Author: Chukwu Godlove

Backpacking across Africa promises adventure unlike anywhere else in the world. Aditya Saxena / Unsplash From the red dunes of Namibia to the bustling souks of Morocco, from wildlife safaris in Kenya to the tropical beaches of Mozambique, the continent offers a rich mix of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro or immersing yourself in the vibrant music scene of West Africa, backpacking here is both rewarding and transformative. Why backpack Africa? Unlike traditional tours, backpacking gives travellers the flexibility to move at their own pace, connect deeply with local communities, and explore…

When it comes to South African safaris, places like Kruger and Addo often steal the spotlight. Yet, scattered across the country are smaller national parks that pack a powerful punch. These parks may be modest in size, but they shine in biodiversity, history, and unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re seeking wildflowers, shipwrecks, or endangered antelope, Bontebok, Agulhas, Namaqua, and Mountain Zebra National Parks prove that great things come in small packages. Bontebok National Park Bontebok National Park/Landia Davies/Wikimedia Commons At just 28 km², Bontebok National Park near Swellendam is South Africa’s smallest. It was created with a singular mission, which was…

There’s something timeless about floating silently above the earth, carried only by the wind. In Southern Africa, hot air ballooning isn’t just about the ride — it’s about witnessing landscapes and wildlife from an entirely new perspective. From desert dunes painted in red and gold to sweeping savannah plains teeming with life, every region offers its own version of magic. Here’s where to rise with the dawn and drift across some of the continent’s most iconic backdrops. Magaliesberg, South Africa Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safari in Magaliesburg/Axel Bührmann from Here, South Africa/Wikimedia Commons Just over an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria,…

On the Next Morning, Switch show on Next Radio 106.1FM, Hon. Mugarra, the State Minister for Tourism, shared inspiring insights about his personal journey into conservation and tourism, as well as Uganda’s unmatched beauty and hospitality. Growing up in Ntoroko, a protected area surrounded by a tourist reserve, Hon. Mugarra explained that he naturally developed a deep appreciation for conservation. “That environment sparked my lasting interest in the field,” he said. His background continues to drive his commitment to protecting Uganda’s natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. But beyond landscapes and wildlife, he emphasised that Uganda’s greatest treasure is its…

Addis Ababa — The contribution of research is essential to expand knowledge and support evidence based decision-making in the tourism sector, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa said. The 5th National Conference on tourism research and studies, which brought together scholars, policymakers, and hotel and tourism industry leaders, was held in Addis Ababa today. The conference illustrated how tourism can serve as a catalyst for economic enhancement and social equity in urban environments, highlighting ways to promote sustainable tourism, ensure the cultural heritages of the country are preserved, and foster economic growth and environmental stewardship. Opening the conference, the Minister pointed out…

Not every great travel moment happens at a destination. Sometimes, it’s that unexpected pause—engine off, gravel crunching underfoot, the first step toward a lookout where the land unfolds beneath you. Africa is blessed with epic roadside views that demand you stop, stretch your legs, and pull out your camera. Here are three of the most unforgettable. God’s Window God’s Window/Pavel Špindler/Wikimedia Commons Perched along Mpumalanga’s famed Panorama Route, God’s Window lives up to its name. The escarpment falls away nearly 900 metres, revealing layers of forested ravines, waterfalls, and the vast Lowveld stretching toward Mozambique. On a misty morning, the…

Within a single full tank of petrol, you can reach destinations that offer striking contrasts to urban life. Andresdewet/Unsplash These short road trips provide accessible escapes where heritage, nature and local flavours come together. Each route demonstrates that a meaningful journey does not require long distances or extended time away. Cape Town to Swellendam From Cape Town, a drive of just over 220 kilometres along the N2 leads to Swellendam. The route is lined with farm stalls, including well-known stops near Grabouw and Riviersonderend, where fresh produce and traditional padstal favourites are available. Swellendam itself is one of South Africa’s…

Rivers are the great storytellers of Africa. They carve valleys, feed forests, fuel cultures, and carry histories older than civilisation itself. From the fertile banks of the Nile to the disappearing waters of the Okavango, these rivers are not only geographical features — they are living, shifting forces that shape the identity of the continent. Here are seven rivers that define Africa, each in its own way. 1. The Nile Nile River/Mo Gabrail/Unsplash The Nile, stretching an astonishing 6,650 kilometres, is the world’s longest river and arguably its most influential. Flowing through eleven countries, it has always been more than…

South Africans are fortunate to live in a country with borders that can be crossed by car, bus, train or even ship. Travelling without planes opens up a slower, more grounded way of moving. From the desert of Namibia to the island of Mozambique, there are many ways to explore new horizons without leaving the ground. Mozambique To the east, Mozambique is reached through Mpumalanga and Limpopo, with the Lebombo border near Komatipoort being the most popular entry point. Within hours, South Africans exchange bushveld for coastline. The rhythm of life shifts to something slower and Portuguese flavours fill the…

The real estate industry is a consistently thriving market, offering vast opportunities for shrewd and forward-thinking investors and developers. Investments can take many forms, including investment properties (land, residential, commercial), publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and real estate company stocks. In this article, we’ll discuss why Buildnet’s new investment model, the “Waterfront Hotel Apartments Munyonyo,” is a groundbreaking, turnkey opportunity–the first of its kind in Uganda. About Buildnet Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines Buildnet is a leading real estate development and management company in Uganda with nearly 15 years of experience. We have…