Author: Chukwu Godlove
For many South Africans the idea of travelling beyond our borders feels both exciting and intimidating. Matti Blume/Wikimedia Commons New cultures, new currencies and new airports can make any first time traveller pause for a moment. With a little preparation though your first overseas trip becomes far less daunting and far more rewarding. This guide breaks down the essentials so you can step onto that plane with confidence and curiosity. Start with the basics ✈️ Choose your destination wisely Your first international trip does not need to be an epic journey across several continents. Start with a destination that feels…
South Africa is full of breathtaking wildlife experiences, but you do not always have the time for a multi-day safari. Micro safaris offer the thrill of seeing animals in private reserves, small wildlife farms, and birding hides, all in a single day. From Cape Town to KwaZulu-Natal, these options are perfect for locals and travellers short on time who still want to connect with the country’s incredible fauna. West Coast Private Game Reserve Just over an hour from Cape Town, this reserve offers an immersive day of wildlife viewing without the crowds. Game drives last about two and a half…
There’s something romantic and nostalgic about a classic summer picnic — a woven basket, a scenic lawn, and the soft rustle of trees. Minyeong Jeong / Unsplash But sometimes, the best memories come from ditching the expected and picnicking somewhere delightfully unusual. South Africa, with its mix of beaches, mountains, rivers, quirky towns, and imaginative tourism experiences, offers plenty of opportunities to take your blanket somewhere unexpected. From floating platforms to mountaintop boulders and repurposed spaces, here are alternative picnic ideas that turn a simple meal into an adventure. 1. A picnic on a boat — even if you don’t…
Tourism is no longer only about ticking destinations off a bucket list. Knysna Rainforest/redcharlie/Unsplash Around the world a quiet and meaningful shift is taking place as people seek experiences that uplift both the places they visit and the communities that call those places home. This new movement is often called regenerative travel and it focuses on leaving a destination better than it was found. A new mindset The rise of responsible travel is driven by a growing awareness that tourism can either harm or heal. Traditional tourism can strain local ecosystems and overwhelm communities. Regenerative travel aims to reverse those…
Across Africa, the festive season arrives with a familiar blend of warmth, community, colour, and cultural pride. Nappy / Unsplash While traditions vary from one region to the next, the continent shares a common sentiment: this is a time to gather, feast, honour heritage, and celebrate togetherness. From coastal cities to rural villages, from bustling megacities to desert oases, December in Africa is vibrant, communal, and full of meaning. Here’s how different parts of the continent mark the season. West Africa: a season of music, masquerades, and homecomings In West Africa, the festive season often aligns with end-of-year homecomings. Cities…
South Africa’s countryside is filled with beautiful working farms where couples and small groups can unwind, reconnect and enjoy immersive experiences shaped by food, wine and nature. Image used for illustrative purposes/Grant Durr/Unsplash Whether you are looking for a peaceful cottage surrounded by vineyards, a place to learn new cooking skills or a quiet corner of the countryside where horses graze outside your window, these stays offer something special. Boschendal Estate in Franschhoek is ideal for food lovers and wine seekers Boschendal is one of the Winelands’ most iconic farms, and it blends luxury with a relaxed rural feel. Couples…
A viral video from Mbombela has captured the attention of South Africans after a massive python was discovered leisurely exploring the inside of a family home. Screenshot from Netwerk24 (@netwerk_24) on Instagram The incident, shared by Netwerk24 and filmed by a resident standing safely outside the window, shows the enormous snake gliding over a windowsill and settling itself comfortably as if it belonged there. The clip has sparked fascination, fear and a flood of reactions across social media. According to the original post, the reptile entered the Combrink family home and made itself at ease while onlookers kept their distance.…
Addis Ababa — The Ministry of Tourism asserts that the repatriation of artefacts from abroad will significantly strengthen Ethiopia’s heritage, research capabilities, and tourism sector. The return of 12 significant historical objects to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) at AAU has successfully facilitated by German Embassy in Addis Ababa. The official handover ceremony took place at the historic Ras Makonnen Hall, an event that underscores the growing global commitment to the repatriation of cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa, AAU President Samuel Kifle, and Ferdinand von Weyhe, the German Chargé d’Affaires, attended the ceremony. Keep up with the…
A photographer has captured a breathtaking image of the northern right whale dolphin, a marine species instantly recognisable for its smooth, finless shape. As shared by Complex, the shot, taken by @nathoutsidethebox, reveals one of only two dolphin species on Earth that naturally lack a dorsal fin — a feature that makes encounters like this exceptionally special. These dolphins are known for their speed, agility and dramatic leaps that send them arcing cleanly above the waves. Despite being difficult to spot, northern right whale dolphins are remarkably social. They often travel in fast-moving superpods that can number up to 3…
Momentum toward a borderless African travel experience has accelerated after the Trans-Africa Tourism & Unity Campaign secured major backing from President Museveni during a high-level engagement at the Mayuge State Lodge. A delegation from Ghana, which is spearheading the continental campaign, met with the President alongside representatives from the Ghana Consulate in Uganda, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). The group presented their case for a visa-free Africa–an ambitious vision designed to boost intra-African tourism, investment mobility, and cultural exchange. According to officials at the meeting, President Museveni welcomed the proposal and…