Author: Chukwu Godlove

The Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) for its aggressive and strategic training initiatives, which he described as crucial to aligning members with global travel trade best practices. Fagade described NANTA as a leading advocate of professionalism in Nigeria’s travel trade sub-sector, stressing that NIHOTOUR would support the institutionalisation of a NANTA-focused training academy to curb quackery and unregulated entry into the profession. “NANTA has done so much in training its members, and we at NIHOTOUR are ready to transfer our regulatory powers…

As South African landscapes bloom with spring’s invitation, heritage markets emerge as vibrant canvases for culture, craftsmanship, and community. Image used for illustrative purposes/Didier Provost/Unsplash Beyond mere shopping, they’re spaces where each crafted piece is a portal to traditions, creativity, and human connection. Here’s a beautifully diverse lineup to consider: Spotlight markets to explore 1. Country Craft Market — Somerset West/Southey’s Vines Held bi-monthly on Saturday mornings at Southey’s Vines, the Country Craft Market is the truest form of crafters’ market—every vendor is a maker, and every item is handmade. Expect everything from ceramics and upcycled décor to soaps, clothing,…

South Africa’s story is written not only in oral traditions and landscapes but also in stone, thatch, and timber. Across the country, centuries-old buildings remain standing; some are lovingly preserved, while others are still in everyday use. If you’re looking for a heritage road trip with substance, here’s where you can still walk through history. Cape Origins: The oldest surviving buildings Castle of Good Hope/scott marsland/Wikimedia Commons Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town (1666–1679) The Castle is South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial structure, built by the Dutch East India Company as a defensive fort. Today, it hosts military exhibitions and…

September is Heritage Month in South Africa—a time to reflect on the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the nation. What better way to experience this than by taking a road trip through some of the country’s most historically significant landscapes? From the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal to the coastal paths of the Wild Coast, each route offers a unique glimpse into South Africa’s rich heritage. The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal Isandlwana, the hill in KwaZulu-Natal/Wikimedia Commons KwaZulu-Natal is a province steeped in history, particularly from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Key sites include: Isandlwana: The site of a significant battle…

Kenya’s wildlife tourism is under renewed scrutiny following a pair of viral incidents that have sparked widespread outrage and prompted decisive action from authorities. Screenshots posted by @XposeTrophyHunt on X / Original video posted by @Skydive_Kenya (deleted) Travel News Africa reports that the latest involves a Spanish tourist, posting under the handle @Skydive_Kenya, who filmed himself drinking Tusker beer and pouring the rest into the trunk of a familiar bull elephant named Bupa at Ol Joji Conservancy in Laikipia. These videos, since deleted, reignited debate about responsible conduct in protected wildlife areas. Bupa, recognisable by his distinctively marked tusk, was…

South Africa’s heritage is best experienced not in grand museums, but in small towns where history is woven into the daily fabric of life. This is the story of three extraordinary places—Graaff-Reinet, Franschhoek, and Pilgrim’s Rest—where architecture, landscape, and lived memory coalesce into unforgettable travel moments. 1. Graaff-Reinet – The Karoo’s timeless jewel Graaff-Reinet Museum/South African Tourism from South Africa/Wikimedia Commons Founded in 1786, Graaff-Reinet is South Africa’s fourth-oldest town and the oldest in the Eastern Cape. With over 220 heritage sites, more than any other South African town, its streets are like open-air museums. Groote Kerk: A Gothic-inspired landmark,…

The world’s tallest land animal has undergone a major taxonomic shake-up. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) confirmed on 21 August that giraffes are no longer classified as a single species but instead as four distinct species. Image of giraffes used for illustrative purposes/MARIOLA GROBELSKA/Unsplash For decades, giraffes across Africa were grouped under one species with several subspecies. But mounting scientific evidence since 2016 — when the giraffe was last assessed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List — has suggested their diversity was being overlooked. Following years of debate, the IUCN’s Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG)…

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has issued a directive to ministries, departments and agencies to govern Ghana’s participation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and all associated events in New York later this month. A statement issued in Accra on Saturday by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said any official who wants to attend the UNGA must have prior approval from the Chief of Staff. “In line with this directive, no Minister, Deputy Minister, Civil or Public Servant, Chief Executive Officer or Managing Director of a State-Owned Enterprise, Political Appointee, or any staff of…

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), accompanied by senior government officials, yesterday reviewed the newly completed Addis International Convention Center-Goro-VIP Airport corridor, a flagship project under the capital’s corridor development initiative. The 12.74 km stretch incorporates 29 km of pedestrian walkways and 15.27 km of dedicated bicycle lanes. It also features expanded road lanes, a new alternative route linking Goro to Bole International Airport, and extensive riverside development along the corridor. In his remarks, the Premier stated that the project reflects the transformative vision of the city’s ongoing corridor approach. “We began with four corridors in the first phase and expanded…

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the second phase of the reopening of Silvermine Gate 1 and most of the trails in the Silvermine area on Table Mountain on Monday. This follows the successful reopening of Silvermine Gate 2 and areas of Tokai on 1 July after the fire in late April 2025 that affected approximately 2 800 hectares in the area. Located in the central section of the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine offers some of the best hikes in the park with beautiful fynbos landscapes. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines “Upper…