Author: Chukwu Godlove

Gaborone — Botswana’s recognition as a global conservation success story faces a critical challenge on how to sustain its remarkable biodiversity and tourism industry while ensuring the safety and livelihoods of its people. Speaking at a three-day International Parliamentary Roundtable on human-wildlife coexistence in Gaborone on January 19, Mr Gabatsholwe Disho, chairperson of the wildlife, tourism, natural resources and climate change committee, stressed that the nation stood at a pivotal moment requiring urgent, inclusive action. Botswana’s achievements in protecting wildlife, he said, especially its elephant population of over 132 000 – the largest in the world – had garnered international…

African minimalism is shaping a new era in hospitality design across the continent, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Kilifi, Kenya/Max Whitehead/Unsplash This design approach combines clean lines, open spaces, and subtle textures with a distinctly African aesthetic. It focuses on quality over quantity, celebrating craftsmanship, natural materials and cultural authenticity. What exactly is African minimalism? At its core, African minimalism prioritises clarity, calm and connection. It embraces open space and unobtrusive lines while drawing on regionally sourced materials and artisanal detail. Neutral palettes anchored in earthy tones like ochre, clay, stone and sand create soothing backdrops. Interiors celebrate texture more than ornament,…

Addis Ababa — French and German tourists have appreciated the welcoming people of Ethiopia and the captivating heritage and beauty of the country. Ethiopia continues to charm visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an increasingly popular choice among foreign tourists. One of the tourists from France, Roulfen-Forest Jason, described his 20-day journey through Ethiopia as a visit filled with warm hospitality and delight. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn Beginning his expedition in the bustling capital of Addis Ababa, Jason traveled through various regions, including the Amhara and Tigray…

Somewhere between productivity culture and romantic idealism, we forgot how to spend time with ourselves without waiting for someone else to show up, writes Zoë Erasmus. LEPTA STUDIO / Pexels Solo date: a small, intentional act of self-attention that turns alone time into something meaningful rather than incidental. A solo date isn’t about self-improvement or filling silence. It’s about presence. It’s choosing to spend time with yourself in the same way you would with someone you care about. What a solo date really is (and isn’t) At its core, a solo date is intentional time carved out for yourself. Not…

Uganda is participating in the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) 2026 in Madrid, showcasing its tourism and investment opportunities as part of the government’s strategic push to deepen international partnerships and boost economic diplomacy in Southern Europe and Spanish-speaking markets. The fair runs from January 21 to 25 at IFEMA Madrid. The Ugandan delegation is coordinated through a multi-agency public-private partnership that includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uganda Embassy in Paris, the Uganda Tourism Board, the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, and selected private sector stakeholders. This collaborative effort aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, which identifies…

The southern line is a moving window into some of the city’s most character-rich neighbourhoods, creative pockets, green escapes and seaside villages. Fish Hoek, Southern Line/Asher Pardey/Wikimedia Commons Whether you are riding for the view or planning a day of hop-on, hop-off exploring, each station unlocks its own set of local experiences that reward slower travel and curious detours. Cape Town to Observatory Starting at Cape Town Station, the journey quickly moves into the creative districts of Woodstock and Salt River, where old warehouses now house design studios, coffee roasters and small galleries. Woodstock Exchange and the Old Biscuit Mill…

Sterling Bank Ltd has furthered its commitment to health, wellbeing, and sustainable economic development through its participation in ‘The Art of Wellbeing’ experience, held recently at ISIMI Lagos. The curated wellness experience convened leaders from the public and private sectors, wellness advocates, and creatives to examine the intersection of wellbeing, tourism, and the creative economy, with a focus on investment opportunities and sector growth. The event was attended by Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman, alongside senior representatives of the Lagos State Government, including Emmanuel Benson Okwuokenyen, Deputy Director, Research and Development, Lagos State Ministry of…

The most memorable nature experiences can often be found at the edge of our cities without travelling a distance or going deep into the wilderness, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. Mountains, forests, wetlands, and wildlife-rich reserves surround urban areas throughout South Africa and beyond, allowing one to enter nature in a matter of minutes from city streets. Whether you are visiting for a long weekend or building a slower itinerary around one central base, these nature experiences fit seamlessly around a city stay, offering balance without compromise. Urban nature escapes within city limits The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway/Asher Pardey/Unsplash Cape Town: Mountains,…

The U.S. Embassy in Accra is encouraging Ghanaian football enthusiasts and fans of the Black Stars planning to travel to the U.S for 2026 World Cup to apply early as it opened thousands of additional non-immigrant visa appointment and slots. A statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Accra said many of the openings are “available now”. The Embassy said it would “continue to process non-immigrant visa applications”. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines It said applicants could apply via the official U.S. visa appointment website: https://gh.usembassy.gov/visas/. Related Articles This announcement brings relief to thousands of…

FlySafair has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Hoedspruit Airport after damaging floods rendered the runway unsafe for operations. AirplaneNiner/Wikimedia Commons According to Tourism Update, travellers planning bush adventures now face disrupted itineraries as the airline prioritises passenger and crew safety. The closure follows severe weather that wreaked havoc on critical airport infrastructure, forcing the popular low-cost carrier to halt operations until mid-February. FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, emphasised that safety remains paramount: current conditions at Hoedspruit Airport do not meet operational standards. All scheduled flights are suspended “until February 14”, and the airline has offered affected passengers…