[ad_1] 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…
Author: Chukwu Godlove
[ad_1] 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…
[ad_1] 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…
[ad_1] 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…
[ad_1] 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…
[ad_1] 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…
[ad_1] 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…
[ad_1] 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…
[ad_1] It is easy to underestimate Observatory, writes Miriam Kimvangu. McClean Observatory/Wimfilmalter/Wikimedia Commons Most visitors know it as a lively, student-heavy suburb anchored by Lower Main Road. A place where budget eats, late-night takeaways and buzzing bars dominate the pavement. But step a few blocks away from the main strip and a quieter, more layered neighbourhood reveals itself. Observatory, or Obs as locals call it, is one of Cape Town’s oldest suburbs. It’s shaped by riverbanks, railways, medical campuses and generations of residents who have built a strong sense of community. A suburb shaped by science and health Observatory takes…
[ad_1] The Portfolio Committee on Tourism is on a week-long oversight visit in the Western Cape to assess, among other things, tourism infrastructure and job creation. The committee visited the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct development in the Overberg, where it had an engagement with stakeholders on progress towards completion of the project. The committee heard that the project is 99% complete and is ready to be launched. The committee last visited the project at its inception, in 2017. Phase 1, which included the construction of a map of Africa at the southern-most tip of Africa, paving a one-kilometre stretch of…