Author: Chukwu Godlove

Cape Town’s Signal Hill is beloved for its panoramic views and golden-hour glow, making it a favorite for sunset chasers and solo adventurers alike. View from Signal Hill, Cape Town / Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons But, according to reports by IOL, a recent experience shared by a solo traveler shows that even well-trodden paths can hold surprises,  some stranger than others. Solo hiker @davidschmitz98 had a simple plan: head up Signal Hill, enjoy the sunset and then make his way back down. But just “two minutes before I arrived at the end of the hiking trail,” he found himself…

Some Nigerians have condemned the new US visa Bond policy, requiring them to pay $15,000 when applying for a US visa saying it would hurt Nigerian tourists or those who are going to the US on legitimate business trips. They argue that the US already generates billions from visa application fees, so adding a bond requirement is excessive and might discourage legitimate visitors. The US government is tightening its entry requirements, adding 25 countries, including Nigeria to the list of 13 nations whose citizens must post a visa bond of up to $15,000 when applying for a US visa. The…

Life might be back in full swing, but that doesn’t mean the fun needs to be left behind. Image: Miriam Kimvangu This weekend’s events calendar offers something for everyone. Friday, 9 January 2026 Cape Town Jazzathon at V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre When: 9 to 11 January 2026, various performances from early afternoon into the eveningWhere: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, Cape TownWhy Go: South Africa’s longest-running open-air music celebration returns to the Mother City with free jazz, Afro-fusion and gospel-tinged sets across multiple stages. Local and emerging artists perform in a relaxed harbour-side setting where the rhythm of the city becomes part of…

The Western Cape is facing renewed pressure on its water systems as high consumption levels and below-average rainfall raise the risk of water restrictions being reintroduced across parts of the province. Aerial drone shot of the Garden Route Dam – George back in 2016/Oli4eben/Wikimedia Commons Authorities have warned that continued excessive water use, combined with reduced inflows into major dams, could quickly worsen the situation if consumption is not curbed, as previously reported by IOL. In Cape Town, the City has flagged growing concern over sustained water demand that remains well above recommended targets. Lower annual rainfall has resulted in…

[The Point] As you conclude your tenure as Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, it is fitting to acknowledge your exemplary leadership and the cordial working relationship you maintained with all tourism stakeholders. Your unwavering support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector has had a lasting and meaningful impact, strengthening inclusivity and resilience across the industry. Source link

A marine rescue operation is unfolding on one of New Zealand’s most isolated coastlines after several pilot whales died following a mass stranding on Farewell Spit, at the northern tip of the South Island. Long-finned Pilot Whales (image used for illustrative purposes)/Skaw by Mike Pennington/Wikimedia Commons According to the BBC, the incident began when dozens of long-finned pilot whales came ashore earlier this week. While many were able to return to deeper waters on their own, a smaller group was stranded, leaving rescue teams racing against the tides to save the survivors. Conservationists and volunteers from marine charity Project Jonah have…

Cruxstone Development and Investment Limited has unveiled Nautica Rise, a resort-inspired waterfront residential and hospitality development spanning 77,000 square metres along the Lekki Peninsula, just beyond the new Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. According to the Managing Director of Cruxstone Development and Investment Limited, Dr. Adetoro Bank-Omotoye, the project is conceived as a long-term coastal ecosystem that blends luxury living, leisure, and sustainable investment value within one of Lagos’ fastest-growing waterfront corridors. He said: “Nautica Rise is not just a real estate project; it is a long-term commitment to redefining how coastal living is experienced in Lagos. We are creating a destination…

Hikers from across KwaZulu-Natal gathered on Saturday evening for Umdloti’s first full moon walk of the year, stepping into the Sibaya Coastal Forest Reserve just as January’s Wolf Moon rose over the coastline. Image of wolf moon used for illustrative purposes/David Dibert/Unsplash A night walk guided by moonlight Led by seasoned hiking guide Roland Smith of Durban Hiking and Adventures, a group of 17 participants set off at dusk on the guided night hike, which has become a monthly fixture on Umdloti’s outdoor calendar. Designed to introduce locals to the coastline after dark, the walk offers a rare chance to…

An American traveller has died after falling into the 108-metre-deep gorge below Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Victoria Falls/Tanner Marquis/Unsplash Authorities from both Zambia and Zimbabwe confirmed the body was found after an intensive multi-day search and rescue operation. According to the South African, the incident occurred after the visitor crossed from Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe to the Zambian side via the Victoria Falls Bridge. He failed to return to his lodge later that day, prompting concern among hosts. A local lodge raised the alarm when he did not check back in, triggering a cross-border…

The Sefwi Wiawso Passport Application Centre has been commissioned by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr James Gyakye Quayson, on Tuesday. Addressing the audience at the event, the Deputy Minister stated that residents would no longer have to access the service from other regions. He enumerated reforms undertaken by the Ministry in relation to passport administration aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and security. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines He used the opportunity to express appreciation to the relevant authorities in the region for their cooperation. Five applicants who applied for their passports in Sefwi…