Author: Chukwu Godlove
Just in time for the festive rush, South African Airways (SAA) is ramping up its services to key regional and international destinations. SAA Airbus tail / Konstantin von Wedelstaedt / Wikimedia Commons Johannesburg – Lagos Starting 6 October 2025, SAA will add two extra flights on Mondays and Tuesdays, bringing the weekly count to six. Johannesburg – Accra From 1 October 2025, additional Wednesday and Friday flights will also take this route to six flights per week. Johannesburg – São Paulo Beginning 10 December 2025, flying twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, the route will increase to five flights per…
Over the years, visitors have traveled up Mount Sinai with a Bedouin guide to watch the sunrise over the pristine, rocky landscape. But now, Mount Sinai , a site held sacred by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, has become the center of controversy as Egypt’s Great Transfiguration Project transforms the once-isolated desert area into a tourist destination. The UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes St. Catherine’s Monastery and the Jebeleya Bedouin tribe, has faced eco-camps being demolished, graves being moved for car parks, and the construction of hotels, villas, and shopping areas advancing without local consent. Egypt has described the project…
The body of kiteboarder Graham Howes was recovered at sea on Monday following extensive multi-agency search efforts after he went missing while kiteboarding off Eden on the Bay, Bloubergstrand, on Sunday afternoon. Graham Howes/Facebook Howes, who had last been seen at around 1pm on Sunday, was reported missing when he failed to return from his kiteboarding session later that afternoon. At 7:59pm, the NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew was activated after family members raised the alarm. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with the NSRI deploying several rescue craft, while shoreline patrols and aerial searches were carried out. The search area stretched…
South Africa’s landscapes tell their own stories, but so do the buildings scattered along the way. Whether you’re rolling through the Karoo or sipping wine in the Cape, architecture is a kind of travel companion, quietly revealing how people lived, worked, and dreamed here. These five styles, rooted in heritage yet alive on today’s travel routes, are worth keeping an eye out for on your next road trip. 1. Karoo Vernacular Oude Dak, 237 Paul Street, Richmond/Andrew Hall/Wikimedia Commons In the wide-open Karoo, homes were designed with practicality in mind. Builders relied on what was at hand: stone, mud brick,…
South Africa’s botanical gardens are putting on their spring show and there’s no better time to explore than right now. Megan Gettens/Unsplash As soon as the first warm days arrive, the gardens come alive with colour and birdsong. Whether you’re flower fanatic, photography enthusiast or just love a good walk, these gardens offer something unforgettable. Here’s where to go while the colours are still popping. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town, Western Cape) Best time to visit: Mid-August to mid-October Tucked up against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is where spring struts its stuff like it’s got something…
Rescue teams are scouring the waters off Eden on the Bay after local kite surfer Graham Howes vanished on Sunday afternoon. Graham Howes/Facebook The 38-year-old from Bloubergstrand was last seen shortly after 1pm, wearing a black wetsuit and riding a blue-and-black board beneath a white kite marked with red lettering. When he failed to return home later in the day, the alarm was raised, sparking a large-scale rescue mission, as reported by Smile FM. Initial search efforts were launched shortly before 8pm on Sunday and carried through into the early hours of Monday morning, but there has been no trace of…
Garowe, Somalia — Passengers arriving at Garowe International Airport in Puntland over the past week have found themselves trapped in an unexpected bureaucratic tug-of-war. Despite holding valid $64 Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) electronic visas (E-Visa) obtained online, they were ordered to purchase an additional $60 “local visa” issued by Puntland authorities. The move, effectively forcing visitors to pay twice, has sparked outrage among travelers and reignited a long-running political dispute between Puntland and Mogadishu. On Saturday, Somali citizens with foreign passports who had already secured the newly launched federal E-Visa were stopped by Puntland’s immigration officials and told their…
From 28 September to 5 October 2025, the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) is inviting South African residents to enjoy free entry to 13 of its provincial nature and game reserves, in celebration of Park Mahala Week 2025. Zebra at Pilanesberg National Park / Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons Entry is complimentary for SA citizens—just present a valid South African ID or passport at the gate. Excluded from this free-access initiative, as reported by Travel News Africa, is the Madikwe Game Reserve, which remains off-limits to day visitors during the promotion week. The list of the 13 participating…
In a world that rarely slows down, more South Africans are seeking out escapes that prioritise balance, rest, and rejuvenation. Photo by Jared Rice / Unsplash Wellness travel has grown beyond just massages and yoga. It now blends nature, culture, and mindful practices that nourish body, mind, and spirit. Fortunately, South Africa offers a wealth of destinations where travellers can step away from the noise and find sanctuary. Whether you’re craving solitude in the mountains, yoga at sunrise, or holistic healing in the bush, here are some of the country’s most inviting wellness retreats. 1. Temenos Retreat, McGregor (Western Cape)…
There’s something magical about Sundays—the slower pace, the lingering sunlight, the chance to disconnect from the week’s chaos. It’s the perfect excuse to hit the road, explore hidden gems, and uncover the stories behind South Africa’s most scenic routes. A heritage drive isn’t just about the journey; it’s about connecting with landscapes, history, and culture, one winding road at a time. 1. Clarence Drive (R44) – Overberg Region Clarence Drive/Gustav Ludick/Wikimedia Commons Starting from Gordon’s Bay, Clarence Drive hugs the coastline with dramatic cliffs dropping into the azure waves below. Recognized as one of the world’s most scenic drives, the…