Author: Chukwu Godlove

It’s the ultimate African travel dream: seeing lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo in their natural habitat. But the price tags of luxury safari lodges can feel intimidating. The good news? A Big Five safari doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. With the right planning, a bit of flexibility, and a DIY spirit, you can enjoy an unforgettable safari—even on a tight budget. Here’s how to experience the thrill of the Big Five without emptying your bank account. Go for national parks over private reserves Etosha National Park/Anna Sullivan/Unsplash Private reserves offer exclusivity, but often at eye-watering prices. If…

Strategically located closer to the sea Ports, Dire Dawa thrives as a major commercial hub where foreign trade and investment are facilitated. As such, for many Ethiopians, Dire Dawa is well known as a hub of trade. Indeed, from its genesis, it was the country’s commercial capital for about a century. Its linkage with trade is tied to the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, which is the first long-distance transportation means that connects the country with marine transport. As a result, the railway became the city’s identity, and it is still considered one of its old heritages. Without losing its status as a…

Image: Unsplash / Nathalia Arantes For as long as humans have roamed the African wilderness, tracking has been a vital skill—connecting people with the natural world and its wild inhabitants. Today, in game reserves and wild spaces, the ancient art of tracking is not only a survival tool but a way to deepen our understanding of the bush and its intricate ecosystems. ALSO READ: What animal tracking can teach you about life What is tracking? Tracking is the practice of reading the signs that animals leave behind—from footprints and droppings to broken branches and subtle shifts in the soil. It’s…

These days, taking time out isn’t just a treat—it’s a must. Luckily, South Africa is full of spa escapes that make it easy to switch off, whether you’re after forest quiet, ocean views, or vineyard peace. From wellness lodges tucked into mountain ranges to coastal hideaways and urban sanctuaries, here’s your guide to the top spas to truly unwind in South Africa. Babylonstoren Garden Spa – Simondium, Western Cape Picture by franschhoek.org.za Set within one of the Cape Winelands’ most iconic estates, Babylonstoren’s Garden Spa is a green oasis where natural beauty and luxurious simplicity go hand in hand. Designed…

South Africa’s aviation scene has plenty to celebrate this year, with four local carriers recognised in the prestigious Skytrax 2025 World Airline Awards—a benchmark in global airline excellence. Picture/Wikipedia South African Airways (SAA) ranked as the fourth-best airline in Africa, showing its continued relevance on the continent despite recent operational hurdles, as reported by Travel News. FlySafair took the crown for Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa for 2025 and secured the eighth spot among all African airlines, a significant nod to its no-frills efficiency and punctual service. LIFT made an impressive entry into the rankings, coming in second among low-cost…

Ancient cities aren’t stuck in the past. From Venice to Marrakesh, they’re rewriting their stories with cutting-edge art in centuries-old spaces. Here’s where modern creativity meets old-world charm. Venice – Italy  Picture/Venice Biennale/Tourist Italy Venice may be a floating relic of the Renaissance, but every two years it becomes one of the most important cities for modern art. The Venice Biennale transforms the historic Arsenale and Giardini into hubs of avant-garde installations, sculpture, and performance art. Even outside Biennale season, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection—set in an 18th-century palace—hosts surrealist and abstract works by the likes of Pollock and Duchamp. Kyoto…

The Last Word — Many people are angry with President Donald Trump for canceling the visas of many students studying in the USA. This is bad for individual families and students. I have friends whose children have been denied visas to return to America to study. I feel their frustrations. However, for Africa, Trump has done the right thing. I hope it changes our attitudes. African elites are outward-looking. They seek education opportunities and medical care for themselves and their families in rich countries, especially the West. This dilemma is best captured in Exit, Voice and Loyalty: Responses to Decline…

Jason Gipson of Lion Sands Game Reserve has officially been crowned Safari Guide of the Year at this year’s prestigious awards held in the Eastern Cape. Hosted at Kariega Game Reserve, the hotly contested event brought together five of South Africa’s top field guides, each vying for the coveted title in one of the country’s most respected competitions. This year’s finalist nominees included Cameron Schmidt from Pumba Private Game Reserve, Jason Gipson from Lion Sands Game Reserve, Kalie Otimile representing Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Matthew Derry of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, as well as Megan Heramb-Smith, a freelance Guide and Partner at The Great Outdoors. Image:…

MONROVIA – With a 60-day clock already ticking on a potential U.S. travel ban, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has created an inter-agency Presidential Task Force charged with delivering the swift, documented reforms Washington insists must be in place if Liberians are to keep ordinary access to American visas. The Task Force, which Mr Boakai will chair personally, held its inaugural meeting at the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, 17 June. Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti serves as co-chair alongside key security and service ministries: Justice, Health, State for Presidential Affairs, the Liberia National Police, the Office of the National Security Advisor…

You don’t need hours behind the wheel—or a week off—to enjoy a proper escape. These quick-and-easy road trips across South Africa are close enough for a weekend and laid-back enough to return feeling better, not busier. Pack light, hit the road, and let the stress melt away. Johannesburg to Clarens ±3.5 hours (335 km) Picture/Clarens.co.za Tucked in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens offers one of the most rejuvenating escapes from Gauteng. Known as the “Jewel of the Free State,” this small town is big on charm. Wander through art galleries, browse antique stores, or unwind at a coffee…