and when you earn less than your friends it can be tempting to get out the credit card to match their spending energy, but you don’t have to go above your means to have a memorable trip. Travel expert Justin Chapman at Go2Africa reveals how to navigate and bridge the friend group wealth gap when it comes to travel plans, and the biggest mistakes…