Author: Chukwu Godlove

South Africa’s borders are often imagined as lines on a map or as places to pass through on the way elsewhere. In reality, some of the country’s most compelling towns exist because of those borders. Their economies, languages, food and daily rhythms are shaped by proximity rather than promotion. These are places where trade routes outweigh tourist routes and where identity is fluid, practical and deeply rooted in movement. South Africa’s border towns reveal how trade, language and daily life blur national lines, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. Borders as lived spaces, not lines Borders in South Africa’s peripheral towns function as active…

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced new visa-free travel arrangements between Uganda and Egypt, and between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting trade. Under the Uganda-Egypt bilateral agreement, holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries can now travel without visas. Previously, even diplomatic passport holders needed visas to enter Egypt. Ordinary passport holders are not yet included, as negotiations continue to potentially extend the arrangement. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn “Ugandans with diplomatic and official passports can now travel to Egypt without applying for visas.…

Some places do not ask you to do anything at all. They ask you to look, to wait, and to let the land speak first. In a world of packed itineraries and experience overload, these destinations offer something quieter and rarer. They reward attention rather than adrenaline, scale rather than schedules, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. When the view is the main event Landscape-first travel strips things back. Days unfold slowly, often shaped by sunrise, shifting clouds or the long shadows of late afternoon. The reward lies in observation rather than movement, and in stillness rather than stimulation. These destinations do not…

In an age of instant images and digital saturation, the resurgence of analog photography has sparked renewed interest in the spaces that keep this craft alive, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Tothills/Miriam Kimvangu There is something quietly reassuring about the ritual of shooting film. The careful selection of a frame. The wait for development. The tactile pleasure of holding a printed photograph. Tothills Few camera shops in South Africa can match the history of Tothills, one of the country’s most respected photography havens. For those seeking authentic analog experiences, Tothills offers both technical services and a tangible connection to photographic heritage. Film…

A sudden drop in water quality is believed to be behind last week’s mass fish death at the mouth of the Umhlali River, following independent laboratory testing commissioned by the local municipality, according to The North Coast Courier. Screenshot from The North Coast Courier Facebook video According to KwaDukuza Municipality, water samples taken on Thursday, 12 February revealed high levels of organic pollution and ammonia, as well as elevated water temperatures and low oxygen levels. The tests were conducted by a laboratory affiliated with the South African National Accreditation System. Municipal spokesperson Bridget Shange explained that high levels of organic…

For years, travel culture prized the new. New countries, new cuisines, new passport stamps. Social media rewarded the obscure and the once-in-a-lifetime. The unspoken rule was simple: if you’d been somewhere before, you were doing it wrong, writes Zoë Erasmus. Esra Korkmaz / Pexels But lately, something has shifted. More travellers are returning to the same cities, the same guesthouses, even the same café tables. Instead of chasing novelty, they’re choosing familiarity. And in a world that often feels unpredictable, that decision makes quiet, emotional sense. The comfort of knowing what to expect Travel can be exhilarating, but it can…

Coffee culture in South Africa is no longer confined to major cities, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Image used for illustrative purposes/Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash Independent cafés are transforming rural tourism by creating welcoming public spaces and supporting regional producers. If you’re looking for something different for your next weekend getaway, consider following the smell of good coffee to these four dorpies. Greyton Greyton has positioned itself as a destination defined by heritage preservation and slow living. Coffee culture supports this identity through independent cafés that prioritise quality and local sourcing. Most establishments focus on speciality beans, careful roasting and precise brewing methods. These…

Garden cafés bring together coffee, cake and nature in one relaxing spot. From Cape Town to Pretoria and along the Garden Route, these six cafés let you enjoy fresh blooms, herbs, orchards and simple, delicious food while soaking up the garden atmosphere, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. Image used for illustrative purposes/Toa Heftiba/Unsplash Chart Farm, Wynberg @juanleolife #CapeTownActivity Rose Picking At The Chart Farm 💐🌹 Your guide to rose picking: 1️⃣ no need to book for the rose picking but it is advisable to arrive early, avoid the crowds and the sun ☀️ 2️⃣ wear comfortable shoes as you are walking on…

If your travel style includes a little appreciation for sparkle, Southern Africa offers plenty to admire, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Tanzanite, (Zoisite) rough stone and cut stone/Didier Descouens/Wikimedia Commons The region’s gem tourism destinations reveal how natural resources have shaped communities and economies, offering travellers insight into a complex and fascinating heritage. It’s definitely worth making a journey for, so why not start with the ones below? The Big Hole, Kimberley There are few places that illustrate the scale of South Africa’s diamond rush quite like the Big Hole in Kimberley. Often described as one of the largest hand dug excavations…

Across South Africa, there are walking routes where leashes and wide-open scenery make it possible to hike together without stress. Image used for illustrative purposes/Stephen Goldberg/Unsplash From fynbos-lined paths outside Cape Town to misty forest walks in the Eastern Cape, these pet-friendly trails balance accessibility with memorable landscapes. Fresh air, quiet paths and the simple joy of walking together often make the best kind of escape, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. 1. Silvermine Nature Reserve, Cape Town Fynbos views and gentle mountain paths Tucked into the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine Nature Reserve remains one of the most reliable dog-friendly hiking spots…