Author: Chukwu Godlove

The most memorable wildlife encounters do not always happen on a guided game drive or behind the gates of a reserve, but on the open road between various places, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. Eric Kilby/Wikimedia Commons The journey is where the wild still surprises you There is a quiet assumption in travel that wildlife experiences begin at the lodge gate or park entrance. You drive with purpose, eyes fixed on the destination, mentally switching into safari mode only once you arrive. But across Africa, some of the most authentic wildlife moments unfold in transit, on dusty back roads, tarred highways, mountain…

Summer in South Africa is the perfect time to explore without stress. From sun-kissed beaches and lush forests to wine estates and wildlife adventures, there are plenty of trips that require little planning but deliver maximum reward, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. Image used for illustrative purposes/Ethan Robertson/Unsplash Whether you are a couple looking for a quick getaway, a family seeking fun, or a solo traveller wanting to recharge, these six options will inspire your next effortless adventure. 1. South African beach escapes Boulders Beach/Bernd M. Schell/Unsplash South Africa’s coastline offers endless opportunities for spontaneous beach trips. Book your stay and spend…

Africa has long been sold as a continent for the bold. Think long game drives, early starts, dusty roads and rugged conditions. But there is another way to experience it, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. One where adventure still exists, but it is softened by considered luxury, intuitive service and spaces designed for rest as much as exploration. From indulgent safari lodges to island retreats and design-forward desert escapes, these are the African destinations that put comfort first, without sacrificing the thrill of discovery. Southern Africa: Where safari meets sophistication Botswana’s Okavango Delta for serene wildlife encounters The Okavango Delta is proof…

Valentine’s Day has a way of making romance feel expensive, writes Zoë Erasmus. Oleg Ivanov / Unsplash Prix-fixe menus, inflated roses and overbooked restaurants can quickly turn a sweet idea into a stressful one. But in Johannesburg, romance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little creativity, the city offers plenty of budget-friendly ways to connect, explore and make memories, without sacrificing atmosphere or intention. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day itself or planning a romantic date any time of year, here’s how to do love in Jozi, on a budget. Picnic dates that never go out…

Hear about travel to the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rael Zieve from Keep Travelling Africa about one of his favorite African itineraries. Why should you visit the Zambezi Valley?  Rael says, “Just the landscapes are quite amazing. I think you should go because the landscapes change. There are still people who live very humbly along the river banks, living out of their mud huts in very medieval conditions, and that type of thing. Even today in the 21st century.” Rael’s Recommended Zambezi Valley Itinerary (9 Nights Total): Days 1–3: Victoria Falls & Upper Zambezi…

The best escapes are not about distance but about the places that help you pause and recharge, leaving you feeling rejuvenated, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. Elgin Valley for forest, fynbos and fresh air Elgin Valley/Image: Getaway Gallery Just over Sir Lowry’s Pass, the Elgin Valley offers a lush escape from city life. With cool climate vineyards, rolling orchards, and tall forest trails, this valley is perfect for anyone looking to breathe deeply and recharge. Spend a morning cycling through quiet lanes, wander among apple orchards, or relax with a glass of locally made cider while the world drifts by. Overnight stays…

Trail towns are communities that exist because of outdoor routes, writes Miriam Kimvangu. McGregor/Tanya Paquet/Unsplash Hiking trails, mountain bike networks, paddling corridors and gravel roads are not side attractions in these places. They are the reason accommodation exists, cafés open early and guiding services operate year round. In Southern Africa, the trail town concept is increasingly important as smaller destinations look for sustainable tourism models that protect landscapes while supporting local economies. Unlike resort towns built around a single attraction, trail towns depend on networks. Visitors move through them slowly, often staying multiple nights to explore different routes. This pattern…

Galentine’s Day doesn’t have to be loud, glittery, or tied to a specific date on the calendar. Createasea / Unsplash At its core, it’s simply about carving out intentional time with friends, whether that’s to celebrate milestones, decompress from busy schedules, or just enjoy being together without expectations. The beauty of a Galentine’s-style get-together is its flexibility: it can be a full weekend away, a casual afternoon plan, or something quietly meaningful. If you’re planning one, the key is choosing experiences that feel welcoming to everyone in the group. Think shared moments, relaxed pacing, and spaces that allow conversation to…

Family travel has shifted in recent years, moving away from passive poolside stays towards destinations that actively engage both children and adults, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Abigail Clarke/Unsplash Across South Africa and further afield, a growing number of lodges, resorts and rural retreats are designing structured programmes that balance fun, learning and downtime. These destinations recognise that a successful family holiday needs thoughtful planning, age-appropriate activities and opportunities for parents and children to share experiences rather than simply being in the same place. What structured family travel really means Structured family travel is about destinations that offer optional daily or weekly…

In Amsterdam, a Cape Town-born restaurateur and a tight-knit team of South Africans are redefining hospitality abroad – not through nostalgia, but through warmth, openness and exceptional food. The way South Africans gravitate towards each other in a foreign land is incredible. South London could be Cape Town’s southern suburbs with its concentration of South Africans working in the finance industry. Australia and New Zealand have proud, booming South African communities, and the comments section on SA Rugby Magazine serves to confirm this. “PROUD SAFFA LIVING IN AUS LAST 10 YEARS GREAT COMMUNITY HERE!!!”. I have a very good friend…